Tokyo's Coolest Sound

The soundtrack for film "Peanuts" about a doomed baseball team will consist of music by Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) with Umebori Atsushi. Fukawa Ryō also stars in the movie as part of the team.

"'Peanuts' Original Soundtrack"
「『ピーナッツ』オリジナル・サウンドトラック」

1. Main Theme ~midori no naka de~
2. okoranai de yo Miyuki chan
3. aru otoko no nichijō
4. New Town keikaku no nami
5. Yuriko to no omoide
6. tonikaku yaru shikanai no sa
7. nanka iya na yokan
8. Main Theme ~acoustic version~
9. Toscana no tame no kyoku
10. misty
11. Akiyoshi running
12. minna sorezore ni omoi ga atte
13. ano koro no bokutachi wa
14. shiai o mae ni
15. minna ga hitotsu ni naru wake de
16. yappari tsuyoi New Towns
17. yūjō tte ii mono da
18. yasashisa ni tsutsumarete
19. Go! Go! Peanuts
20. Main Theme
21. minna no kokoro ga mitasarete
22. Main Theme ~piano version

Rentrak RECS-20002
Out 1/25, ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon

Important news today for fans of Readymade and Konishi Yasuharu!

Columbia and Konishi Yasuharu are back together with a new label, Columbia Readymade (different from the old ********* records), of which the first artist is Nomoto Karia.

The first release will be Karia's "tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "the night is still young"). Yes, a Pizzicato Five cover! The song will be available from 1/11 from iTunes Music Store (Japan) and others. Direct link to the song on iTMS Japan.
Konishi-san also announces that he's planning re-releases of P5 "in a funny way". Stay tuned!

Karia is also to start a blogging daily on the site as the new year starts, and there will also be a photo gallery added shortly.

Of related news, there will be a double-DJ radio show with Konishi Yasuharu and Nomoto Karia aired on January 4th on NHK-FM, one hour starting at 23:20.

Hurry up to the official site, where you can see Karia in action!
Columbia Readymade

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas

girl it's U "Lonely Buffalo"
Artwork added!

By the same director as Steam kakarichō, Nakao Hiroyuki, comes Trainsurfer, another fun CG shorts series featuring real people. This one puts its guests in situations on top of Tokyo trains!
The show aired on MTV Japan has featured the likes of Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), and even Beastie Boys had their turn riding Yamanote-line the unusual way!
This first DVD will contain 15 episodes, though the Beasties' won't be included this time, and will be released on the same day as "Steam kakarichō: owarai geinin vs. kakarichō hen".

The DVD was actually first planned to be released on April 28 this year, but was delayed due to the grave Fukuchiyama-line accident on April 25.

To watch a sample episode, go to the official site and, after entering the site, click "play movie".

"Trainsurfer 1" (DVD)
「トレインサーファー1」
(Region 2 / NTSC, Japanese with English subtitles)

Paramount PPA-111646
Out 3/10, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (pre-orders 22% off!)

Also available is a limited edition including an original T-shirt in collaboration with Beams. Only 3000 sets will be sold.

Paramount PPSJ-1027
Out 3/10, ¥7000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (pre-orders 22% off!)

(Chapter list to be added when available.)

FPM's 5th album is coming very soon! The album will include the song "Tell Me (feat. Benjamin Diamond)" previously released on vinyl, and also feature guest artists Tahiti 80, Clazziquai Project, Bonnie Pink and more.

The design is done by Groovisions, and there will be a limited edition white case printed with the pink skull. Order! Early!

Fantastic Plastic Machine "Imaginations"

1. xiang xiang (monologue)
2. fanfare feat. Tahiti 80
3. don't you know? feat. Clazziquai Project
4. tell me feat. Benjamin Diamond
5. paparuwa
6. dance dance dance dance feat. Su (Rip Slyme)
7. here in my mind (introduction to "slippin' on down")
8. slippin' on down feat. Bob Arkin
9. a world without love feat. Bonnie Pink
10. french kiss
11. obsession
12. take me away feat. Ugly Duckling
13. end roll

Cutting Edge CTCR-14456
Out 2/22, ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon

A first DVD of the late night 3-minute computer graphics TV series Steam kakarichō (English title "Steam Head"), putting a bored salaryman in frustrating situations, has been planned for release! The DVD will at least contain episodes featuring comedians including License, Robert, Speed Wagon, America zarigani and Ogiyahagi.

Steam kakarichō is aired every Sunday night at 26:30 on TV Tokyo.
The soundtrack is produced by Comoesta Yaegashi and available on CD and vinyl.

"Steam kakarichō: owarai geinin vs. kakarichō hen" (DVD)
「スチーム係長 お笑い芸人 vs 係長編」
(Region 2 / NTSC)

Paramount PPAA-112342
Out 3/10, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (pre-orders currently 22% off!)

(Chapter list to be added when available.)

YMCK "Family Racing"
Important details on a bonus remix CD-R that will be only available with the regular edition (in selected shops)! If you were going to get the dot's limited edition, you may want to think again.
On the shelves tomorrow!

Various Artists "Maison de Chocola"
Track list and artwork added. The album will feature Mia Dambron. There will be a limited edition, so order early.

A new album of Wada Akiko remixes, this time focusing on a reggae theme, is out just today. Interesting appearances by CKB-Annex (a few members of Crazy Ken Band), Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers (Kawakami Tsuyoshi is a member of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra), Reggae Disco Rockers, and a few more.
The CKB-Annex remix is actually of Wada Akiko's CKB-produced cover of the CKB hit song, "Tiger & Dragon".

Wada Akiko "Ragga Akiko"
和田アキ子 「ラガアキコ」

1. ano kane o narasu no wa anata / Reggae Disco Rockers Remix
2. yoku aru koto janai / Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers Remix
3. Tiger & Dragon / CKB-Annex Remix
4. furui nikki / Home Grown Remix
5. kaze no mieru machi / HASE-T Remix featuring MICKY RICH
6. waratte yurushite / Skapontas Remix
7. ikiru / HASE-T~Happiness Remix
8. ano hi ni yoku nita aoi sora / Performed by TICA

Teichiku TECE-20627
Out 12/16, ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon

While it's not yet time for a release announcement, I feel I should pass on this bit of early info about Fantastic Plastic Machine's upcoming 5th album, straight from his blog.

The album's recording and mastering is now completed, and FPM is now talking design with Groovisions!
The title will be "imaginations", and the release date February 22, 2006 (2/22).

As for what guests will appear on the album, it seems like Korean unit Clazziquai Project and Bonnie Pink have been visiting his studio. Also, FPM did mention a collaboration song with Tahiti 80, with who he did a live appearance in Kyōto last week. There also will be a spoken introduction in Chinese featuring a young female singer very popular in China...

Lengendary neo-mods/psychedelic rock band Hair's leader Ai Satteaux's Aquarius label is starting a series of "one coin CD-R singles", at the nice price of ¥500 each! They relate the concept to 80's punk sonosheets. I've been very pleased with Aquarius' two first releases (EPs by bands New Castle and Charney ), so I'll surely be collecting these.

The first release is of Tokyo neo-mods scene singer Peter Acco (female, don't let the name confuse you) with debut single "Monday Morning". The title song is written by Ai Satteaux, and for B-side is a cover of High Style's "London In The Mist", of which the 1987 original recently appeared on the "Mods Mayday 25th Anniversary Compilation".
Peter Acco's band features Ai Satteaux on guitar, Suzuki Yasushi (The Tramp) on drums, and Nakamura Shinsuke (New Castle) on bass.

Two more releases of this series are planned a bit later in December and also in mid-January.

Sound samples at Coconuts Disk

Peter Acco "Monday Morning"

1. Monday Morning
2. London In The Mist

Aquarius AQCD-003R
Out now, ¥477 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: and at live shows), Coconuts Disk (also available at Coconuts Disk Kichijoji

Held this coming weekend, Marquee magazine's Marquee Night vol.7 will have a "girl art punk" theme. A not-to-be-missed chance to catch all these bands at once!

Marquee Night vol.7 "Girls Punk Party"
on 12/17 (Saturday)
at Shibuya Club Quattro (32-13 Udagawa-chō) (map)

Live:
Buffalo Daughter
Metalchicks
Kiiiiiii
nisennenmondai

Opens at 17:30, starts at 18:30
Price: advance ¥3500 (Pia 216-026), door ¥4000

Short-lived bright indies pop band "yes, mama ok?" (fan site) created many great songs just one decade ago. Marking the band's 10th anniversary, today's artists put together a fan tribute album, which is planned to be released in early 2006. Featured artists include Macdonald Duck Eclair, our hour, Qypthone, bice and many others.

Tribute album project page
Release official site

Various Artists "Tribute to yes, mama ok?"

1. Perfect Young Lady ~ Q&A call 65000 / Tribute kinen Orchestra
2. Coffee Cup de Rendez-vous tte saikō yo / our hour
3. Shoplifting Blues / QYPTHONE
4. futago no bijin hisho / bice
5. Hate Me Blues / PUNKROXXXXX
6. Modern Living / Butter Finger
7. I'm crazy to want you / okanemonpupi-
8. a stitch in time saves nine / Macdonald Duck Eclair
9. Q&A ~ moshimoshi Kongōchi-kun #1 / Tribute kinen Orchestra
10. nimaijita no Meuniere ~Spade-fū Radical na Jazz ni Samba o saete / sono na wa Spade
11. CEO (century ends' order) / Butter Finger
12. mon to kai / Third Street Swinger
13. Jamboree-hahahaha kekkyoku hakyoku Version / bice
14. Modern Living / EL RIDDIM CONFERENCE
15. suna no purin / Mr.OK?
16. saishuu teiri -post modern living- / mnemon
17. sun oil / CITROBAL
18. Q&A ~ moshimoshi Kongōchi-kun #2 / Tribute kinen Orchestra

Feelin' Groovy FGRD-001
Out 4/20, ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order:

Finally, Stereolab are back with a brand new album! The album is to contain 12 tracks, 6 previously released on three limited 7" singles last September, and 6 to be released on three new 7" singles released on the same day as the album (details below).
And if that's not enough vinyl for you, there will also be a limited double 10" edition of the album.

Stereolab "Fab Four Suture"

1. Kyberneticka Babicka Pt.1
2. Interlock
3. Eye Of The Volcano
4. Plastic Mile
5. "Get A Shot Of The Refrigerator"
6. Visionary Road Maps
7. Vodiak
8. Whisper Pitch
9. Excursions Into "Oh, A-Oh"
10. I Was A Sunny Rainphase
11. Widow Wierdo
12. Kyberneticka Babicka Pt.2

Too Pure PURE190CD (CD)
Out 2006/3/7
Order: Amazon Japan, HMV, Tower, Amazon U.S.

Too Pure PURE190LP (double 10")
Out 2006/3/6
Order: (not yet)

Japanese edition (same track list, the bonus is probably Japanese liner notes)
Hostess/Too Pure HSE-20010
Out 3/25, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon

Stereolab "Whisper Pitch b/w Widow Wierdo" (7")

Too Pure PURE187S
Out 2006/3/6
Order: (not yet)

Stereolab "Excursions into "oh,a-oh" b/w "Get A Shot Of The Refrigerator"" (7")

Too Pure PURE188S
Out 2006/3/6
Order: (not yet)

Stereolab "Eye Of The Volcano b/w Vodiak" (7")

Too Pure PURE189S
Out 2006/3/6
Order: (not yet)

Love Tambourines' singer Ellie (aka Eli) and guitarist Saitō Keiichi are back with a brand new unit, girl it's U!
The first mini album (actually only 3 songs + one instrumental) is planned to be released on New Year's Day.

girl it's U "Lonely Buffalo"

1. a lonely buffalo (short edit)
2. the tiny sun
3. never die 4eva
4. a lonely buffalo (instrumental)

Crue-L KYTHMAK-101D
Out 1/1, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon

The 7th installment of the "We Are Escalator Records" series of mix CDs from Escalator Records will be mixed once again by Harvard, who were also responsible for "Part 4".
A flyer accompanying the "Henry" compilation hints that there may be not one but two upcoming albums by Harvard. Stay tuned.

Various Artists "We Are Escalator Records part 7 mixed by Harvard"

Escalator ESCD-058
Out 2006/1/11, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon

(Track list to be added when available.)

Various Artists "Henry"
Track list corrected

Various Artists "Maison de Chocola"
Postponed until 12/28

Various Artists "World Standard.05 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Track list added

This album was released last month, but I thought it deserves a mention.
RS-3000 is Akakage's Itō Yōichirō's new solo unit! The theme is "club music of year 3000", mixing lounge, breakbeats, jazz, with a reggae twist.

RS-3000 "All You Need Is Love"

1. my name is...
2. sound of RS-3000 pt.1
3. drivin' (2991, feb 5)
4. ring a rose feat. prophet 21
5. wonderful sunny day
6. easygoing
7. chill
8. ladyrinth
9. no
10. sexuality
11. donkey
12. live love feat. prophet 21
13. I just called to say I love you feat. Shiina Junpei
14. you & me feat.boo (vocals by boo)
15. for your good sleep
16. shall we dance? (Bonus track)
17. foolish latin future (Bonus track)
CD-extra: ring a rose feat. prophet 21

Geneon GNCL-1040
Out 11/2, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon

A new Halfby single is out on 12". The song is taken from the recently released album "Green Hours", and the single includes a remix by new Second Royal artist collette (first album to be released in January) and instrumentals.
Out now on Second Royal.

Halfby "Bring It Back" (12")

A1. Bring It Back
A2. Bring It Back (Instrumental)
B1. Bring It Back (collette Remix)
B2. Bring It Back (collette Remix) (Instrumental)

Second Royal EMF-010
Out now (12/1), ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set