Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Bespa Kumamero are an indies electro/techno-pop/rave band recently gaining fame worldwide. They give a unique energetic show, and they have a first album just out. Check out their MySpace to learn more and hear what they sound like.

Bespa Kumamero "Romantic Waves"
ベスパ☆くまメロ 「Romantic Waves」

1. Crazy Bathroom
2. Totem Pole
3. R.R.D. (Retro Radio Disco)
4. Melty Vision
5. hagure kumo
6. Nylon Wave
7. Muddy Romantic
8. buried future
9. uchū Metro
10. Badger
11. AIR
12. eccentric RMX
13. wise brain computer
14. losing time

CD Extra: "Julie & Anna" movie file

Rainbow Dog RDMCD-0001
Out 2/20, ¥2191 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, back this year with new releases "Mambo Imperial" and "Mambo Deco" (with more to come), are also back tonight with their legendary club event. Also known as "Latin Panic!", the event hosted at Shinjuku Oto will feature a live performance with the three members (Paradise Yamamoto, DJ Comoesta and Gonzalez Suzuki). The show starts early, so it's probably possible to catch it before the last train, but the club-style party goes on until morning.

Latin Panic!
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys live
on 2/29
at Shinjuku Oto

with
Paradise Yamamoto
DJ Comoesta (Comoesta Yaegashi)
Gonzalez Suzuki

Host DJ: Shimizu Nobuyuki

Opens at 21:30, live show starts at 22:00
Price: ¥2500 (incl. 2 drinks)
Print out this Oto web flyer to get a free sticker!

French singer Claude François, aka Cloclo, is known in Japan mostly for his song "Comme d'habitude" that became the "My Way" hit everyone knows. Produced by Saeki Kenzō (Pearl Brothers), this tribute album features artists such as YMCK, Elektel, Pecombo, Budō Grape, Les Cappuccino and more.

Claude François died tragically in 1978, days before the release of to-be-hit disco single "Alexandrie Alexandra", when attempting to change a light bulb while standing in his bathtub(!). His melodies, ranging from chanson to disco, remain loved to this day throughout the world, as shows this unique tribute album.

This is also being released in France by FGL music.

Music videos of all songs at YouTube

Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan"

1. Pecombo / itsumo no yō ni (My Way) (Comme d'habitude)
2. YMCK / ano toki (Cette année là)
3. Saeki Kenzō / yō no ataru getsuyōbi (Le lundi au soleil)
4. Budō Grape / urara urara ka (Il fait beau, il fait bon)
5. Toast Girl / Chanson Populaire
6. Kashibuchi Tetsurō / kimi ga koi ni ochita toki (Le chanteur malheureux)
7. Elektel feat. Matsuo Kiyonori / Alexandrie Alexandra
8. chelucy / Rio ni ikō! (Je vais à Rio)
9. Fantasy's Core / itsumo no yō ni (My Way) (Comme d'habitude)
10. Les Cappuccino / keredo asa ni wa (Mais quand le matin)
11. Saeki Kenzō & Club Je t'aime / Magnolias For Ever
12. genius / haru wa utau yo (Y'a le printemps qui chante)

Columbia COCP-60004
Out 4/2, ¥2191 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia

Kimura Kaela has a new album coming up. She says that with this one she wanted to show a bit of a new wave side. Aside from the great Ishino Takkyū track "Jasper" are included collaborations with Mito (Clammbon), De De Mouse, 4106 (Scafull King), Okuda Tamio, Takakuwa Kei (Great 3), and more.

The limited edition will include a DVD with videos for singles "Samantha", "Yellow" and "Jasper", and some more goodies.

Kimura Kaela "+1"
木村カエラ 「+1」

1. No Image
2. Jasper
3. Yellow
4. STARs
5. Fa Mi Re Do
6. dejavu
7. Samantha
8. +1
9. No Reason Why
10. kagami yo kagami
11. hayaru kimochi teki My World
12. 1115
13. Humpty Dumpty

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Columbia COZA-301/2
Out 4/2, ¥3465
Order: Amazon (20% off on pre-orders), HMV (16% off on pre-orders), Tower, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

Regular edition (CD only)
Columbia COCP-34795
Out 4/2, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

The "cover lover" series, that's been going on ever since the fun "Vol.1 ~Bossa de Punk~", is now back with something of interest. This time we're offered a selection of hit J-pop/dance songs performed as acoustic bossa nova. Included are covers of Denki Groove ("Shangri-La"), Scha Dara Parr ("konya wa Boogie Back"), Matsudaira Ken ("Matsuken Samba II"), East End X Yuri ("DA-YO-NE"), Yuki ("Joy"), Pink Lady ("UFO") and more.

Official release page with audio samples

Cover Lover Project "seishun Dance ~ The Best of Bossa Covers"
Cover Lover Project 「青春ダンス The Best of Bossa Covers」

1. konya wa Boogie Back (Ozawa Kenji & Scha Dara Parr)
2. Joy (Yuki)
3. survival dAnce ~no no cry more~ (trf)
4. UFO (Pink Lady)
5. Matsuken Samba II (Matsudaira Ken)
6. tsutsumikomu yō ni (Misia)
7. Departures (globe)
8. Choo Choo Train (Zoo)
9. DA-YO-NE (East End X Yuri)
10. Timing (Black Biscuits)
11. Shangri-La (Denki Groove)
12. Wow War Tonight ~toki ni wa okose yo Movement~ (H jungle with t)

Artimage XNAR-10008
Out 3/19, ¥2191 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

The three members of Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Hosono Haruomi and Takahashi Yukihiro, got back on stage together last year as HASYMO (HAS = Human Audio Sponge) for the time of a special charity concert, held at Pacifico Yokohama on May 19, 2007. The full set includes new song "Rescue" and a new version of "Rydeen", both released last year on CD, and a lot of their hit songs (together or separately) from their 30 year career.

The 2-disc package totaling 3 hours of footage also contains a 28-page full-color booklet.

HASYMO "HAS/YMO" (DVD)
(2 discs / 180 min. / Color / DTS stereo / NTSC / Probably region 2)

1. ishin denshin (You've Got To Help Yourself) (YMO)
2. Sportsman (Hosono Haruomi "Philharmony")
3. Fly Me To The River (Sketch Show "Loophole")
4. Mars (Sketch Show "Loophole")
5. Flakes (Sketch Show "Loophole")
6. Everybody Had A Hard Year (Marz cover)
7. Riot In Lagos (Sakamoto Ryūichi "B-2 Unit")
8. Ongaku (YMO "uwaki na bokura")
9. Rescue (HASYMO)
10. Turn Turn (Sketch Show "Audio Sponge")
11. Supreme Secret (Sketch Show "Audio Sponge")
12. Wonderful To Me (Sketch Show "Audio Sponge")
13. War & Peace (Sakamoto Ryūichi "Chasm")
14. Rydeen 79/07 (YMO "Solid State Survivor")
15. Chrono Graph (Sketch Show "Loophole") (Encore)
16. Ekot (Sketch Show "Loophole") (Encore)
17. Cue (YMO "BGM") (Encore)

commmons RZBM-45824
Out 3/12, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (26% off *), HMV (21% off *), YesAsia, Amazon U.S.
* Discount at time of writing

Violinist Kinbara Chieko is back after two years with a new album! This is her 5th original album, following "Strings of Life" (2006).

Collaborators on this album include Byron Stingily, Salsa Swingoza, Sugiurumn, DJ Spen, and of course Grand Gallery producer Ide Yasushi.

Furthermore, there's yet another 2nd album titled "Velvet Night ~ Pray For Strings" due the next month on May 21!

Kinbara Chieko "Sweetest Day ~ Romance For Strings"
金原千恵子 「Sweetest Day～Romance For Strings」

1. Sweetest Day Of May feat. Kimara Lovelace (Produced by Ide Yasushi)
2. Romance For Strings (Produced by Daishi Dance)
3. 7 Days (Produced by Timmy Vegas)
4. Live Your Life Today (Produced by Kiko Navarro)
5. Spanish Blues feat. Salsa Swingoza (Produced by Salsa Swingoza)
6. Changed My Life (Produced by DJ Spen)
7. Fiddle Magik (Produced by Sugiurumn)
8. Setting Sun feat. Roland Clark (Produced by Ide Yasushi)
9. Mystery Girl feat. Byron Stingily (Produced by Ide Yasushi)

Grand Gallery GRGA-0049
Out 4/23, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, YesAsia,

Nomiya Maki will perform a free acoustic show at Apple Store Shibuya next week! She will be accompanied by Kikuchi Naruyoshi, musical director of her upcoming "Recital vol.2 ~ Eleganceholic".

The show will be recorded for a "Live in Shibuya" segment on NHK's TV show "Music Japan". That's the same spot that had featured Nomoto Karia in 2006, when the TV show was then called "Pop Jam DX".

Music Japan presents Nomiya Maki live in Shibuya
at Apple Store Shibuya (map)
on 3/6 (Thursday)

Live: Nomiya Maki
Featuring: Kikuchi Naruyoshi

Opens at 19:30, starts at 20:00, ends at 20:30
Price: FREE!

Update (2008/3/25): This will air on NHK Sōgo on 3/28 from 24:10 (Friday night), just a few days before the recital begins.

How to headbang to Kahimi Karie? Check out this tribute album to popular manga "Detroit Metal City", consisting mainly of metal remixes of hit songs by popular J-pop artists. Also featured are Scha Dara Parr, Kimura Kaela, Tommy february6, Yuki, Electric Eel Shock, Beat Crusaders and more.

Kahimi has previously collaborated with Detroit Metal City last year by designing a T-shirt.

Various Artists "Detroit Metal City Tribute Album ~ikenie Metal Mix~"
オムニバス 「デトロイト・メタル・シティ トリビュートアルバム ～生贄メタルMIX～」

1. Beat Crusaders / Hit In The D.M.C
2. Kimura Kaela / rirura riruha ~kōtetsu gattai Robo Mix~ (Remixed by Foe)
3. Scha Dara Parr with Tucker hakushaku / 0718 Anisolo (kyōfu no daitensai sairin Tucker kōkai shokei Mix)
4. Midori / Romantic natsu Mode (haji Metal DT Mix)
5. Yuki / Joy (Metal Joy Remix)
6. monobright / Warp (Walking Metal Mix for DMC)
7. Tommy february6 / je t'aime je t'aime (DMC yō
8. Mucc / Flight (Best Hold It Ver.)
9. King Giddra / Heisei ishin (jigoku iki Remix Metal Ver.)
10. Electric Eel Shock / America ōdan Ultra Metal
11. Ana / Shift (gi Mix)
12. Wagdug Futuristic Unity / IMGN×LOUD(×MOTOR) (COM.A doom step.mix)
13. Kahimi Karie / Le cheval blanc (remix for D.M.C)

DefSTAR DFCL-1456
Out 3/28, ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Like Sudō Kaoru's "Tender Love" (1989), produced by Konishi Yasuharu, quite a bit of J-pop took inspiration from Phil Spector's "wall of sound" technique. This compilation offers us a selection featuring many essential artists such as Matsuda Seiko, Watanabe Marina, Sheena & The Rokkets and Ōtaki Eiichi.

Various Artists "Wall of Sound Japan"
オムニバス 「音壁 Japan」
(Japanese title "otokabe Japan")

1. Celia Paul / yume de aetara (Single Version)
2. Matsuda Seiko / issen ichibyō monogatari
3. Sano Motoharu / Someday
4. Sudō Kaoru / tsunoru omoi
5. Nakayama Miho & Wands / sekaijū no dare yori kitto
6. Pony Tail / futari wa kataomoi
7. Sugi Masamichi / natsuyasumi no shukudai
8. Takigawa Yumi / suppai keiken
9. Ōta Yumi / koi no Half Moon
10. Sugar Babe / ame wa te no hira ni ippai
11. Hara Megumi / namida no Memory
12. Sheena & The Rokkets / You May Dream
13. Yui (Asaka Yui) / Ring Ring Ring
14. Watanabe Marina / ureshii yokan
15. Okazaki Yuki / Do You Remember Me
16. Ōtaki Eiichi / aozora no yō ni
17. Moko Beaver Olive / wasuretai no ni

GT music MHCL-1313
Out 3/19, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi's first live show in Tokyo (live report) is being released on DVD! The show was held last year on March 31, and featured Fujiwara Hiroshi (guitar, vocals) and Konishi Yasuharu (bass) as special guests, although it's not clear whether the songs with Konishi-san are part of the DVD. Either way, it's an amazing show with unique lighting, created by people holding spots and mirrors. Check it out!

Ino Hidefumi "Ino Hidefumi Live Set" (DVD)

1. Introduction
2. Madsummer Reminiscence
3. Solid Foundation
4. Spartacus
5. Smilin' Billy Suite Pt.2　
6. What are you doing the rest of your life?
7. Waiting in Vain (feat. Fujiwara Hiroshi)
8. Do you really want to hurt me (feat. Fujiwara Hiroshi)
9. Billie Jean
10. Hymne à l'amour
11. Love theme from Spartacus #Piano　
12. Just the Two of Us

Innocent IRGD-0004
Out 4/11, ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (26% off *), HMV (21% off *)
* Discount at time of writing

This track from the great "kirakira Ghibli" compilation is being released on 7" via Jet Set. The B-side is a previously unreleased acoustic version. Both tracks are already available on iTunes Music Store.

OnePeace "umi no mieru machi (from 'Kiki's Delivery Service')" (7")
OnePeace 「海の見える街 (『魔女の宅急便』より)」

A. umi no mieru machi (from "Kiki's Delivery Service")
B. umi no mieru machi (from "Kiki's Delivery Service") (Acoustic Version)

Happinet/OnePeace OPV-001
Out mid-February, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set (once out),

Nomiya Maki has a new book coming, actually a hard copy of her popular "Tokyo Sex and the City" column on her web site (in the living room of her "château de la mode"). The monthly column consists of herself and two acolytes, Yuyama Reiko (creative director) and Shinozaki Maki (instructor), who receive a guest and chat about girly things. The title translates to "The girls on the borderline to elegance poisoning".

Featured guests are Yamazaki Senri (actress), Noguchi Mika (Peach John president), Raim (astrologist), Morimoto Yōko (fashion brand producer), Hayashi Maya (fashion model), Françoise Morechand (fashion writer), Takahashi Yasuko (stylist), Anno Moyoko (manga artist).

There will be talk shows and autograph sessions on Sunday February 24 at Tower Records Shibuya 1F (from 13:00) and Shinjuku 7F (19:00). It's free to attend the talk show, but to get an autograph you must have bought either the book or the Tower-only CD package "Eleganceholic" at the same shop.

Nomiya Maki "Elegance chūdoku girigiri no onnatachi" (Book)
野宮真貴 「エレガンス中毒ぎりぎりの女たち」
with Yuyama Reiko / Shinozaki Maki (湯山玲子 / 篠崎真紀)

Infas
ISBN: 978-4-90-078561-8
Out 2/23, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Who would have thought? The Japanese edition album of Internet phenomenon Holly Dolly (MySpace), out last summer, contains a remix by Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys!
This Japanese edition also contains the video of "Dolly Song" as CD-Extra content.

Audio samples at HMV

Holly Dolly "Pretty Donkey Girl"
ホリー・ドリー 「夢見るドリー」

1. Pretty Intro
2. Dolly Song
3. Slap & Tickle
4. Limbo Rock
5. Lollipop
6. La Isla Bonita
7. Without Control
8. Don't Worry Be Happy
9. Holly's Farm
10. Horror Show
11. Holly Samba
12. Mister Joe
13. Ciao Ciao Goodbye
14. My Name Is Holly
15. Dolly Song (Radio Edit) (Bonus track)
16. Dolly Song (Tokyo Mix) (Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys Mix) (Bonus track)

EMI TOCP-70256
Out now (2007/8/8), ¥1886 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, , Amazon U.S.

The original soundtrack for anime "hakaba Kitarō" (Graveyard Kitarō), featuring characters of "gegege no Kitarō", is coming out. It contains TV versions of the Denki Groove songs "Mononoke Dance" and "Yūrakuchō de tokemashō", both out recently on a single of their own.

Denki Groove's album "J-POP" will be out in April, their first in 8 years!

Anime Soundtrack "hakaba Kitarō"
アニメサウンドトラック 「墓場鬼太郎」

1. Mononoke Dance (TV Edit)
2. yōkoso hakaba e
3. hakaba Kitarō
4. yūrei zoku
5. shinobi yoru kaiki
6. Kitarō hyō
7. hito no yo ni umarete
8. kitan
9. yokubō
10. nezumi otoko
11. tanoshii tsuchi no shita
12. aho na otoko
13. gama reijō
14. koigokoro
15. aika
16. ano yo no shirabe
17. shinin no uta
18. jigokukai
19. mono no kai
20. ichiban shōbu
21. yoake
22. kizuna
23. Kitarō dan
24. hakaba de aimashō
25. Snow Tears -TV Mix-
26. kimi ni meroron
27. Yūrakuchō de tokemashō

Ki/oon KSCL-1222
Out 3/19, ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, back in January with "Mambo Imperial" after 13 years(!), have a 2nd mini-album coming, offering a mixture of latin, jazz, soul and swing sounds.
There will be a 3rd one coming this summer, which is said to be full of brand new tracks!

Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys can be caught live at club event "Latin Panic!" at Shinjuku Oto on February 29 (Friday). It opens at 22:00 and starts at 23:00, ¥2500 (w/ 2 drinks). Print out Oto's web flyer to get a special sticker.

Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys "Mambo Deco"
東京パノラママンボボーイズ 「マンボデコ」

1. Hit The Bongo 2008
2. Husky (Remix)
3. The Goose
4. Green Onions
5. Peter Gunn
6. Surf Bird
7. Bond Street (Remix)
8. Istanbul 2008
9. Richard Diamond
10. Tin Tin Deo

Imperial TECI-1176
Out 3/26, ¥1715 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia

This new compilation from columbia*readymade is to be a sort of collection of "demo tapes", meaning simple arrangements with just guitar or piano maybe. "Music that people over 30 will truly enjoy", claims producer Konishi Yasuharu. About half of the songs are covers, and the rest brand new songs.

The album features mostly female vocalists (with a few exceptions). The list goes like this: Nomoto Karia (covering a song by Yasui Kazumi), Kōda Miyako (dip in the pool, with a cover from "The Sound of Music"), actress Ichikawa Miwako (who sang "Magic Carpet Ride" on the Pizzicato Five tribute album, with a cover of folk group Rokumonsen), bice (with a new song written by herself), Mizuno Mari (Paris Match, with a new song by Konishi-san), chorus group Smooth Ace (with a cover of Nomoto Karia!), Lemon (new song by Konishi-san), Hasegawa Kiyoshi (cover of vibraphonist Hiraoka Seiji), Yoshikawa Tomoko (ex-Amazons, new song by Konishi-san), and Maezono Naoki (owner of Love Shop Record, self-cover).

The package will be a DVD tall-case containing a large booklet titled "(New) Readymade Magazine".

Audio samples at columbia*readymade

Various Artists "uta to Guitar. Piano. kotoba."
オムニバス 「うたとギター。ピアノ。ことば。」
(Early title "columbia*readymade Sampler")

1. Kōda Miyako / Edelweis
2. Ichikawa Miwako / watashi no ie
3. bice / Lily On The Hill
4. Mizuno Mari / Tokyo no machi ni yuki ga furu hi, futari no koi wa owatta.
5. Smooth Ace / dōshite konna ni anata ga suki nano darō
6. Lemon / utahime
7. Nomoto Karia / warui kuse
8. Hasegawa Kiyoshi / boku no Piano no soba ni oide
9. Yoshikawa Tomoko / namida morokunatta.
10. Maezono Naoki / suteki na anata ni

columbia*readymade COCP-34801
Out 4/23, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

Comedian duo Rahmens, who got famous worldwide online for their comedy short "Sushi: Japanese Tradition", have a DVD coming up of a play that was performed in 2005. The music is by Tanaka Tomoyuki (Fantastic Plastic Machine)!

Rahmens' Kobayashi Kentarō and Tanaka Tomoyuki have a CD out now under the name SymmetryS.

"Rahmens presents 'Golden Balls Live' Namikibashi Satellite Mix" (DVD)
(Approx. 100 min. / Color / 16:9 / Stereo / Japanese / NTSC / Probably region 2)

Starring
Kobayashi Kentarō
Katagiri Jin
Kugasawa Tōru
Nishida Masafumi
Nomaguchi Tōru
Murooka Satoru

Scenario: Kobayashi Kentarō
Set design: Katagiri Jin
Costumes: Iga Daisuke
Video: Kojima Junji (teevee graphics/Namikibashi)
Music: Tanaka Tomoyuki (Fantastic Plastic Machine)

Pony Canyon PCBP-11540
Out 3/19, ¥4286 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (26% off *), HMV (21% off *)
* Discount at time of writing

Better late than never, I just learned of this cover album of children's songs released last year and produced by Akakage. The songs are arranged into bossa nova, reggae and Hawaiian styles, and feature 5 different female vocalists including Hirosue Eiko of Instant Cafe Records. Sure to please kids and adults alike.

Official release page with sound samples

everybody unknown orchestra "everybody known songs"
everybody unknown orchestra 「エヴリバディ・ノウン・ソングス～みんなのうた～」

1. kirakira boshi (vocal & ukulele: LinaLina) (Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman / Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
2. ookina kodokei furudokei (vocal: Miho) (My Grandfather's Clock)
3. Papa wa komatta chan (vocal: Keiko Hirosue) (? by L. Banfi and A. Martelli)
4. aiai (vocal: Hiyori from Marleys) (Japanese song by Aida Hiromi and Uno Seiichirō)
5. Banana no oyako (vocal: Toyono) (Japanese song by Seki Kazuo and Fukuda Wakako)
6. Papa wa Mama ga suki (vocal: Keiko Hirosue) (Papa aime maman)
7. ookina kuri no ki no shita de (vocal & ukulele: LinaLina) (Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree)
8. Clarinet o kowashichatta (vocal: Toyono) (J'ai perdu le "do" de ma clarinette)
9. mori no kuma-san (vocal: Marleys) (The Bear Song)
10. kodomo no sekai (vocal: Miho) (? by The Sherman Brothers)

Noboru XQCB-1002
Out 2007/5/23, ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

This remix album of music from the three films inspired from the "Death Note" manga (Wikipedia) will feature Iwamura Manabu, Akakage, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Jazztronik, Ken Ishii, DJ Maar (Dexpistols) and more.

Official release page with some audio samples

Original Soundtrack "'Death Note × Death Note the Last name × L change the WorLd' original soundtrack Triple Club Re-mix"

1. a heart attack (Yukihiro Fukutomi Remix) (from Death Note)
2. disturbance ~ make a noise in the world (Crude Reality Remix) (from Death Note) (Remixed by Crude Reality aka Akio Dobashi)
3. be cute (The mfs mix) (from Death Note)
4. Dear (Akakage's Hare Toki-doki Kumori remix) (from Death Note the Last name)
5. sad man ~ the dignity of man ~ pure love (Jazztronik Remix) (from Death Note the Last name)
6. memo paper (Masaki Sakamoto remix) (from Death Note)
7. the Last name (DJ Maar's Triangle Remix) (from Death Note the Last name) (Remixed by DJ Maar (Dexpistols))
8. a heart attack (meltdown mix) (from Death Note) (Remixed by Co-Fusion)
9. near (DJ Tomo Remix) (from L change the WorLd)
10. stranger ~ parental love (9SoDNtLn.00:29) (from Death Note the Last name) (Remixed by Iwamura Manabu)
11. Logic ~ a Challenge ~ Make a Noise in the World (Ken Ishii Remix) (from Death Note)

Vap VPCD-81587
Out 2/27, ¥2858 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, YesAsia,

Readymade's Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five) is not only a songwriter and producer, but also a writer. He contributes columns to lots of magazines and books, about music and any other topic. This new book collects his columns from 1993 to 2008. The title borrows from a book by Uekusa Jinichi, and translates to "I liked walking and trivia."
352 pages, some color. A keeper!

This is a bit of a continuation to previous book "kore wa koi dewa nai" ("This can't be love") released in 1996, which was also a collection of columns from 1984 to 1996.

There will be autograph sessions in Tokyo. Stay tuned.

Konishi Yasuharu "boku wa sanpo to zatsugaku ga suki datta." (Book)
小西康陽 「ぼくは散歩と雑学が好きだった。」

Asahi Shinbunsha
ISBN 978-4-02-330388-1
Out 3/7, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Crue-L band Port of Notes will play free in-store shows at Tower Records Shinjuku and Shibuya, in promotion of their just out greatest hits album "Blue Arpeggio".

Port of Notes free in-store live shows

on 2/15 (Friday)
at Tower Records Shibuya 1F
Starts at 19:00

on 2/22 (Friday)
at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F
Starts at 19:00

Petset (MySpace), who recently released a new EP after a long release hiatus, and eli (aka Ellie, formerly of Love Tambourines), who also has a new solo album just out, can both be caught live in Shibuya on March 8! Both of these I've been wanting to catch live lately, I guess this is the time!
Also playing is Petset label mates TsuchiYaniBond, whose music is described as "tropicalismo meets Happy End", mixing soul, Brazilian, psychedelic and rock sounds.

Pulp Non-Fiction #1
on 3/8 (Saturday)
at Shibuya Lush

Live:
TsuchiYaniBond
eli
Petset

Opens at 18:30, starts at 19:00
Price: adv. ¥1800 (Lawson 72960), door ¥2000

Fujisawa Shiho is a female DJ and trackmaker having previously contributed to Nakatsuka Takeshi's "Groovy Sauce" series, and who is resident DJ at Organ b.'s "Bistro Jazz" party.

This time she has a new 12" EP coming up next week, ahead of an album to be released next April! The fun electro-club-pop A-side features vocalist Shōno Juli. Included are also two 12"-only versions, a jazzy mix together with rapper Daijun, and a remix by Iwaya Shigeru à la French electro-house. Super cute artwork too! 45 RPM.

Audio samples at Fujisawa Shiho's MySpace

Fujisawa Shiho "Colorful na kimochi" (12")
藤澤志保 「カラフルな気持ち」

A1. Colorful na kimochi feat. Shōno Juli
B1. Colorful na kimochi feat. Daijun
B2. Colorful na kimochi feat. Iwaya Shigeru

Ear Records ER-0006
Out 2/16, ¥1280 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Party band Riddim Saunter, label-mates of Cubismo Grafico Five, have a remix album coming featuring Cubismo Grafico, Kiiiiiii & DJ Codomo, Kotani Yōsuke (Avalon, ex-Harvard), Tzboguchi Masayasu (Tokyo Zawinul Bach, DCPRG)) and more.

At the same time will be released a 7" containing the remixes by Matias Tellez and Softlightes, also included on the CD.

Riddim Saunter "Brighten Ours From The Remixes"

Expected tracks
Intro from Current (Radio Acoustique Version) (Remixed by Tzboguchi Masayasu)
Dear Joyce (Avalon Remix) (Remixed by Kotani Yōsuke)
Music By. (Cubismo Grafico Climb Mix)
The Three Wishes Of A Dwarf (Kiiiiiii & DJ Codomo Remix)
She has no(ise) melody (Effective Dose Remix) (Remixed by Chiba Hiroki)
Face Face Face (Matias Tellez Remix)
Color Of Daytime (Soft Touch Remix) (Remixed by Softlightes)
Hey, Please Tip Me Off (33Hz Remix)

Niw! NIW-025
Out 3/23, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV,

Jazz pianist and singer-songwriter Kawano Emi brings us this first swinging release, produced by young jazz DJ Miura Makoto (aka Monsieur Mieurax) and released on his label Comedy Tonight. This contains 4 brilliant original female-vocal jazz songs written by Emi herself, and performed as a trio with bass and drums.

Miura Makoto's English liner notes:

Emi Kawano is a composer, a singer/songwriter, and a pianist. Her vocals manage to convey both hope and sorrow that put listeners at ease. Yet known only in small jazz clubs in Tokyo, her music expresses a sense of youthful melancholy and may seem like a harsh message in the real world. But she never loses her attention to the rhythm and melody. The spotlight has begun to shine on Emi, and her talent promises to keep it shining for years to come.

Audio samples at Jet Set

Emi Kawano Trio "Rainy Day" (12")

A1. Rainy Day
A2. Pray
B1. Woman
B2. Flowers In My Heart

Comedy Tonight CTEP-002
Out now (2007/11/22), ¥1381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Towa Tei made the music for the new DoCoMo mobile phone N705i designed by amadana, his brother Shūwa Tei's brand. The song comes pre-loaded on the handset that went on sale on February 1st, but will also be available from next week on iTunes Music Store only.

Towa Tei calls the song his new single, and for those who prefer to wait, it's supposed to be included on his next album, which is still in the early stages.

N705i special site

Tei Towa "N705i" (Download)

Out 2/13, ¥200
Buy/sample:

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas

Ide Yasushi's label Grand Gallery brings us a new compilation focusing on Japanese female vocalists of the dance/club scene.

Various Artists "Diva"

1. Monday Michiru / You Make Me
2. bird / Beats
3. AK / say that you love me (Francois K./Eric Kupper remix，Danny Krivit edit
4. Daishi Dance feat. Lori Fine (Coldfeet) / Let Life Loose
5. Shimazaki Hitomi / kuchizuke
6. Orange Pekoe / Love Life (Mode for Kita-Horie) (Remixed by Sunaga t Experience)
7. Ohara Eiko / amai wana
8. Tawata Emi / Can't Reach
9. A Hundred Birds feat. TeN / Batonga (Main Mix)
10. Kinbara Chieko feat. Takeda Kaori (Tica) / hikari
11. Satokolab / Clew
12. Bonnie Pink / Orange

Grand Gallery GRGA-0044
Out now (2/6), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Horibe Yūmin is a young DJ and organizer of Tokyo regular party "Joke". He recently contributed tracks to the vinyl compilations "Christmas Will Be Just Another Lovely Day" and "Joke Collection 01", and now he's offering us a first mix CD of a 60's-ish selection of upbeat, feel-good jazzy tracks. Thrown in the mix are Japanese artists Boot Beat and Shiho Fujisawa. The opening song will sound familiar to those who didn't miss "DJ 440's Incredible Mambo Band".

Yumin Horibe "First Chic"
堀部遊民 「First Chic」

1. Willie Rodriguez / Dream
2. Andre Kostelanetz / Cabaret
3. Jack Jones / Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows
4. King Richard's Fluegel Knights / Gentle On My Mind
5. Boot Beat / Clash Chic
6. Geoferey Evans Orch / Gina
7. Andre Kostelanetz / Fools Rush In
8. Nancy Wilson / A Lot Of Livin' To Do
9. Erroll Garner / Paris Mist
10. King Richard's Fluegel Knights / Feelin' Good
11. Michel Legrand / Arrivée Des Camionneurs
12. Dudley Moore / Fly Me To The Moon
13. Roy Budd / Girl From Southend On Sea
14. G/9 Group / Lady Madonna
15. Janko Nilovic / Paris Poncho
16. Alma Cogan / Tell Him
17. Anita Kerr Singers / Hit The Road Jack
18. Tom Jones / I've Got A Heart
19. Dusty / Another Night
20. Peter Matz / I'll Never Fall In Love Again
21. Herab Alpert & Tijuana Brass / Moon River
22. Cut Chemist / Big Break
23. Karen Wyman / Night And Day
24. Jane Fonda As Barbarella / Pygar's New Wings
25. Jack Jones / As Time Goes By
26. Michel Legrand / Marins, Amis, Amants ou Maris
27. Lee Towers / I Want To Be Happy
28. Andrae'crouch & Disciples / I'll Never Sleeps
29. Johnny Howard / Mrs. Robinson
30. Doc Severinsen / Up, Up And Away
31. Hugo Strasser & Sein Tanzorchester / S'wonderful
32. Gunter Noris / Swing In Harmony
33. Tony Sandler & Ralph Young / Put On A Happy Face
34. Tony Evans / Crazy Rhythm
35. Kirby Stone Four / Baubles, Bangles And Beads
36. Rosemary Clooney / Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
37. Wayne Newtobn / Wives And Lovers
38. Debbie Reynolds / Happy Talk
39. Missing Link / Peace Train
40. Riviera / Veruschca
41. Roy Budd / Bossa Nova U.S.A
42. Dee Felice Trio / All The Time
43. Us3 / Much 2 Much
44. Cannonball Adderley / Jeanniene
45. Shiho Fujisawa / Drum Crazy For Dj
46. Jack Jones / Shall We Dance?
47. Doc Severinsen If I Had A Hammer
48. Riviera / I See The Morning In Your Eyes

Eat Records ER-0005
Out now (1/30), ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko, who has a 5th album(!) coming up in April, first brings us this single of a new song produced by Eric Kupper (MySpace). The B-side is a Sugiurumn remix previously released on remix album "Summer Love".

Sound samples at Jet Set

Kinbara Chieko "Shadow" (12")
金原千恵子 「Shadow」

A. Shadow (Eric Kupper 12inch Mix)
B. El Caravanero (Sugiurumn Remix)

Grand Gallery
Out now (2/3), ¥1300
Order: Jet Set

Finally!!! 8 years after previous album "VOXXX", Denki Groove is back with a brand new album! The title is "J-POP"!

There will be a limited edition with a bonus DVD containing the videos for the first two singles "shōnen Young" and "Mononoke Dance".

Until the release, the official web site offers a "Denki Groove Workshop" section where early demos of songs from the album can be heard.

Denki Groove "J-POP"
電気グルーヴ 「J-POP」

1. Kanpeki Ni Nakushite
2. EXPO Hiroshima
3. Zoo Desire
4. Ichigo-Musume
5. Hanbun Ningen Damono
6. Mononoke Dance (Album Mix)
7. Oscillator To Arpeggio
8. Shōnen Young (Album Mix)
9. Super Star
10. ZIZŌ
11. Szczecin
12. Ringing Bells

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Ki/oon KSCL-1228/9
Out 4/2, ¥3360
Order: Amazon (5% off on pre-orders), HMV, Tower, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.

Regular edition (CD only)
Ki/oon KSCL-1230
Out 4/2, ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Amazon U.S.