Tokyo's Coolest Sound

After several years being active in the indies scene, electro-pop unit Candles have a first ever CD release! This comes as a mini-album of 6 songs.

CANDLES "Evolutional Form"

1. Discovery
2. Stay With Me
3. Star Way
4. Infinity
5. My Life
6. Evolutional Form

on-do/Universal POCS-1056
Out now (5/30), ¥1429 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon Japan, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon U.S., Amazon MP3 U.S.
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Stay With Me (live)"

Halcali have a new album coming! This is a 2-CD affair with a total of 15 songs. The 1st CD is mainly a collection of early hit tracks produced by O.T.F. plus 3 previously unreleased tracks, and CD-2 is full of new songs, produced by the likes of DadaD, Miura Koshi (Kuchiroro), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), Mummy-D (Rhymester), as well as a remix by Nakamura Hiroshi (i-dep) and more.

Halcali "Halcali no okawari"
Halcali 「ハルカリノオカワリ」

CD 1
1. Attitude
2. Intro
3. Tandem
4. Quest Love
5. girigiri Surf Rider
6. Strawberry Chips
7. Bonno_Dance
8. Continued

CD2
1. kyō no watashi wa kigen ga ii
2. Gondola no uta
3. So Joy Boy ~clap your hands mix~ (Remixed by Hiroshi Nakamura)
4. (500)nichi no Magic
5. moeyo Halcali
6. himitsu Cryin'
7. Turn it around

Epic/Sony ESCL-3908
Out 5/30, ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

E Hyphen TV commercial
("kyō no watashi wa kigen ga ii")

Clinica Enamel Pearl TV commercial
("Gondola no uta")

Out now from Crue-L Records is a first album by The Beauty (MySpace, Bandcamp), solo project of Yuji Oda. While described as contemporary electro-pop, the official blurb also mentions a hallucinating list of influential genres: gothic, shoe gaze, balearic, dark wave, reverb electro, nerd funk, leftfield indie dance, polaroid pop..?! I loved the track "Fifth Regret" from recent label compilation "Crue-L Café", and this is definitely worth checking!

Sound samples at Jet Set, where you can get a free bonus CD-R while supplies last.

The Beauty "Love In The Heart of The World Shout"

1. Ghostwriter
2. Breathing Memories
3. Put Galaxies
4. The Transient
5. Heartline
6. Fifth Regret
7. Sun Falls
8. Hold On
9. Ptites Gueulantes
10. Changes
11. Beyond The Rainbow
12. The Sorrow of Parting
13. Love In The Heart of The World Shout
14. Proserpina's

Crue-L Records KYTHMAK141DA
Out now (5/25), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Indies 6-girl idol unit tengal6, formed a year ago, finally have a 1st full-length album out now. Two songs are produced by Tofubeats, including "puchahenza!" that got a single release last year.

HMV gives away a sticker (while supplies last).

Update (2012/7/24): tengal6 have since changed their name to lyrical school.

tengal6 "City"

1. perfect☆kirari
2. fallin'night
3. -call-
4. kessen wa Friday
5. ichigo no Short
6. moshi
7. girl's flowers
8. -cypher-
9. puchahenza!
10. shitteru/shiranai
11. bye bye
12. -end-
13. 6pon no Mic

BootRock BOR-O002
Out 5/25, ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"shitteru/shiranai"

"puchahenza!"

This new single by Puffy is a first collaboration with Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) who wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics. The song was made especially for kids' TV show "Shimajirō no wao!", and it was arranged by Ushio Kensuke (agraph, LAMA).

The limited edition includes a DVD of the music video.

Puffy "tomodachi no wao!"
PUFFY 「トモダチのわお！」

1. tomodachi no wao!
2. tomodachi no wao! ~Shimajirō to asobo! version~
3. tomodachi no wao! Karaoke!
4. tomodachi no wao! TV Ending!

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Ki/oon KSCL-2038
Out now (5/23), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Ki/oon KSCL-2040
Out now (5/23), ¥1165 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"tomodachi no wao! (short ver.)"

TV show "Shimajiro no wao!" ending + Single promotion commercial

This is a follow up to last year's "Fami-Compi", again full of new pico-pico club-style covers of popular Famicom (NES) theme songs. Producers include sasakure.UK and TeddyLoid.

Various Artists "zoku Fami-Compi"
オムニバス 「続ファミ・コンピ」

1. Opening ~Menuet da Pico~
2. ikki
3. Mega Man 2
4. Gradius II
5. Tōkaidō 53-tsugi
6. Adventure Island
7. Bases Loaded
8. Bomberman
9. Jajamaru no daibōken
10. ai senshi Nicol
11. Bio senshi Dan
12. Route 16
13. Quarth
14. Wai Wai World 2: SOS!! Parsley jō
15. Kid Dracula
16. Atlantis no nazo
17. Twin Bee 3: Poko Poko daimaō
18. Mega Man
19. Fantasy Zone
20. Ending ~Pico tto Love~

Artimage XNAR-10027
Out 5/23, ¥1715 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

esu-efu (pronounced "S.F.") is a brand new future-pop unit formed of Nomoto Karia and Vocaloid scene producer Captain Mirai. This first mini-album contains 4 songs and 2 remixes, by Riow Arai and Tofubeats.

esu-efu "Sing Future"
エスエフ 「Sing Future」

1. Propeller Song
2. Sputnik shōnen shōjo
3. kareido Swimming
4. So Far
5. Sputnik shōnen shōjo (riow arai remix)
6. Propeller Song (tofubeats remix)

Bye-Bye Record BYBY-0006
Out 5/23, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Amazon MP3 (U.S.)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Propeller Song"

Sampler clip

After a mini-album and 2 singles, here comes Harajuku fashion icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 1st full-length album! Included are 4 previously released songs and 8 new ones, such as one featured in a recent TV commercial for KFC Krushers. This is entirely written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume).

The limited edition comes with a 64-page photo book, and also a DVD of 3 music videos and two songs from her first one-man live "moshimoshi Quattro" that sold out in 30 seconds.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「ぱみゅぱみゅレボリューション」

1. Pamyu Pamyu Revolution
2. tsukema tsukeru
3. PONPONPON
4. minna no uta
5. Kyary ANAN
6. CANDY CANDY
7. Drinker
8. onedari 44°C
9. sukisugite kiresō
10. girigiri Safe
11. oyasumi
12. chanchakachanchan

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. PONPONPON (Music video)
2. tsukema tsukeru (Music video)
3. CANDY CANDY (Music video)
4. PONPONPON (moshimoshi Quattro Live (Shibuya Club Quattro 2012.2.25))
5. Kyary ANAN (moshimoshi Quattro Live (Shibuya Club Quattro 2012.2.25))

Limited edition (CD+Photo book+DVD)
Warner WPZL-30376
Out 5/23, ¥3620 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (20% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (15% off *) ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Warner WPCL-11079
Out 5/23, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Amazon MP3 (U.S.)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Krushers TV commercial
("onedari 44°C")

"CANDY CANDY"

Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G, finally a first album after 10 years of successful collaboration. Get all the hits remastered (some self-remixed) and some exclusives, on plastic at a friendly price! Included are also remixes by hardcore artists DJ Shimamura (Japan) and 3R2 (Taiwan).

Most tracks can be sampled in good length at Soundcloud.

Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G "Leisure yakuza wa kimi ni katarikakeru"
BUBBLE-B feat. Enjo-G 「レジャーやくざは君に語りかける」

1. Enjostep (Album version)
2. Set de Drink Bar Premium
3. pukapuka Smoking
4. Chimpo on the Beach
5. N.R.G.
6. yopparadise
7. Enjo-G no popopopo~n
8. pukapuka Smoking (3R2 REMIX)
9. Enjo-G no shasshassha (DJ Shimamura REMIX)
10. zokkon! Barbecue
11. ENJOY! chūka
12. Set de Drink Bar
13. baribari Snack
14. hashiri no Sedan -Driving Pleasure-
15. Anarchy in the ODWR
16. Enjo-G no shasshassha

Toy Label TOY-046
Out 5/19, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon

"hashiri no Sedan -Driving Pleasure-"

"baribari Snack"

Electro-acoustic duo DadaD have a new song available now on iTunes Japan. "Ride Out" comes a month ahead of 2nd album "mission passion" set for release on June 27. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more info.

DadaD "Ride Out" (Download)

FlyingStar/Victor VE2ML-15997
Out now (5/16), ¥239 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy:

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas

Electro unit EA, formed of half-French half-Japanese singer Maika Leboutet and guitarist Shinya Saitō, has a first mini-album out now. The recording also features drummer Araki Yūko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group, If By Yes).

EA "Météo"

1. Red block on the hill
2. Pitcha pitcha
3. UCHU
4. mimizu no Dance
5. hinode
6. Red block on the hill (French version)

Tony's Records UXCL-48
Out now (5/9), ¥1429 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Red block on the hill"

"Pitcha pitcha"

Following Vol.1 released just a year ago, here's a 2nd EP of Logic System remixes. This time are featured remixes by Luvraw & BTB, 8-bit artist Quarta330 and more, as well as previously unreleased track "Ruins". Logic System is the project of Matsutake Hideki, often called the 4th member of YMO.

The CD is limited to 1000 copies, so it's better to hurry!

Logic System "RMXLOGIX Vol.2 (with Special Tracks)"

1. Intro - James Pants #TVnewsroom Death Vibes Remix
2. Venus - Budamunk Remix
3. Clash - LUVRAW & BTB REMIX
4. Unit - Quarta330 REMIX
5. Unit - RLP & sauce81 REMIX
6. Ruins

MOTION± MOT-003
Out now (5/2), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Here's a release on Groove Unchant's label Unchantable Records (sub-label of Orange Records), of Italian artist Julie (aka Deborah Bontempi) singing "Oh! Alfredo", an old hit track originally by Jula De Palma (original). This 7" also contains a remix by Arai Toshiya. A must for DJs and clubbers alike!

Don't miss the fun video below!

Julie "Oh! Alfredo" (7")

A. Oh! Alfredo
B. Oh! Alfredo (Toshiya Arai Remix)

Unchantable Records UCT-011
Out now (4/25), ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Oh! Alfredo"

Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo album "Strawberries and Cream". "Blue Heart" features appearances by Neil & Iraiza and members of Riddim Saunter.

Kaji-kun can be caught live on May 26 at Shibuya JZ Brat in an event with Nakatsuka Takeshi and akiko, and also on May 18 at Harajuku Astro Hall as Dots+Borders, his band with Horie Hirohisa (also playing: Harvard). The album release tour will be held in July (Shibuya Quattro on July 20).

There's also an exhibition to be held for just a few days at Kit Gallery in Harajuku, from May 16 to 20.

Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
カジヒデキ 「ブルーハート」

1. Blue Heart
2. B&W Marble Chocolate
3. Tu-Tu Boom Boom
4. Mr. Sheep & Mr. Bee
5. Mellow Yellow Spring
6. I'm Like A Mirror
7. Blue Jeans
8. White Shoes
9. Good Old Hit Song
10. Boring Saturday
11. Green Day

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/Lr2 DDCB-12048
Out 5/16, ¥2667 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer ("B&W Marble Chocolate")

akiko has a new EP in collaboration with 2-girl jazz chorus unit Chai-Chii Sisters. This contains covers of 4 jazz standards, and was recorded in New Orleans. This is self-produced just like her recent Beatles cover album "Across The Universe".

akiko "Swingy, Swingy with Chai-Chii Sisters"

1. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
2. I Like To Riff
3. East Of The Sun
4. Mr. Sandman

Universal POCS-1059
Out now (5/2), ¥1143 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter"

"Mr. Sandman"

Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi.

The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also recently played on stage for Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert. This digital EP contains two groovy and funky tracks I'd recommend to fans of Wack Wack Rhythm Band. This is out now on iTunes Japan.

"Shū" can be caught live with his band Uit Nederland for a lunch concert at Ove Cafe (Omotesando) on May 13, with his Shunosuke Ishikawa Quartet at Shimokitazawa Seed Ship on June 6, and also as part of Nakatsuka Takeshi's band at Shibuya JZ Brat on May 26 (also playing are Kaji Hideki and jazz singer akiko).

Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
石川周之介 「shumusic EP」

1. Smile
2. Tokyo Blue Note

Delicatessen Recordings
Out now (5/2), ¥400
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan)

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas

Live performance of "Tokyo Blue Note" with Uit Nederland

MoliquL is the new Brooklyn-based unit of Takashi Tsugumi (PINE*am, Old Monk, Les Sewing Sisters) and Avery Brooks (Ravens & Chimes, Lost Children), taking inspiration from 70's and 80's synth pop/new wave to recent indies/alternative/club music. The EP includes remixes by st.classics (Suzuki Akira) and Jaermulk Manchester (aka Jaermulk Manhattan).

Their debut release comes as a digital EP from Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang), available on iTunes worldwide.

MoliquL "Forest" (Download)

1. Forest
2. Fly
3. Forest (st.classics remix)
4. Fly (yaermulk's onion mix)

Flawless World FWDR-003
Out now (5/2)
Buy: (Worldwide), (Japan), Amazon MP3 (U.S.), Amazon MP3 (Japan)

Sampler clip