Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Open Reel Ensemble have been active on stage for several years, using USB-controlled open reel tape recorders to create a unique performance. Here's finally a first album, and it comes from Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. A bunch of unexpected guests are also participating, including Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Money Mark and more!

Being worth the visual experience, a DVD is also included featuring unseen studio live footage recorded especially for this release.

Open Reel Ensemble's next show will be on July 14 at Ebisu Garden Hall.

Open Reel Ensemble "Open Reel Ensemble" (CD+DVD)

CD
1. Taprologue
2. Degulated Jaz
3. Encue
4. Gone with Takahashi Yukihiro
5. Tape Machine with Money Mark + Ibuka Masaru
6. Atom Hertz Father with Ohno Matsuo
7. Exchange
8. Open Garudaat with Yashiki Gōta
9. Chairs for Man and Spirits
10. Holon F
11. Another Lorecast with Yakushimaru Etsuko
12. Memory from 1971 with Yakushimaru Etsuko
13. Joseph Voice 9.5cm/s with Franz Joseph I. + Yashiki Gōta
14. Tapilogue

DVD
- Operation -
1. Degulated Jaz
2. Fanfare for M
3. Cueing Noiz
4. Joseph Voice
5. Holon F
6. Another Lorecast
7. Recurrent Fever
- Endurance -

commmons
Out 6/27, ¥3500
Order: Amazon (20% off), CDJapan, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia

Open Reel Ensemble promo clip (unrelated with this release)

"Dada pop music" unit DadaD (pronounced "da da da") has a new album coming next week! This contains "Ride Out" and "Special Lady", recently being used in commercials for Nissan and magazine Biteki (YouTube).

DadaD "mission passion"

1. Mermaid
2. Ride Out
3. Special Lady
4. mission passion
5. Shine on
6. escape
7. Paradise

Flyingstar VICB-60089
Out 6/27, ¥1905 (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.

"Mermaid (short version)"

"Ride Out (short version)"

Vanilla Beans have a first ever photo book being released next week! The 104-page book is full of pop, sexy and cute photos of Rena and Lisa posing in various situations.

A special edition comes with a hard cover and contains a bonus making-of DVD plus 10 separate photos.

Vanilla Beans "gekkan NEO Vanilla Beans" (Book)
バニラビーンズ 「月刊NEO バニラビーンズ」

Special edition (Book+DVD+10 photos)
Enet Frontier ENPB-39
ISBN: 9784862058720
Out 6/26, ¥4700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (Book)
Enet Frontier ENPB-38
ISBN: 9784862058713
Out 6/26, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Coming next from HNC's White Lily Records is a release of LA-based electro unit Teams (funnily borrowed from label White Iris Records). Included are 4 original tracks plus 5 remixes by White Lily's current roaster and friends. Featured are HNC, The Pegasuss, Nag Ar Juna (album coming July 4 on White Lily also), Threepee Boys' Sir Y.O.K.O., and mysterious newcomer Note Factory.

Plenty of audio samples at Jet Set. Try the longer ones below too (from the official release page).

Teams "Teams X White Lily Remixes"

1. Mile High
2. Freakwaves
3. MVP
4. Mind Us (Bonus Track)
5. Freakwaves （Nag Ar Juna Like LRM mix）
6. Freakwaves (Jam Packed Remix)
7. MVP x Mile High (Note Factory Remix)
8. Mile High (White Wear remix)
9. Freakwaves (Pegasuss Sanctuary Remix feat. HNC)

White Lily Records WLEX-009
Out 6/25, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

"TV commercial song queen" Noko Inoko, having sung some 800 during her career, has an album coming. This is a follow-up to "Noko Inoko taizen" released in 2006.

Included here are 42 tracks, many of commercial and TV show jingles, but also 8 full songs such as new remakes of her most famous ones. One from Cheburashka was written by Konishi Yasuharu (heard on his "Cheburashka Tokyo no kyūjitsu" soundtrack), and Takanami K-taro is also involved for a new song.

Noko Inoko "Noko Inoko taizen Returns"
のこいのこ 「のこいのこ大全リターンズ」

1. Noko Inoko shin hatsubai!
2. aoi sora shiroi kumo
3. Momo no Heart
4. Bandai Bokura no New Town B
5. Mokokōwa
6. Shin-shin Parikyu
7. Pat-chan (Long version)
8. Milky Claire A
9. Milky Claire B
10. Kleenex Tissue
11. Back-up!
12. Bakushō osupi Mondai!
13. Shapoklyak no uta
14. Tokyu dai kessan A#1
15. Tokyu dai kessan C#2
16. Glico Capri-sonne B#3
17. Glico Capri-sonne Sound Logo Medley
18. Ajinomoto Mayonnaise Sound Logo
19. Plussy A
20. Plussy B
21. Yasetan to Korontan
22. Chianti no uta
23. Lotte A
24. Lotte C
25. Lotte D
26. Mitsubishi mochitsuki ki
27. Seika Sweet Cico
28. Seika Puzzle
29. Seika Propeller Juggler B
30. Denroku Mame Sound Logo
31. Nichiyō Tengoku Jingle
32. Tokudane! Jingle
33. Yaguchi hitori Jingle
34. Asahi Shokuhin A
35. National Love Love
36. Midoriya A
37. Mikakuto Ramune-da- A
38. Mikakuto Ramune-da- B
39. Yamaki genen dashitsuyu
40. patapata Mama
41. yosomi bakkari
42. sotto oyasumi

Victor VICL-63893
Out now (6/20), ¥2191 (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.

"Patapata Mama" (Original version)

World Order, the Genki Sudō-led salaryman robot dance unit that got the world's attention with their impressive videos on YouTube, such as one of a performance held at a Microsoft event, has a 2nd album out now! This comes as a set of a Blu-ray or DVD of 5 clips plus a CD of their equally brilliant techno-pop tracks.

World Order "2012" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)

Blu-ray/DVD
1. The History Of Voice
2. 2012
3. Machine Civilization
4. Change Your Life
5. Aquarius
Bonus: Making of "World Order"

CD
1. The History Of Voice
2. 2012
3. Machine Civilization
4. Hello Atlantis
5. Change Your Life
6. Aquarius
7. World Order ~Tax Haven Remix~

Blu-ray+CD edition
(Region A, NTSC)
Pony Canyon PCXP-50082
Out now (6/20), ¥4700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (27% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan)
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DVD+CD edition
(Region 2, NTSC)
Pony Canyon PCXP-52213
Out now (6/20), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (27% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Aquarius"

"2012"

"Machine Civilization"

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC have been active in the indies scene for many years, sampling VHS tapes and creating a unique video and audio experience, and also releasing several CD-Rs of their music works. This time is their first official CD release, and the album features the likes of Yakenohara, Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa), Beta Panama, members of cero, and more.

The album's title reads "nanahaku yōka", the common way to refer to a weekly video rental (7 nights/8 days).

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "7haku 8ka"
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC 「7泊8日」

1. 7haku 8ka
2. Mountain Train
3. Polynesian kankō Center feat. Sekenshirazu
4. Death Farm
5. Slumber Party Girl's Diary
6. Theme Of Hotel Majestic feat. Sekenshirazu
7. Hot Pants In The Summercamp
8. Swing Shift
9. Blow in the Wind feat. Yakenohara, Takagi Shōhei (cero)

NewVideo NWV-001
Out 6/20, ¥1715 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Album trailer

Singer hitomitoi has a brand new album coming, produced by jazz DJ Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), in collaboration with Dorian and guitarist Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa). This album, being described as contemporary city music, is when summer starts!

Coming on Billboard Records, a show will be held at Billboard Tokyo on September 2.

hitomitoi "City Dive"
一十三十一 「CITY DIVE」

1. DIVE
2. Galactic ni sasete
3. koi wa omoi no mama
4. Harbor Light
5. ningyo ni naritai
6. Summer Breeze '86
7. Summertime ni kuchizukete
8. matenrō no koibito
9. RAINBOW
10. Glass ni ukabeta Nonchalant

Billboard Records HBRJ-1004
Out 6/20, ¥2477 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"DIVE"

Album digest

Negicco have traded their green onions for blue wigs to bring us this new catchy pop tune! This new single is being released on Tower Records' idol-only T-Palette label. Don't miss the fun video below!

Free in-store events will be held on June 16 at Tower Records Shibuya (from 14:00) and on June 21 at Tower Records Shinjuku (from 18:00).

Negicco "anata to Pop With You!"
Negicco 「あなたとPop With You!」

1. anata to Pop With You
2. tokimeku Mermaid
3. anata to Pop With You (Karaoke)
4. tokimeku Mermaid (Karaoke)

T-Palette Records TPRC-1004
Out 6/20, ¥953 (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.

"anata to Pop With You"

Drag queen Gallantique Kazue (also part of unit hoshikuzu Scat) has a new single available now for download on iTunes Japan. Music and words were written by Nishimura Ikuyo (ex-arcorhyme), and the arrangement is by Shirane Kenichi (Great 3).

A recital will be held on June 16 at Tokyo Kinema Club.

Gallantique Kazue "hitohada chūdoku" (Download)
ギャランティーク和恵 「人肌中毒」

Columbia COKM-31313
Out now (6/13), ¥191 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy:

Following "Roll of Love" released in April, here's a 2nd song from mishmash*, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog), feat. Julie Watai. Like last time, the song has being released in both Japanese and English versions.

The full-length music video and high-quality audio are also available through Japanese indie site Ototoy.

mishmash* Julie Watai "Veiled by Reverb" (Download)

mishmash*
Out now (6/13)
Order: , Amazon MP3 U.S.

mishmash* Julie Watai "Reverb no oku ni" (Download)
mishmash* Julie Watai "リバーブの奥に"

mishmash*
Out now (6/13)
Order: Amazon MP3 U.S.

"Veiled by Reverb" (short version)
(The Japanese version clip is here on YouTube.)

MEG has a new single coming this week. Title track "Trap" has music written by Okamura Yasuyuki and is produced by Ōsawa Shinichi, and B-side "watashi ga obasan ni natte mo" (included only on regular edition) was produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! Konishi's track is a cover of Moritaka Chisato (original on YouTube), and it's being used in a TV commercial included below.

The limited edition comes with a DVD of 2 video clips plus live footage from Meg's 2010 birthday party held in Sanrio's Puroland, but (once again) only the regular edition contains a bonus song on the CD.

CDJapan is giving away a bonus collectible card (while supplies last) with either edition.

MEG "Trap"

CD (Limited edition)
1. Trap
2. Seventeen Rendez-vous
3. Trap (Instrumental)
4. Seventeen Rendez-vous (Instrumental)

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. MEG Birthday Party 2010 in Puroland
2. Trap (Music Clip)
3. Tough Boy (Music Clip)

CD (Regular edition with bonus track)
1. Trap
2. Seventeen Rendez-vous
3. watashi ga obasan ni natte mo (Regular edition only)
4. Trap (Instrumental)
5. Seventeen Rendez-vous (Instrumental)
6. watashi ga obasan ni natte mo (Instrumental) (Regular edition only)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Starchild KICM-91393
Out 6/13, ¥2096 (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.

Regular edition (CD only, with bonus song)
Starchild KICM-1393
Out 6/13, ¥1143 (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.

"Trap"

Wing Kirei TV commercial
("watashi ga obasan ni natte mo")

Wonderful post-rock band Yucca from Tokyo has a 3rd album out now, 6 years after the previous that was titled "the orange sun in my room". The hiatus had much to do with their drummer who broke a bone in her lower back(!). They since added another drummer and the former instead now does percussions and keyboards.

Not only the new album is being sold at the low price of ¥1000, but guess what, the band even officially offers the whole album as a free download on their web site. They want everyone to hear their album so much that they even go as far as writing about the free download on a card next to their CDs in a shop... Do check it out!

By the way I also greatly recommend their live shows. There doesn't seem to be any planned at the moment, but keep your eyes and ears open.

Yucca "our journey (to anywhere we want)"

1. echo
2. rhythmical
3. xylophonic stream
4. short stories
5. mouse
6. mirror
7. arresting your eyes
8. songs
9. life
10. our favorite pop
11. monet
12. fun
13. night driver
14. capricious robot

Yucca YUCCA-003
Out now (6/9), ¥953 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"songs"

"xylophonic stream"

"monet"

Nona Reeves have a 2nd cover album out now on Billboard Records, this time featuring songs by Madonna, Blur, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Earth Wind & Fire, New Kids On The Block (...), and more.

The first of the series, titled "Choice" (Amazon) was released in June 2011, and there was also another "Choice" album by Sunaga t Experience that followed last December.

Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set.

Nona Reeves "Choice II"

1. You Get What You Give (New Radicals)
2. Step By Step (New Kids On The Block)
3. Human Nature (Michael Jackson)
4. The Power Of Love (Huey Lewis & The News)
5. What Have I Done To Deserve This? (Pet Shop Boys)
6. That'S The Way Of The World (Earth, Wind & Fire)
7. Don'T Be Cruel (Elvis Presley)
8. Tender (Blur)
9. Crazy For You (Madonna)

Billboard Records HBRJ-1003
Out now (6/6), ¥1886 (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.

Shonen Knife, who celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, have a new album out now! A special site for the album has been set up here with plenty to read (in English too!), such as this comment from Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth)!

The album is said to also be released in the U.S. and U.K., so check your local stores just in case. A North American tour is planned to start at the end of July to last through August.

Audio samples of all tracks can also be found at Amazon, HMV, Tower and CDJapan.

Shonen Knife "Pop Tune"
少年ナイフ 「Pop Tune」

1. Welcome To The Rock Club
2. Pop Tune
3. Osaka Rock City
4. All You Can Eat
5. Paper Clip
6. Psychedelic Life
7. Mr. J
8. Ghost Train
9. Sunshine
10. Move On

P-Vine PCD-25144
Out now (6/6), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Amazon MP3 (Japan), Amazon MP3 (U.S.)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Pop Tune"

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu fans will be happy that her crazy and chaotic TV show aired only in Nagoya is now available on DVD. Contained are the two episodes so far, as well as bonus features and behind the scenes footage.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu TV JOHN!" (DVD)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅテレビJOHN!」
(NTSC / Region 2 / 16:9 / Color)

Episode 1 "Where did JOHN go?"
Episode 2 "manjū are scary"
+ Bonus features

Warner WPBL-90186
Out now (6/6), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer

Identical twins rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA have a new 2-song digital EP out now! This is the 2nd monthly release from Nakatsuka Takeshi's "Delicatessen LAB" digital label.

Released just today, lead track "At, we now..." is already comfortably sitting at #1 of iTunes Japan's jazz chart! Congrats!

P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "P.O.P LAB" (Download)

1. At, we now...
2. Entrance

Delicatessen LAB
Out now (6/6), ¥381 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan)

"Entrance"

Miyauchi Yuri has a new album out this week, featuring none other than Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) as a guest musician throughout, it seems, and also Kanda Tomoki for engineer.

Miyauchi Yuri "Tone After Tone"
宮内優里 「トーンアフタートーン」

1. toaf_
2. digo_
3. fida_
4. yef_
5. kano_
6. ceof_
7. reioa_
8. wiove_

Rallye RYECD-130
Out 6/6, ¥1905 (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.

"digo_"

Kirinji have a new song now available exclusively on iTunes Japan. Another one is set to be released digitally on June 27. Both will also later be released on 7" from Jet Set on July 7, which can already be pre-ordered. Find all details on these below.

Kirinji "inore norou na" (Download)
キリンジ 「祈れ呪うな」

Columbia COKM-31287
Out now (5/30), ¥239 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy:

Kirinji "namida ni akireta" (Download)
キリンジ 「涙にあきれた」

Columbia COKM-31287
Out 6/27, ¥239 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy:

Kirinji "inore norou na / namida ni akireta" (7")

A. inore norou na
B. nimida ni akireta

Columbia / Jet Set
Out 7/7, ¥1470
Order: Jet Set

"inore norou na"

"namida ni akitara"

Rock band Sakanaction's new single has a remix by Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) for B-side.

The first pressing comes with a 20-page booklet.

All tracks can be sampled at Victor's official release page (click the green WMP icons and cross your fingers).

Sakanaction "boku to hana"
サカナクション 「僕と花」

1. boku to hana
2. Neptunus
3. Rookie (Takkyu Ishino Remix)

Victor VICL-36705
Out now (5/30), ¥1143 (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.

"boku to hana"

The limited edition of pop band Sayonara Ponytail's new EP comes with remixes by Tofubeats, Hyadain,... which is what deserves it a mention here. Lead track "sora mo toberu hazu" is a cover of Spitz.

The various editions are a bit confusing, the main two simply coming with different artwork and stickers. Another that doesn't include disc 2 is being left out from this entry.

All tracks can be sampled at Amazon.

Sayonara Ponytail "sora mo toberu hazu / Bianca / koi suru Sports"
さよならポニーテール 「空も飛べるはず / ビアンカ / 恋するスポーツ」

Disc 1
1. sora mo toberu hazu
2. Bianca
3. koi suru Sports
4. niji no hashi
5. sora mo toberu hazu ("tsuritama" ending version) (Time-limited pressing only?)

Disc 2 (limited edition & anime edition only)
1. mukiryoku Switch (Hyadain no rererere-remix)
2. jitensha Express (kūki kodan Remix)
3. amai kanshō (Galileo Galilei Remix)
4. mahō no Melody (fhana Magic World Line Remix)
5. mattari shite shimattari (tofubeats remix)

Limited "regular" edition
Epic/Sony ESCL-3902
Out now (5/23), ¥1900 (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.

Limited "anime" edition
Epic/Sony ESCL-3904
Out now (5/23), ¥2000 (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.

"sora mo toberu hazu"

Here's a 10th album from worldwide-acclaimed rock band Zoobombs, 6 years since their previous "B★B★B". This album is planned for release this fall in the U.S., Canada and Australia, and a world tour should be held around the same time. The Japanese edition comes with a bonus DVD of 12 videoclips since their early days, which won't be included in the overseas release.

Meanwhile you can grab the Japanese edition, and maybe see Zoobombs live at Shindaita Fever on June 8 (details at Tokyo Gig Guide).

Zoobombs "The Sweet Passion"
ズボンズ 「The Sweet Passion」

CD
1. Plasticity
2. Big Picture
3. We're Gonna Get Down
4. Come With Us
5. Bored Kid
6. Amazing Grace
7. New They, New We, New You, New Me
8. African Beat Drive
9. My Big Friend

DVD
(NTSC / Region 2)
1. Highway A Go Go
2. Black Ink Jive
3. Mo' Funky
4. Bomb The Bomb
5. South Central Rock
6. Hot Love
7. Tighten Rap
8. Doo Bee
9. Jumbo
10. Funky Moving
11. Superman
12. DON's dream

Donuts WormPECF-3023
Out 6/6, ¥2800
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

"Plasticity"