Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Sawagi has a first full-length album coming. The band of guitar/bass/synths/drums has a concept of performing instrumental dance music entirely live, no programming involved, with hints of rock, jazz, funk and electro influences.

This album follows the brilliant mini-album "hi hop" released 3 years ago. You might also know them from having backed 3 songs on Aira Mitsuki's "6 FORCE" mini-album in 2010.

The limited first pressing comes as a digipak.

Sawagi "Punch Games

1. HaNoi
2. Kepra
3. Topology
4. TEMPEST
5. NEMESIS
6. PANIC
7. captain coconut
8. Yellow
9. 22
10. polygon
11. kyakkya

Sophori Field Company SPFC-0001
Out 8/8, ¥2381 (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.

"kyakkya"

"Topology"

This is a tribute album to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Takahashi Yukihiro who celebrated his 60th anniversary last June 6. Included are new covers of Takahashi's songs from his whole career. O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Sunahara Yoshinori and Towa Tei) offers a first ever recording, alongside with Suzuki Keiichi (ex-Moonriders), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, James Iha, pupa, M.O (YMO without the "Y"?), and many others! Also check out the captivating jacket artwork, art direction by Shindō Mitsuo (C.T.P.P.)!

An edition limited to 2000 comes with a T-shirt (one size, see it here) by James Iha's brand Vaporize. At time of writing, Amazon and YesAsia are still taking pre-orders for this one.

A 60th Anniversary show will be held at Tokyo's Bunkamura Orchard Hall on December 22. Tickets go on sale September 29.

Most tracks can be sampled at the official release page.

Various Artists "Red Diamond ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~"

(Title / Artist)
1. sayonara / Miyazawa Rie
2. What, Me Worry? ～ It's Gonna Work Out / Wow Wow Hippies （Kogure Shinya+Takakuwa Kiyoshi+Shirane Kenichi+Leo Imai)
3. Forever Bursting Into Flame / Todd Rundgren
4. genki nara ureshii ne / pupa
5. Are You Receiving Me? / Hidaka Tōru Band Set
6. Drip Dry Eyes / O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo+Sunahara Yoshinori+Towa Tei) with Valerie Trebeljahr
7. X'mas Day In The Next Life / Suzuki Keiichi
8. Now And Then...... / Steve Jansen
9. Bijin Kyoshi At The Swimming School ~ I-Kasu! / Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
10. Where Are You Heading To? / James Iha
11. nagareboshi hitotsu / Takano Hiroshi
12. Happy Children / M.O (Sakamoto Ryuichi+Hosono Haruomi)

Toshiba EMI TOCT-29028
Out 8/8, ¥2858 (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.

Here's this year's compilation for Ishino Takkyū's arena techno party WIRE, to be held on August 25 at Yokohama Arena. Included are several branc new tracks by Ishino Takkyū, Sunahara Yoshinori, Tanaka Fumiya, Ken Ishii & Mickey Zhang, DJ Sodeyama, and Frank Müller, as well as a new mix of Denki Groove's latest single.

Last month was released a compilation of all tracks Takkyū contributed to WIRE compilations since 1999, "WIRE TRAX 1999-2012".

Tickets to WIRE are on sale through Pia (171-025), Lawson (78703), etc.

Various Artists "WIRE12 Compilation"

Disc 1
1. Frank Müller / Wicked WIRE
2. FORMAT:B / Piano Man
3. Denki Groove / Shameful (Wire Mix)
4. Jesper Dahlback / Nyhus - Part 1
5. Ishino Takkyū / Uncertain Ratio
6. DJ Hell & A. Brother feat. P. Diddy / The DJ (Spencer Parker Edit Of Radio Slave)
7. DJ Tasaka / Gotwatuneed
8. Rebolledo / Super Vatos Featuring Matias Aguayo
9. Ken Ishii & Mickey Zhang / Far Eastern Waves
10. Rythim Is Rythim / Noble Days, Noble Knights / Drive

Disc 2
1. Sunahara Yoshinori / The Manufacture process (Beta)
2. Butch / Amnesia Haze
3. Tanaka Fumiya / Summer Fuji
4. Portable / Albatross
5. Dusty Kid / Polybolo
6. Robert Hood / Superman
7. DJ Sodeyama / Touch
8. Gary Beck / Fell It
9. A.Mochi / Reconstruction (System 7 Remix)

Ki/oon KSCL-2078
Out 8/1, ¥3200 (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.

Perfume's next single is coming next month! Very cute new outfits too! B-side "Point" has already been heard on Hyōketsu TV commercials (watch below).

To those who want the limited edition, which comes with a DVD of the title track's video, it's now time to place your orders! Also most pre-orders for both editions come with a poster (except Amazon and regular-priced YesAsia), see details on the ordering links below.

Perfume "Spending all my time"

1. Spending all my time
2. Point
3. Hurly Burly
4. Spending all my time -Original Instrumental-
5. Point -Original Instrumental-
6. Hurly Burly -Original Instrumental-

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Universal UPCP-9002
Out 8/15, ¥1696 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon (10% off *), YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
Order with poster: HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal UPCP-5002
Out 8/15, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, YesAsia
Order with poster: HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

"Spending all my time"

Hyōketsu TV commercial (song: "Point")

New-jazz band Blu-Swing has a 2nd original album coming. Along their original songs are included covers of "Say You Love Me" and "Free". This follows their first original album "Revision" (2008).

Blu-Swing can be seen live on July 28 at Shibuya Plug (details here).

Blu-Swing "Find Your Way"

1. Find Your Way
2. shinkirō feat. Vasko Vassilev & Pamela Nicholson
3. taiyō no Veil feat. Vasko Vassilev & Pamela Nicholson
4. It Was You
5. Say You Love Me
6. Interlude
7. Days Of Life
8. The Light
9. Ray Of Sunlight
10. Laira
11. Free
12. Barcelona
13. hitohira

Diaa YZDI-10050
Out 7/25, ¥2381 (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.

Album trailer (song: "taiyō no Veil")

Sample all other songs here on YouTube.

Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass) and Christian Fennesz. Some bits that weren't aired on TV are also included.

YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)

1. Improvisation
2. Firecracker
3. Behind the Mask
4. The City of Light
5. Seoul Music
6. Gradated Gray
7. Taiso
8. Thousand Knives
9. Cosmic Surfin' ~ Absolute Ego Dance
10. Rydeen
11. Cue
12. Tong Poo

Blu-ray edition (Region-free NTSC)
commmons RZXM-59113
Out now (7/18), ¥5200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (22% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (21% off *) ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
commmons RZBM-59112
Out now (7/18), ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (22% off *), HMV (15% off *), Tower Records (21% off *) ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Here's a 3rd digital single from mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai. Same formula as before, with the song released in both Japanese and English.

The sexy video (seen below) was directed by Tokiwa Hibiki, and doesn't feature Julie but rather model Aizawa Rina.

High-quality audio is also available through Japanese indie site Ototoy. The video has yet to be released in full-length.

mishmash* Julie Watai "Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (Download)

mishmash*
Out now (7/15)
Order: , Amazon Japan, Amazon U.S.

mishmash* Julie Watai "Gradol wo utanaide" (Download)
mishmash* Julie Watai 「グラドルを撃たないで」

mishmash*
Out now (7/15)
Order: , Amazon Japan, Amazon U.S.

"Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (short version)
(Not quite safe for work!)
(The Japanese version clip is here on YouTube.)

See also:
"Veiled by Reverb" (Download)
"Roll of Love" (Download)

Proficient voice actress Hanazawa Kana has a 2nd single coming, and all 3 songs are written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi!

A limited edition contains a DVD of the title track's music video.

Hanazawa Kana "hatsukoi no oto"
花澤香菜 「初恋ノオト」

1. hatsukoi no oto
2. hadashi no vacation!!
3. niji no sora
4. hatsukoi no oto (Instrumental)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Aniplex SVWC-7863
Out 7/18, ¥1600 (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)
Aniplex SVWC-7865
Out 7/18, ¥1200 (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.

"hatsukoi no oto"

Fishmans is a band that's been around for now over 20 years. After a long hiatus they came back at the beginning of 2011 under the name Fishmans+, and together with a vast number of collaborators they have made efforts to help the Tohoku cause.

This first CD release is a studio-mixed version of a live recording streamed on Dommune last year, featuring artists such as Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Harada Ikuko (clammbon), Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Hanaregumi and more. Also, remixes by Sakamoto Ryūichi, Ishino Takkyū and Umeda Tetsuya are included.

The full concert in its raw form has been made available before on digital charity label DIY Hearts.

Audio samples can be heard at CDJapan.

Fishmans+ "A Piece of Future"

1. A Piece of Future 2012
2. A Piece of Future - Sakamoto's Lure Mix for Fishmans
3. A Piece of Future - Takkyu Ishino Remix
4. A Piece of Future - Umeda Tetsuya played Cassette Tape.
5. A Piece of Future 2011
6. A Piece of Future - Radio Mix

commmons RZCM-59105
Out now (7/11), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Phantom GIft), has released a deluxe CD edition of its latest 7", "anata ni maketa no" (2010). The band also features singers Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), Lemon, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro (Hicksville), organist Nakayama Tsutomu and drummer Shirane Kenichi (Great 3).

Included are the two songs from the 7" plus two new recordings (covers of Wada Akiko and Sawada Kenji), 3 remixes (by Pillow Talk 2 and Shirane Kenichi) and an instrumental. Pillow Talk 2 is a sub-unit of Sally's psychedelic band Pillow Talk 4, with Narita Masaki. The first pressing is said to come with a bonus DVD-R of some live footage!

The original 7" can be sampled at Jet Set.

Sally Soul Stew "Blue Angel Deluxe"
サリー・ソウル・シチュー 「あなたに負けたのデラックス」
Japanese title: "anata ni maketa no Deluxe"

1. Golden Cup (love generation mix) (Remixed by Pillow Talk 2)
2. Blue Angel (anata ni maketa no)
3. Golden Cup
4. Boy And Girl
5. White Room (anata dake de ii)
6. Blue Angel (anata ni maketa no) (love revolution mix) (Remixed by Pillow Talk 2)
7. Blue Angel (anata ni maketa no) (manmancer mix) (Remixed by Shirane Kenichi)
8. Blue Angel (anata ni maketa no) (Instrumental)

Clinck Records CRCD-5042
Out now (6/27), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Singer-songwriter Minmi has a new single out now. Title track was co-arranged by Osawa Shinichi, and B-side "taiyō no shita de" was written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)!

A limited edition comes with a DVD of the title track's music video.

Minmi "Lalala ~ai no uta~"
MINMI 「ラララ ～愛のうた～」

1. Lalala ~ai no uta~
2. taiyō no shita de
3. Lalala ~ai no uta~ (nissen,ver.)
4. Hibiscus (LIVE TOUR "himawari" ~Road to 10th Anniversary~ at Saitama Super Arena)
5. Macana (LIVE TOUR "himawari" ~Road to 10th Anniversary~ at Saitama Super Arena)
6. Lalala ~ai no uta~ (Instrumental)
7. taiyō no shita de (Instrumental)
8. Lalala ~ai no uta~ (nissen,ver.) (Instrumental)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Universal UMCF-9614
Out now (7/4), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon , HMV (10% off *), Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal UMCF-5098
Out now (7/4), ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Lalala ~ai no uta~ (Short Version)"

There's a new Puffy ("AmiYumi") tribute album, of their songs covered by Okamoto's, Guitar Wolf, LOW IQ 01, Okuda Tamio and many others. 10 of the tracks are brand new recordings.

Audio samples of all songs at CDJapan.

Various Artists "Puffy Covers"

(Artist / Title)
1. The Birthday / dare ka ga
2. LOW IQ 01 / MOTHER
3. Okuda Tamio / Circuit no musume
4. Yoshii Kazuya / kuchibiru Motion
5. Saitō Kazuyoshi / hare onna
6. Spitz / ai no shirushi
7. ROLLY / tararan
8. Fujifabric / Bye Bye
9. Kishidan / My Story
10. Group tamashii / nagisa ni matsuwaru Et Cetera
11. The Cromagnons / hasanjauze
12. Okuda Tamio / Oriental Diamond (Home demo recording)
13. the pillows / umi e to
14. magokoro Brothers / kore ga watashi no ikiru michi
15. Guitar Wold / onnna Machinegun
16. OKAMOTO'S / Jet keisatsu
17. Inoue Yosui Okuda Tamio / Asia no junshin

Ki/oon KSCL-2061
Out now (7/4), ¥3048 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

This is the latest of label Grand Gallery's "Tokyo Luxury Lounge" series, featuring some of the best and latest of Japan's club artists. This time included are Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kinbara Chieko, Octet Sunaga t (Sunaga Tatsuo), Studio Apartment, Coldfeet, i-dep, Daishi Dance, and more. Included are many tracks previously unreleased or for the first time on CD.

Audio samples at Grand Gallery

Various Artists "Tokyo Luxury Lounge 5"

1. Hideo Kobayashi / Fearless feat. Lisa Shaw (Deep in Shibuya Mix)
2. Coldfeet / Rain Come Down (TLL Mix)
3. DJ Kawaski / Promises feat. Terrance Downs (Shuya Okino Re-Edit)
4. Daishi Dance / Planetarium. (unreleased 20091228 Remix)
5. Chieko Kinbara / Heart of Fire (Kiko Navarro Reprise Mix)
6. Octet Sunaga t feat. Jukka Eskola / Kyev
7. Studio Apartment feat. Monique Bingham / Flight (Franky Rizardo Dub)
8. Yasushi Ide / Shadows of Fire (Hideo Kobayashi Remix)
9. Shuya Okino / Shine feat. Diviniti (Pirahnahead Remix - DJ Radio Edit)
10. i-dep / Dream to dream (we are one -club edit)
11. Takeshi Nakatsuka / On and On (montuno edit)
12. Saiko / Say The Words

Grand Gallery XQKF-1028
Out 7/11, ¥2500 (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.

See also:
"Tokyo Luxury Lounge"
"Tokyo Luxury Lounge 2"
"Tokyo Luxury Lounge 3"
"Tokyo Luxury Lounge 4"

Virtual idol Hatsune Miku sings Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Kahimi Karie, Kaji Hideki, Original Love and Ozawa Kenji in this Shibuya-kei cover compilation put together by producers from the Vocaloid scene. Two original songs are also included as bonus tracks.

Official release page

Various Artists "Shibuya-kei feat. Hatsune Miku"
オムニバス 「渋谷系 feat. 初音ミク」

1. konya wa Boogie Back (feat. NemP) (Original: Ozawa Kenji feat. Scha Dara Parr)
2. Baby Portable Rock (feat. koyori (DenporuP)) (Original: Pizzicato Five)
3. Humming ga kikoeru (feat. NemP) (Original: Kahimi Karie)
4. bokuwa ga tabi ni deru riyū (feat. koyori (DenporuP)) (Original: Ozawa Kenji)
5. koi to Machinegun (Young, Alive, In Love) (feat. koyori (DenporuP)) (Original: Flipper's Guitar)
6. Lovely (feat. daniwellP) (Original: Ozawa Kenji)
7. Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (the night is still young) (feat. daniwellP) (Original: Pizzicato Five)
8. Corolla II ni koi o shita (feat. daniwellP) (Original: Kaji Hideki)
9. seppun Kiss (feat. NemP) (Original: Original Love)
Bonus tracks
10. suiyō Rain Dance / NemP feat. Hatsune Miku
11. Shibuya Twinkle Planet / Miracle Cider with koyori (DenporuP) feat. Hatsune Miku

Warner WPCL-11058
Out 7/11, ¥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.

"Baby Portable Rock (feat. koyori (DenporuP))"

"Corolla II ni koi o shita (feat. daniwellP)"

"konya wa Boogie Back (feat. NemP)"

Perfume have a new DVD coming of their latest tour for album "JPN". This DVD consists of the show in their hometown of Hiroshima held on April 1st this year. 21 songs are included!

At this time, online shops are alrealdy mostly sold out on the limited edition, though YesAsia seems to still taking orders, consider this your last chance. The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with some bonus tracks from the Saitama Super Arena and Budōkan (Tokyo) shows, and a multi-angle version of "Spice".

The regular edition is still available everywhere, and some shops include a poster. See details below.

Perfume "Perfume 3rd Tour 'JPN'" (DVD)

1. The Opening
2. Laser Beam (Album-mix)
3. VOICE
4. Electro World
5. One Room Disco
6. Have a Stroll
7. toki no hari
8. kasukana kaori
9. Spice
10. JPN Special
11. GLITTER (Album-mix)
12. JPN Medley
13. Polyrhythm
14. 「P.T.A.」 no Corner
15. FAKE IT
16. nee
17. Jenny wa gokigen naname
18. Chocolate Disco
19. MY COLOR
Encore
20. Dream Fighter
21. kokoro no Sport

Regular edition (1 DVD only)
Universal UPBP-1001
Out 8/1, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon (27% off *), HMV (26% off *), YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
Order with poster (while supplies last): CDJapan, YesAsia, HMV (15% off), Tower (Japan only) (21% off)

Limited edition (2 DVDs)
Universal UPBP-9001
Out 8/1, ¥6191 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, YesAsia (without poster)
Order with poster: YesAsia

TV commercial for when the show was shown on pay channel WOWOW

Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) has a new album out now, a collection of all his original contributions to the compilations for his annual WIRE arena techno party. A 2nd disc consists of rare related tracks that were used in commercials or given to those who bought advance tickets. The first pressing comes as a digipak.

This year's WIRE compilation will be released on August 1st, and the event will be held on August 25 at Yokohama Arena (details here).

Takkyu Ishino "WIRE TRAX 1999-2012"
石野卓球 「WIRE TRAX 1999-2012」

Disc 1 "from WIRE COMPILATION albums"
1. Bitter Sweet Break Down (Edit) / WIRE99 COMPILATION (1999)
2. Suck me Disco (Takkyu I. Rmx) (Edit) / WIRE00 COMPILATION (2000)
3. Hyperspeed (Long ver.) / WIRE01 COMPILATION (2001)
4. WIREWIRE / WIRE02 COMPILATION (2002)
5. Drums And Wires / WIRE03 COMPILATION (2003)
6. Tesco Figilico / WIRE04 COMPILATION (2004)
7. Macaronic Train / WIRE05 COMPILATION (2005)
8. MabuchiMortorHeadPhoneCableGuy (J20) / WIRE06 COMPILATION (2006)
9. St.Petersburg / WIRE07 COMPILATION (2007)
10. Slaughter & Dog (Edit) / WIRE09 COMPILATION (2009)
11. 7th Tiger (W10 Mix) / WIRE10 COMPILATION (2010)
12. Five Fingers / WIRE11 COMPILATION (2011)

Disc 2 "for Media ads, Unreleased and the Others"
1. Pinhead / WIRE02 COMPILATION (2002)
2. Spike it out (Unreleased track) / WIRE05 COMPILATION (2005)
3. WIRE05 Ad / WIRE05 / (2005)
4. Shout To Die (Unreleased track) / (2005)
5. WIRE06 Ad / WIRE06 / (2006)
6. WIRE08 Ad / WIRE08 / (2008)
7. WIRE10 Ad / Kweek / WIRE10 / (2010)
8. Carrie / WIRE10 / (2010)
9. WIRE12 Ad / WIRE12 / (2012)

Ki/oon KSCL 2071
Out now (7/4), ¥2700 (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.

"Shout To Die (Edit)"

It's a dream come true: Tokyo's Motown sound girls' group the Scooters are back! The band directed by Shindō Mitsuo have a new album coming, 30 years since their previous only original album "musumegokoro wa Scooters" (1982).

The first cut from the album is "kanashii uwasa" (aka "I heard it through the grapevine"), a song written by Konishi Yasuharu. Check out the video below to be convinced of everything. Sally Kubota also plays bass.

Other songs include one by Tsutsumi Kyōhei, another by Shindō Mitsuo with organist Emerson Kitamura, and covers of Bananarama and The Breakaways.

Scooters "Une Manche et La Belle"
スクーターズ 「女は何度も勝負する」
Japanese title: "onna wa nando mo shōbu suru"

1. INTRODUCTION
2. LOVE+LOVE
3. kamisama onegai
4. Hey girl
5. Love
6. kanashii uwasa
7. Loveless
8. REMEMBER ~ano koro yume ni ikite~
9. Ghost
10. He Doesn't Love Me
11. Scooters no Theme

Hotwax trax CD-1002
Out 7/11, ¥2667 (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.

"kanashii uwasa"

Rocketman has a new dance track out now on iTunes Japan, featuring rapper Verbal from m-flo. The song is currently #1 in the dance chart.

A new album has also just been announced for release on August 8. Stay tuned! Meanwhile other songs will be released in advance for download on July 18 and 25.

Rocketman feat. Verbal (m-flo) "koi Romantic!!" (Download)
ROCKETMAN feat. VERBAL (m-flo) 「恋ロマンティック!!」

Victor VEAML-26089
Out now (7/4), ¥239 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy:

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas

This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab digital label is a release by Iga-Bang BB, a big band of 17 musicians led by trombonist Igarashi Makoto. This first release from the band contains 2 original songs. This is another instant #1 in iTunes Japan's jazz chart!

Iga-Bang BB "Bang!" (Download)
イガバンBB 「BANG!」

1. SECOND LINE
2. The Sputnik Sweetheart

Delicatessen Recordings
Out now (7/4), ¥400
Sample/buy: (World), (Japan)

Brand new from White Lily Records is a first album by Nag Ar Juna. Behind this strange name is the band project of Hashimoto Tatsuki, better known for his production works for the likes of Harvard and Kaji Hideki, and who has previously been active under the name Strauss.

Jet Set has a special LP edition that comes with the CD.

Nag Ar Juna "How Many Friends Can Die Happily?"

1. Winterreise
2. House Of Ashes
3. Relic
4. Nero
5. How Many Friends Can Die Happily?
6. Anger
7. Too Late For The Party
8. Snooty Cherry
9. Weekend
10. Things Lost In Getting Old

CD edition
White Lily Records DQC-920 (WLCD-004)
Out 7/4, ¥2100
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan, Jet Set, (Japan), (World)

LP+CD edition
White Lily Records WLLP-002
Out 7/4, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out this week! "Non-Section" is a rocking catchy pop tune. The video for this song also gives life to a few scenes from their recently released photo book.

This comes in 3 different editions..! The two limited editions (one coming with a DVD, and the other with a photo booklet of offshoots from the photo book) have an extra B-side. You'll have to look closely to notice the differences in the artwork, on which the two wear different shoes.

Vanilla Beans "Non-Section"
バニラビーンズ 「ノンセクション」

1. Non-Section
2. himitsu
3. kimi ga boku o shitteru (Limited editions only)
4. Non-Section (Instrumental)
5. himitsu (Instrumental)

Limited edition (CD+DVD+Bonus track)
T-Palette Records TPRC-18
Out 7/4, ¥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.

Limited edition (CD+Booklet+Bonus track)
T-Palette Records TPRC-19
Out 7/4, ¥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.

Regular edition (CD only)
T-Palette Records TPRC-20
Out 7/4, ¥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.

"Non-Section"

The latest from Yasuda Toshiyuki is a concept mini-album featuring robot-bossa original song "Spa on the Moon", and covers of it by artists of various different genres. Find out more about each track on the official release page.

Now available exclusively on iTunes worldwide.

Various Artists "Spa on the Moon" (Download)

1. Spa On the Moon (Original)
2. Spa On the Moon (Meu Coração Version)
3. Spa On the Moon (Los Recyclers Version)
4. Spa On the Moon (Burro Típico Version)
5. Spa On the Moon (Firo Version)
6. Spa On the Moon (Live At "We "Hub" Music!" Version)

Megadolly MDD1209
Out now (6/27), ¥900
Buy/sample:

hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio featuring Gallantique Kazue, has a new groovy single out now. All 3 songs are produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. Included are covers of Gal ("Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero") and Messengers ("That's The Way A Woman Is") and an original song.

hoshikuzu Scat "Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)"
星屑スキャット 「マグネット･ジョーに気をつけろ（シングル・バージョン）」

1. Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)
2. ki ni naru onna no ko (That's The Way A Woman Is)
3. hoshikuzu Scat no Theme
4. Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version) (Original karaoke)
5. ki ni naru onna no ko (That's The Way A Woman Is) (Original karaoke)
6. hoshikuzu Scat no Theme (Original karaoke)

Columbia COCA-16611
Out now (6/27), ¥1143 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)"