Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Don't recall hearing of ryo fukawa? It's Rocketman! This new album has been released on his real name, Fukawa Ryō. Included are a few recent singles previously released for download only, such as "Mermaid" feat. Cana (Sotte Bosse). There are also dancefloor-ready covers of "My favorite things" (Richard Rodgers), "la mer" (Charles Trenet) and "Pavane pour une infante défunte" (Ravel). Several tracks have been posted before on his SoundCloud.

ryo fukawa "life is music

1. Goodbye to love
2. everynight
3. ordinary morning
4. walkin' in the sunshine
5. Mermaid feat. Cana
6. My favorite things remix
7. la mer remix
8. Goodbye to love II
9. the sound of stars
10. ALL I WANT IS MY MUSIC
11. life is music
12. Pavane pour une infante défunte remix
13. end of summer
14. ai no gachi Mode

tenohira Records DQC-1126
Out now (7/24), ¥2381 (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.

Tracks from ryo fukawa's SoundCloud
(Some versions may be different from the album)

Masanori Ikeda (SoundCloud) (aka Mansfield) has a new album out now! This is actually his first original album under this name, and it contains a variety of tracks released over the recent years in vinyl or digital forms, including "Mu" and "Fantom Finger" released just a few months ago on Beatport. Album versions of "Ribbon" and "City Lights" are included.

A 12" EP of 3 tracks from the album is planned for release late August (Jet Set, Juno).

Masanori Ikeda "The Loud Works"
池田正典 「The Loud Works」

1. Ribbon (Album Version)
2. City Lights (E.T. Remix Edit)
3. Magnolias Part 2
4. Fantom Finger
5. Mu
6. Afro Tipsy Part 2
7. Magnolias Part 1
8. Seeds
9. City Lights (Album Version)

Flower Records FLRC-68
Out now (7/24), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

See also:
Various Artists "Massage Nonmix" (2009)
Various Artists "Silent Dream 2 - mixed by Masanori Ikeda" (2008)
Ikeda Masanori "New Balearic House" (2008)
Various Artists "space program [NONSTOP WAVE]" (2005)
Various Artists "Playroom presents Soma & Classic Room Play Selection" (2005)
Various Artists "Electrock 'Playroom' edition mix & edit by Ikeda Masanori" (2005)
Various Artists "Playroom 2" (CCCD) (2004)

This is a compilation from Harajuku-based agency Asobisystem, home of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and also behind parties "Asobinite!!!" and "Takenoko!!!". Featured are songs by many artists who have participated in these events. capsule's new track "Rainbow" is included, as well as an extended mix of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's "PONPONPON" available on CD for the first time. Also tracks by FPM, m-flo, 80KIDZ, Ram Rider, Rip Slyme, MEG, Dexpistols, & more.

Various Artists "ASOBITUNES"

1. capsule / Rainbow
2. RIP SLYME / nettaiya -Yasutaka Nakata (capsule) Remix-
3. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu / PONPONPON -extended mix-
4. Hasta la vista / Cocktail (amigo edit)
5. MEG / SECRET ADVENTURE
6. Una / JUICY JUICY -Teki Latex Remix-
7. livetune adding Yun*chi / sign
8. RAM RIDER / GALAXY
9. DEXPISTOLS / MIDNIGHT SEVENSTARS
10. THE LOWBROWS / ERUPTION
11. 80KIDZ / RED STAR
12. DAISHI DANCE+SHINJI TAKEDA / SAX@ARENA
13. Kentaro Takizawa / Keep Love Together feat. The BIG ROOM Family a.k.a Mika Arisaka & Ryohei with SAWA, Mika Sawabe
14. m-flo ♥ MINMI / Lotta Love
15. FPM / Without You

Warner WPCL-11225
Out 7/31, ¥2600 (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.

Digest clip

Idol Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48) has a first full-length solo album out now, and it's produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar)! The album Includes a remix by Dub Master X, and the art direction and design was done by Sally Kubota.

See if you can resist the space lounge disco pop of the clip below!

A limited LP edition is also available at Jet Set and Amazon.

Hoshino Michiru "hoshi ga Michiru"
星野みちる 「星がみちる」

1. hoshikage no Stella
2. i-ji-wa-ru Darling
3. watashi wa Schedy
4. Orange iro
5. Orange iro - Dub's sweet orange dub -
6. shinkū Kiss
7. Twilight Blue
8. Wonderland
9. issho ni tabi suru kimi e
10. Stardust

high contrast HCCD-9538
Out now (7/17), ¥2300 (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.

"watashi wa Schedy (short ver.)"

"i-ji-wa-ru Darling"

Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released to coincide with the screenings of French movie "Cloclo" (IMDB) in Japan this summer.

New songs are by hihōkan, Saeki Kenzō & Club Je t'aime feat. Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), Tamaki Chiharu feat. Okada Tohru (Moonriders), and Saeki Kenzō & Club Je t'aime feat. Baccabonne.

Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"

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

Vivid Sound VSCD-1748
Out now (7/17), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

YMCK "Cette année là"

Elektel feat. Matsuo Kiyonori "Alexandrie Alexandra"

Budo Grape "urara urara ka"

This is a mix CD by hip-hop unit Cypress Ueno and Roberto Yoshino made of only tracks from Tower Records' idol-only T-Palette label. Included are songs by Vanilla Beans, Negicco, lyrical school, Rhymeberry, LinQ, Shizukaze & Kizuna and Up Up Girls (kari). A great opportunity to catch up with the label's great line-up.

Various Artists "T-Palette Records 2nd Anniversary Mix ~Diggin' on you~"

1. CHIKU-TAKU / LinQ
2. GET IT ON! / Negicco
3. Respectokyo / Up Up Girls (kari)
4. Doctor, onegai / Vanilla Beans
5. Capsule Capsule / Shizukaze & Kizuna
6. R.O.D. / Rhymeberry
7. sekaijū ni I Love You / Rhymeberry
8. Choco Mint Flavor Time / Vanilla Beans
9. oide yo / lyrical school
10. sorya natsu da! / lyrical school
11. tsukushinbō / Shizukaze & Kizuna
12. kanzen kōryaku / Negicco
13. Ōsumi Time / Vanilla Beans
14. yume miru shippo / Vanilla Beans
15. ano machi no sora / LinQ
16. Pretty Woman / LinQ
17. Sweet Soul Negi- / Negicco
18. Let's Feel Together / LinQ
19. Yellow Fuckin' Idol? / Shizukaze & Kizuna
20. sutorera! ~Straight Up!~ / Up Up Girls (kari)
21. Idol bakari kikanai de / Negicco
22. Summer vacation / Vanilla Beans

T-Palette Records TPRC-0048
Out now (7/17), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

LinQ "CHIKU-TAKU"

Rhymeberry "sekaijū ni I Love You"

More clips after the jump...

Seiji is a singer from Osaka who takes his roots from French chanson. He has already been active for several years on stage, but had never got around to record his music. He decided to ask Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) to produce this first mini-album, which consists mainly of covers of some of his favorite old hits, but also original song "kuchibiru ni uta o". All songs are sung in Japanese, and arranged by Seiji himself.

Featured musicians are Kaji Hideki (narration), Koshi Miharu, Takekawa Masahiro (Moonriders), Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quarter, ShibusaShirazu), and Maïa Barouh (daughter of Pierre Barouh). K-taro also sings chorus on one song.

This is a first of a trilogy (at least), the next CD to be released around December maybe.

Seiji "Smooth Chanson kuchibiru ni uta o"
聖児 「Smooth Chanson くちびるに歌を」

1. koi o shiyo yo! (Recitation)
2. C'est si bon
3. Je te veux
4. ai no owari ni (Recitation)
5. La javanaise
6. La java bleue
7. Bon voyage
8. kuchibiru ni uta o

Cinémoi Records XQDQ-1401
Out now (6/19), ¥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.

"kuchibiru ni uta o"

"Je te veux"

nakayoshi group is an up-and-coming band that comes with a fresh-sounding lo-fi new wave sound. This first CD release comes from 80KIDZ' recently started PARK label.

Ordering at HMV will get you a free badge (while supplies last).

Release official page

nakayoshi group "The Jesus vs Cheatman"

1. Theme of Nakayoshi Group
2. Final Ridge Racer
3. Haru no Arashi
4. Psycho Drastic Kiss
5. Horror
6. Total Recall

PARK XQLR-1002
Out 7/24, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Spotify, Juno
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Psycho Drastic Kiss"

"haru no arashi"

Preview clips of all tracks

Playtime Rock (blog) is the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and flutist/singer Ichiba Mina. After last year's split-album "Evening Primrose" (2012), here comes their real first full-length album "Play Time". Half of the tracks are covers of foreign songs but sung in Japanese, all arranged by K-taro, while the rest consists of originals (one song, "motto zutto" was previously heard on "Evening Primrose" in a different version). The concept is soft rock, but there's a wonderful techno-pop bonus track that will also please those fond of this side of K-taro's music.

Guest musicians include Kinoco Hotel's Marinanne Shinonome and Isabel Keme-Kamogawa, and bassist Sally Kubota (all on track 1), and also Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quartet, ShibusaShirazu Orchestra) and more.

See also this report of a recent show in Tokyo.

playtime rock "Play Time"
プレイタイム・ロック 「Play Time」

1. Coffee Rumba (surf & garage ver.)
2. Fever ~moechau wa
3. This Is Love ~it's groovy love
4. Never on Sunday
5. Mo - Do - Ka - Shi (cat song)
6. motto zutto (unplugged ver.)
7. suteki na Marché
8. Shanghai Lil
9. kongaragatte Blue
10. Heartbreak Hotel
11. Coffee Rumba (reggae ver.)
12. "kikaserarenai Radio" jingle
13. GO! GO! kikarajitan

Playtime Rock PTR-005
Out 7/24, ¥2667 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"This Is Love"

Album digest

sōtaiseiriron, band featuring singer Yakushimaru Etsuko, have a new album coming. It's been some 3 years since their previous proper album "Synchroniciteen" (2010), not counting remix/collaboration album "tadashii sōtaiseiriron" (2011).

HMV gives away an original sōtaiseiriron future calendar of year 2036 (while supplies last).

sōtaiseiriron can be seen live at Fuji Rock Festival 2013 on July 28.

sōtaiseiriron "Town Age"
相対性理論 「TOWN AGE」

1: Shanghai an
2: BATACO
3: YOU & IDOL
4: Kids No Return
5: Tatsumi tantei
6: kyūshin
7: John Q
8: hōkiboshi
9: teito Modern
10: tamatama New Town

mirai Records XNMR-68114
Out 7/24, ¥2500 (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.

"YOU & IDOL"

See also:
Yakushimaru Etsuko "yamiyami / Lonely Planet"

Negi-loving idol group Negicco from Niigata has a new album out now! This is actually their first real album, as their previous full-length release "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-" was made up of early tracks.

The new album includes latest single "Idol bakari kikanai de" written by Konishi Yasuharu, as well as songs produced by Yoshida Tetsuto, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), tofubeats, Ram Rider, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), Cypress Ueno & Robert Yoshino, and of course Negicco's main producer connie.

Negicco "Melody Palette"

1. ai no Tower of Love
2. anata to Pop With You!
3. Idol bakari kikanai de
4. imishin ☆ kamo dakedo
5. sōshi sōai
6. koi no EXPRESS TRAIN
7. GET IT ON!
8. Natashia
9. Route Seven no kioku
10. Negative Girls!
11. Negicco kara kimi e
12. Sweet Soul negi (grooveman's Jack Bounce Mix) remixed by grooveman Spot (ENBULL/Jazzy Sport/TettoryBLK)
13. New Torino Love (banvox remix) remixed by banvox

T-Palette Records TPRC-0047
Out now (7/17), ¥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.

"Idol bakari kikanai de"

Sampler clip of all songs presented by DJ Taro

More clips after the jump...

This promotion song from the city of Shizuoka was written by Hosono Haruomi (YMO), produced by Cornelius, and it's sung by Pierre Taki (Denki Groove)! Anime character Chibi Maruko-chan's creator Sakura Momoko and also Pierre Taki both originate from this city.

This release comes with a DVD of video clips for the two songs included. (The B-side doesn't involve the same artists.)

"Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo"
「まるちゃんの静岡音頭」

1. Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo
2. Let's GO Shizuoka
3. Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo (Original karaoke)
4. Let's GO Shizuoka (Original karaoke)

Warner WPZL-30651
Out now (7/17), ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo"

Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) has a new solo album out today. His back band consists of James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on guitar, Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group) on keyboards, Gondō Tomohiko on euphonium (etc.), and Takakuwa Kiyoshi (Curly Giraffe, GREAT3) on bass. Takahashi sings and plays drums. See this band photo at Natalie.

All tracks can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers.

Also released just a few weeks earlier is a live Blu-ray/DVD titled "One Fine Night ~60th Anniversary Live~" of a special 3½ hour show held on December 22, 2012. This comes with a 3-CD set of the same content plus a 160-page booklet. Find it at Amazon here: Blu-ray, Amazon.

Takahashi Yukihiro can be seen live at the World Happiness festival on August 11. Solo shows will also be held in Tokyo on September 21 and 23.

Takahashi Yukihiro "Life Anew"
高橋幸宏 「LIFE ANEW」

1. Looking For Words
2. All That We Know
3. Time To Go
4. Last Summer
5. End Of An Error
6. The Old Friends Cottage
7. Shadow
8. Ghost Behind My Back
9. That's Alright (It Will Be Alright)
10. Signs
11. World In A Maze
12. Follow You Down

Universal TOCT-29167
Out now (7/17), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"All That We Know"

(((sssurrounddd))), the city pop band of Illreme aka Kamoda Jun with Traks Boys' K404 and Crystal, has a 2nd album out now! "New Age" features guest musicians including Sunahara Yoshinori (who also contributed a remix to their latest 12"), Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa), Sawabe Wataru (Skirt) and Arauchi Yū (cero).

HMV gives away a sticker (while supplies last).

A release party will be held at Daikanyama Unit on September 15. Before that, a free mini-live can also be seen at Tower Records Shinjuku on August 24.

Audio samples of all tracks can be heard at CDJapan and other retailers linked below.

(((sssurrounddd))) "New Age"
(((さらうんど))) 「New Age」

1. Welcome to Brand New Age
2. Signal Signal
3. Imagination.oO
4. kimi wa New Age
5. Soul Music
6. Neon Tetra
7. kūchū bunkai suru I Love You
8. hankei 1m no natsu
9. Swan Song's Story
10. Hocus Pocus

Kakubarhythm DDCK-1031
Out 7/17, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"kimi wa New Age"

"kūchū bunkai suru I Love You"

See also:
1st album "(((sssurrounddd)))"

Guitarist singer-songwriter keme, aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa of Kinoco Hotel, has a 2nd solo album out now. With her solo project, keme shows a face different from her Kinoco Hotel skillful fuzzy solos, rather playing 70's-inspired folk rock and putting focus on her singing. A release party will be held at Shimokitazawa Club Que on July 14.

Also check out first album "eien no tabi" (2010, Amazon, HMV).

keme "shiranai sekai"
keme 「しらない世界」

1. shiranai sekai
2. ai to jiyū no hibi
3. nan no tame ni II
4. Curry Rice no uta
5. tsuki no yoru
6. zōmō kibō
7. yukue shirazu
8. 7fun kan no Kiss (Studio live)
9. koe ni naranai
10. samishii machi

Big Pink Records BPR-1006
Out now (7/3), ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"ai to jiyū no hibi (short version)"

The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has contributed a song to this character song album for anime "Photo Kano". The song in question, "Tinkle My Bell", is the one for character Maeda Kanon.

All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers below.

"TV Anime 'Photo Kano' Character Song Album 'Through The Camera'"
「TVアニメ『フォトカノ』キャラクターソングアルバム『THROUGH THE CAMERA』」

1. Lovegenic
2. Tinkle My Bell
3. mirai no hanayome
4. mizuiro Inside
5. kūsō Ripple
6. truth
7. onegai Rise Ball ♥
8. Teardrop Memories
9. koi no Stealth Assassin

Pony Canyon PCCG-01350
Out now (7/3), ¥2667 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Here's a new album from Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five). It has been 2 years since previous album "hakunetsu", and this new album goes yet into a different direction by taking an electric influence from the 80's.

This includes "Fashion Appeal" that was released as a digital single last April.

Original Love "Electric Sexy"
オリジナル・ラブ 「エレクトリックセクシー」

1. Superstar
2. Fashion Appeal
3. Everyday Everyday
4. Energy Supply
5. sen to sen
6. kirameki Young Man
7. Sailing Boat
8. ichigeki Attack
9. taiyō o se ni
10. kaeri no Bus

Wonderful World XQKP-1006
Out now (6/26), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Fashion Appeal (short version)"

Album digest

Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a first greatest hits album out now. This includes previous singles and favorites, as well as brand new songs "hatsukoi jigoku hen" and "tokai no Alice", and the previously unreleased "Baby Boom" and a remix of "momoiro Chronicle".

Urbangarde are also about to start a Japan tour, though the Tokyo/Chiba/Yokohama dates seem to be already sold out. Check out their site for more details.

Urbangarde "koi to kakumei to Urbangarde"
アーバンギャルド 「恋と革命とアーバンギャルド」

1. hatsukoi jigoku hen
2. tokai no Alice
3. onna no ko sensō
4. Sailor fuku o nuganai de
5. Baby Boom
6. mizutama byō
7. Concrete Girl
8. shūsei shūgisha
9. kizudarake no Maria
10. ashita jishin ga okottara
11. Skirt kakumei
12. tokimeki ni shisu
13. umarete mitai
14. yameru Idol
15. sayonara Subculture
16. momoiro Chronicle (zenei toshi gakuen gasshōdan Mix)

Universal UPCH-1935
Out now (6/19), ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"tokai no Alice"

More clips after the jump...!

This year celebrates 50 years since the recording of Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto's "Getz/Gilberto" album (recorded in 1963 and released in 1964). Here is a tribute album produced by Itō Gorō (naomi & goro) covering all of the 10 songs. A total of 19 musicians are featured, including Sakamoto Ryuichi, Kikuchi Naruyoshi, Tzboguchi Masayasu, Akita Goldman and Midorin (both of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions), Jaques Morelenbaum and more. Vocalists include Kahimi Karie, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Harada Tomoyo, Toki Asako, Fuse Naomi (naomi & goro), etc.

All tracks can be sampled on the official release page, or at the retailers linked below.

Various Artists "Getz/Gilberto + 50"
オムニバス 「ゲッツ/ジルベルト＋50」

1. The Girl From Ipanema
2. Doralice
3. Para Machuchar Meu Coracao
4. Desafinado
5. Corcovado
6. So Danco Samba
7. O Grande Amor
8. Vivo Sonhando

Verve/Universal UCCJ-2110
Out now (6/19), ¥2914 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Tommy february6 has a new album that was released last month. This follows the "February & Heavenly" album from last year, and contains both songs from the "Be My Valentine" single (Amazon) released on February 6th this year.

2013 marks the 15th anniversary of Kawase Tomoko's debut in 1998 with The Brilliant Green.

A limited edition comes with a DVD of the two clips below, plus special "dance videos" of the same songs. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers linked below.

Tommy February6 "TOMMY CANDY SHOP ♥ SUGAR ♥ ME"

1. FAIRY DUST
2. SUGAR ♥ ME
3. RUNAWAY
4. ANGEL FADE
5. SPACEY COWGIRL
6. PINK ARMY
7. AI NO ♥ AI NO HOSHI
8. MY VACATION
9. SUMMER BUBBLES
10. BE MY VALENTINE

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Warner WPZL-30596
Out now (6/12), ¥4096 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (20% off *), HMV (15% 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)
Warner WPCL-11416
Out now (6/12), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"SUGAR ♥ ME"

"RUNAWAY"

Towa Tei has a brand new album out now! "Lucky" is full of brand new songs including latest single "Radio". Many artists are featured, including all three of YMO, Dorian, Sugar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter), Sheena Ringo, Predawn, Bakubaku Dokin, visual artist Kusama Yayoi (who also contributed the artwork), and more.

Audio samples of all tracks can be heard at each retailer below. A limited LP edition with the same track list is also available. Also a special digital edition is available at Mach Beat with 2 alternate versions.

A release party will be held at Shibuya Vision on July 19 (info)

Towa Tei "Lucky"
テイ・トウワ 「ラッキー」

1. Radio with Yukihiro Takahashi & Tina Tamashiro
2. Blue For Girls, Pink For Boys
3. Abbesses with Ayaka Nakata
4. Kataburi
5. Licht
6. Terminal Kasih
7. Juxtapose
8. Apple with Ringo Sheena
9. Warm Jets
10. Genius with Aoi Teshima
11. Love Forever

CD
Warner WPCL-11516
Out now (7/10), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Limited edition LP
huginc. MB012013
Out now (7/10), ¥4800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon

"Radio"

"Apple"

Following last year's wonderful "City Dive", here's a new summer city pop album by singer hitomitoi! Again she is joined by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), Dorian, Kashif aka StringsBurn, as well as new collaborators LUVRAW & BTB, grooveman Spot and Avec Avec.

Premium shows at Billboard Live Tokyo will be held on August 10 (info).

hitomitoi "Surfbank Social Club"
一十三十一 「Surfbank Social Club」

1. surfbank social club 1
2. LAST FRIDAY NIGHT SUMMER RAIN
3. DOLPHIN
4. STARDUST TONIGHT
5. PRISMATIC
6. BEFORE VELVET HOUR
7. FEEL LIKE BAYSIDE LOVE
8. PASSION GIRL
9. LONESOME AIRPORT
10. METAMORPHOSE
11. surfbank social club 2
12. ENDLESS SUMMER HOLIDAY

Billboard Records HBRJ-1009
Out now (6/19), ¥2667 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia, (Japan ^‡), Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Album short film

Album digest

See also:
hitomitoi "YOUR TIME Route #1"

Misola is a recent band that debuted with a 7" last March, and now here comes a 1st album on Orange Records! The band actually features some famous members, with Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, now part of BANK, ex-Bridge) on guitars and Hirami Fumio (ex-Love Tambourines, also of BANK). The great line-up is completed with Matsumoto Yoriko (Noahlewis' Mahlon Taits) on vocals and keyboards, and Kitayama Yūko (lake) on drums.

The album's first pressing comes with a bonus CD of instrumentals.

Misola "Correspondence"

Disc-1
1. mi so la
2. kimi ga ite boku mo iru
3. tsuki ga tottemo aoi no de
4. sayonara arigatō
5. Moon & Cloud
6. amefuri
7. kaze no fuku yoru
8. akubi to negoto
9. TRAIN SONG (Original version)
10. It's so blue

Disc-2 (Karaoke) (Limited first pressing only)
1. kimi ga ite boku mo iru
2. tsuki ga tottemo aoi no de
3. sayonara arigatō
4. Moon & Cloud
5. amefuri
6. kaze no fuku yoru
7. akubi to negoto
8. TRAIN SONG (Original version)
9. It's so blue

Orange Records ORGR-46
Out now (6/12), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"kaze no fuku yoru"

"Train Song"

Album trailer

Singer Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new original album that was released in June. With an 80's city pop taste, the album has two songs of which the music was written by EPO.

Check out the video for "Tokyo Drive" below, and sample more songs on this discography page.

The limited edition comes with a live DVD of 12 songs, from a show held in February 2012 in Tokyo.

Toki Asako "Heartbreakin'"
土岐麻子 「HEARTBREAKIN'」

1. Awakening
2. Tokyo Drive
3. heartbreak
4. boku wa ai o katarenai
5. watashi no koi to Tokyo
6. tokushinjutsu
7. Girls (You are so special)
8. Profile
9. Overture
10. Rendez-vous in '58

DVD (Limited edition only)
"Very BEST of Live! TOKI ASAKO - 2012 BESTOKIMEX"
(February 2012 Stella Hall, Shinagawa, Tokyo)
1. OPENING ~LIBERTINE
2. heartbeat
3. Kamakura
4. Blue Bird
5. How Beautiful
6. yūgure yo
7. Romantic
8. nessa no onna
9. Gift ~anata wa Madonna~
10. Flamingo
11. Little Prayer
12. Fantasia

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
rhythm zone RZCD-59361
Out now (6/12), ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (19% off *), HMV (15% 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)
rhythm zone RZCD-59362
Out now (6/12), ¥3300 (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.

"Tokyo Drive"

Nagoya bedroom pop unit Lullatone has a new digital EP (or a modest 8-song album) that was released just last month. This one is meant to be a soundtrack to some hot fun in the summer sun. Get it for as cheap as $6 USD on Bandcamp.

Lullatone "Summer Songs" (Download)

1. Cannonball Splash
2. Splitting a Banana Split
3. Hot Sand
4. Race Against the Sunset
5. Grocery Shopping for a BBQ
6. Secretly Loving the Smell of Suntan Oil
7. Driving Home with a Towel on the Seat
8. Still Feeling the Waves When You Go to Bed

Out now (6/11)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

"Splitting a Banana Split"

This is a brand new EP from The Aprils! "High-Flying Girl" is a song that first appeared on NHK show "dai! tensai TV-kun" (official soundtrack info), but here it is presented in a self-cover version. Also included is short introduction "Flick and Shout", and a song made for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch game "Groove Catch".

Find audio samples on iTunes worldwide and each retailer linked below.

The Aprils "High-Flying Girl"
エイプリルズ 「ハイフライングガール」

1. FLICK AND SHOUT
2. High-Flying Girl (Original version)
3. Catch! Groove Catch!
4. Catch! Groove Catch! (reprise)

The Aprils Inc. DQC-1105
Out now (7/3), ¥953 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Amazon MP3 U.S., Amazon MP3 Japan
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"High-Flying Girl"

See also:
"Magical Girls" (2011)

Click The Aprils tag for more recent Aprils-related works.

CTO LAB., the "compact" electro-pop unit of unit of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), has a new single out now! This is the first single by the band, and the first release in their name since first album "Okie Dokie." (2010).

This new song was first used as the theme of NHK series "dai! tensai TV-kun", but here it is included in a reworked longer version. The shorter version heard on TV can be found on this other CD.

CTO LAB. "sekai wa BON HI-BON! ~ dai! tensai TV-kun no Theme 2013"
CTO LAB. 「世界は BON HI-BON! ～大!天才てれびくんのテーマ2013」

1. sekai wa BON HI-BON! (Original version)
2. sekai wa BON HI-BON! (Karaoke version)

Boundee by SSNW DQC-1097
Out now (7/3), ¥953 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Amazon MP3 U.S., Amazon MP3 Japan
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

See also:
Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
Chiroline ver.2 "Chit Chat Chiroline"
Moonriders "Caméra Égal Stylo Special Edition"

MEG has a new pair of singles out now, one as MEG and another as MEG Zombies. MEG Zombies' "Kiss or Bite" is produced by EDM artist TeddyLoid, while MEG's "Save" is produced by anime music composer Yokoyama Masaru. Each of the singles has a B-side written by Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro).

A limited edition consists of both singles nicely packaged together at a special price. They're also available separately.

MEG Zombies "Kiss or Bite"

1. KISS OR BITE
2. Gladiolus -yume nara ii no ni-
3. KISS OR BITE [off vocal ver.]
4. Gladiolus -yume nara ii no ni- [off vocal ver.]

MEG "Save"

1. SAVE
2. wasurenagusa -yume o miteita-
3. SAVE [off vocal ver.]
4. wasurenagusa -yume o miteita- [off vocal ver.]

Limited edition (both CDs in special packaging)
Starchild KICM-91451
Out now (6/5), ¥1715 (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.

MEG "Kiss or Bite" only
Starchild KICM-1451
Out now (6/5), ¥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.

MEG "Save" only
Starchild KICM-1452
Out now (6/5), ¥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.

"Kiss or Bite / MEG Zombies + Save / MEG"

Electro artist FQTQ (SoundCloud, Facebook page) has a new album out now (his 4th I believe). It features vocalists such as aco (spoon+), kuske (KPLECRAFT), Ōtsuki Maki and komaku Shredder.

Official release page

FQTQ "Hyperactive"

1. Super Hero feat. komaku Shredder
2. Mischivous Boy
3. Sweet Candy Chocolate feat. Ōtsuki Maki
4. Elephant Foot
5. yūniji wa hare feat. aco (spoon+)
6. Inside out feat. kuske (KPLECRAFT)
7. Warning
8. Decameron
9. Everybody Lies
10. Space Ride feat. kuske (KPLECRAFT)
11. Let's get all Drunk -album mix-
12. yozora o miagete
13. Little Girl (FQTQ version) feat. Ōtsuki Maki
14. yūniji wa hare feat. aco (Paricco remix)
15. Super Hero feat. komaku Shredder (Seimei & Taimei remix)

FQTQ Musiq FMCDZ-003
Out now (6/5), ¥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.

"Super Hero feat. komaku Shredder"

"yūniji wa hare feat. aco (spoon+)"

Album digest

Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has started a new compilation series called "Revisit". In this first offering he selects songs from the Chicago soul music label Brunswick. This release is only available digitally on iTunes Japan.

Various Artists "Revisit - Brunswick - selected by Tatsuo Sunaga" (Download)

1. Stoned Out Of My Mind / The Chi-Lites
2. You Got Be The One / Maryann Farra & Satin Soul
3. Said You Didn't Love Him / Strutt
4. We Need Love / Directions
5. Sally / The Chi-Lites
6. Love Land / Lost Generation
7. What'cha Gonna Do About Love / Jackie Wilson
8. Loving Explosion / The Eliminators
9. Fly / Exit9
10. South African Man / Bohannon
11. Hang Loose / Don Thompson
12. I'll Bake Me A Man / Barbara Acklin
13. Am I The Same Girl / Barbara Acklin
14. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me / The Chi-Lites
15. Honey Babe / Ginji James
16. Have You Seen Him / Dana Valery
17. Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) / The Chi-Lites
18. How Insensitive / Young-Holt Unlimited

Brunswick / Solid Records
Out now (6/5), ¥1200
Sample/buy:

How to buy from iTunes Japan from overseas