Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Girl duo hip-hop unit DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan ("DJ Miso soup & MC Rice", aka DMMG) have gained popularity with their DIY-style cooking-themed clips on YouTube for some time. Their first major release is this Christmas mini-album which was mastered by label-mate Sunahara Yoshinori.

A limited edition comes with a bonus disc that consists of indies mini-album "Mother's Food" released earlier this year. "Mother's Food" is also available on iTunes (World, Japan).

Also check out their official Facebook page.

DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan "oriori no oryōri ~X'mas~"
DJみそしるとMCごはん 「おりおりのおりょうり～X'mas～」

DIsc 1
1. hajime ni (11gatsu, 12gatsu)
2. Shortcake
3. Roast chicken
4. owari ni (12gatsu 26nichi)

Disc 2 (Limited edition only)
1. Scrambled egg
2. shiraae
3. gyūnyū kan
4. Piment no nikuzume
5. Macaroni gratin
6. daigaku imo
7. DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan no shushi setsumei

Limited edition (2 CDs)
Ki/oon Music KSCL-2340
Out 11/27, ¥2858 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (Disc 1 only)
Ki/oon Music KSCL-2342
Out 11/27, ¥1239 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Shortcake"

After a number of singles, here's finally a first full-length album from Hanae, a female singer produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron member who was also responsible for Tarte Tatin's brilliant 1st album "Tetrad"). She succeeds getting attention from both the "kawaii" scene, sharing stages with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and also indie rock fans.

The limited edition includes a bonus DVD of 4 video clips (watch the short versions below). HMV gives away a promo postcard with either edition.

Free in-store shows will be held at Tower Records Shibuya on November 28 from 15:00, and at Tower Records Akihabara on December 8 from 15:00. Hanae will also be part of a show at Shibuya O-Nest on December 5 with Nosa Reina, Ota Emiri, etc.

Hanae "jikkai Quiz"
ハナエ 「十戒クイズ」

1. kamisama hajimemashita
2. Boyz & Girlz
3. oui_oui
4. koi wa shinsei Roma
5. hengen Jesus
6. JUVENILE!!!!
7. Kiss Topics
8. shissōkan
9. Birthday Song
10. kanoyōna

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
EMI Records TYCT-69004
Out 11/27, ¥3791 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon (18% off *), 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)
EMI Records TYCT-60012
Out 11/27, ¥2839 (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.

"jikkai Quiz" trailer

"JUVENILE!!!! (short ver.)"

"koi wa shinsei Roma (short ver.)"

More clips after the jump...

OOIOO, band of the Boredoms' Yoshimi, has a new album out now. "Gamel" is built around the gamelan, a traditional Indonesian set of percussion instruments. The album was recorded by ZAK, a long time collaborator of bands such as Buffalo Daughter and The FIshmans.

Some audio samples can be heard at Jet Set.

OOIOO "Gamel"

1. Don Ah
2. Shizuku Gunung Agung
3. Pebarongan
4. Gamel Ninna Yama
5. Gamel Uma Umo
6. Gamel Kamasu
7. Atatawa
8. Jesso Testa
9. Gamel Udahah
10. Kecupat Aneh
11. Gamel Ulda

Shock City SHOCKCITY-00100
Out now (11/22), ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Don Ah (live)"

"Atatawa (live)"

Following spacey album "hoshi ga Michiru", here comes two new songs from Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48). Again this is produced by the winning combination of Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar)!

This is released as a limited edition 7" vinyl only, but the package includes a CD-R for those without a turntable. The jacket folds out into a small poster.

Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set.

Hoshino Michiru can be seen live at Aoyama Cay on November 25. The 7" will be sold in advance at the event.

Hoshino Michiru "Magic Hour" (7"+CD-R)
星野みちる「マジック・アワー」

A. Magic Hour
B. kono michi de

high contrast HCR-9663
Out 11/27, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A few months back Cornelius made the music for theatrical anime "Ghost In The Shell Arise", and here's finally the soundtrack! This includes opening theme "Ghost In The Shell Arise", as well as ending themes "jibun ga inai" (salyu x salyu), and "soto wa senjo da yo" (Aoba Ichiko + Cornelius).

Cornelius "'Ghost In The Shell Arise' Official Soundtrack"
コーネリアス 「『攻殻機動隊ARISE』O.S.T.」

1. Opening Title
2. GHOST IN THE SHELL ARISE
3. Surfin' on Mind Waves
4. Breaking Point
5. Instability Mobility
6. Highway Friendly
7. jibun ga inai
8. Confusion Diffusion
9. Self Running Landmine
10. Logicoma Beat
11. Mystic Past in the Mist
12. Encounter An Enemy
13. Motoko Action
14. ToughDAF
15. Solid Iced Air
16. soto wa senjō da yo
17. In The Shell
18. Star Cluster Collector
19. Ending Title

Flying Dog VTCL-60357
Out 11/27, ¥2858 (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.

"GHOST IN THE SHELL ARISE"

salyu x salyu "jibun ga inai"

salyu x salyu "jibun ga inai (studio ver.)"

This is a DVD of a full recital by Shōwa-style singer Nagisa Yōko. The show was held on October 4, 2008 at Shinjuku Koma Theater, shortly before the 1956-built gorgeous venue closed. Featured guests included Comoesta Yaegashi, Crazy Ken Band's Yokoyama Ken, dancers Delicious Sweets and more.

In addition of the entire show, the DVD contains some backstage footage. A limited edition comes with a replica of the show's official pamphlet as well as other goodies.

Nagisa Yōko "jitsuroku Shinjuku gebageba Recital ~ Nagisa Yōko Shinjuku koma gekijo"
渚ようこ 「実録・新宿ゲバゲバリサイタル〜渚ようこ新宿コマ劇場公演（初回限定盤）」

Limited edition (DVD+pamphlet)
Sounds Of Elegance SOE-1017
Out now (11/20), ¥4762 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, 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
Sounds Of Elegance SOE-1016
Out now (11/20), ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, (15% off *) Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer

"kamonegi ondo" (may be different from the DVD)

This jazz standards compilation was selected by jazz singer akiko with a focus on lyrics. Included is a previously unreleased song by akiko. The package comes as a 72-page book with a CD.

Some tracks can be sampled on this official release page.

Akiko can be seen live at the release party to be held on Sunday December 8 at Shibuya JZ Brat. Details here.

Various Artists "Couleur Cafe Presents JAZZ ME UP! with 21 jazz standard selected by akiko"

(Title / Artist)
1. Over The Rainbow / Vera Lynn
2. How High The Moon / Ella Fitzgerald
3. You're The Top! / Anita O'day
4. This Can't Be Love / Nat King Cole
5. Too Marvelous For Words / Billie Holiday
6. Don'cha Go 'Way Mad / Ella Fitzgerald
7. Don't Explain / Billie Holiday
8. Making Whoopee / Dinah Washington
9. I Love You, Porgy / Nina Simone
10. I'll Be Seeing You / Frank Sinatra
11. I Love You For Sentimental Reasons / Nat King Cole
12. My Baby Just Cares For Me / Nina Simone
13. Polka Dots and Moonbeams / Frank Sinatra
14. There Will Never Be Another You / Chet Baker
15. Body and Soul / Sarah Vaughan
16. For All We Know / Nat King Cole
17. Angel Eyes / June Christy
18. Lush Life / Nat King Cole
19. Cry Me A River / Julie London
20. They Can't Take That Away From Me / Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
21. The Good Life / akiko

LD&K Books LDBCD-012
Out now (11/19), ¥2300 (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.

Self-produced idol-songwriter Cutie Pai has a new single out now! Title track "Love chururi" was arranged by tessy (CANDLES). B-side "zutto, gyutto" is an image song for character Noobow who celebrates its 25th anniversary, this one was arranged by elect-link member Kinoe Tsuyoshi.

Cutie Pai "Love chururi"
Cutie Pai 「ラヴちゅるり」

1. Love chururi
2. zutto, gyutto (Noobow Image Song)
3. Love chururi (original karaoke)
4. zutto, gyutto (instrumental)

Cutie Pai Records CTPR-2003
Out now (11/13), ¥1143 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Promo clip from in-store event at Tower Records Ikebukuro

Composer Akira Kosemura has a new solo single out now. New song "niji no katana" featuring vocalist lasah is included in its original version plus 6 remixes. The remixers include Yasuda Toshiyuki (ex-FPM), I Am Robot And Proud and more.

A new album is also in the works, and vocalist auditions and a remix contest are being held. Those interested may find details here (in Japanese).

Release official site

Akira Kosemura "niji no kanata - seven colors variations -"
Akira Kosemura 「虹の彼方 - seven colors variations -」

1. Akira Kosemura / niji no kanata feat. lasah
2. I Am Robot And Proud Remix
3. Metome Remix
4. Toshiyuki Yasuda Remix
5. Madegg Remix
6. Lawrence English Remix
7. [.que] Remix

Schole SCH-032
Out now (11/13), ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"niji no kanata" teaser clip

TV show "sakaba hōrōki", a variety show in which host Yoshida Rui travels to visit bars in Tokyo and Japan. Celebrating the show's 10th anniversary, this CD contains music used in the show, as well as a new cover of "Bad Bad Whiskey" sung by the host. This new track is produced by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), seen playing bass in the video below!

"Yoshida Rui no sakaba hōrōki Soundtrack"
「吉田類の酒場放浪記サウンドトラック」

1. Egyptian Fantasy / The Klezmorim
2. Bad Bad Whiskey / Amos Milburn
3. Canton Opera - jokyoku - kotake-uri / yasen no tsuki gakuddan
4. Just One More Drink / Amos Milburn
5. Trouble In Mind / Jazz Pharaohs
6. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer / Amos Milburn
7. The Days of Wine and Roses / Eddie Higgins Trio
8. Bad Bad Whiskey (Studio Live Version) / Yoshida Rui
9. Bad Bad Whiskey (English Version) / Yoshida Rui
10. Bad Bad Whiskey (Karaoke)

BounDEE XQJX-1038
Out now (11/13), ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, YesAsia
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Bad Bad Whiskey (Studio Live Version)"

Sheena Ringo has two new albums out now. "ukina" consists of collaborations with other artists, including a new one with Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), and the previously unreleased "It Was You" written by Burt Bacharach. "mitsugetsushō" is a collection of her best live performances taken from various shows and a TV appearance.

Each is also available in a limited edition that comes as a hardcover photo book containing some rare photos.

Sheena Ringo "ukina"
椎名林檎 「浮き名」

(Title / Artist)
1. yasashii tetsugaku / Tomita Lab
2. CRAZY DAYS CRAZY FEELING / ZAZEN BOYS
3. Rockin' Luuura / MO'SOME TONEBENDER
4. IT WAS YOU / Sheena Ringo to Saitō neko Quartet
5. Rock & Hammer / Taniguchi Takashi
6. You make me feel so bad / ZAZEN BOYS
7. netsuai hakkakuchū / Sheena Ringo to Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE)
8. MY FOOLISH HEART ~crazy on earth~ / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS x Sheena Ringo
9. amai yamai feat. Sheena Ringo / Maboroshi
10. kiken sugiru / Asai Kenichi
11. becoming / Taniguchi Takashi
12. kirakira bushi feat. Deyonna / Rekishi
13. koroshiya kiki ippatsu / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS to Sheena Ringo
14. APPLE with Ringo Sheena / TOWA TEI
15. Between Today and Tomorrow / Sheena Ringo to Saitō neko Quartet
16. MY FOOLISH HEART ~crazy on shibuya~ / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS x Sheena Ringo (Bonus track)

Limited edition (CD + photo book)
EMI TYCT-69005
Out now (11/13), ¥3620 (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.

Regular edition (CD only)
EMI TYCT-60008
Out now (11/13), ¥3000 (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.

Sheena Ringo "mitsugetsushō"
椎名林檎 「蜜月抄」

1. honnō (2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
2. Kabukicho no jōō (2000.7.30 Kaho gekijō)
3. ariamaru tomi (NHK "SONGS" 2009)
4. meisai (2005.12 Ebisu Garden Hall)
5. konya dafu (2000.7.8 Shinjuku Liquid)
6. akanesasu kiro terasaredo... (2000.7.30 Kaho gekijō)
7. tsumiki asobi (2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
8. yokushitsu (2000.7.30 Kaho gekijō)
9. STEM (2008.11.30 Saitama Super Arena)
10. Ringo no uta (2005.12 Daikanyama Unit)
11. tsumi to batsu (2003.9.27 Nippon Budōkan)
12. Marunouchi Sadistic (2003.9.27 Nippon Budōkan)
13. mittei monogatari (NHK "SONGS" 2009)
14. aozora (2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
15. Poltergeist (2003.5.27 Kudan-kaikan)
16. kono yo no kagiri (2008.11.30 Saitama Super Arena)

Limited edition (CD + photo book)
EMI TYCT-69006
Out now (11/13), ¥3620 (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.

Regular edition (CD only)
EMI TYCT-69009
Out now (11/13), ¥3000 (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.

"netsuai hakkakuchū"

"IT WAS YOU"

This is tofubeats' first major release, coming as a mini-album of which the lead track features singer Moritaka Chisato who has been active since the late 80's (since before tofubeats was born, he'll turn 23 this month!).

The limited edition comes with a bonus sonosheet! iTunes includes 3 bonus tracks.

Official release page

tofubeats "Don't Stop The Music"

1. Don't Stop The Music feat. Moritaka Chisato
2. oshiete kensaku feat. Noko (Shinsei kamattechan)
3. Kōbe de aetara
4. In Real Life
5. Don't Stop The Music feat. Moritaka Chisato (tofubeats URL mix)
6. Don't Stop The Music (Instrumental)
7. oshiete kensaku (Instrumental)
8. Kobe de aetara (Instrumental)
9. Don't Stop The Music feat. Moritaka Chisato (tofubeats IRL mix) (iTunes only)
10. Don't Stop The Music (tofubeats vocal version) (iTunes only)
11. oshiete kensaku feat. Noko (Shinsei kamattechan) (acapella) (iTunes only)

Limited edition (CD + Sonosheet)
Warner WPZL-30767
Out now (11/13), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Warner WPCL-11643
Out now (11/13), ¥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.

"Don't Stop The Music feat. Moritaka Chisato"

"oshiete kensaku"

Former P-Model member Hirasawa Susumu's solo unit, kaku P-Model, has a new album out now. This comes 9 years after previous album "Vistoron" (Amazon). The new album features guest musicians Tanaka Yasumi (keyboards, ex-P-Model) and PEVO #1 (guitar, from PEVO).

Live shows will be held for 4 consecutive days at Akasaka Blitz from January 11 to 14. Tickets go on sale November 30.

Release official page

kaku P-Model "Gipnoza"
核P-MODEL 「гипноза （Gipnoza）」

1. гипноза (Gipnoza)
2. Go for it! Halycon
3. Time-eliminating Light
4. White and Huge
5. Dμ34 = Immortality
6. Dr.древние (Dr.Drevniye)
7. Parallel Kozak
8. Alarm
9. The Flood of District 109
10. East of Timeline

Teslakite CHTE-0073
Out now (11/6), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"гипноза (Gipnoza)"
(MP3 free download here towards the bottom)

No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page) is a new unit formed of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera (aka Keralino Sandorovich, of Kera & the Synthesizers, ex-Long Vacation, ex-Uchōten). Featured artists include Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Sakamoto Miu, Ueno Yōko, Inuyama Inuko and more. The whole was recorded and mixed by Gondo Tomohiko (pupa), and the art direction was done by Shindō Mitsuo who also directed the video for "Eat Chocolate Eat" below. 3 songs are self-covers while the rest are all brand new.

This is also a first release on the revived Nagomu Records, Kera's label that had an important place in the indies new wave scene.

A free talk show and autograph session will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku's 7th floor event space on November 22 from 21:00.

No Lie-Sense "First Suicide Note"

1. kekkerake (feat. Ueno Yōko + Ogawa Tamaki + Inuyama Inuko)
2. bokura wa minna imi ga nai (feat. Ueno Yōko + Ogawa Tamaki + Inuyama Inuko)
3. uso tsuki bukku
4. darui hito (feat. Nomiya Maki + Ueno Yōko)
5. tetsudō shōnen (feat. Takekawa Masahiro)
6. MASAKERU (feat. Ōtsuki Genji + Ueno Yōko)
7. hanten seyo / kaji
8. DEAD OR ALIVE (FINE, FINE) (feat. Nomiya Maki + Ueno Yōko)
9. Eat Chocolate Eat
10. ōtōri wa Main Street (feat. Ōmori Seiko)

Nagomu Records CDSOL-1542
Out now (11/6), ¥2572 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Eat Chocolate Eat"

The Moonriders' album "Modern Music" (1979) has been re-issued as a special edition with a bonus CD. Each song was newly remixed by different artists including Tokumaru Shūgo, Urbangarde, Riow Arai, little moa, Sawabe Wataru (Skirt) and more.

This release makes use of the Blu-spec CD technology, which plays in normal CD players with a higher audio quality.

Audio samples of all tracks at Tower Records.

Moonriders "Modern Music Special Edition"
ムーンライダーズ 「モダーン・ミュージック　スペシャル・エディション」

Disc 1
1. Video Boy
2. Groovy ni ki o tsukero
3. wakare no Knife
4. Disco Boy
5. Virginity
6. Modern Lovers
7. Back Seat
8. Burlesque
9. onibi

Disc 2
1. Video Boy (Remixed by Shugo Tokumaru)
2. Groovy ni ki o tsukero (Remixed by Urbangarde)
3. wakare no Knife (Remixed by Hoshino Gainen)
4. Disco Boy (Remixed by rionos)
5. Virginity (Remixed by Sawabe Wataru (Skirt))
6. Modern Lovers (Remixed by Language)
7. Back Seat (Remixed by caméra-stylo)
8. Burlesque (Remixed by little moa)
9. onibi (Remixed by RIOW ARAI)

Nippon Crown CRCP-20502
Out now (11/6), ¥3620 (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.

Dengeki Network, aka Tokyo Shock Boys, known for their freak show-like live performances, have a new mini-album out now. This is available on iTunes worldwide (or almost).

Tokyo Shock Boys can be caught on stage on the last day of Super Oktoberfest 2013, on December 1st at Tokyo Dome.

Tokyo Shock Boys "Dengeki Damashii" (Download)
電撃ネットワーク 「電撃魂」

1. danger danger
2. Bye Bye Device
3. Slam the funk (Instrumental)
4. Jumpin' Rush
5. Pool Side Woo Wee
6. Dimension (Instrumental)
7. Bye Bye Device (GOMI Remix)

Pirates Records
Out now (10/30)
Sample/buy:

"Pool Side Woo Wee"

Kimura Kaela (official Facebook page) has a new cover album focused on 80's popular tunes (and some older ones). Various producers and collaborators are featured, including Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Okamura Yasuyuki, Chara, Predawn, Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), Okuda Tamio, CSS and more.

This was being released on ELA, Kaela's own new label (sub-label of Victor). There are limited editions that come as a record-sized jacket, one with a bag designed by Kaela. Below is the regular edition (CD only) to keep things simple.

Kimura Kaela "Rock"
木村カエラ 「ROCK」

(Title / Artist)
1. Take On Me (a~ha) / Kimura Kaela xxx Okamura Yasuyuki
2. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Cindy Lauper) / Kimura Kaela xxx N'Shukugawa Boys
3. Funkytown (Lipps, Inc.) / Kimura Kaela xxx Ishino Takkyū
4. Two Of Hearts (Stacey Q) / Kimura Kaela xxx Chara
5. Heart Of Glass (Blondie) / Kimura Kaela xxx Chatmonchy
6. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen) / Kimura Kaela xxx Saitō Kazuyoshi
7. Sunday Morning (The Velvet Underground) / Kimura Kaela xxx Hosono Haruomi
8. You Really Got Me (The Kinks) / Kimura Kaela xxx Okuda Tamio
9. Fight For Your Right To Party (Beastie Boys) / Kimura Kaela xxx CSS
10. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Eurythmics) / Kimura Kaela xxx POP ETC
11. My Generation (The Who) / Kimura Kaela xxx Kishida Shigeru (from Quruli)
12. Rainy Days And Mondays (Carpenters) / Kimura Kaela xxx Predawn

ELA VICL-64050
Out now (10/30), ¥3000 (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?

Digest clip "Take On Me" / "Funkytown" / "Sunday Morning"

NeoBallad is the unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley). Together the duo perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with programmed electro backtracks. On this 2nd album, each song featured comes from a specific prefecture in Japan.

They can next be seen live in Tokyo on December 25 at Shibuya Club Asia part of event "Elepop to Asia: Happy! X'mas!".

NeoBallad "02 ~ōgon no sato~"
NeoBallad 「02 ～黄金の里～」

1. nanbu tawaratsumi uta (Aomori pref.)
2. Akita ondo (Akita pref.)
3. nanbu ushioi uta (Iwate pref.)
4. soran bushi (Hokkaido pref.)
5. tsugaru tanto bushi (Aomori pref.)
6. somaban uta (Fukushima pref.)
7. sansa shigure (Miyagi pref.)
8. hanagasa ondo (Yamagata pref.)
9. Aizu bandai-san (Fukushima pref.)
10. tankō bushi (Fukuoka pref.)

Shinko Music SMRA-1007
Out now (11/8), ¥1905 (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?

"Aizu bandai-san (Fukushima pref.)"

Digest of all songs

The latest from Orange Records is this new (mini-)album by singer Maki Rinka, backed by tropical strings band Sweet Hollywaiians. This acoustic album of swing jazz/latin covers was recorded using vintage microphones from the 20's to 60's.

Maki Rinka with her Sweet Hollywaiians "The Peanut Vendor"

1. Pretty Eyed Baby
2. Tico Tico
3. In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree
4. The Peanut Vendor
5. Bali H'ai
6. Mambo Italiano
7. Heat Wave
8. I'm In The Mood For Love

Orange Records ORGR-48
Out now (11/6), ¥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.

Perfume's upcoming single "Sweet Refrain" is being used as a theme song in TV drama "toshidensetsu no onna" (TV Asahi on Friday from 23:15). This is as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE).

The limited edition includes a DVD of the title track's video clip. Watch a short version of it below. Both editions come with a free poster at participating shops (while supplies last).

Perfume "Sweet Refrain"

1. Sweet Refrain
2. koi wa zenkei shisei
3. Sweet Refrain (Original Instrumental)
4. koi wa zenkei shisei (Original Instrumental)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Universal UPCP-9006
Out 11/27, ¥1429 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan (with poster), Play-Asia, Amazon (14% off *), HMV (5% off *), Tower Records (10% off *) ^†, YesAsia (no poster)
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal UPCP-5005
Out 11/27, ¥953 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan (with poster), Play-Asia, Amazon (no poster), HMV (with poster), Tower Records (Japan only) (with poster) ^†, YesAsia (no poster)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Sweet Refrain" (short ver.)

Here's a new mini-album by gadget-loving girl unit Chiroline ver.2, follow-up to album "Chit Chat Chiroline" (2012). Again produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), this also contains a new song writted by Suzuki Keiichi (also Moonriders), as well as ones by Imai Kentarō (The Aprils) and Polymoog (Elektel). A member of the original Chiroline also guests on a track.

Chiroline ver.2 "Forever Chiroline-zaka"
新・チロリン 「ちろりん坂よ、永遠に」
Japanese title: shin Chiroline "Chiroline-zaka yo, eien ni"

1. Chiroline-zaka yo, eien ni
2. haru odoru
3. natsu no ii wake
4. Strawberry Army
5. Sha-la-la Snowed In
6. sonna Banana
7. sonna Banana (Remix)

Valb VALB-1005
Out 11/6, ¥2100
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan

"Chiroline-zaka yo, eien ni"

"sonna Banana" (one-take demo)

MC-909 maestro Dorian, aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a brand new full-length original album out this week! On "midori" he explores more exotic and lounge themes, while expanding his world to sampling techniques. Guest musicians include Kashif (aka StringsBurn) and MC.sirafu. "Sampling art of tea", says the obi.

All tracks can be sampled below (or directly on Dorian's SoundCloud). Also check out his new Japanese-style artist photo felicity.

Dorian "midori"
ドリアン 「midori」

1. Lost Seasons
2. Escape From The City
3. Onsen Holiday
4. River
5. Pieces Of Time
6. Night In Horai
7. Bird Eye Freedom
8. Legendary Pond
9. Silent Hill
10. Beyond The Horizon

CD
felicity PECF-1079
Out now (2013/11/6), ¥2191 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, YesAsia, (World), (Japan), Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

12" vinyl
felicity / Jet Set JSLP039
Out now (2014/6/29), ¥2366 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon

"Silent Hill"

Audio samples

Idol group Negicco have a new single coming, their first since the release of album "Melody Palette" last July. The title track was produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), and B-side "sayonara Music" is by Negicco's main producer connie. A remix of "ai no Tower of Love", also by Nishidera, is included too.

The limited edition comes with a DVD of the music video below and making-of footage. There's also a 7" single being released at the same time.

Negicco "tokimeki no Headliner"
Negicco 「ときめきのヘッドライナー」

1. tokimeki no Headliner
2. sayonara Music
3. ai no Tower of Love (Extended 12" Remix)
4. tokimeki no Headliner (inst)
5. sayonara Music

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Out 11/6, ¥1500
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

Regular edition (CD only)
Out 11/6, ¥1000
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

Negicco "tokimeki no Headliner" (7")
Negicco 「ときめきのヘッドライナー」

A. tokimeki no Headliner
B. sayonara Music

7" record
Out 11/6, ¥1500
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)

"tokimeki no Headliner"

Here's a new release from frenesi! This album contains the 8 songs from now rare album "Landmark Theater" (2000, Bambini Records), but also 3 rarities from a compilation and a 7", and 3 brand new songs ("8:30 no Theme", "GO ROPEWAY" and "Cotton Candy").

HMV gives away a bonus novelty spoken CD-R while supplies last.

frenesi "Dolphino"
フレネシ 「ドルフィノ」

1. 8:30 no Theme
2. GO ROPEWAY
3. COLORI
4. CLOUD BOSSA
5. The theme of "PELE"
6. DOLPHINO
7. L'USCITA
8. blue in blue
9. Cotton Candy
10. One's Tail Does Duty As...
11. au citron
12. A Landmark Theater
13. Fa (Hummimg Version)
14. FRENESI

otome ongaku kenkyūsha OTMSH-007
Out 11/6, ¥2381 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"GO ROPEWAY"

"L'USCITA"

Taikuh Jikang is the solo unit of Kawamura Kohey, a gamelan player (Indonesian instrument). The unit's visuals involve shadow play. This 2nd album features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on one track.

Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi"
TAIKUH JIKANG 滞空時間 「RAINICHI 来日」

1. HUTAN
2. PEMBUKAAN
3. PALABOLA
4. APPA ULEH ULEH
5. GONG DONG DONG
6. WALAK ELELE
7. AWE
8. Akita ondō
9. kisakunamahanaja feat. Kitsu Shigeri
10. Arsene Lupin mitai feat. Oyamada Keigo
11. sesudah it

Nesia Records NESIA-5
Out now (10/23), ¥2191 (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.

Promotion clip