Tokyo's Coolest Sound

This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a friendly price. Definitely worth checking out!

Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"

1. DOTAMA x haha no shikyū "13gatsu" (Quviokal 13pun no 1gatsu remix)
2. LLLL "yume no sama feat. Kanako from kindan no tasu===ketsu"
3. Hirone-chan "shōjo jijō"
4. LTPIMO "My house is where (ouchi, doko?)"
5. sayū "nakunaranai"
6. TPSOUND "ATTACK!!"
7. Cult "One 4 all. O'l for 1 ~original ver.~" (pro. by CHAF)
8. SPEAK LAW "For heaven's sake/COLD SNAP"
9. MCpero "otona no kuni"
10. blue marble "shine me more"
11. The Invisible Citizenships "Trap of flower bunch"
12. Ameba "toki no onshoku" (pro. by DJ MANZ)
13. Xem "BONG!"
14. Yullippe "Rain"
15. Tomobitch "SOS FROM SNS" (Pro. by KOITAMA)
16. kuchiyose "Electrical kami"
17. Moz "nagareru"
18. ecke "Nook"

sube no ana
Out now (2/25), ¥900
Sample/buy:

Sampler clip

This is a collaboration single of Kaji Hideki and rapper Yakenohara with Takagi Masakatsu. All three are on label felicity, and the song first appeared on compilation "Clear Cut 200" (Amazon) released last November. Here it comes on a 7" with a previously unreleased piano dub version. Included is a download code with yet more bonus tracks. Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

Kaji Hideki will hold a "semla party" at Swedish restaurant Lilla Dalarna on Sunday March 15. Find details here.

Hideki Kaji x Yakenohara feat. Takagi Masakatsu "Sound of Felicity" (7"+MP3)
カジヒデキ X やけのはら featuring 高木正勝 「Sound of Felicity」

7"
A. Sound of Felicity
B. Sound of Felicity (Piano Dub)

MP3 Download
1. Sound of Felicity
2. Sound of Felicity (Piano Dub)
3. Sound of Felicity - 33rpm Screw Ver
4. Sound of Felicity (Piano Dub) - 33rpm Screw Ver

felicity PEKF-91002
Out now (2/25), ¥1429 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A 2nd 7" from this trilogy by Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page), unit of Maezono Naoki & Arai Toshiya, was released this week!

Also check out the January-released "bird man c/w ameagari". The next will be released on March 25.

Count Joke "LED c/w nagisa" (7"+CD)
冗談伯爵 「LED c/w 渚」

7"
A. LED
B. nagisa

CD
1. nagisa
2. LED
3. nagisa (instrumental)
4. LED (instrumental)

High Contrast HCCD-9555
Out now (2/25), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"LED"

Trailer (of the CD-R release from last year)

Two new 7"'s from Sugar's Campaign, of songs from their excellent first album "Friends". Included on the "Holiday" single is an exclusive extended mix of "Big Wave". Both come on white vinyl!

The album's release party is to be held at Daikanyama Unit on March 19 (with an Osaka event the following day).

Sugar's Campaign "Holiday" (7")
Sugar's Campaign 「ホリディ」

A. Holiday
B. Big Wave (Extended Mix)

HMV record shop HRS-0005
Out now (2/21), ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV

Sugar's Campaign "tonari Town" (7")
Sugar's Campaign 「となりタウン」

A. tonari Town
B. Parabola shabon Line

HMV record shop HRS-0006
Out now (2/21), ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV

"Holiday"

Osaka-based 80's style idol group Especia have made a move to a major label, and their first major release comes as a mini-album (still clocking over 38 minutes). This includes songs written by Meserati Nagisa (LUVRAW (Image Cluv) & PellyColo), Schtein & Longer and more.

Watch full clips of "We are Especia ~nakinagara Dancing~" and "Secret Jive" (hoping these don't have country restrictions).

A premium show will be held on March 1st at Kohoku Premia Hall in Kanagawa prefecture with collective Minato & Mirai (feat. LUVRAW, Kashif, PellyColo, Costa De Palma and many more). Details here.

Especia "Primera"
Especia 「プリメーラ」

1. We are Especia ~nakinagara Dancing~
2. Interlude
3. West Philly
4. Sweeet Tactics
5. Secret Jive
6. Skit
7. sayonara Cruisin'
8. Security Lucy
9. Outro

Limited edition bonus CD
1. Secret Jive (PellyColo M1 Fantasy Remix)
2. sayonara Cruisin' (PellyColo Rainbow Steam Remix)
3. Security Lucy (Insecure Booty Mix)
4. Security Lucy (VINYL7 DUB)
5. West Philly (Instrumental)
6. Sweeet Tactics (Instrumental)
7. Secret Jive (Instrumental)
8. sayonara Cruisin' (Instrumental)
9. Security Lucy (Instrumental)

Limited edition (2 CDs)
Victor Entertainment VIZL-790
Out 2/18, ¥2593 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Victor Entertainment VICL-64302
Out 2/18, ¥1852 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"We are Especia ~nakinagara Dancing~"

Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and DJ Fukutake delivers a dancefloor-ready non-stop mix made from his great 7" collection.

A release party will be held on March 6 at Daikanyama Unit, with live shows by Ishii Akemi, Juicy Fruits, and Tablet Jun, and DJs Fukutake, Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five), Sally Kubota (The Scooters, Sally Soul Stew) and more! Tickets are on sale (details here).

Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
オムニバス 「ヤバ歌謡2 NONSTOP DJ MIX -TVテーマ編- Mixed by DJフクタケ」

1. C-C-B / Romantic ga tomaranai (1985) (from drama "maido osawagase shimasu")
2. Ashibe Mariko / Glass no kamen (1984) (from anime "Glass no kamen")
3. Kobayashi Izumi / Dancing Star (1983) (from anime "urusei yatsura")
4. Ishii Akemi / CHA-CHA-CHA (1986) (from drama "danjo 7nin natsu monogatari")
5. Sawaguchi Yasuko / Follow me (1988) (from drama "tsūkai! Rock'n'Roll dōri")
6. Uno Yūko / Sazae-san (1969) (from anime "Sazae-san")
7. Matsuo Kiyonori / Sunny Shiny Morning (1987) (from anime "Maison Ikkoku")
8. H2O / 10% no amayohō (1983) (from anime "Miyuki")
9. Nakahara Meiko / Diamond miwakenasai (1990) (from "itsuka iku tabi")
10. Suzuki Hiroko / bara wa utsukushiku chiru (1979) (from anime "Versailles no bara")
11. (Instrumental) / THE FANG (1979) (from drama "Edo no kiba")
12. Shiraishi Fuyumi / kaibutsu-kun no komoriuta (1968) (from anime "kaibutsu-kun")
13. Yamada Takao / Supercar na-nchatte (1978) (from "taiketsu! Supercar Quiz")
14. Yamada Takao / boku wa Countach Man (1978) (from "taiketsu! Supercar Quiz")
15. Honey Knights / Joe 90 (1968) (from "Joe 90")
16. Young Fresh / kappa no Sanpei (1968) (from "kappa no Sanpei yōkai daisakusen")
17. Mizuki Makoto & Young101 / Orange (1972) (from "Stage 101")
18. Young 101 / kaijū no Ballad (1972) (from "Stage 101")
19. Katō Midori / Let's Go Sazae-san (1970) (from anime "Sazae-san")
20. Okazaki Yuki / kaze ni notte (1973) (from drama "Love Love Rival")
21. Takami Kyōko / ninja wa doko ja (1986) (from "minna no uta")
22. Nishio Etsuko / do-n-ma-i rairai shōnen (1989) (from anime "Ranma 1/2")
23. Toshiba jidō gasshōdan / daimaō Shazzan (1968) (from anime "daimaō Shazzan")
24. Sugiura Yoshihiro / Mach Baron (1974) (from "Super Robot Mach Baron")
25. Morikawa Miho / Blue Water (1990) (from anime "fushigi no umi no Nadia")
26. 1980 Chewing Gum Company / michi e no Roman (1979) (from "manga hajimete monogatari")
27. Simon Masato Bush Singers / UFO shōnendan (1976) (from anime "UFO senshi Dai Apolon")
28. Kamijō Tsunehiko / ai wa kizuato (1978) (from anime "chō Supercar Gattiger")
29. Tsuchiya Kaori / kotae wa iranai (1986) (from anime "seito shokun!")
30. Nakamura Yuma / Dang Dang ki ni naru (1989) (from anime "oishinbo")
31. Nakahara Meiko / Dance In The Memories (1988) (from anime "kimagure Orange Road")
32. Ishikawa Seri / tōi umi no kioku (1974) (from "minna no uta")

Universal Music UICZ-8163
Out 2/25, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

C-C-B "Romantic ga tomaranai"

Kobayashi Izumi "Dancing Star"

Denki Groove have a brand new single out this week! "Fallin' Down" is the ending theme of monster-themed TV series "kaiki renai sakusen" (by director Keralino Sandrovich). Included are remixes by (((sssurrounddd))) and Hoshina Anniversary.

The limited edition comes with a DVD of 3 live songs from a show held on November 8 last year, part of their 25th anniversary tour.

Denki Groove "Fallin' Down"
電気グルーヴ 「Fallin' Down」

1. Fallin' Down
2. Fallin' Down (Instrumental)
3. Fallin' Down (TV Edit)
4. Baby's On Fire (Hoshina Anniversary Remix)
5. Baby's On Fire ((((sssurrounddd))) Remix)

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. kanpeki ni nakushite
2. Baby's on Fire
3. Smileless Smile

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Ki/oon Music Inc. KSCL-2554
Out 2/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Ki/oon Music Inc. KSCL-2556
Out 2/25, ¥1165 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Fallin' Down"

Sampler clip

Laid-back female rapper Noppal has a 7" cut coming, of two songs from excellent mini-album "Summer EP 2015" (ironically released in 2014). "I Luv MaryJane" was produced by Mr.Melody (PPP) and features LUVRAW on talkbox, while "Lazy Sun Day" was produced by VIDEOTAPEMUSIC. This is a first vinyl release from LUVRAW's Image Cluv label.

Noppal "I Luv MaryJane / Lazy Sun Day" (7")

A. I Luv MaryJane
B. Lazy Sun Day

Image Cluv LUVB-701
Out 2/20, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon

"I Luv MaryJane"

"Screwed preview"
(Not quite what you get! Hear actual samples at Jet Set.)

Towa Tei has a brand new single out today! "Heaven" is a song made for Valentine's Day, and it's also released as a special package with delicious rusk from Gateau Festa Harada.

At digital music shop Mach Beat, the track is offered exclusively with an instrumental version. Guitar was performed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), and vocals by Wada Junko (Be The Voice) and Helen Bently.

Towa Tei is currently working on his 8th solo album!

Towa Tei "Heaven" (Download)

1. Heaven
2. Heaven (inst.)

Mach Beat
Out now (2/11)
Sample/buy: Mach Beat

3-girl techno-pop idol group Cupitron has a 2nd single out this week, follow-up to "Unicorn Parade" and again produced by Tobeta Bajune. The group's latest costumes were designed by Shinohara Tomoe, in a style that reminds of her early days.

The limited edition comes with a DVD of the "Battery" music video and different B-sides.

Several in-store events are being held to promote the single, with ones at Shibuya Marui City on February 11 (from 13:00 and 16:00), Tower Records Shibuya on February 15 (from 14:00 on the 3rd floor), and Tower Records Kichijoji on March 1st (from 13:00 on the 2nd floor). Check their site for the full schedule.

Cupitron "Battery"
Cupitron 「バッテリー」

1. Battery
2. denshi keisanki no yume
3. Battery (Instrumental)
4. denshi keisanki no yume (Instrumental)

Limited edition (CD+DVD, different B-side)
Kisspoint Records RPK-1023
Out 2/11, ¥1481 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

1. Battery
2. Warp Warp
3. Pipopatoku
4. Battery (Instrumental)
5. Warp Warp (Instrumental)
6. Pipopatoku (Instrumental)

Regular edition (CD only, different B-sides)
Kisspoint Records RPK-1025
Out 2/11, ¥1112 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Battery"

Here's a 4-song EP by Tarte Tatin, this time produced by Tanaka Takashi (of indie bands shinkou-houkou and koto no yūbe). Tarte Tatin is currently formed of Aoi and Yurie, after member Yuki quit early this year for health reasons.

Hear audio samples at CDJapan.

Tarte Tatin "Pro Ducer"
タルトタタン 「プロ デューサー」

1. Pro ducer
2. gyōkai jin
3. Mana Ger
4. The gaihaku

Emission Entertainment ERCD-12002
Out 2/4, ¥1112 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Jazz singer akiko has a brand new album out now, of rockin', jivin' and swingin' songs (as the title says!) from the 40's and 50's. Featured musicians include Gentle Forest Jazz Band, Blue Moon Quartet, Fats & Fats, and also female chorus groups Chai-Chii Sisters and Gentle Forest Sisters.

Check out the teaser clip below, and hear more samples on SoundCloud.

A special event with all these people will be held on April 11 at Ebisu The Garden Room (details). Tickets are on sale. Check out akiko's full current schedule here.

akiko "Rockin' Jivin' Swingin'"

1. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
2. Mister Sandman
3. Come On A My House
4. Exactly Like You
5. Fools Fall In Love
6. Goody Goody
7. I'm Walkin
8. I've Got You Under My Skin
9. Relax Max
10. Rum And Coca Cola
11. Sh Boom
12. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
13. Blues No.8

Ability Muse Records POCS-1309
Out 2/4, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser clip

Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) is the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya. Starting this January they are releasing a series of 7"'s (coming with a bonus CD) of songs limitedly released on CD throughout last year. You're likely to love their refreshing soft rock sound.

Each 7" comes with a bonus CD of the same two songs plus their instrumentals. Two more are expected for February 25 ("LED c/w Nagisa") and March 25 ("yūrei no Ballad / itsuka dokokade").

Buying all three at HMV Record Store in Shibuya would give you the opportunity of having all your records signed, and getting a bonus CD-R of demos, at a special event held on April 4 from 15:00 at the same place (details).

Count Joke "bird man c/w ameagari" (7"+CD)
冗談伯爵 「bird man c/w 雨あがり」

7"
A. bird man
B. ameagari

CD
1. bird man
2. ameagari
3. bird man (inst)
4. ameagari (inst)

High Contrast HCCD-9554
Out now (1/28), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"bird man"

After the release of two 7" singles, here's a first album by Reina & The Blue Valentines, girl band fronted by Nosa Reina (whose latest solo album "don't kiss, but yes" was produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five)) and formed on Valentine's Day 2014. Almost exactly a year later, this new album comes with a description of "danceable kayō mod pop".

Check out the music video and sampler clip below.

Free in-store events will be held at HMV Record Shop Shibuya on February 11 from 20:00 (details), and at Tower Records Shinjuku (7th floor) on February 15 from 12:00 (details). A special event will also be held at Disk Union's dues in Shinjuku on February 14 for those who bought the CD at Disk Union (details).

Reina & The Blue Valentines "Lady or Girl?"
野佐怜奈とブルーヴァレンタインズ 「Lady or Girl?」

1. hoshi furu oka
2. koi no Scramble kōsaten
3. katte ni Destiny
4. uragiri no machikado
5. warui onna
6. Space Camera
7. moon night bossa
8. Rock 'n' Roll Drive
9. nee
10. kyō wa sayonara

Apricot Sounds ACDS-1
Out 2/11, ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"hoshi furu oka"

Sampler clip

See also:
"Space Camera" (7"+CD)
"hoshi furu oka c/w warui onna" (7"+CD)

Yasuda Toshiyuki has a new solo album coming this week! 5 years after his previous, "Children's Songs 2050" (2009), this time he creates music using acoustic piano and clean vocals (mainly his own). Recorded in Tokyo, Okinawa and Milano, this also features guest vocalists Satō Takako (fantaholic) and Viola d'Acquarone.

Sample all songs here.

Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nameless God's Blue"
安田寿之 「Nameless God's Blue」

1. La pesanteur
2. Sei gradi di separazione
3. Don't Miss the Time
4. Ironic Dance
5. Don't Think It's to Be Down
6. Alpha Helix
7. Spa On the Moon
8. Falling Stars
9. My Fiendish Heart
10. Wings
11. By Grace of Blue
12. Journey's End in the Eastern Evening Sky

Megadolly MD-1506
Out 2/4, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.