Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Learners, the 5-piece rockabilly band featuring Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and singer Sara Mary, has a brand new 2nd album being released this week! Included are many covers, and also 3 original songs.

A release party will be held on February 10 at Shindaita Fever. Tickets are on sale. Find details here.

Learners "More Learners"

(Original artists in parentheses)
1. Good Morning Learners!
2. Why Do Fools Fall In Love (Frankie Lemon & The Teenagers)
3. Water The Flowers
4. Go Away Don't Bother Me (Collins Kids)
5. Let Me In (The Sensations)
6. Saint Tropez Blues (Marie Laforêt)
7. I Want Candy (The Strangeloves, Bow Wow Wow)
8. Love Your Money (Daisy Chainsaw)
9. Denise (Randy The Rainbows, Blondie)
10. Moonlight Revue 50's
11. Walking After Midnight (Patsy Cline)
12. Sleep Walk (Santo & Johnny, Brian Setzer)

KiliKiliVilla KKV-37
Out 1/31, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Water The Flowers"

This is singer Hamada Maron's 3rd album, her first since switching to the Vivid Sound label a year ago. Included is single "KarisomenaErosTokimeku", and an album version of "kisetsu meguredo" which was also released as a single last month. Check out the sampler clip below.

A release party will be held at Asakusa Golden Tiger on Friday February 3rd from 19:00. The first drink is ¥1000, and you pay as you like for the show.

Hamada Maron "Lady Monochrome"
浜田マロン 「レディ・モノクローム」

1. KarisomenaErosTokimeku
2. tsukiyo ni koboreru wa aa
3. saigo no bansan
4. kuroi ichigo
6. kisetsu meguredo
7. ikiru nō ga subete
8. oji ni tsugu, hime iwaku
9. Spotlight ni terasarete
10. Jacaranda no hana

Vivid Sound VSCD-7620
Out 1/25, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"KarisomenaErosTokimeku"

Sampler clip

The Scooters have a brand new single coming this month! The title track is a cover of German disco band Boney-M's "Rasputin" (Japanese title "kaisō Rasputin") completely rearranged into a "strange polka rock" in The Scooters' manner. B-side "Hang On In There Baby" is a cover of Motown songwriter Johnny Bristol. The jacket design is of course by band leader Shindō Mitsuo.

This again comes as a 7" & CD package.

The Scooters "Kaiso-Rasputin"
スクーターズ 「怪僧ラスプーチン」

7"
A. Kaiso-Rasputin
B. Hang On In There Baby

CD
1. Kaiso-Rasputin
2. Hang On In There Baby
3. Kaiso-Rasputin (inst)
4. Hang On In There Baby (inst)

High Contrast / Vivid Sound HCCD-9582
Out 1/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Pied Piper House (official Twitter) was an influential record shop in Tokyo from 1975 to 1989. It has been revived for a limited time on the 5th floor of Tower Records Shibuya since last summer, first for an expected 6 months but recently extended until July 2017.

This is the 2nd installment of compilation series "Best of Pied Piper Days" supervised by Pied Piper House's owner Nagato "Yoshi" Yoshirō. Many of the songs featured are available for the first time on CD (either in Japan or in the entire world).

Released at the same time is a vinyl edition of selected songs from the first of the series (see below).

A special talk show will be held at Pied Piper House (Tower Records Shibuya 5F) on January 28 from 17:30, with guest Kaji Hideki. Details here.

Various Artists "Best of Pied Piper Days Vol.2"
オムニバス 「ベスト・オブ・パイド・パイパー・デイズ Vol.2」

1. Gary Williams / I'll Close My Eyes (Mono) (World first CD release)
2. Paul Anka / When We Get There (Japan first CD release)
3. The Innocence / A Lifetime Lovin' You
4. Mark Lindsay / Something Big (Japan first CD release)
5. Joanie Sommers / Never Throw Your Dreams Away (Mono)
6. The Buckinghams / Don't You Care (Mono)
7. Spiral Starecase / More Today Than Yesterday
8. Gary Puckett & The Union Gap / Over You
9. Paul Varisco & The Milestones / Gotta Have Love (World first CD release)
10. Connie Stevens / Tick-Tock (Mono) (World first CD release)
11. Kenny & Yvonne / Come On and Be My Love (Mono) (World first CD release)
12. Bobby Scott / Wild World
13. Rory Block / I Made It All By Myself
14. The Main Ingredient / Looks Like Rain
15. Alzo / So Glad
16. Robey, Falk & Bod / It's Alright (I Don't Mind) (World first CD release)
17. Estelle Levitt / In the Name of Love
18. The Association / Snow Queen
19. Gary McFarland & Peter Smith / All My Better Days
20. The Arbors / With You Girl (Japan first CD release)
21. Billy Joe Royal / The Greatest Love (Mono) (Japan first CD release)
22. Peter Anders / Sunrise Highway (Mono)
23. The Cyrkle / The Visit (She Was Here) (Mono)
24. The Groop / Nobody At All (Japan first CD release)

Sony SICP-31038
Out 1/25, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Best of Pied Piper Days" (12")
オムニバス 「ベスト・オブ・パイド・パイパー・デイズ」

A1. Alzo / Don't Ask Me Why
A2. Jose Feliciano / Daytime Dream
A3. Trade Martin / Union City Blues
A4. Bobby Bloom / Love Don't Let Me Down
A5. The Innocence / Your Show Is Over
A6. Salt Water Taffy / Suddenly I See
A7. Bernard "Pretty" Purdie / Fickle Finger of Fate
A8. Laura Nyro / Blackpatch
B1. Al Kooper / Where Were You When I Needed You
B2. Neil Sedaka / Blue Boy
B3. Blood, Sweat & Tears / Without Her
B4. Kenny Rankin / There'll Be No Other Love
B5. David Forman / One Fine Day
B6. Gia Mateo / If You Can't Say Anything Nice
B7. Bo Cooper / Don't Call It Love
B8. Valerie Carter / Rendez-vous

Sony SIJP-42
Out 1/25, ¥3600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming this week, the follow-up to "Bittersweet" (2015) (CDJapan, Amazon). This time the album is sound produced by Tomi Yo who had written a few songs on "Bittersweet" and previous album "Heartbreakin'" (2013). Two of the songs were written by G.Rina. The album is available in advance on iTunes.

The limited edition comes with a DVD of the last show of her "Bittersweet" tour, held on October 31, 2015 at the Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo. Some bonus footage from the "Pink" recording sessions is included.

HMV gives away a bonus CD of a remix by Schroeder-Headz (while supplies last).

A Japan tour will be held from April through May, with a date at Ex Roppongi in Tokyo on April 22. Check out details here.

Also check out G.Rina's brand new album "Live & Learn" which features Toki Asako on one song!

Toki Asako "Pink"
土岐麻子 「PINK」

1. City Lights
2. PINK
3. Valentine
4. Fancy Time
5. shibō
6. Rain Dancer
7. Blue Moon
8. Fried Noodles
9. SPUR
10. Peppermint Town

DVD (Limited edition only)
Live footage: "Toki Asako Live Tour 2015 'Bittersweet'" October 31, 2015 at Tokyo Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
1. C'est la vie ~ onna wa ai ni isogashii~
2. sayonara 90's Girl
3. SU SA MIN
4. Love Song
5. Don't let it go
6. kimi datta
7. Surfer Girl
8. Kung Fu Girl
9. Beautiful Day
10. BOY From Setagaya
11. chikatetsu no Cinderella
Making footage: Album "PINK" recording & jacket photography

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Rhythm Zone RZCD-86245
Out 1/25, ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon (19% off *), HMV (11% off *), Tower Records (Japan only) (12% off *) ^†
* 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-86246
Out 1/25, ¥2900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Comedian Hollywood Zakoshisyoh makes his singing debut with "gokiburi otoko" (the cockroach man), a track produced by Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) and with both of Denki Groove singing chorus! A fun and addicting techno track as you can see in the clip below! :)

The full song is now available on iTunes Japan.

Hollywood Zakoshisyoh "gokiburi otoko" (Download)
ハリウッドザコシショウ 「ゴキブリ男」

Ki/oon
Out now (1/18)
Sample/buy: (Japan)

"gokiburi otoko (Video Edit)"

A 9th album by Towa Tei has been announced, to be released on March 22! Featured artists include Metafive, UA, Takano Hiroshi, ATOM™, Ano (You'll Melt More!) and Inara George. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the artwork was done by Gokita Tomoo.

Amazon Japan gives away a promo CD-R that contains "GBI (Takkyu Ishino Remix) TOWA TEI with Kylie Minogue". It's best to pre-order early! Tower Records also gives away a promo download card that gives access to remix "REM (Twice version) TOWA TEI with Ano (You'll Melt More!)" (though Tower Records ships to Japan only). CDJapan gives away a sticker.

Meanwhile, an "exclusive pack" is available digitally at Towa Tei's own Machbeat, including two bonus tracks!

Check out the official release page where more details should be announced.

Towa Tei "EMO"
テイ・トウワ 「EMO」

1. Exformation
2. Brand Nu Emo
3. GBI
4. Sugar
5. Xylocopa
6. TG
7. YOLO
8. REM
9. Continua

Mach MBCD-1701
Out 3/22, ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, Machbeat
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Brand Nu Emo"

"REM"

"Sugar"

Perfume has a new single coming in February! The title song is being used at the theme song of TV drama "Tokyo tarareba musume", while the B-side can be heard in a TV commercial for Ora2 toothpaste. Both songs are of course written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka. This is Perfume's first single since album "Cosmic Explorer" (2016).

The limited edition contains a bonus DVD of the "TOKYO GIRL" video, plus some bonus footage titled "Perfume View" said to have been shot by Perfume themselves while the video clip was being made.

Ordering either edition at CDJapan (and some other retailers) may get you a special promo item, of which the details have yet to be announced. This is only while supplies last, so it's recommended to pre-order early.

Perfume "TOKYO GIRL"

1. TOKYO GIRL
2. hōseki no ame
3. TOKYO GIRL -Original Instrumental-
4. hōseki no ame -Original Instrumental-

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. TOKYO GIRL -Video Clip-
2. Perfume View
3. Special Teaser Trailer

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Universal UPCP-9015
Out 2/15, ¥1759 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Universal UPCP-5009
Out 2/15, ¥1343 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Tokyo Girl" (Short ver.)

Ora2 TV commercial "hōseki no ame"

Ora2 TV commercial making-of footage

Singer-songwriter/trackmaker G.Rina has a new album out now! "Live & Learn" entirely consists of songs written and produced by herself, with guest vocals by Toki Asako, Chinza Dopeness, yoshiro (underslowjams), Dengaryu and Kick A Show.

Samples of all songs can be heard at CDJapan.

A special show will be held on March 2 at Shibuya WWW. Tickets are now on sale.

G.Rina "Live & Learn"

1. sōzō mirai feat. Chinza DOPENESS
2. close2u
3. All Around The World feat. Toki Asako
4. soba ni oide
5. Friday Love feat. yoshiro (underslowjams)
6. machi no Requiem
7. memories
8. natsu no memai feat. Dengaryu
9. Vampire Hunting feat. Kick A Show
10. shiawase no junbi

Victor VICL-64700
Out now (1/11), ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"close2u (Special Trailer)"

"All Around The World feat. Toki Asako"

ExT Recordings, the underground electro label of Nagata Kazunao (Organization), is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! This compilation contains a previously unreleased track by De De Mouse, a new mix from Cherryboy Function, as well more brand new recordings and popular tracks.

Various Artists "ExT BEST FILE"

1. Goodbye Meteor Swarm (2006 Mix) / De De Mouse
2. Another Side (Best File Edit) / Cherryboy Function
3. East End Girl (Cherryboy Function Remix) / De De Mouse
4. kowareteshimattashi no kikai (MV Edit) / Biidoro
5. Land of the Dead feat ECD / Elektro Humangel
6. Shogun's Anal Shot / Carre+Organization
7. After Ska (You One) (Paisley Parks Remix) / King of Opus
8. Urban Structure (Screw) / Elektro Humangel
9. LongLongWay Dub / King of Opus
10. hyōgaki wa nemuru / Biidoro
11. The Endless Lovers (505) / Cherryboy Function
12. Baby's Star Jam / De De Mouse

ExT Recordings EXT-0023
Out now (1/11), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Biidoro "kowareteshimattashi no kikai"

Voice actress Inoue Honoka has a debut album that was released just recently. This was entirely written and produced by Mukaju Dan, a production unit formed of Shock Tarou and Ton-chan, both songwriting members of blue marble (unit that ended its activity after the release of the excellent "full color").

A mini-live will be held at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta this Sunday January 15 from 15:00, and followed by an autograph session. Details here.

Inoue Honoka "First Flight"
井上ほの花 「ファースト・フライト」

1. gessekai Flight
2. Sparkling Chinatown
3. niji no Fantasia
4. makuai
5. wasuremono

Luxury kayō LUX8001
Out now (2016/12/28), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Album digest

"Sparkling Chinatown"

Commercial

"Fragile" is the 5th original album by instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan. This is the follow-up to "Butterfly" (2015) (Amazon, CDJapan). Included is a cover of Arctic Monkeys' "Brainstorm".

A show will be held on release day, January 25, at Daikanyama Unit. Tickets are on sale via Pia (317-966), e+, etc.

fox capture plan "Fragile"

1. FRAGILE #1
2. FRAGILE #2
3. Asian Dancer
4. the Gift
5. Bouncing walk
6. Brianstorm
7. Prospect Park
8. Terminal 2
9. Possibility
10. Aerial

Playwright PWT-31
Out 1/25, ¥2314 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Prospect Park"

"FRAGILE"

Trailer clip

Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new mini-album coming this month! Consisting of 8 new songs, including two theme songs for recent TV dramas, this follows cover album "karimono kyōsō" released last September. The song "otakebi" features Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and "kanashimi" was arranged by Mr. Children's tour band. Also, the song "yume bakkari" features Katahira Rina and Rei.

There's a limited edition that comes with a DVD of 4 music videos plus bonus footage. The first press of both editions comes as a digipak.

Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenashi"
チャラン・ポ・ランタン 「トリトメナシ」

CD
1. susume, tama ni nigete mo
2. Sweet as sugar
3. mayuge Dance
4. yume bakkari
5. tsuki
6. koi wa Timing
7. otakebi
8. kanashimi

DVD (Limited edition only)
susume, tama ni nigete mo Music Video
mayuge Dance Music Video
otakebi Music Video
kanashimi Music Video
Bonus Footage

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
avex trax AVCD-93591
Out 1/18, ¥2800 (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)
avex trax AVCD-93592
Out 1/18, ¥2300 (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.

"susume, tama ni nigete mo"

"mayuge Dance"

"otakebi" (Short ver.)

"kanashimi" (Short ver.)

Vibraphone-led jazz band the fascinations are back with a new 7" single! Included are covers of Original Love's "tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon -" (originally released in 1991) and Alice Clark's "Never Did I Stop Loving You". The B-side was first released on 2007 album "quiet dance" featuring vocals by Yafune Tatsurō, this one is available on vinyl for the first time. A CD-R is included.

It has been 3 years since the fascinations' excellent latest album "Green In Blue" (2014).

the fascinations "tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon -" (7")
the fascinations 「月の裏で会いましょう」

A. tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon -
B. Never Did I Stop Loving You (feat. Tatsurō Yafune)

Jet Set JS7S147
Out 1/18, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

"tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon"

"Never Did I Stop Loving You"

YMCK kicks off 2017 with a brand new album! "Family Swing" goes back to their jazzy roots which are blown full-size into a musical-like concept album. It's also the return of the "Swingers" characters who first appeared in album "Family Racing" (2005). Watch the trailer below.

"Family Swing" is YMCK's 7th album, the follow-up to "Family Dancing" (2015), and comes again on De De Mouse's not records label. The album comes in two editions, with a limited edition that is packaged with an original board game! Named "Family Treasure", it's an official remake of hit board game "Deep Sea Adventure" by maker Oink Games.

YMCK will hold a release party on February 5 at Daikanyama Unit, backed by a live jazz trio (drums, sax and contrabass). Tickets are on sale at Peatix, and also via e+ and Lawson (L-code: 72801).

Also check out the official release page.

YMCK "Family Swing"

1. Retro Fuego zenkoku kokka
2. kagayaki yo watashi no te ni (kaitō YMCK no Theme)
3. Emerald no Tact
4. Yeah Yeah daisakusen
5. Tea Time
6. Thrill Me (kaitō Swingers no Theme)
7. aishū no Swingers
8. dotabata Car Chase
9. detarame Parade
10. watashi o matsu sekai
11. akirame no warui Swingers
12. ongaku no oto

Limited edition (CD + Board game)
not records NOT-0014
Out 1/18, ¥4500 (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)
not records NOT-0013
Out 1/18, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"kagayaki yo watashi no te ni"

"Thrill Me"

Trailer clip

5-min digest

Happy New Year 2017!

This January will be released a split single by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE) and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Nakata Yasutaka's new song features vocals by Charli XCX (from London, UK) and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Of course, Kyary's new song is also produced by Nakata as always. "Harajuku iyahoi" is available on iTunes worldwide starting today, January 1st.

On January 28, special event "Asobinite!!! - Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Birthday Special - YSTKxPPP Club Edition" will be held at ageHa in Shinkiba, Tokyo. Tickets go on sale January 14. Details here.

Nakata Yasutaka / Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Crazy Crazy (feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) / Harajuku iyahoi"
中田ヤスタカ / きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「Crazy Crazy (feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) / 原宿いやほい」

1. Nakata Yasutaka / Crazy Crazy (feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu)
2. Nakata Yasutaka / Crazy Crazy (feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) -remix-
3. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu / Harajuku iyahoi
4. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu / Harajuku iyahoi -extended mix-

Warner Music WPCL-12509
Out 1/18, ¥1200 (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.

"Harajuku iyahoi"

"Crazy Crazy" (Short ver.)