Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Band kataomoi has a new 7" single out now! This was recorded and mixed by Illicit Tsuboi, and the jacket was illustrated by Thai artist wisut ponniit. Nice price too! It's been just over a year since their 2nd album "Quiero V.I.P".

kataomoi can be seen on November 5 part of label here.

kataomoi "hinotori" (7")
片想い 「ひのとり」

A. hinotori
B. kanashimi o nuide yukō

Kakubarhythm KAKU-084
Out 9/29, ¥900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Following the recent release of a remastered CD last February, Pizzicato Five's "Pizzicatomania!" is now being released on vinyl for the first time. In addition to one of the new "Action Painting" mixes that appeared on that CD, previously unreleased song "One Two Three" has been added to the track list! The jacket has also been redesigned using an early days photo. All tracks are the latest remastered versions from this year.

"Pizzicatomania!" was first released in 1987 as a compilation of songs from the band's first two 12" EPs on Hosono Haruomi's Non-Standard label, "Audrey Hepburn Complex" and "Pizzicato V In Action".

Pizzicato Five "Pizzicatomania!" (12")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「ピチカートマニア！」

A1. The 59th Street Bridge Song
A2. Boy Meets Girl
A3. The Audrey Hepburn Complex
A4. What's New, Pizzicato?
B1. Action Painting (1985.9.29 Mix)
B2. One Two Three (Previously unreleased)
B3. September Song
B4. From Party To Party
B5. Let's Go Away For A While

Teichiku TEJI-37018
Out 11/3, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

This concept album is a collaboration of pastry shop es koyama (located in Hyōgo prefecture) with several artists who created new songs inspired by the shop's various cakes and sweet treats. Included are new songs by Nakatsuka Takeshi, Nanba Shiho, Mizuno Mari (paris match) and more.

Various Artists "Sweets Wonderland / es koyama with friends"

(Title / Artist)
1. Tree / Sumire & Matsumoro Toshiaki (inspired by "omoide no okina ki ~Koyama-ryu baumkuchen~")
2. Starry / THE CHARM PARK (inspired by "Framboisier")
3. taiyō no Shower / Nakatsuka Takeshi (inspired by "kamadashi blueberry pie")
4. sanbyōshi no Palette / Matsumoro Toshiaki (inspired by "Macaron")
5. Strawberry Letter 23 / Satō Chikuzen (inspired by "Strawberry shortcake")
6. Refrain / Nakatsuka Takeshi (inspired by "es-chiffon")
7. HYPER 90'S CHOCOLATE BOYFRIEND / Nanba Shiho (inspired by "Tablette chocolat")
8. kimi to nara / Nakatsuka Takeshi (inspired by "Koyama cheese")
9. shūmatsu no Voyager / Mizuno Mari (paris match) (inspired by "Weekend citron")
10. Bon Bon au Chocolat / TOKU & SHANTI (inspired by "Bonbon chocolat")
11. La Dolce Vita / Nakatsuka Takeshi (inspired by "Koyama roll")

Tokuma Japan TKCA-74552
Out 9/27, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A new Cornelius 7" is coming out next week! Title song "In a Dream" is taken from his excellent latest album "Mellow Waves", while the B-side "yume no oku de" is a previously unreleased dreamy track that samples the theme song from 70's TV show "Love Love Show".

This is the 3rd single from "Mellow Waves", following "If You're Here" and "Sometime / Someplace (itsuka / dokoka)" which were both released before the album.

Cornelius "In a Dream" (7")
コーネリアス 「夢の中で」
(Japanese title: "yume no naka de")

A. In a Dream (yume no naka de)
B. yume no oku de

Warner WPJL-10075
Out 9/27, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"In a Dream"

Boomdigi (Facebook page), a Kumamoto-based electro-matsuri unit formed of 2 MCs & 1 DJ, has a first 7" out now! Boomdigi brings together sounds of hip-hop and bass music with traditional Japanese summer festival vibes.

Both tracks can be sampled at Jet Set.

Boomdigi "hinokuni Bounce / Welcome 2 My World" (7")
ブンディギ 「火ノ国BOUNCE / Welcome 2 My World」

A. hinokuni Bounce
B. Welcome 2 My World

Pet Sounds PS-001
Out now (9/15), ¥1389 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, ReggaeRecord.com

Kaede (of Negicco) has released today a first solo single, of which the title song was written by Sawabe Wataru (Skirt). The B-side is a cover of Kirinji's "sore mo kitto shiawase". Both were arranged by Skirt. This is being released for her 26th birthday (September 15). The music video, seen below, was shot in Sendai.

The single is being released digitally on September 20. A 7" edition was released today although it's exclusive to Tower Records physical shops.

Kaede "ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)" (Download)
Kaede 「あの娘が暮らす街（まであとどれくらい？）」

1. ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)
2. sore mo kitto shiawase
3. ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?) (inst)
4. sore mo kitto shiawase (inst)

T-Palette Records
Out 9/20
Sample/buy: Spotify, , Amazon MP3 Japan, OTOTOY

Kaede "ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)" (7")
Kaede 「あの娘が暮らす街（まであとどれくらい？）」

A. ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)
B. sore mo kitto shiawase

T-Palette Records TPRV-0028
Out now (9/17), ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)"

Self-described as a "southern Shimokita soul band", Meet The Hopes has just released a 7" of two new funky songs. It had been 3 years since their first album "Jamboree" (2014, CDJapan).

Meet The Hopes holds regular party "Jinriki Disco" on the 3rd Wednesday every month at Basement Bar in Shimokitazawa. The next will be held tomorrow September 20, and will feature Meet The Hopes and also Pablo, Kamata Mizuki and Yaoyoros (details). Watch their blog for upcoming news.

Meet The Hopes "uwasa ni naritai / Jasmine High" (7")
ミートザホープス 「うわさになりたい / ジャスミンハイ」

A. uwasa ni naritai
B. Jasmine High

MTH Records MTH-001
Out now (9/15), ¥1389 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, ReggaeRecord.com

Sampler clip

"Zen and Bones" is a documentary film directed by Nakamura Takayuki ("Yokohama Mary") about Japanese-American Buddhist priest Henry Mittwer. This soundtrack features music by many artists including Nomiya Maki, Comoesta Yaegashi, Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Kishino You-ichi (La veuve moustachue), Tablet Jun and more.

The movie is currently being shown in Tokyo and Yokohama, with more to come soon. Check the official site for details.

"'Zen and Bones' Original Soundtrack"
「映画 『禅と骨』 オリジナル・サウンドトラック」

1. Redshoes Rapsody / Nakamura Yusuke × Eddie Ban
2. The woman with redshoes / Nakamura Yusuke × Eddit Ban
3. akai kutsu / Kishino You-ichi × Okamura Midori × Tablet Jun
4. Kyoto bojō / Kishino You-ichi × Shigemori Kōhei × Nomiya Maki
5. Henry no Theme ver.1 / Ōnishi Junko
6. Henry no Theme ver.2 take 1 / Ōnishi Junko
7. Henry no Theme ver.2 take 2 / Ōnishi Junko
8. Sachiko no Theme / Ōnishi Junko
9. Memoir of Mother / Terasawa Shingo
10. 8mm film / Terasawa Shingo
11. hone made ai shite / Comoesta Yaegashi × Yokoyama Ken

P-Vine PCD-18825
Out 9/20, ¥2038 (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.

Movie trailer

The Lady Spade has released just recently a brand new mini-album, the follow-up to "Reverse Shaped Black Heart" (2014). Their sound is more sophisticated and danceable than ever, cuter but also perhaps a bit scarier!?

That the album is available physically only via Tower Records (which ships only within Japan), however it's also on iTunes, Spotify, OTOTOY, Amazon MP3, etc.

A special show will be held on Friday October the 13th at Shibuya Glad, starting at 19:00. Special guest act The Aprils, whose recent single "Horror Survivor" was a collaboration with The Lady Spade, will also be part of the show. Tickets are on sale.

The Lady Spade "Phenomenon"
その名はスペィド 「Phenoﾒnon」
(Japanese artist name: sono na wa Spade)

1. tottemo kanashii ohanashi o waratta kao de shika hanasanai oningyō no monogatari
2. RESTINPEACEANDLOVE
3. makeup↑makedown↓
4. odoranaiwa
5. Stripe Stripe Stripe
6. Trick or Die

Vulgar Display Music VDM-0003
Out now (9/6), ¥ 1667 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, (World), (Japan), Spotify, OTOTOY, Amazon MP3 U.S., Amazon MP3 Japan
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"makeup↑makedown↓" ("STAY... SPAde HOME" ver.)

"RESTINPEACEANDLOVE"

Teaser clip

The Lady Spade's first album, "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!", was released in 2009 and featured former vocalist Ruby aka Nosa Reina. It is now being released again in a remastered edition! The Lady Spade fans and also anyone who enjoys cool groovy 60's-insprired music with a spy theme shouldn't miss this excellent album. Liner notes by producer SLF and Nosa Reina have also been added.

Lately Nosa Reina has been active as a solo artist, and The Lady Spade has just released brand new mini-album "Phenomenon" (with current vocalist ATG).

The Lady Spade "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!"
その名はスペィド 「ダイヤル"S"をまわせ!」
(Japanese title: "Dial 'S' o mawase!")

1. Opening - Dial "S" o mawase!
2. Lady Spade - Eye Catch
3. Callsign
4. wagamama na watashi
5. Jingle - Dial "S" Part 1
6. tsugi no Mission no jōhō ga todokimashita
7. mawase! unmei no Roulette
8. Spy gokko
9. shinsetsu Spy gokko
10. Spade vs sekai de 2banme no otokotachi ~Car Chase hen~
11. Jingle - Dial "S" Part 2
12. koi no unten menkyosho
13. hitori bocchi no Spade
14. Ending - Dial "S" o mawase!

Sazanami Label SZDW-1041
Out 9/20, ¥ 2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Lady Black (preview ver.)" (from 2009)

Sampler clip (from 2009)

New wave band BANK has a new 7" out now! Check out their new songs of a dubby mellow 80's feel. BANK is a band that features singer Nakamura Dai (ex-Arch), drummer Suzuki Bō, bassist Hirami Fumio (ex-Love Tambourines), guitarist Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, ex-Bridge) and keyboardist Kitami Tadashi (Disco2). This is the follow-up to brilliant album "True Tempo" (2015).

Aside form the links below, you can also probably buy directly from the friendly Too Young Records, home of BANK. Find instructions on their "For foreign customers" page. The same single is also available as a split cassette, which also contains two songs by NUBACK (a monicker of Nakamura Dai).

BANK will next perform live on September 23 at Shibuya Kissa SMiLE (Facebook page), part of DJ event "Luxury kayō #3". The event starts at 16:30. Find details here.

BANK "Time / Himitsu" (7")

A. Time
AA. Himitsu

Em Records EM-1167
Out now (9/16), ¥1250 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, , Spotify, Em Records

Audio sampler

Konishi Yasuharu compiles another CD from Sony's J-Pop hit catalog, consisting of songs that have not been released on 7". This follows the release of "Ace" last February that was the starting point to the release of several 7" singles of songs Konishi wished to have for his DJ gigs. This time in addition to hits are some rarities and also two brand new edits: Pizzicato Five's "Lovers' Rock -no dub-" and Clémentine's "Weekend -'Ace' edit-"! A must for fans! All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other links below.

Out at the same time is a set of two 7"'s of four songs from the previous compilation. See "Ace ep" below for details.

"Ace" project official site

Those who buy either of these at Tower Records Shibuya can go to a special party there on Friday September 15 from 19:30, featuring all DJs from monthly event (((((((A))))))) (details). A special appearance by Watanabe Marina as the opening act has also been announced. Being the 3rd Friday of the month, the party will continue at Organ b. afterwards.

Various Artists "Ace 2" (7"x2)
オムニバス 「エース2」

(Title / Artist)
1. ai no sainō / Kawamoto Makoto
2. zurui onna / Sharam Q
3. Timing / Black Biscuits
4. yureru taion (TYO mix) / ACO
5. ENDLESS SUMMER NUDE / Magokoro Bros
6. Ekesetene (KONISHI'S EDIT) / Modern Choki Chokies
7. atashi nande dakishimetain darō? / CHARA
8. yasashii kimochi / CHARA
9. Let's Fly The Ad-Balloon / Oh! Penelope
10. Two of us / Miyazawa Rie
11. MAN ON THE EARTH / Ōe Senri
12. Carnival / Kihara Satomi
13. taisetsu / Komorita Minoru
14. Lovers' Rock -no dub- / Pizzicato Five (New Edit)
15. kimo to boku / Suzuki Lanlan
16. Weekend -"Ace" edit- / Clémentine (New Edit)
17. seppun / Goshima Yoshiko
18. boku no okurimono / Rising Chart Singers (First time on CD)

Great Tracks MHCL-2699
Out 9/13, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Ace ep" (7"x2)
オムニバス 「エースep」

(Title / Artist)
A. Shibuya de 5ji (1996 Chocolate mix) / Suzuki Masayuki & Kikuchi Momoko
B. Shanghai Honey / Orange Range
C. V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N / Yoshimura Yumi
D. Wedding Bell / Puffy

Great Tracks MHKL-6
Out 9/13, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Dé Dé Mouse has a brand new EP being released digitally! This is the follow-up to "dream you up" (April 2017). "via alpha centauri" takes inspiration from the "Centaur festival" which appears in classic Japanese fantasy novel "Night on the Galactic Railroad". The album has sounds of future house, tropical house, synth-wave, etc., always keeping a BPM of 105.

A special show will be held on release day September 15 at the small hall of Pathenon Tama, in Tama city, Tokyo. The performance will have surround sound, and it will be held in a room with almost all lights off. Also, at the end of September Dé Dé Mouse will tour 5 cities of China for the first time. Check out his full schedule here.

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "via alpha centauri" (Download)

1. festa de centauri
2. wanna dance
3. rigil
4. otters for fete
5. star gazer

not records
Out 9/15
Sample/buy:

"festa de centauri"

Teaser mix

Usually instrumental band neco nemuru has a new 7" single out now, of songs in collaboration with Abe Yūma (never young beach) and Scha Dara Parr + Robochu.

neco nemuru "Sayonara Summer / hinekuretai no" (7")
neco眠る 「SAYONARA SUMMER/ひねくれたいの」

A. SAYONARA SUMMER feat. Abe Yūma (never young beach)
B. hinekuretai no feat. Scha Dara Parr + Robochu

kongari ongaku DDKZ-9001
Out now (9/6), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Ozawa Kenji (ex-Flipper's Guitar) has a new single out now, his 2nd this year (following "ryūdōtai ni tsuite" released suddenly in February). The title song is a collaboration with band Sekai No Owari, while the B-side is a solo song said to be in Ozawa Kenji's distinctive style.

This release comes as a CD in a 7"-sized package, like the previous single.

Ozawa Kenji to Sekai No Owari "I Hear an Owl"
小沢健二とSEKAI NO OWARI 「フクロウの声が聞こえる」
(Japanese title: "fukurō no koe ga kikoeru")

1. fukurō no koe ga kikoeru
2. shinpiteki
3. fukurō no koe ga kikoeru (Instrumental)
4. shinpiteki (Instrumental)

Universal Music TYCT-39063
Out now (9/6), ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, YesAsia, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser short film (watch the members discussing the single while eating)

Rapper Kaseki Cider and The Natsuyasumi Band collaborate on this new 7" single out now!

Hear an audio sample at Jet Set.

Kaseki Cider & The Natsuyasumi Band "Quiet School" (7")
かせきさいだぁ と ザ・なつやすみバンド 「Quiet School」

A. Quiet School
B. Quiet School (Instrumental)

towervinyl TRRD-1004
Out now (9/6), ¥1500 (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.

Dance jazz quintet TRI4TH has a 6th album about to be released! Their previous was the 2016-released "Defying", since which they also did a split mini-album with band Calmera titled "Horns Riot" (CDJapan, Amazon). Aside from plenty of new songs, new versions of "Horns Riot" and "N.I.N.K.Y.O." are included. Guest musicians are guitarist Hirama Mikio (ex-Tokyo Jihen) and saxophonist/flutist Aoki Keita (Lost Name).

A tour will be held starting October, to finish at Shibuya Club Quattro on November 16. Tickets are on sale.

TRI4TH "4th Rebellion"

1. Black Crows
2. Rebellion
3. Guns of Saxophone
4. Morning Smile
5. On Fire
6. in the dark
7. Night Fly
8. Basterd
9. Horns Riot (TRI4TH ver.)
10. N.I.N.K.Y.O. (4th Rebellion ver.)
11. Dance'em All (Bonus track)

Playwright PWT-037
Out 9/6, ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Rebellion"

"Guns of Saxophone"

3-piece band Lucky Tapes has a new EP coming this week on label Rallye. This is a follow-up to 2016 album "Cigarettes & Alcohol". Check out the brand new clip below.

A tour will be starting soon, going through Japan to finish on November 2 at Liquidroom in Tokyo. Tickets are on sale. Find all details here.

Lucky Tapes "Virtual Gravity"

1. Intro
2. Boogie Nights
3. Gravity
4. Sherry

Rallye Label RYECD-290
Out 9/6, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Gravity"

Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a new album being released! This is the follow-up to "Humanity" (2016) which marked their 25th anniversary.

This new album's limited edition comes with a bonus disc of remixes of 10 tracks from previous album "Humanity", by the likes of Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), Fukutomi Yukihiro, Sawasaki Yukihiro, Technoboys Pulcraft Green-Fund, Hondalady and more. Three of the remixes were previously released digitally with the title "ReHumanity Vol.1".

A show will be held on Saturday November 4 at Shibuya Star Lounge. Tickets go on sale September 16. Details here.

Cutemen "Exhibition Of Love & Desire"

1. Love From Different Dimension
2. M.O.T.S.U
3. Sympathizer
4. Forever
5. Good Vibrations
6. Cucumber
7. It's Not Love
8. Heat Of Love
9. Hurt Me
10. Contact

Limited edition bonus remix CD (Limited edition only)
1. Get Ready (For The Childhood's End) (MOP of HEAD Remix)
2. Celebration (Yoshihiro Sawasaki Remix)
3. Born To Love You (CMJK Remix)
4. shūmatsu tokei (Yukihiro Fukutomi Remix)
5. Get Ready (For The Humanity's End) (Takkyu Ishino Remix)
6. Gasoline Car (HONDALADY Remix)
7. Loser (TECHNOBOYS PULCRAFT GREEN-FUND Remix)
8. Mind Wandering (Sigh Society Remix)
9. The Light (KING of OPUS Remix)
10. Sayonara (TAICHI MASTER Remix)

Limited edition (2 CDs)
Out 9/6, ¥3500 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan, YesAsia

Regular edition (main CD only)
Out 9/6, ¥3000 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan, YesAsia

SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song "Pinky Fluffy", a rock-a-ballad reminiscent of Andrea Carroll's "It Hurts To Be Sixteen" with music written by Takanami K-tarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and lyrics by Iizumi Yūko (Microstar). The B-side is a cover of Swing Out Sister's hit song "Breakout" in a dancefloor-friendly 60's style arrangement, probably the song's cutest version ever.

The band members include bassist Sally Kubota, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro (Hicksville, Sally Soul Stew), and also featured are drummer Shirane Kenichi (Great 3, Sally Soul Stew), percussionist Itani Takashi, and Hoshino Michiru who sings chorus on both songs. Singer Soleil, who was previously part of a girl unit called Tanqun Democracy, also plays glockenspiel on this single.

The art direction was also done by Sally Kubota, and the sleeve unfolds into a beautiful mini-poster.

A release party will be held at Shinjuku Red Cloth on Sunday October 15. Guests will be given a A2-sized poster. Tickets are on sale via Lawson Ticket (L-code 76035) and at Red Cloth. Also, an in-store mini-live will be held on Sunday September 24 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta from 13:00 (details here).

SOLEIL "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL（ソレイユ） 「ピンキー・フラッフィー」

7"
A. Pinky Fluffy
B. Breakout

CD
1. Pinky Fluffy
2. Breakout
3. Pinky Fluffy (instrumental)
4. Breakout (instrumental)

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCCD-9591
Out 9/20, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip