Tokyo's Coolest Sound

The Beatniks, the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), is about to release a 5th album! "Exitentialist A Xie Xie" is the follow-up to "Last Train To Exitown". Included are 10 songs with sounds that mix rock, pop, techno, new wave and electronica. Musicians include Gondō Tomohiko, Sunahara Yoshinori, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai, Shigezumi Hiroko (Smooth Ace) and many more. All songs can be sampled here.

The album is being released on CD and vinyl at the same time. Both have different artwork.

A special show will be held on May 11 at EX Theater Roppongi. The Beatniks can also be seen on August 18 at Summer Sonic 2018 on the Billboard Japan Stage.

THE BEATNIKS "EXITENTIALIST A XIE XIE"

1. Crepuscular Rays
2. I've Been Waiting For You
3. hanamochi naranai Blue no Scarf, Gray no wanshō　
4. Brocken Spectre
5. hodoyoi ōkisa no ryōshi no shima
6. Softly-Softly
7. BEAT in no DOUBLE BUBBLE
8. Unfinished Love ~Full of Scratches~
9. Speckled Bandages
10. Xie Xie Xie DA DA DA Yeah Yeah Yeah Ya Ya Ya

CD edition
Nippon Columbia COCB-54260
Out 5/9, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

12" vinyl edition
Nippon Columbia COJA-9334
Out 5/9, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Xie Xie Xie DA DA DA Yeah Yeah Yeah Ya Ya Ya"

Fukuoka-born half-French teenage model and singer Manon's brand new song "Somewhere" is coming on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Watch it appear on iTunes and Apple Music in your country as the date changes to April 27 (hopefully!). First check out the new clip below!

Manon had been singing this one sometimes at shows recently, and it has a dub-pop sound with a cool nostalgic feel. Of course this one is also produced by Yuppa (HNC)!

Manon "SOMEWHERE" (Download)

Caticorn Records
Out now (4/27)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan

Kirinji has a new single coming! Included is new song "jikan ga nai", which was first performed live during the encore of a show at EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo last December. Aside from the new song, 7 live bonus tracks from that same show are included, with one featuring guests Negicco.

A new album (the band's 13th!) will also be released on June 13, and it will include singles "AI no tōhikō feat. Charisma.com" and "jikan ga nai". Other details have yet to be announced.

A tour will be held in July, to finish with two dates in Tokyo on July 25 and 26. Tickets are on sale.

Kirinji "jikan ga nai"
KIRINJI 「時間がない」

1. jikan ga nai
Bonus Live Tracks from "Kirinji Live 2017 EX Theater Roppongi"
2. ONNA DARAKE!
3. shinsuishiki
4. fuyu kitarinaba
5. hibikore kankō
6. shitto
7. Mr. BOOGIEMAN feat. Negicco
8. uchū hikōshi no uta

Universal Music UCCJ-2155
Out 5/2, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"jikan ga nai" teaser

It was recently the 20th anniversary of band Supercar, which was active from 1995 to 2005. This new greatest hits album collects 20 songs on two CDs. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers.

The limited edition comes with a Blu-ray of all video clips, previously released on DVD with the "P.V.D Complete 10th Anniversary Edition" title in 2007.

Out at the same time is a 7" single by unit Yurufuwa Gang who made two tracks sampling Supercar's songs. Find details below. Samples can be heard at Jet Set.

Supercar "PERMAFROST"

Disc 1
1. WONDER WORD
2. Sunday People
3. Flicker
4. Free Your Soul
5. DRIVE
6. AOHARU YOUTH
7. WHITE SURF style 5.
8. Lucky
9. YUMEGIWA LAST BOY
10. cream soda

Disc 2
1. RECREATION
2. Love Forever
3. STORYWRITER
4. PLANET
5. BGM
6. My Girl
7. FAIRWAY
8. Strobolights
9. BE
10. LAST SCENE

Blu-ray (Limited edition only)
1. cream soda
2. Lucky
3. PLANET
4. DRIVE
5. Sunday People
6. My Girl
7. Love Forever
8. Desperado
9. BE
10. FAIRWAY
11. WHITE SURF style 5.
12. Strobolights
13. YUMEGIWA LAST BOY
14. AOHARU YOUTH
15. RECREATION
16. BGM
17. LAST SCENE
18. WONDER WORD

Limited edition (2 CDs + Blu-ray)
Ki/oon KSCL-30036
Out 4/25, ¥6000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (12% off *), HMV (12% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (2 CDs)
Ki/oon KSCL-30039
Out 4/25, ¥3200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Yurufuwa Gang "Contains Samples from SUPERCAR" (7")
ゆるふわギャング 「Contains Samples from SUPERCAR」

A. YUMEGIWA LAST BOY (Yurufuwa Gang version)
B. Strobolights (Yurufuwa Gang version)

Ki/oon KSKL-8533
Out 4/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio formed of Mitz Mangrove, Gallantique Kazue and Meili Mu, has a first full-length album being released! Most songs were arranged—and many written—by Nakatsuka Takeshi.

Most songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers linked below.

Special shows will be held over two days on June 9 and 10 at Cotton Club in Tokyo, with two sets on each day. Tickets are on sale.

Hoshikuzu Scat "keshōshitsu"
星屑スキャット 「化粧室」

Disc 1
1. Knock Me In The Middle Of The Night
2. ai no Mismatch
3. ANIMALIZER (2018 new mix)
4. Hanzomon Chéri
5. nami no kazu dake Turquoise
6. kōsui kakuritsu
7. Hoshikuzu Scat no Theme (2018 new mix)
8. Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)
9. Interlude - Cosmetic
10. Cosmetic Siren
11. REMEMBER THE NIGHT (2018 new mix)
12. HANA-MICHI
13. goranshin (2018 extended mix) (Bonus track)

Disc 2
1. Shinjuku Chanson

Nippon Columbia COCP-40302
Out 4/25, ¥3241 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Shinjuku Chanson"

"Cosmetic Siren"

"hanzomon Chéri"

"Magnet Joe ni ki o tsukero (Single Version)"

"goranshin"

Pearl Brothers (Japanese name "Pearl kyōdai"), a famous rock/new wave band formed in the early 80's, has recently been active with five of its original members, and now here comes a new mini-album! In addition to two new songs and their instrumentals, three rehearsal studio takes of rare arrangements are included.

Pearl Brothers are: Saeki Kenzō on vocals, Kubota Haruo on guitar, Vagabond Suzuki on bass, Matsunaga Toshiya on drums, and Yashiro Tsunehiko on keyboards.

Pearl Brothers "uma no yō ni"
パール兄弟 「馬のように」

1. uma no yō ni
2. hibana ga naiteiru
3. yakisoba rojin (Studio Live)
4. kozui Date (Studio Live)
5. sekai wa Go Next (Studio Live)
6. uma no yō ni (Inst.)
7. hibana ga naiteiru (Inst.)

Pearlnet Records PEAR-5003
Out 4/25, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Wakita Monari's latest song "Take It Lucky!!!!", released digitally last month, is being released on 7" with a previously unreleased B-side! Both songs have music written and produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke). The A-side has lyrics by singer UKO, and the B-side "Peppermint Rainbow" has lyrics by Count Joke's Maezono Naoki. The B-side features chorus by Smooth Ace.

A release party will be held on May 6 at Shinjuku Marz. There will be a set backed by DJ Nachu in the afternoon, followed by a band set in the evening. Tickets are on sale (details).

Several in-store events will also be held: on April 24 from 19:30 at HMV record shop coppice Kichijoji, on April 25 from 19:00 at Tower Records Ikebukuro, on April 28 from 12:00 at HMV&Books Shibuya and from 15:00 at HMV Esola Ikebukuro, on April 30 from 14:00 at Tower Records Machida and from 19:00 at Tower Records Kawasaki, on May 1st from 19:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta, and on May 2 from 19:00 at HMV record shop Shibuya. Those who buy the single at these events will be given a postcard (4 different ones depending on the event). Find all details here.

Wakita Monari "Take It Lucky!!!!" (CD+7")
脇田もなり 「Take It Lucky!!!!」

CD
1. Take It Lucky!!!!
2. Peppermint Rainbow
3. Take It Lucky!!!! (Inst)
4. Peppermint Rainbow (Inst)

7"
A. Take It Lucky!!!!
B. Peppermint Rainbow

Vivid Sound HCCD-9596
Out 4/25, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Take It Lucky!!!!"

Satō Nozomu aka M. Lemon (of caméra-stylo, and lately known for the great Fujin Club) produces this new girl duo unit named Madame Croissant (Instagram)! Their first release is a 7" of two songs. The cover artwork is by Prague-based illustrator Kaori Mitsushima (Cats I Know). Check this out, and let's stay tuned for hopefully more!

Madame Croissant "salut / Who's calling me?" (7")

A. salut
B. Who's calling me ?

narisu Records NRSP-744
Out 4/21, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trailer clip

DJ Codomo is back with a new short & sweet EP of fresh sounds, out now on iTunes, Spotify, etc.! Check it out!

This also sounds like a good time to also revisit his previous album "Play" (2010), and the two recent singles he had released since ("2002" and "Posters").

DJ Codomo "Paper House EP" (Download)

1. Pulley
2. Paper House
3. Head

Stopwatch Records
Out now (4/18)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify

Saxophonist Shunosuke Ishikawa covers Sergio Mendes' bossa nova hit song "Mas Que Nada" in a danceable breakbeats arrangement that also features trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums.

A release event will be held on Wednesday May 16 at Shibuya JZ Brat featuring Shunosuke Ishikawa Quartet & special guests, with sets from 19:30 and 21:00. Details here.

Shunosuke Ishikawa "Mas Que Nada" (Download)

Polystar
Out now (4/18)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers should find interesting!

Check out the Record Store Day Japan official site for the full list of releases and participating shops. As the rule goes, online sales will only start a week later (April 29).

And there's also the worldwide Record Store Day site with yet a lot more to look forward to.

DJ Nobu "Toyo Vinyl" (7")

Want to hear sounds of records being made? Part of the industrial factory sampling project "Industrial JP", DJ Nobu sampled sounds of Japan's famous vinyl pressing factory Toyo Kasei! See a teaser clip here!

A１. TOYO VINYL
B１. SE #1
B２. SE #2
B３. SE #3

Industrial JP ID8
Out 4/21, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Nakata Yasutaka "White Cube / Give You More" (7")

Two tracks from his first solo album "Digital Native"! See the "White Cube" video clip below.

A. White Cube
B. Give You More

Jet Set JS7S192
Out 4/21, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Mondo Grosso "Kemuri / Turn It Up" (12")

Three tracks from latest album "Attune / Detune", feat. vocalists ACO, RHYME and Ōhashi Trio. "Turn It Up" video clip below.

A1. KEMURI
A2. KEMURI (Retune)
B1. TURN IT UP

cutting edge / Toyo Kasei TYO12S004
Out 4/21, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Sunaga t experience "konayuki / Squaw March" (7")

Two new recordings! These are covers of Remioromen's "konayuki" turned into a jazz-samba instrumental in STE style, and of Peter Martin Sextet's "Squaw March". "konayuki" video clip below.

A. konayuki
B. Squaw March

HMV record shop HR7S089
Out 4/21, ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

EGO-WRAPPIN' "A Little Dance SKA" (7")

Two versions of brand new song "A Little Dance"! Ego-Wrappin' are this year's Record Store Day 2018's official ambassadors. Audio samples here.

A1. A Little Dance SKA
B1. A Little Dance DUB

Minor Swing MNSG-0005
Out 4/21, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Takeda Kaori with Hakase-Sun / Mari Mari with Hakase-Sun "ANGEL / ikareta Baby" (7")
武田カオリ with Hakase-Sun / Mari Mari with Hakase-Sun 「ANGEL / いかれたBABY」

Two tracks by reggae keyboardist Hakase-Sun, in collaboration with vocalists Takeda Kaori (TICA) and MariMari. Both songs appeared on the soundtrack he produced for movie "hito no Sex o warau na" ("Don't Laugh at My Romance") (2008).

A. Takeda Kaori with Hakase-Sun ANGEL
B. MariMari with Hakase-Sun ikareta Baby

Ideal Music LLC. / Jet Set JS7S194
Out 4/21, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Sexy-Synthesizer "Sky High" (7")

First vinyl release by Sexy-Synthesizer, of two brand new songs! Includes download code. Teaser clip here.

A. SKY HIGH
B. GAMER'S DELIGHT PT.6

Eau Rouge Recordings SEXY-008
Out 4/21, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

I Am Robot And Proud x Oorutaichi "Logika / Paññā" (10")

Split 10" by Toronto (Canada) electro artist I Am Robot And Proud and Japan's Oorutaichi, two new songs and reciprocal remixes!

I Am Robot And Proud Side
A1. Logika
A2. Logika (Oorutaichi Mix)
Oorutaichi Side
B1. Paññā
B2. Paññā (i am robot and proud remix)

7 e.p. ep10-001
Out 4/21, ¥1900 (excl. tax)
Order: Jet Set

Electro Keyboard Orchestra "Electro Keyboard Orchestra" (12")

8 Japanese keyboardists and 20 synthesizers! Includes cover of Carlos Garnett's "Mother Of The Future" and more. Recorded in 1975.

A1. The Fire Dance
A2. Mother Of The Future
A3. Mayflower
A4. The Iron Side
B1. The Heated Point
B2. The Soaring Sea Gull
B3. Farewell, Onoda
B4. The African Dawn

Nippon Columbia HMJY118
Out 4/21, ¥3900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

bice "Spotty Syrup" (10")

6-song mini-album by bice, singer-songwriter who passed away in 2010. First released in 1998. Includes cover of the Bee Gees' "How deep is your love".

Side-A
1. Raincoat
2. How deep is your love
3. Milk film

Side-B
1. Planet
2. Make believe
3. Listen

Jet Set JS10S010
Out 4/21, ¥2100 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

SaToA "Three Shot" (10")

10" release of the first mini-album by recent 3-girl band SaToA. Album trailer here.

A1. aokusa no nioi
A2. Light
A3. bitter coffee
B1. Rudolph
B2. yume no shima
B3. ima asa
B4. Wonky Bridge

kesäkuuta market / Jet Set KSKM2
Out 4/21, ¥2600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

The Pen Friend Club "hishō suru nichijō / Don't Take Your Time" (7")
The Pen Friend Club 「飛翔する日常 / Don't Take Your Time」

Single from latest album "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club". The A-side is an original, and the B-side a Roger Nichols cover. Audio samples here.

A. hishō suru nichijō
B. Don't Take Your Time

Penpal Records PRDU-0001
Out 4/21, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

U-zhaan "Tabla Rock Mountain" (12")

Vinyl release of tabla musician U-zhaan's first solo album from 2014. Includes collaborations with Sakamoto Ryuichi, Cornelius, DE DE MOUSE and many more. Check out a video below.

A1. Getting Ready - U-zhaan
A2. Chicken Masala Bomb - U-zhaan x HIFANA
A3. Tabla'n'Rap - U-zhaan x KAKATO (Tamaki ROY x Chinza DOPENESS)
A4. Welcome Rain - U-zhaan x Ametsub
A5. ore no shōuchū - U-zhaan x Hanaregumi
B1. Flying Nimbus - U-zhaan x DE DE MOUSE
B2. Technopolis - U-zhaan x Sakamoto Ryūichi
B3. Homesick in Calcutta - U-zhaan x Cornelius
B4. Raga Mishra Kafi - U-zhaan x Babui x agraph

HMV record shop HRLP111
Out 4/21, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

Robochu "Scrappin" (2x12")

Rapper Robochu's new album "Scrappin" (2018) released as a double-LP.

A1. session 08
A2. letter from inogashira
A3. ongaku no ryōrihō
B1. hey young world
B2. walking
B3. saku saku
B4. skit skit
C1. funky na Music
C2. sunshower
C3. tegaki
D1. good ones
D2. Rough Sketch 2017
D3. kanpeki

Omiyage / Jet Set JSLP092
Out 4/21, ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

iri "Telephone feat. 5lack" (7")

Two songs from female singer-songwriter iri's latest, "life ep" (2017), including a collaboration with rapper 5lack.

A. Telephone feat. 5lack
B. fruits

Victor / Jet Set JS7S195
Out 4/21, ¥1400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

3776 Extended "boku dake no Happy End" (12")

Song by idol 3776 (Minanaro) released digitally in 2016 under monicker "3776 Extended", with a new remix by Riow Arai.

A. boku dake no Happy End
B. boku dake no Happy End RIOW ARAI REMIX

Narisu Records EXTN-3776
Out 4/21, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Various Artists "Gainsbourg Tribute" (12")

First vinyl release of this 1995 Japanese tribute album to Serge Gainsbourg, with songs produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Saeki Kenzō (Pearl Brothers), Agata Morio, Monsieur Kamayatsu, Kobayashi Yasuhiro (Coba) etc. with vocals by Kahimi Karie, EPO, Sublime, Hosokawa Fumie and more.

A1. Saeki Kenzō / La poupée qui fait non (vocal: Hosokawa Fumie)
A2. Oyamada Keigo / Histoire de Melody (vocal: Kahimi Karie)
A3. Tsuji Hitonari / La Chanson de Prévert (vocal: Minami Kaho)
A4. Kato Kazuhiko / Mambo Miam Miam (vocal: Michelle Flynn)
B1. Malcolm McLaren / Je t'aime... moi non plus (vocal: Blanca Li)
B2. Kobayashi Yasuhiro / L'eau à la bouche (vocal: SUBLIME)
B3. Agata Morio / Requiem pour un con (vocal: EPO)
B4. Monsieur Kamayatsu / Harley Davidson (vocal: NAHO)
B5. Nagataki Tatsuji / La noyée (vocal: Ishidō Natsuo)

Nippon Columbia / Jet Set JSLP090
Out 4/21, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

Serge Gainsbourg & Michel Colombier "Original Music From The Movie 'Le Pacha'" (12")

First vinyl release of the "Le Pacha" soundtrack by Serge Gainsbourg & Michel Colombier, including a previously unreleased instrumental of "Requiem Pour Un Con"!

A1. Requiem Pour Un Con
A2. Psychastenie
A3. Joss A La Calvados
A4. Batucada Meurtriere
A5. Un Noel 67
A6. Cadavre En Serie
B1. Psychastenie (Version 2)
B2. Batucada Meurtriere (Version 2)
B3. Requiem Pour Un Con (Previously Unreleased Instrumental Mix)
B4. No No Yes Yes
B5. Freedom Baby

WeWantSounds WWSLP10
Out 4/21, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set

DJ Nobu "Toyo Vinyl" teaser clip

Nakata Yasutaka "White Cube"

Mondo Grosso "Turn It Up"

Sunaga t experience "konayuki"

U-zhaan "Tabla'n'rap"

iri "Telephone feat. 5lack" (Short ver.)

3776 "boku dake no Happy End"

jan and naomi (Facebook) have a brand new album about to be released! "Fracture", actually their first full-length album, is the follow-up to mini-album "Leeloo and Alexandra". The artwork was done by Chim↑Pom. Audio samples can be heard at OTOTOY.

An upcoming show will be held on April 27 at Vacant in Harajuku, part of event "Fog." that will also feature Boys Age and Yusuke Kobayashi (The Novembers / Pale im Pelz). Find details here.

jan and naomi "Fracture"

1. THE END
2. Forest
3. TIC (Requiem for Tokyo)
4. CSKE
5. Temple of Blue
6. Fracture
7. City of love
8. X
9. The Devil

cutting edge CTCR-14941
Out 4/18, ¥2600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"CSKE"

The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The CD contains mono, stereo and live versions of each song.

Upcoming shows include "In The Basement!" on May 5 at Koenji UFO Club, "In Crowd Vol.13" on May 13 at Kichijoji Ichibee (with The Pen Friend Club & more), and "Mods Mayday Japan 2018" on May 19 at Shinjuku Loft. Find details here.

The Geno London "Geno London EP"

1. This Little Girl Of Mine (Mono)
2. TV Star (Mono)
3. Brown Eyed Handsome Girl (Mono)
4. Story Of The Boys (Mono)
5. Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Mono)
6. This Little Girl Of Mine (Stereo)
7. TV Star (Stereo)
8. Brown Eyed Handsome Girl (Stereo)
9. Story Of The Boys (Stereo)
10. Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Stereo)
11. This Little Girl Of Mine (Live)
12. TV Star (Live)
13. Brown Eyed Handsome Girl (Live)
14. Story Of The Boys (Live)
15. Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Live)

Gatsby Blues Records GB-02
Out now (4/11), ¥926 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Brown Eyed Handsome Girl" live performance
(May not be same as on CD)

Nosa Reina is releasing a first cover album this month, of various charming Japanese songs from her memories arranged with a new wave touch. Featured are songs originally by EPO, Sakakibara Ikue (Techno-kayō classic "Robot"!), Sawada Kenji, Ōtaki Eiichi, Suzuki Saeko, Yurayura Teikoku, Nokko and more. Included is a duet with Matsunaga Temma (Urbangarde) who can also be seen as a guest in the "Robot" video below.

A special show to celebrate the release, backed with a full band and featuring guest vocalist Matsunaga Temma, will be held on June 14 at Azabu Shinsekai. There will also be free in-store events on April 30 at Seibu Ikebukuro Honten 5F from 13:00 and 15:00, part of the "Jackegai Department" exhibition, and on May 13 at Disk Union Shōwakayō-kan in Shinjuku from 15:00.

Nosa Reina "Endless Party ~Cover Album~"
野佐怜奈 「ENDLESS PARTY ～Cover Album～」

1. Endless Valentine (EPO)
2. Robot (Sakakibara Ikue)
3. saizansu Mambo feat. Matsunaga Temma (Tony Tani & Miyashiro Mariko)
4. Lolita Go Home (Kobayashi Mami)
5. Nuance shimasho (Kōsaka Miyumi)
6. Tokio (Sawada Kenji)
7. Niagara ondo (Ōtaki Eiichi)
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (Suzuki Saeko)
9. Dancing Hero Eat You Up (Oginome Yōko)
10. kūdō desu (Yurayura Teikoku)
11. ningyo (Nokko)

P-Vine PCD-25254
Out 4/18, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Robot"

"Endless Valentine" (Short ver.)

"I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" (Short ver.)

YMCK is releasing a new EP, and on the same day doing a rare one-man show in Ebisu! The EP consists of 4 songs including collaborations with Robotprins (Sweden), Mega Ran (U.S.), and a mysterious rapper named MC8bit, and also 3 remixes of some favorites from YMCK's delightful repertoire. The release will be available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc., although a limited CD edition is to be sold at the show and on Amazon Japan.

The show will be held on April 14 from 19:00 at Ebisu CreAto, a venue said to have large LED displays. Robotprins, MC8bit and Mega Ran will be part of the show. Tickets are on sale at Peatix, and also via e+ and L-Tike (Lawson).

Check out the official page that has all details about the EP and show, and a new space version of the original "dotabata Car Chase" game.

YMCK "Magical Galaxy Tour EP" (Download)

1. uchū o sadameru hōsoku no kanata
2. Synchronicity (MAGICAL GALAXY TOUR MIX)
3. Pleades (MAGICAL GALAXY TOUR MIX)
4. Rain (MAGICAL GALAXY TOUR MIX)
5. Les étoiles feat. MC8bit
6. Unspeakable feat. Mega Ran
7. Miracle Gravity feat. Robotprins

not records not-0018
Out 4/14
Sample/buy: , Amazon Japan

"uchū o sadameru hōsoku no kanata"

Crossfade mix

Trailer clip

New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe, bohemianvoodoo and many more.

All songs can be sampled at the links below.

Various Artists "Family Vol.2"

Disc 1
1. Intro ~Mr. Father~ / MASSAN + MIDORINOMARU
2. First Impression / fox capture plan
3. Taboo / TRI4TH
4. akatsuki / The SKAMOTTS
5. Club Trini Back In Town (Live) / WAIWAI STEEL BAND
6. KHALÉ YI / Afro Begue
7. Flying / freecube
8. Keep playing / Alter Ego
9. Waiting for spring / PRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA
10. FOREVER / MASSAN + MIDORINOMARU
11. Hot Sauce / Shima Yūsuke SilentJazzCase
12. Father and Bookshelf (Live version) / bohemianvoodoo
13. HIGH MASS / Do One Thing.

Disc 2
1. capture the Initial "F" / fox capture plan
2. Secrets Of My Life (feat. arvin homa aya) / Tres-men
3. Snowman / WAIWAI STEEL BAND
4. Ruby no kokoro / orange pekoe
5. Mbakh Dou Mbakh / Afro Begue
6. Freeway / TRI4TH
7. beautiful days / freecube
8. Close My Eyes / MASSAN×BASHIRY
9. Thema uit film 'Mensen Van Morgen' / Sunaga t experience
10. Philly's Dance / Shima Yūsuke SilentJazzCase
11. Penelope ni fuku kaze / Alter Ego
12. NEWDAY / Immigrant's Bossa Band
13. Adria Blue (Live at club eX) / bohemianvoodoo
14. Heart of Cosmos / PRIMITIVE ART OF ORCHESTRA

Playwright PWT-041
Out now (4/11), ¥2778 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Out now digitally worldwide is a brand new single by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu! "Kimi No Mikata" is her first new song since last year's "Easta" single. Check out the video below which consists of just one tricky scene!

Kyary is going on a world tour next month, starting in London on May 20, and then going to Köln, Berlin, New York, San Francisco and L.A. Check out all details on this special site.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kimi No Mikata" (Download)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「きみのみかた」

Warner Music
Out now (4/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

For her 30th birthday (April 10, 2018), Negicco leader Nao is releasing a first solo single! The A-side has lyrics written by herself and music by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), while the B-side has music written and arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme). The video clip was filmed in one shot.

Nao☆ (Negicco) "Nanohana"
Nao☆ (Negicco) 「菜の花」

1. Nanohana
2. Happy End o chōdai
3. Nanohana (inst)
4. Happy End o chōdai (inst)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0199
Out 4/11, ¥1200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Nanohana"

Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage) has a new 7" single being released! Both songs feature singer Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), with the horn section from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra on the A-side and a swinging jazz band on the B-side. The 7" is pressed on blue vinyl, and the jacket artwork was drawn by the artist himself.

Yoichiro Ito "makimodoshitai hodo no shiawase / ao no sekai feat. Crazy Ken" (7")
伊藤陽一郎 「巻き戻したいほどの幸せ / 青の世界 FEAT. CRAZY KEN」

A. makimodoshitai hodo no shiawase
B. ao no sekai feat. Crazy Ken

Jet Set JS7S188
Out 4/11, ¥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.

This unit of Furukawa Miki (Lama, ex-Supercar) and tabla musician U-zhaan released last year a first cassette tape that consisted of two traditional Japanese songs. This new record contains both of those songs, plus two new songs ("B&G" and "koke no uta"), as well as two remixes.

A free in-store event will be held at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji on Friday April 27 from 19:30.

Furukawa Miki ÷ U-zhaan "Kouta LP" (12")
フルカワミキ÷ユザーン 「KOUTA LP」

A1. B&G
A2. koke no uta
A3. B&G Remixed By shokuhin matsuri a.k.a foodman
B1. hachinohe kouta
B2. tōryanse
B3. hachinohe kouta + tōryanse Remixed By Oval

HMV record shop/MeltInto HRLP-115
Out now (4/6), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a brand new album being released this week, underlining their 10th anniversary since album "shōjo wa nido shinu" (2008)!

The deluxe edition comes with a 24-page booklet and DVD of 4 music videos. HMV gives away an bonus instrumental CD and Tower Records an acoustic CD (while supplies last).

A special 10th anniversary concert event titled "Kekkon Shiki" will be held at Nakano Sun Plaza on April 8th (event official page). Also an in-store talk show & autograph session will be held on April 3 from 18:00 at Village Vanguard Plus in the Saitama Toshigaya Aeon Lake Town mall.

Urbangarde "Shoujo Fiction"
アーバンギャルド 「少女フィクション」

1. atashi Fiction
2. akumade akuma
3. Femme Fata Fantasy
4. Tokyo Kid
5. Video no yō ni
6. otonabyō
7. Internet sō
8. Tetsukuzu Tetsuo
9. Kiss ni tsuite
10. shoujō ni shiyagare
11. daihakai kōkyōgaku

DVD (Deluxe edition only)
1. atashi Fiction (Propaganda Video)
2. Akuma des Akuma (Propaganda Video)
3. Femme Fata Fantasy (Propaganda Video)
4. daihakai kōkyōgaku (Memorial Video)

Deluxe edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Fabtone Records FBAC-050
Out 4/4, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (19% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Fabtone Records FBAC-051
Out 4/4, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (World), Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"atashi Fiction"

"Akuma des Akuma"

"Femme Fata Fantasy"

Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more.

A limited edition includes a bonus Blu-ray disc of 7 music videos with audio specially mixed with KISSonix 3D technology that is said to give a 3D sound experience even though played with regular stereo speakers. First pressings come in a digipak.

Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"

CD
1. One Temperature (Vocal: Big-O (Shakkazombie))
2. TURN IT UP (Vocal: Ōhashi Trio)
3. itsuwari no Sympathy (Album Mix) (Vocal: Aina The End (BiSH))
4. KEMURI (Vocal: ACO)
5. - Attune / Detune -
6. KEMURI (Retune) (Vocal: RHYME)
7. ERASER (FRF 2017 Rearrangement) (Vocal: Futagami Anne)
8. Labyrinth (Thousand Tears Orchestra Instrumental)
9. wakusei Tantra (Vocal: Yakushimaru Etsuko)

Blu-ray (Limited edition only)
1. itsuwari no Sympathy
2. Labyrinth
3. wakusei Tantra
4. SEE YOU AGAIN
5. TIME
6. TURN IT UP
7. haru wa Toi ni mazameru (Ver.2)

Limited edition (CD+Blu-ray)
cutting edge CTCR-14938
Out 3/21, ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (14% off *), HMV (11% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
cutting edge CTCR-14939
Out 3/21, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"itsuwari no Sympathy"

"wakusei Tantra" (Short edit)

"One Temperature" teaser