Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Hello, Wendy! (Facebook Page) is a unit of four synthesizer musicians led by Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) and also featuring Maika Loubté, Azuma Hitomi and Niitsu Yui (previously known as Neat's), with no use of computer programming. Following the release of a self-titled studio live album in 2014 (OTOTOY), here comes a 2nd brand new album! Included is a vocoder adaptation of Beethoven's 9th, as well as covers of Sakamoto Ryuichi ("Self Portrait"), M ("Pop Muzik"), Jeff Beck ("Star Cycle") and The Beach Boys ("Lavender") and also originals written by each member. Check out the video for "Revolution" (by Ohno Yumiko) below.

Out at the same time is a mini-album of 5 songs from the first album, remastered and released digitally under the title "The First Encounter with Hello, Wendy!". See details below.

Hello, Wendy! will play live at SuperDeluxe on August 23 together with Metalchicks (band of Sugar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter) and Yoshimura Yuka (CATSUOMATICDEATH, ex-DMBQ, ex-OOIOO)). Not to be missed!

Hello, Wendy! "No.9"

1. No.9
2. Pop Muzik
3. Revolution
4. Violet's Green Eyes
5. Moment Of Eternity
6. Shinryoku
7. Katyusha
8. Self Portrait
9. Star Cycle
10. Lavender

Universal Music UICZ-4424
Out now (5/30), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Hello, Wendy! "The First Encounter with Hello, Wendy!" (Download)

1. Daisy Bell / A Bicycle Built For Two
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048, 3rd Movement
3. Computer Love
4. The Sound of Silence
5. Pavane pour une infante défunte

Universal Music
Out now (5/25)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify

"Revolution"

Premium Studio Live (2014)

Spank Happy, the unit of Kikuchi Naruyoshi, has released a brand new song which features vocalist Oda Tomomi (CRCK/LCKS, dCprG, and support member of cero). The song was featured in a campaign for department store chain Mitsukoshi Isetan, and it's now available on iTunes Japan, Spotify, etc.

Together the two made the soundtrack for movie "suteki na Dynamite Scandal", available on CD (CDJapan, Amazon, (Japan)).

Spank Happy can be seen at the "Natsu no Mamono 2018" festival to be held on September 2 in Odaiba, Tokyo.

Spank Happy "natsu no tensai" (Download)
Spank Happy 「夏の天才」

Bureau Kikuchi
Out now (5/30)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify

Mitsukoshi Isetan Group "2018 Global Green Campaign"
Song: "natsu no tensai"

This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album comes as a set of a CD and a DVD of the songs' footage from the TV show. Also included are two remixes by DJ Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) who was introduced on the show as "omezame DJ".

Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
オムニバス 「シャキーン♪　ミュージック こころね」

CD
1. Shaki-n! no Theme (Opening Theme) / Fukagawa Kazumi & Hata Yoshifumi
2. iiwake!? / The Budōkans
3. sekai no himistu / Mei-chan
4. momo / Momoe
5. sokudo no uta / The Natsuyasumi Band & Mei-chan & Momoe
6. asa ni hajimaru / Yuga
7. owaru shunkan / Bakurocho Band
8. jikakiuta -asa- / Mori Yuni
9. jikakiuta -yoru- / Mori Yuni
10. kokoro ne / MAY
11. kakkoiitte nandarou? / The Budoukans
12. nihongo ondo / Yashiro Aki & Momoe
13. kimi wa chikara / Mei-chan & Kaji Hideki
14. gyakuni Power / Momoe & Omoide Yaro A-Team
15. Shaki-n! no ki (Ending Theme) / Maiko & Sakita Hajime
16. Shaki-n! no Theme (omezame DJ-Remix) / Fukagawa Kazumi & Hata Yoshifumi
17. Momoe no saa oyarinasai! (omezame DJ-Remix) / Momoe

DVD (Region 2 NTSC)
1. Shaki-n! no Theme (Opening Theme) / Fukagawa Kazumi & Hata Yoshifumi
2. iiwake!? / The Budōkans
3. sekai no himistu / Mei-chan
4. momo / Momoe
5. sokudo no uta / The Natsuyasumi Band & Mei-chan & Momoe
6. asa ni hajimaru / Yuga
7. owaru shunkan / Bakurocho Band
8. jikakiuta -asa- / Mori Yuni
9. jikakiuta -yoru- / Mori Yuni
10. kokoro ne / MAY
11. kakkoiitte nandarou? / The Budoukans
12. nihongo ondo / Yashiro Aki & Momoe
13. kimi wa chikara / Mei-chan & Kaji Hideki
14. gyakuni Power / Momoe & Omoide Yaro A-Team
15. Shaki-n! no ki (Ending Theme) / Maiko & Sakita Hajime

Warner Music WPZL-31456
Out now (5/23), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

This album is a collection of 21 early rare pieces by composer and synthesizer pioneer Isao Tomita (1932-2016) taken from Columbia's archives. The artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune).

Isao Tomita "Missing Link Of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia shoki sakuhinshū 1953-1974~"
冨田勲 「MISSING LINK of TOMITA ～冨田勲 日本コロムビア初期作品集 1953-1974～」

1. yukai na machi no fūsen-ya / Yasuda Sachiko, Hibari jidō gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
2. oide yo Peter Pan / Tsuchiya Michinori, yurikagokai, Columbia Orchestra
3. Blue Sky / Columbia Orchestra
4. Play "The Ugly Duckling" (1) ahirutachi no uta / Tsuchiya Michinori, Hibari jidō gasshōdan, Columbia josei gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
5. Play "The Ugly Duckling" (2) hakuchō no uta, minna no uta / Yasuda Sachiko, Tsuchiya Michinori, Hibari jidō gasshōdan, Columbia josei gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
6. tabi o yuku / Columbia Orchestra
7. kaitei no gensō / Columbia Orchestra
8. haru no gensō / Columbia Orchestra
9. hana no isshō / Columbia Orchestra
10. umi no Fantasy / Columbia Orchestra
11. yume no ryokō / Columbia Orchestra
12. uta no ehon (NHK "uta no ehon" Theme Song) / The Three Graces, Columbia Orchestra
13. futatsu no hashi (NHK "futatsu no hashi" Theme Song) / Mori Sakae, Columbia gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
14. 10wa no tori (Play "soshite dare mo inakunatta" Theme Song) / Duke Aces, Columbia Orchestra
15. horaru / Tomita Isao shiki, Suginami jidō gasshōdan, Columbia kangen gakudan
16. otsukisama no mita hanashi / Mari Yoshiko, Columbia josei gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
17. haru haru ga kita yo / Tokyo hoso jidō gasshōdan, Columbia Orchestra
18. ōame no machi / shin shitsunaigaku kyōkai
19. henka suru shizen / shin shitsunaigaku kyōkai
20. topponpō to ponponkurin / Saitō Masako, shin shitsunaigaku kyōkai
21. ai "Composition—shūsaku" / Moog Synthesizer & Columbia Orchestra

Nippon Columbia COCQ-85418
Out now (5/23), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

The soundtrack for movie "mori no iru basho", produced by Ushio Kensuke (aka agraph), is now available on iTunes Japan, Spotify, etc. The movie is currently showing in theaters throughout Japan.

Ushio Kensuke "'mori no iru basho' Original Soundtrack"
牛尾憲輔 「『モリのいる場所』オリジナル・サウンドトラック」

1. gashitsu
2. kyō wa ike made
3. gorone
4. tengu no koshikake
5. niwa no Cameraman
6. chōzoku no hito
7. gaishutsu
8. otokotachi no gaika
9. watashi no uchū
10. yoru
11. mori no iru basho
12. niwa
13. niwa (Long Version)

Sony Music
Out now (5/19)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify, OTOTOY

Movie trailer

Danceable instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has released a new album that consists of covers of songs that make up their roots. Two self-covers are also included.

A tour will be held starting on June 1st at Daikanyama Unit. Also, TRI4TH and Calmera will perform a show titled "Japanese Jazz Party: Horns Riot" at Esplanade Annexe Studio in Singapore on July 20 from 20:00. Find details here.

TRI4TH "Hybrid Roots"

(Original artist in parentheses)
1. MONSTER ROCK (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra)
2. Suffocation (SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS)
3. Politician in mourning ft. Madoki Yamasaki (F.I.B JOURNAL)
4. After the Rain (MUTE BEAT)
5. Akatsuki (PE'Z)
6. enkidō no soto (katte ni shiyagare)
7. I Dance Alone (toe)
8. Hop -Hybrid ROOTS ver. (TRI4TH)
9. FULL DRIVE -Hybrid ROOTS ver. (TRI4TH)

Playwright PWT-43
Out 5/23, ¥1852 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"FULL DRIVE -Hybrid ROOTS ver."

Ellie (ex-Love Tambourines) has a new mini-album being released! It had been 11 years since her previous "rita" (as "eli") (2007). This time it seems that she somewhat goes back to her roots with some musicians she feels most comfortable with. Her new sounds count some soul, ska, rock, gypsy swing, etc. A cover of Okamura Yasuyuki's "ikenai koto kai" is included.

A special show will be held on July 15 at JZ Brat in Shibuya. Details & reservations here.

Ellie "Stay Gold"

1. So I
2. Go steady
3. ikenai koto kai
4. Shirley King
5. Pukimak -Mama no kawari wa dekinai wa-
6. SUPER STAR
7. tsuki no kakera

High Contrast/Vivid Sound HCCD-9597
Out 5/23, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"So I"

Idol duo Avandoned have a new single out this week! Like previous single "Donut Friends", this is produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The A-side was written by members of Koncos, and the B-side by members of Magic, Drums & Love. This comes as a set of CD + 7", and the jacket has a double-A-side design (different from the image below).

Some in-store events are being held this week: May 23 from 19:30 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijoji, May 27 from 15:00 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta, and May 27 from 19:00 at Tower Records Yokohama Vivre. Their next show will be on June 3 at Shimokitazawa ERA from 11AM.

Avandoned "After School c/w bakuhatsu suru Romance" (CD+7")
あヴぁんだんど 「AFTER SCHOOL C/W 爆発するロマンス」

CD
1. AFTER SCHOOL
2. bakuhatsu suru Romance
3. AFTER SCHOOL (Inst)
4. bakuhatsu suru Romance (Inst)

7"
A. AFTER SCHOOL
AA. bakuhatsu suru Romance

Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCCD-9598
Out 5/23, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"AFTER SCHOOL"

Sawagi, a band that gives an energetic show of dance music played with live instruments, has a new album coming and it's co-produced by Chabe (Learners, cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza)! A remix by Chabe as cbsmgrfc is also included.

A double release party with band Shortstraw from Johannesburg (South Africa) will be held on July 9 at Shindaita Fever. There are also dates in Nagoya and Osaka. Details here. They'll also play late night at the Sound Cruising festival in Shimokitazawa on Saturday May 26.

Sawagi "Kabo Wabo"

1. Boogieman
2. City Bounce
3. POND
4. That Thang
5. Hunt
6. Vanguard
7. City Bounce -cbsmgrfc mix-

Niw! Records NIW-140
Out 5/23, ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

Lucky Tapes have a new mini-album about to be released. While until now they were on the Rallye label, this is their first on a major label.

Lucky Tapes can be caught live at the Greenroom Festival '18 to be held on May 26 and 27 in Yokohama. They'll play on the 26th.

LUCKY TAPES "22"

1. 22
2. Nude
3. Easy
4. Mood
5. Encore (Voice Space)

Victor Entertainment VICL-65005
Out 5/23, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"22"

City pop band cero has a 4th album out now! It had been 3 years since "Obscure Ride" (2015).

There are two limited editions, one that comes with a DVD of 13 live songs plus two sessions of new songs, and another that includes a bonus instrumental CD. There's also a regular edition of the main CD only.

Release special site

On Saturday May 19 there will be a free show held at the Roppongi Hills arena area! Entrance opens at 13:00 and the show starts at 14:00. There will also be DJs Moodman and Compuma, and food and drinks. Details here.

cero "POLY LIFE MULTI SOUL"

1. Modern Steps
2. sakana no hone tori no hane
3. Betten Falls
4. usuyami no hana
5. sokō
6. yoru ni naru to shake wa
7. Buzzle Bee Ride
8. Double Exposure
9. rete no ko
10. Waters
11. Twnkl
12. Poly Life Multi Soul

DVD (Limited edition A only)
1. (I Found It) Back Beard : Live At Studio Coast
2. Yellow Magus (Obscure) : Live At Studio Coast
3. Roji : Live At Studio Coast
4. Ropeway : Live At Studio Coast
5. watashi no sugata : Live At Studio Coast
6. Fallin' : Live At Studio Coast
7. Orphans : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
8. Summer Soul : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
9. Wayang Park Banquet : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
10. Elephant Ghost : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
11. wagana wa Scarabee : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
12. Narcolepsy Driver : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
13. machi no shirase : Live At Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
14. [Extra Session] Waters
15. [Extra Session] sakana no hone tori no hane

Limited edition A (CD + DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Kakubarhythm DDCK-9008
Out now (5/16), ¥3148 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition B (CD + Instrumental CD)
Kakubarhythm DDCK-9009
Out now (5/16), ¥3148 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Kakubarhythm DDCK-1055
Out now (5/16), ¥2685 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†,
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"sakana no hone tori no hane"

Teaser clip

This is a new single by Niigata-based idol group RYUTist. Title song "aozora Signal" was written and arranged by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), and the B-side has music and arrangements by Indonesian band ikkubaru. Both have lyrics written by Kiyoura Natsumi (also of Tweedees).

On Saturday May 19 there will be in-store events in Tokyo, from 15:00 at Tower Records Shinjuku and from 19:30 at Village Vanguard Shibuya honten. Find the full schedule on their official site.

RYUTist "aozora Signal"
RYUTist 「青空シグナル」

1. aozora Signal
2. mujūryoku Fantasia
3. aozora Signal (Minus RYUTist)
4. mujūryoku Fantasia (Minus RYUTist)

Penguin Disc PGDC-0007
Out now (5/15), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"aozora Signal"

Jazz unit JiLL-Decoy association's vocalist chihiRo and guitarist kubota have been also recently active as JiLL-Decoy DUO, and here comes a first mini-album. The title "Zinger" is said to be a mix of "Ginger" and "Zine". Included are collaborations with Mizuno Mari (paris match), Sawada Kaori and Yoshida Sara (mononkul).

A new album by JiLL-Decoy assication is expected to be released this summer, and a special live show will be held on July 20 at Mt. Rainier Hall Pleasure-Pleasure in Shibuya. Tickets go on sale May 18. Details here.

JiLL-Decoy association "JiLL-Decoy DUO ~ Zinger ~"
JiLL-Decoy association 「ジルデコ DUO 〜Zinger 〜」

1. sore mo warukunai feat. Yoshida Sara (mononkul)
2. 26 no watashi feat. Sawada Kaori
3. S-Trip
4. Now is the time! feat. Mizuno Mari (paris match)
5. I say, (DUO ver.)
6. ochichi to Ballad

decogram records DCGRM-1601
Out now (5/2), ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Teaser clip

Following the release of two Pizzicato Five 7" cuts last year, "couples ep" and "Bellissima! ep", here are two more limited 7"'s coming this month!

The first contains 3 songs from the 1989 album "On Her Majesty's Request", when the band consisted of Konishi Yasuharu, Takanami K-taro and male vocalist Tajima Takao (Original Love). The jacket is said to be based on the rare promo-only vinyl edition of the album some might have seen before, and will come as a 7" gatefold sleeve rearranged by Konishi.

The other release is of "Lovers Rock", the only P5 single released in the Sony years, just a month after 1990 album "Soft Landing On The Moon". It was the first song released with lead vocals by Nomiya Maki. The new 7" consists of two edits by Konishi. The jacket reuses the design from the 3" CD single.

Both were newly mastered by Bernie Grundman and pressed in Holland by Record Industry.

Check out the release official page.

Pizzicato Five "On Her Majesty's Request;ep" (7")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「女王陛下のピチカート・ファイヴep」

A. Let's spend the night together
B1. Holiday for Audrey H
B2. Bellisima '90

Great Tracks/Sony Music MHKL-12
Out 5/16, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Pizzicato Five "Lovers Rock" (7")
ピチカート・ファイヴ 「ラヴァーズ・ロック」

A. Lovers Rock (7" edit)
B. Lovers Rock (Version)

Great Tracks/Sony Music MHKL-13
Out 5/16, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Crazy Ken Band has a new track out now digitally in Japan. "Soul Train" is the ending theme of train-themed TV show "burari tōchu gesha" (Nippon TV) aired every Saturday morning from 9:25. I believe it had been almost two years since Crazy Ken Band released a new song, on self-cover album "Hong Kong Taxi" (2016).

Two more new songs are to be released the same way on June 6 and July 4.

A tour called "Crazy Ken Band Tour Punch! Punch! Punch! 2018" is to be held in late June. Check out the official site's "live" page for all details.

Crazy Ken Band "Soul Train" (Download)
クレイジーケンバンド 「そうるとれいん」

Universal Sigma
Out now (5/2)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Amazon MP3 Japan

Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival.

With five songs written by Non herself, also included are ones written by Takahashi Yukihiro, Yano Akiko, Takano Hiroshi, Otomo Yoshihide, Sachiko M, Mashima Masatoshi (The Cro-Magnons, ex-The Blue Hearts) and Ozaki Ami.

A limited edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD of documentary footage that covers her music career so far, and a photo book.

Out at the same time is a live DVD of a show held on December 28, 2017 at Ebisu The Garden Hall. The show featured Non's girl band "Non Cigarettes" who performed "Super Hero ni naritai" and other originals, and a cover of RC Succession's "I Like You", for a total of 7 songs. Backstage scenes and other bonus footage is also included, as well as a photo book of live photos. Find details below.

Non can be seen live at "Yatsui Festival! 2018" on June 16, a festival held simultaneously at 12 venues in Shibuya. Tickets are on sale.

Non "Super Heroes"
のん 「スーパーヒーローズ」

1. he-n na no
2. saaikō
3. shōjikimono wa yuku
4. aru koto nai koto
5. RUN!!!
6. Sketch Book
7. My Day
8. Straight kaidō
9. watashi no dai suki na uta
10. watashi wa Baby
11. Super Hero ni naritai
12. oyasumi

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC)+Photo book)
KAIWA(RE)CORD KRCD-00005
Out 5/9, ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (19% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
KAIWA(RE)CORD KRCD-00006
Out 5/9, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Non "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~"
のん 「のん、KAIWA フェス Vol.1 ～音楽があれば会話ができる!～」

1. Super Hero ni naritao
2. aru koto nai koto
3. shōjikimono wa yuki
4. Straight kaidō
5. I LIKE YOU
6. he-n na no
7. RUN!!!

Mastard Records LNBM-1256
Out 5/9, ¥5000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV (13% off *)
* Discount at time of writing

"Super Hero ni naritai" (Short ver.)

"RUN!!!"

Album teaser