Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Self-produced electro singer-songwriter Haruko Tajima has a brand new album just about to be released! Check it out starting with her self-directed music videos below. The album will also be available digitally starting Monday August 5.

Haruko will appear at all-day festival event "Meteo Night 2019" on August 4 at Shibuya Tsutaya O-West / O-Nest / 7th Floor. Then from August 17 to 23 she will take part in an exhibition with painter Amenoichi at gallery Faith in Kōenji. Haruko will do a DJ set kind of mini-live at the opening party on August 17 from 18:00 (entrance fee ¥1500 + 1 drink) (event details). Watch her Twitter account for more.

Haruko Tajima "kawaiiresist"
田島ハルコ 「kawaiiresist」

1. lipstic
2. Chifure Gang (feat. Wasshoisamba)
3. Ososaki Gal
4. Human Rights Max Princess
5. kawaii statement
6. kawaiiresist
7. hospital
8. holy❤️computer
9. Astral Gal
10. Tik Tok Angels
11. ending for future

harucorium HRC-002
Out 7/31, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Chifure GANG" feat. Wassyoisamba

"ososaki GAL"

Negicco single "anata to Pop With You!" is getting a vinyl release! First released on CD in 2012, this single is available for the first time on 7" it seems. Both songs were written by Negicco's main producer connie.

This is part of a Negicco vinyl re-issue project, and follows the vinyl releases of album "Melody Palette" and single "ai no Tower of Love", with more to follow each month until November ("koi no Express Train", "Get It On!" and "Negicco 2003~2012 Best").

Negicco "anata to Pop With You!" (7")
Negicco 「あなたとPop With You!」

A. anata to Pop With You!
B. tokimeku Mermaid

T-Palette Records TPRV-0041
Out 8/6, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"anata to Pop With You!"

Rock band The Shaolin Brothers has a new 7" single being released on July 31! The A-side is original "Pandafull World", while the B-side is a customized cover of The Scooters' hit track "Tokyo Disco Night", renamed "Tokyo King-Fu Nite". Hear samples of both songs below or at Jet Set.

This Saturday July 27 is evening party "Let's Go Young" with a live show by The Shaolin Brothers, DJ Konishi Yasuharu and more! The place is Basement Bar, and the time is from 18:00 to 23:00. Find the flyer here.

The Shaolin Brothers "Pandafull World / Tokyo Kung-Fu Nite" (7")
少林兄弟 「パンダフル・ワールド/東京カンフーナイト（東京ディスコナイト）」

A. Pandafull World
B. Tokyo Kung-Fu Nite

Vivid Sound MODET7511
Out 7/31, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

"Pandafull World" live performance

Cornelius has a new song out now digitally! Titled "Sauna sukisugi", it's the theme song of a TV series titled "Sa dō", a live-action adaptation of the sauna-themed manga of the same name.

Some Cornelius physical releases ("Mellow Waves Visuals" Blu-ray, and CD remasters of "The First Question Award" and "Point") are also coming in the next few days. Find all details here.

A tour titled "Cornelius performs Point" will take place in west coast U.S. (LA, SF, Portland, Seattle) and Canada (Vancouver) starting September 24. Find details and ticket info here.

Cornelius "Sauna Sukisugi" (Download)
Cornelius 「サウナ好きすぎ」

Warner
Out now (7/26)
Sample/buy: Spotify,

Three exciting new releases from Cornelius are about to drop!

First is a Blu-ray disc titled "Mellow Waves Visuals" of 200 minutes, which contains visuals for all songs of album "Mellow Waves", as seen used in his concerts. Included is also a full show held at Tokyo International Forum part of the "Mellow Waves Tour 2018", and documentary footage that covers the tour in Japan and abroad.

The two other releases are remastered re-issues of "The First Question Award" and "Point", each with three bonus tracks. "Point" also comes with DVD "Five Point One" of 10 music videos. It's been 25 years since the release of Cornelius' first album "The First Question Award". Most retailers give away a sticker with each of the three releases (while supplies last).

Also noteworthy is a 160-page mook published at the same time, titled "All About Cornelius 2" (Amazon, HMV). It's a follow-up to "All About Cornelius" (2017, Amazon, HMV), and consists of interviews and columns, and also some rare photos.

A tour titled "Cornelius performs Point" will take place in west coast U.S. (LA, SF, Portland, Seattle) and Canada (Vancouver) starting September 24. Find details and ticket info here.

An in-store event will be held on August 2 at Tower Records Shibuya Stage One (B1F) for those who bought the "Mellow Waves Visuals" Blu-ray either at Tower Records Shibuya or Shinjuku. The event will be a screening of "Mellow Waves Tour 2018 @ Tokyo International Forum" (from "Mellow Waves Visuals") followed by a talk featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and the video director. Pre-orders paid in advance also qualify to get a ticket (while supplies last). All details here.

Cornelius "Mellow Waves Visuals" (Blu-ray)

Music Videos
1. If You're Here (anata ga iru nara)
2. Sometime / Someplace (itsuka / dokoka)
3. Dear Future Person (mirai no hito e)
4. Surfing On Mind Wave pt 2
5. In a Dream (yume no naka de)
6. Helix / Spiral
7. Mellow Yellow Feel
8. The Spell Of A Vanishing Loveliness
9. The Rain Song
10. Crépuscule
11. Audio Architecture -Cocktail Party In The Audio Architecture-
12. Audio Architecture -In Fibrils-
13. Audio Architecture -Airflow-
14. "Mellow Waves" Teasers #1~3

"Mellow Waves Tour 2018" @ Tokyo International Forum
1. Sometime / Someplace (itsuka / dokoka)
2. Point Of View Point
3. Audio Architecture
4. Helix / Spiral
5. Drop
6. The Spell Of A Vanishing Loveliness
7. Mellow Yellow Feel
8. Sonorama 1
9. Dear Future Person (mirai no hito e)
10. Count 5 Or 6
11. I Hate Hate
12. Surfing On Mind Wave pt 2
13. In a Dream (yume no naka de)
14. Beep It
15. Fit Song
16. Gum
17. Star Fruits Surf Rider
18. If You're Here (anata ga iru nara)

+ Mellow Waves Tour Documentary

Blu-ray (Region A)
Warner Music WPXL-90203
Out 7/31, ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (25% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Cornelius "The First Question Award"

1. The Sun Is My Enemy
2. (You Can't Always Get) What You Want
3. Silent Snow Stream
4. Perfect Rainbow
5. Bad Moon Rising
6. Cannabis
7. Raise Your Hand Together
8. The Back Door To Heaven
9. Theme From First Question Award
10. The Love Parade
11. Moon Light Story
12. Pele (Bonus track)
13. Diamond Bossa (Bonus track)
14. Theme From First Question Award -English Version- (Bonus track)

Warner Music WPCL-13066
Out 7/31, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Cornelius "Point" (CD+DVD)

CD
1. Bug (Electric Last Minute)
2. Point Of View Point
3. Smoke
4. Drop
5. Another View Point
6. Tone Twilight Zone
7. Bird Watching At Inner Forest
8. I Hate Hate
9. Brazil
10. Fly
11. Nowhere
12. Point Of View Point (Yann Tomita Mix) (2002) (Bonus track)
13. Drop The Tusen Takk Rework (Kings Of Convenience Mix) (2002) (Bonus track)
14. Drop Herbert's Kangaroo Dub (Matthew "Cactus" Herbert Mix) (2002) (Bonus track)

DVD "Five Point One"
1. Point Of View Point
2. Smoke
3. Drop
4. Drop - Do It Again
5. Another View Point
6. Bird Watching At Inner Forest
7. I Hate Hate
8. Tone Twilight Zone
9. From Nakameguro To Everywhere
10. Smoke - Do It Again

Warner Music WPZL-31631
Out 7/31, ¥3700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (19% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Audio Architecture (Live)" (from "Mellow Waves Visuals")

"Mellow Waves Tours 2018" Documentary Part 1 ~digest~

"Mellow Waves Tours 2018" Documentary Part 2 ~digest~

Wakita Monari has a 3rd album being released at the end of July! With Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) as the main producer and songwriter of several tracks, the album also includes latest single "Espadrille de tsukamaete" that has music written and produced by Dorian with lyrics by Hitomitoi, and also two songs written by Sasaki Jun and Suzuki Momoko (both ex-Cosa Nostra), plus ones contributed by microstar and Saitō Shinya (Onigawara). Also included is a cover of Quruli's "Highway".

The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of 7 songs from the last show of previous album "Ahead!"'s tour, which was held on September 14, 2018 at Shibuya WWW X.

A bunch of free in-store events will be held to promote the album, including ones on July 27 from 17:00 at HMV record shop Shibuya, on July 28 from 11:30 at Tower Records Shinjuku, on July 30 from 19:30 at HMV Esola Ikebukuro and on July 31 from 19:30 at HMV&BOOKS Shibuya. Find all in-store event times here. Also, a tour will be held from the end of August, to finish on September 23 at Shibuya Club Quattro (tour details here).

Wakita Monari "Right Here"
脇田もなり 「RIGHT HERE」

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. Deflated Balloons (fūsen)
2. Thinkin' about U
3. A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)
4. LOVE TIMELINE
5. A White Lie (yasashii uso)
6. WHERE IS...LOVE? feat. Sunny Belltree
7. Just a "Crush for Today"
8. If I Fall In Love With You (koi o suru nara)
9. Highway
10. 3MOTION
11. FRIEND IN NEED
12. passing by

DVD (Limited edition only)
"MONARI WAKITA 2018.09.14 Up and Coming 'AHEAD!' TOUR FINAL @ SHIBUYA WWW X"
1. Dear
2. EST! EST!! EST!!!
3. Peppermint Rainbow
4. CUTi-BiL
5. IRONY
6. Callin' You
7. Boy Friend

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCCD9609
Out 7/31, ¥3500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon (9% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Vivid Sound/High Contrast HCCD9610
Out 7/31, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Espadrille de tsukamaete"

"Just a 'Crush for Today'"

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC has a new 4th album coming this week, most of which is vocal! A large number of collaborators are featured including vocalists Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Takagi Shōhei (cero), Robochū, mmm, etc., and musicians such as Emerson Kitamura, Tucker, Dorian, Tsuruoka Ryū (LUVRAW), and many more. This is the follow-up to "On the Air" (2017).

HMV and Disk Union give away a CD-R of 5 early works, while Tower gives a different one of solo performances.

Check out the official release page and hear audio samples of all tracks at CDJapan and other retailers.

There will be a tour of Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo at the end of August, although the Tokyo show is already sold out. Meanwhile he can be seen DJing on July 26 at event "On the Roof" at Sangenjaya a-bridge, with Kawanabe Hiroshi and Natsu Summer. The event goes from 20:00 to 26:00 (details).

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "The Secret Life Of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC"

1. oshiete
2. nangoku denei (feat. Yokoyama Ken)
3. Stork (feat. Orisaka Yūta)
4. Ilmol (feat. Kim Na Eun)
5. Nepenthes
6. renrakusen (feat. Robochū)
7. PINBALL (feat. Takagi Shōhei)
8. You Drive Me Crazy (feat. Murky Ghost)
9. Faster Than The Sun (feat. Kabeya Shūto)
10. Cocktail Moon (feat. Mellow Fellow)
11. Summer We Know (feat. mmm)

Kakubarhythm DDCK-1061
Out 7/24, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Ilmol (feat. Kim Na Eun)"

"Summer We Know (feat. mmm)"

Trailer clip

Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer has a brand new single out now! Again produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi, it is backed by a full band like her excellent previous mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" (2018).

Natsu Summer will appear at event "Latin Sunday" this Sunday July 21 at Weekend Garage Tokyo in Shibuya/Daikanyama (details). The event is from 15:00 to 22:00 and entrance is free (as the venue is a café it's required to order food and a drink).

Natsu Summer "Time Distance" (7")
ナツ・サマー 「時のシルエット」
(Japanese title: "toki no Silhouette")

A. toki no Silhouette
B. Summer Escape

P-Vine P7-6239
Out now (7/17), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Digest clip

WabiSabi is a new unit formed of DJ aribo and trackmaker Egami Yūkichi. Their first release comes as a 7" single, for which they have invited Qypthone's Izumi Ookawara to sing on a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime... moi non plus" as well as an original song. This is a self-produced white label pressing of 300 copies.

Audio samples of both songs can be heard at Jet Set.

WabiSabi with Izumi Ookawara "Je t'aime... moi non plus / Harvest Moon"

A. Je t'aime... moi non plus
B. Harvest Moon

WabiSabi WBSB001
Out 7/17, ¥2200 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV

SOLEIL is back with a 3rd album titled "Lollipop Sixteen", as singer Soleil will be turning 16 just a few days after the release. As with the first two albums, "My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright", the album was recorded and mixed in mono, and it's of course produced by Sally Kubota (of The Scooters, les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), the band's bassist.

The album includes original songs written by Takanami K-taro (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five), Frenesi (a songwriting comeback from her hiatus!), Tweedees, microstar, Non, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), and by members Sally Kubota and Nakamori Yasuhiro, and arranger Okada Yumi. There are also two covers, of Imo-kin Trio's hit song "High School Lullaby" (music written by Hosono Haruomi), in a high-speed ska arrangement, and France Gall's "Zozoi" (sung in French). This time again Hoshino Michiru sings chorus. Check out the videos below!

This 3rd album by SOLEIL is also the last with guitarist Nakamori Yasuharu (whose main band is Hicksville), who announced he was leaving the band after completing this recording. Don't miss checking out his sharp guitar playing.

The "SOLEIL Lollipop Sixteen Tour 2019" has already gone through Osaka and Nagoya, and its finale will be held on Saturday July 20 (Soleil's birthday!) at Shibuya WWW X (tickets). Free in-store events will be held on Wednesday July 31 at Tower Records Shibuya (5F) from 18:30 (details), and on Sunday August 4 at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F) from 15:00 (details). Also, a special shop named "Soleil Lollipop Shop" will be open in Akihabara's Onkyo Base (located in in mAAch ecute) from release day July 17 to August 18. On Wednesday July 17 an autograph session will be held there from 18:00.

SOLEIL "Lollipop Sixteen"

1. Le Cœur Qui Fuzz
2. Mellotron Girl
3. Anachronic Girl
4. High School Lullaby
5. Red Balloon
6. Zozoi
7. 5-4-3-2-1
8. School's Out
9. Soleil's Kanon
10. Tokimeki
11. Lollipop Sixteen
12. Summer of 2019

Victor Entertainment VICL-65209
Out 7/17, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Mellotron Girl" (Short ver.)

"High School Lullaby" (Short ver.)

Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities.

Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues. The full list, which also has many releases of international artists (of genres such as soul, jazz, rock, etc.), can be found here. This cheap price is only valid until September 2019, so hurry to stock up on anything that might tickle your interest.

Agata Morio "Bandoneon no Jaguar +2"
あがた森魚 「バンドネオンの豹（ジャガー）＋２」

1987 album produced by Wada Hiromi. Includes songs written/arranged by Takanami K-tarō.

Solid Records UVPR-20001
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Agata Morio "Bandoneon no Jaguar to aoneko +4"
あがた森魚 「バンドネオンの豹（ジャガー）と青猫 ＋４」

1987 album. Includes "sora tobu ryōri kyōshitsu", later covered by Pizzicato Five on "Readymade Recordings EP", and other songs written/arranged by Takanami K-tarō.

Solid Records UVPR-20002
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Agata Morio "Mi Qy Oh!! no densetsu +1"
あがた森魚 「ミッキーオの伝説 ＋１」

1988 album. Contains a duet with early Pizzicato Five vocalist Sasaki Mamiko.

Solid Records UVPR-20003
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"GS Wonderland Original Soundtrack"
「GSワンダーランド･オリジナル･サウンドトラック」

2008 soundtrack of movie "GS Wonderland", music by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL, The Phantom Gift).

Solid Records UVPR-20056
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

The Tightsmen / The Fresh Four "kaigansen no Hotel / anata no fure o shite"
ザ・タイツメン C/W ザ･フレッシュ･フォー 「海岸線のホテル * あなたのふりをして」

Single cut from the "GS Wonderland" movie soundtrack. Includes DVD with a music video, making-of footage and a trailer of the movie.

Solid Records UVPR-20015
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (9% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Various Artists "Solid Records yume no Album"
オムニバス 「ソリッドレコード夢のアルバム」

1988 label compilation. Includes songs written by Konishi Yasuharu and Takanami K-tarō (one each), one by a special unit named PPS ("Pearl Pizzicato Special") featuring vocals by Saeki Kenzō with Konishi and Takanami, one song featuring The Phantom Gift, and more. All lyrics by Saeki Kenzō.

Solid Records UVPR-20055
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Various Artists "hare hare Night +7"
オムニバス 「ハレはれナイト＋７」

1989 compilation with bands such as Constance Towers (Kishino You-ichi), Togawa Jun, Hi-Posi, etc.

Solid Records UVPR-20054
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Tokyo Killer "Tokyo★Killer Street"
トーキョーキラー 「トーキョー★キラーストリート」

2015 album of instrumental surf band led by Kinoco Hotel's Keme. Details here.

Solid Records UVPR-20032
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

CHIE & THE WOLF BAITS "CHIE & THE WOLF BAITS"

2017 album by band led by Learners' guitarist Chie. Details here.

Voltage Records UVPR-20030
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Various Artists "Miku★Punk 80s on Captain Records"
オムニバス 「ミク★パンク 80s オン・キャプテン・レコード」

2012 album with producers including Captain Mirai.

Solid Records UVPR-20052
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Various Artists "King Songs of Captain Records"
オムニバス 「キング・ソングス・オブ・キャプテンレコード」

2012 compilation, mainly of the originals of songs covered on "Miku★Punk 80s On Captain Record".

Solid Records UVPR-20053
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Cinema "Science Fiction Man"
シネマ 「サイエンス・フィクション・マン」

2007 album with guests such as Suzuki Keiichi, Suzuki Saeko and Sawabe Wataru (Skirt).

Solid Records UVPR-20022
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Matsuo Kiyonori "This Tiny World"
松尾清憲 「ディス・タイニー・ワールド」

2015 solo album by original member of Cinema. Features guest vocalist Hoshino Michiru, and songs contributed by Suzuki Keiichi, Saeki Kenzō, Takanami K-tarō, Taya Sumire, etc.

Solid Records UVPR-20037
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Katō Kensō "wakasa, hitorijime +10"
加藤賢崇 「若さ、ひとりじめ ＋１０」

1991 album featuring Kishino You-ichi, Gary Ashiya, Matsumae Kimitaka, Okamura Midori, Kikuchi Naruyoshi, Nagata Kazunao, etc.

Solid Records UVPR-20006
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

SO NICE "LOVE"

1979 city pop album.

OCTAVE UVPR-20027
Out now (7/10), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Singer-songwriter and synth wiz Maika Loubté has a brand new album out now digitally! Included are many new tracks, such as "Mountaintop" and "Nobara" which had been released in advance, and also a collaboration with New Optimism (aka Miho Hatori), as well as new versions of "Skydiver" and "Violet's Green Eyes", and several more brand new tracks.

Check out the video for "Mountaintop" below, and also a 1-hour set performed live on Dommune just days before the release.

A solo show also titled "Closer" will be held on Wednesday August 21 at WWW in Shibuya (details). Also, there will be an in-store event on Saturday July 20 from 20:30 at Tower Records Shinjuku 7F (details), in promotion of the release of single "Nobara" (available physically only via Tower Records).

Maika Loubté "Closer" (Download)

1. Mountaintop
2. Nobara
3. Prismé
4. Runaway
5. Violet's Green Eyes II
6. Snappp (feat. New Optimism)
7. Skydiver II
8. Celine
9. Niet

Water Records
Out now (7/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S., Bandcamp

"Snappp (feat. New Optimism)"

"Prismé"

"Mountaintop"

Preview live at DOMMUNE (1-hour set)

Singer Nakano Aya teams up with 9-piece street style latin sound band Central for this collaboration album. Included is brand new original song "Tropical Dandy" written by Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), "rakuen no Moon Bar" written by Sugi Masamichi, as well as covers of Suzuki Shigeru's "suna no onna" and Hikishimaru Hiroko's "Woman" (written by Yuming), and a variety of more originals. The drum-less and guitar-less sound visits styles such as salsa, samba and boogaloo. The album title could be read as "Rebirth" or "Reverse".

A 7" has also been released, containing "hanakin" and a single edit of "Woman".

Release parties with Nakano Aya and Central will be held on August 1st at Motion Blue Yokohama, and on September 2 at Shibuya Duo Music Exchange.

Nakano Aya to CENTRAL "Reverse"
なかの綾とCENTRAL 「リバース」

1. Tropical Dandy
2. hanakin
3. Sugar Daddy
4. rakuen no Moon Bar
5. suna no onna
6. WOMAN
7. Hotel Sunshine
8. machiawase
9. Mimosa

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCCD-9608
Out now (7/3), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Nakano Aya to CENTRAL "hanakin c/w Woman (Single Edit)" (7")
なかの綾とCENTRAL 「ハナキン c/w WOMAN (Single Edit)」

A. hanakin
B. WOMAN (Single Edit)

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR-9686
Out now (6/26), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"hanakin"

Trailer clip

Rock band DYGL (read Day Glo) have a 2nd album that has just been released. This time with the help of producer Rory Attwell, they aimed for a sound that reminds of the late 60's to 70's. Three of the four band members were previously part of band Ykiki Beat. DYGL is now based in London.

The album was released at the same time on CD and vinyl, and it's also available digitally.

DYGL will perform an in-store acoustic show on July 25 at bookshop Daikanyama Tsutaya from 19:30. They will then go on an extensive tour of Japan from late July until October, to end at Ex Theater Roppongi in Tokyo on October 19. They will also perform at Fuji Rock Festival on Saturday July 27 and at Rising Sun Rock Festival on Friday August 16.

DYGL "Songs of Innocence & Experience"

1. Hard To Love
2. A Paper Dream
3. Spit It Out
4. An Ordinary Love
5. Only You (An Empty Room)
6. Bad Kicks
7. Don't You Wanna Dance In This Heaven?
8. As She Knows
9. Nashville
10. Behind the Sun

CD edition
Hard Enough HEC-006
Out now (7/3), ¥2315 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DYGL "Songs of Innocence & Experience" (12")

A1. Hard To Love
A2. A Paper Dream
A3. Spit It Out
A4. An Ordinary Love
A5. Only You (An Empty Room)
B1. Bad Kicks
B2. Don't You Wanna Dance In This Heaven?
B3. As She Knows
B4. Nashville
B5. Behind the Sun

LP edition
Hard Enough HEA-006
Out now (7/3), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Don't You Wanna Dance In This Heaven?"

"Spit It Out" (Live in London)

"A Paper Dream"

"Bad Kicks"

Danceable jazz band TRI4TH has a new album about to be released! It's their 2nd album on major label Sony, follow-up to "Anthology" (released November 2018) (Amazon, CDJapan). "Jack-in-the-box" contains 9 brand new original songs, as well as a cover of "Time Bomb" (originally by Rancid, a band said to have influenced the drummer).

There's a limited edition that comes with a bonus DVD of 6 live songs from a show held at WWW X last March 15.

A tour titled "Sing Along Tour" will be held in October and November, to finish in Tokyo at Akasaka Blitz on November 27. Tickets go on sale September 14.

TRI4TH "Jack-in-the-box"

1. Wake Up
2. buchikamase!
3. Time Bomb
4. Shot the Ghost
5. Go Your Way
6. Sunny Side
7. Landscape
8. BANDWAGON
9. Stinger
10. Hasty Rag
11. Night Dream
12. Sing Along Tonight

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. buchikamase!
2. Go Your Way
3. Green Field
4. BANDWAGON
5. Full Drive
6. Maximum Shout

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Sony SECL-2447
Out 7/10, ¥3241 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (CD only)
Sony SECL-2449
Out 7/10, ¥2778 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Time Bomb" (Short ver.)

Comment & recording studio footage

First released in February 2013 on CD only, this Negicco single has just been released on vinyl for this first time. The A-side was written by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), and the B-side by Negicco's main producer connie.

This is the 2nd release of a Negicco vinyl re-issue project, following album "Melody Palette". The next will be single "anata to Pop With You" to be released in August. Stay tuned!

Negicco "ai no Tower of Love" (7")
Negicco 「愛のタワー・オブ・ラヴ」

A. ai no Tower of Love
B. Party ni tsuite

T-Palette Records TPRV-0040
Out now (7/2), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"ai no Tower of Love"

Singer Wakita Monari has a brand new album coming at the end of the month (stay tuned!), but first here's a 7" cut of two songs from it! Title track "A la Espadrille" (Japanese title "Espadrille de tsukamaete") is a first collaboration with Dorian who produced and wrote the music, and Hitomitoi who contributed the lyrics! B-side "Friend In Need" is a funky song produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke). Artwork by Sally Kubota.

It has been said that the mix of "A la Espadrille" is slightly different than the one from upcoming 3rd album "Right Here" (to be released July 31).

Several free in-store events will be held during release week: on July 9 from 19:30 at HMV & Books Shibuya, on July 10 from 19:30 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta, on July 13 from 15:00 at HMV record shop Coppice Kichijōji, on July 14 from 16:00 at HMV record shop Shibuya, and the same day from 19:30 at Tower Records Kinshichō.

Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille" (7")
脇田もなり 「エスパドリーユでつかまえて」
(Japanese title: "Espadrille de tsukamaete")

A. A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)
B. FRIEND IN NEED

Vivid Sound / High Contrast HCR-9685
Out 7/10, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Espadrille de tsukamaete"