Tokyo's Coolest Sound

This is a compilation from label Hello From The Gutter founded in 2001, to celebrate a total of 50 releases. Featured are recent songs by various bands including Learners, Childish Tones feat. Usakura Beni (Avandoned) (with a cover of Jane Birkin's "Ex fan des sixties"), SAKA-SAMA, boris, Vivian Boys and many more. The artwork was done by Kotao (ex-Avandoned).

Various Artists "SILENT RUNNING"

(Artist/Title)
1. CHILDISH TONES feat Usakura Beni / omoide no Rock'n'Roll (Ex fan des sixties)
2. and more / Mental Genocide
3. YOUNG PARISIAN / Glamour China
4. CxPxS / Runaway
5. TRANSPARENTZ (Yamamoto Seiichi + Hino Mayuko + HIKO + isshee) / 20190720
6. AVA / AVAVAVAVA~VAVAVAVAVA
7. SAKA-SAMA / RIght Now!!
8. Azarak / Gypsy Lane
9. LEARNERS / LOOKIN' OUT MY BACK DOOR
10. Americo / Americo no shingakki
11. boris / shinkyoku -Shadow of Skull-
12. MASONNA / untitled
13. STUPID BABIES GO MAD / VIOLENT HITMAN ZERO
14. Erieza Royal & the Summary Lynch / LEMON TEA
15. TEXACO LEATHERMAN / JASON BILL
16. VIVIAN BOYS / ABC! BLACK & WHITE EMPEROR
17. Surfers SUN / mellowSUN
18. Mortify / Grabby Hands
19. REDSHEER / Tearing You Apart

Hello From The Gutter HFTG-050
Out now (1/15), ¥2273 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Here's a new 7" single by Controversial Spark (Facebook Page), band formed of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Yabe Hiroshi (Musement), bassist Iwasaki Naomi, guitarist Kondō Kenji and vocalist konore! With for A-side a brand new song titled "G.G.B.", this closely follows album "After Intermission" just released earlier this month, which contained "yoru wa yurushite kurenai".

Hear samples at Jet Set.

No upcoming shows right now for Controversial Spark, but there will be an event on March 19 organized by Moonriders (who had gone on hiatus in 2011, excluding a show in 2016) that will also feature CTO LAB., Kai and many more (details).

Controversial Spark "G.G.B. c/w yoru wa yurushite kurenai" (7")
Controversial Spark 「G.G.B. c/w 夜は許してくれない」

A. G.G.B.
B. yoru wa yurushite kurenai

P-Vine Records P76244
Out 1/22, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Crazy Ken Band has a new song out now digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc. "Kadomatsu" is the theme song of movie "uso 800 Kyōmachi Royale" that will premiere on January 31. Listen to the song via YouTube Music below!

This follows album "Pacific" released last August.

Crazy Ken Band "Kadomatsu" (Download)
クレイジーケンバンド 「門松」

Universal Music
Out now
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Movie "uso 800 Kyōmachi Royale" trailer

Pollyanna, a band described as rocking Shibuya-kei, has a first full-length album out now! Formed in 2014, they previously released two mini-albums. The song "Life" was arranged by Tsujibayashi Miho. Check out the music video for title song "pantomime" below as well as the sampler clip.

Their next show will be event "Tambourine Championship vol. 2.5" on Thursday February 6 at Shimokitazawa Three, also featuring Tsujibayashi Miho and more.

POLLYANNA "pantomime"

1. Scratch the surface on the universe
2. pantomime
3. ryoshi motsure to watashi
4. Sugar Rain
5. unmei no hito
6. LIFE
7. Camomille no sodatekata
8. Sorry
9. hoshi o miru hito
10. Special service

Living, Dining & Kitchen Records 327-LDKCD
Out now (1/29), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"pantomime"

Sampler clip

This is the 5th of the series of twelve monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") 7"s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the first post.)

This time he shares Keith's "you'll come running back to me" from album "98.6 / Ain't Gonna Lie" (1967), and a cover of Marcos Valle's "so nice" by chorus group The Arbors as heard as on album "A Symphony For Susan" (1966). Both are available on 7" for the first time.

Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)" (7")

A. Keith "you'll come running back to me"
AA. The Arbors "so nice (summer samba)"

Oldays Records ODREP45025
Out 1/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

All releases:
#01 2019.9.29: Jackie & Roy / NOVI Singers "cheerful little earful / dancing nuts"
#02 2019.10.29: Billy Strange / Frank Chacksfield "adios / Route 66"
#03 2019.11.29: The Sunrays / The Turtles "have to be myself / too young to be the one"
#04 2019.12.29: George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi"
#05 2020.1.29: Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)"
#06 2020.2.29: The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini"
#07 2020.3.29: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me"
#08 2020.4.29: Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April"
#09 2020.5.29: Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night"
#10 2020.6.29: Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin"
#11 2020.7.29: The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba"
#12 2020.8.29: Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers"

Keith "you'll come running back to me"

The Arbors "so nice (summer samba)"

"New wave gyaru" Haruko Tajima's brand new track is about enjoying cheap jewelry such as those of brands made for young girls. It's on YouTube (watch below), and available now on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Also check out previous single "Happy Duty" and album "kawaiiresist".

This new song comes just days before her solo live show, to be held this Friday January 31 at Shibuya WWW! Tickets are available via e+.

Haruko Tajima "SUN Jewel" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「SUN Jewel」

harucorium
Out now (1/20)
Sample/buy: Spotify,

xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has a new song out now digitally, as well as an accompanying music video! Titled "Hiji No Biribiri", she raps about that funny buzz (biribiri) feeling you get in your forearm when you hit your elbow (hiji). Like her other works and first mini-album "The First ○○ Picture Book", this track was produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella).

This follows another recent digital single titled "Piano Damper gekini shime saba" (for which a sample movie invited anyone to make their own music video).

Upcoming shows in Tokyo include an event on February 12 at Shibuya Eggman with Mashinomi, and then on April 4 a participation in festival Synchronicity 2020 to be held in several Shibuya venues simultaneously. Watch xiangyu's Twitter for details.

xiangyu "Hiji No Biribiri" (Download)
xiangyu 「ひじのビリビリ」

Kujaku Club
Out now (1/24)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify

A new remix of Maika Loubté's song "Nobara" has been released digitally on iTunes and Spotify (etc.)! The song originally from album "Closer" was this time remixed by 80KIDZ.

Also check out another version which was released last September, remixed by French electro duo You Man (on , Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.). Yet another remix, by DJ Ground (aka Gr◯un土), will be released on January 31.

Album "Closer" was recently released on clear vinyl in Japan, and an international release on Toothpaste Records (UK) has been announced for March 27, 2020, making it more widely available in Europe and elsewhere. There's also word that she will perform in Europe this year.

Maika Loubté "Nobara - 80KIDZ Remix" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (1/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Idol group Pico Pico Revolution from Toyama prefecture, easily recognized by that they always carry their "pico pico hammers", has a new 5th single out now! Title track "Lucky Lucky Happy!" has music written and produced by Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo). Check out the video below, in which anyone who gets hit becomes instantly happy!

The first pressing includes a random trading card (from a total of 6 different ones).

An in-store event will be held on January 25 from 18:00 at TOWERmini Shiodome (details). Check out their full schedule here.

Pico Pico Revolution "Lucky Lucky Happy!"
ピコピコ☆レボリューション 「ラキラキ・ハッピー！」

1. Lucky Lucky Happy!
2. appare! Japones ♡ Rock
3. Lucky Lucky Happy! (Inst.)
4. appare! Japones ♡ Rock (Inst.)

doles U DOLU29
Out now (1/22), ¥1091 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Lucky Lucky Happy!"

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below or listen later on Mixcloud.

The selection this time puts synthesizers in the spotlight while keeping a comfortable distance from dancefloor beats, going from new wave to synth-pop and some rocking tunes. Lots of dreamy and spacey sounds. Happy listening!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.2) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on January 22, 2020 from 21:00, repeated at 23:00 (EST = Montréal/New York/Miami).
* Japan time: January 23, 2020 from 11:00 and 13:00.

Listen anytime on Mixcloud!

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Kai "Paper Diamond" (2019)
(Japanese title: カイ 「ペーパー・ダイヤモンド」)

Kai, a singer previously part of idol groups Bellring Girls Heart (Bellring Shoujo Heart) and There There Theres, did her solo debut just a few months ago. "Paper Diamond" is the title track of her 2nd mini-album (, Spotify) which is produced by Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders, Controversial Spark, No Lie-Sense), giving her a classic new wave sound. That mini-album also contains a cover of Nomiya Maki's debut single "onna tomodachi" (1981).

A 7" single of "Paper Diamond" (with a previously unreleased Moonriders cover for B-side) is about to be released on January 29. Follow the 7" link for info on some of her upcoming events.

2. Frenesi "jōbutsu sasete yo" (2012)
(Japanese title: フレネシ 「成仏させてよ」)

Frenesi, a unique and mysterious artist who wouldn't reveal her face (except when performing on stage), went on hiatus after a last concert in December 2015. "jōbutsu sasete yo" is a song from her latest album "gendai" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) among many other favorites. It's never too late to check out Frenesi's fantastic world.

Frenesi surprised last year with a brand new song she penned for band SOLEIL, "Anachronic Girl" which appeared on album "Lollipop Sixteen".

3. Mira Parameter "Okachimachi Roman" (2017)
(Japanese title: ミラ パラメータ 「御徒町ロマン」)

Also active as a tarot fortuneteller, Mira Parameter is a singer-songwriter who crafts songs note-by-note in an uncommon manner on her computer, evolving into complex yet beautiful music that surprises and amazes. Two years since her brilliant album "Reborn", she released last month a new song titled "Phantasmagoria". Check out the music video below that show places around Okachimachi in Tokyo. Her other videos are also must-sees, as her works always have mesmerizing visuals.

4. esu-efu "Propeller Song" (2012)
(Japanese title: エスエフ 「プロペラソング」)

esu-efu is the unit of singer Nomoto Karia (Twitter) and producer Captain Mirai (Twitter). This song is from their first and latest mini-album "Sing Future" () that remains a favorite over the years. Check out the music video below.

Lately, Karia has been appearing in some movies, such as short film "Shell and Joint" that was screened at several film festivals internationally.

5. Inoue Honoka "niji no Fantasia" (2016)
(Japanese title: 井上ほの花 「虹のファンタジア」)

Inoue Honoka (Twitter), who is mostly active as an anime voice actress, released her first mini-album "First Flight" in 2016 under the production of songwriting unit Mukaju Dan (previously active as blue marble). This beautiful song is a duet with her mother Inoue Kikuko who is also a voice actress.

There's a chance to see her sing up close on February 8 at her birthday event to be held at Karaoke-kan in Ginza. Find details here. (She will turn 22 the next day.)

6. dahlia "ai wa doko da" (2017)
(Japanese title: dahlia 「愛はどこだ」)

From dahlia's excellent latest album "Mirror" () which was sound produced by Groove Unchant. This song was written by dahlia herself. On "Mirror" her characteristic soft voice is mixed in loud and clear, somewhat contrasting with previous albums such as "Nude Lumière" and "Beautiful, But Noir".

7. NUBACK "Butterfly" (2019)

NUBACK is the solo unit of Dai Nakamura Dai (BANK, Vacation Three).

This instrumental track was featured on latest mini-album "I'm not in DUB" (, Spotify) released digitally last August, which has guitar-led minimal tracks with hints of '80s dub and new wave. Check it out!

8. Virtual Boys "seeking the brave" (2019)
(Japanese title: バーチャルボーイズ 「ゆうしゃをさがしに」 "yūsha o sagashi ni")

Unit of Imai Kentaro (of The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and Asahi Taichi (of Genius), Virtual Boys (SoundCloud) makes chiptune music using Nintendo sounds. While having mainly released their music as CD-R mini-albums sold at their shows, this song was featured on compilation "Light Chiptune VS Dark Chiptune" available for free on Bandcamp.

9. Kit Cat "SPACE CAT WALK" (2015)

Kit Cat was a girl trio with a cool 80's new wave sound, produced by Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo). Although the trio has stopped activities in 2018, they have left behind excellent mini-album "Scratch You!", which contains a cover of Tom Tom Club's "Wordy Rappinghood", and also a split album with (M)otocompo titled "POPLOT TIMES 2016".

Aside from always being active with his ska-electro band (M)otocompo (see their latest release "Yokoshima Borderline ep"), Dr.Usui has lately also been writing songs for several idol groups such as Pico Pico Revolution who has a new single being released on January 22.

10. Nosa Reina "Pink Delusional Aquarium" (2019)
(Japanese title: 野佐怜奈 「桃色妄想水槽」 "momoiro mōsō suisō")

Nosa Reina was once the vocalist of group The Lady Spade, and later did a solo debut produced by Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five), to later perform for several years as band Reina & The Blue Valentines. Lately, she is again active as a solo singer (releasing cover album "Endless Party" in 2018) and currently in the process of making a new original album titled "Sports and Distractions" to be released in this year of Tokyo Olympics.

"Pink Delusional Aquarium" (, Spotify) is a song that was released digitally just last November in advance of the new album. It was followed by "City Blue Carnival", there will be a new song released that way each month until the album goes on sale.

Reina can next be seen live on January 26 at a school festival-themed event to be held at Nishi-Azabu Shinsekai (details). Also follow her on Instagram for frequent impromptu ukulele covers.

11. Neil and Iraiza "Love Is Navy Blue" (2017)

From Neil and Iraiza's latest album "Timeless Melodies" (, Spotify), which came 15 years after their previous album "New School". Neil and Iraiza is a band formed of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico) and Horie Hirohisa (The Cornelius Group, Dots+Borders, etc.).

On Sunday March 22, there will be a show featuring Neil and Iraiza, Kaji Hideki and many more, to celebrate Horie Hirohisa's 50th birthday. Details here.

12. Yoshida Tetsuto "hikari no naka e" (2019)
(Japanese title: 吉田哲人 「光の中へ」)

Having in the recent years written many songs for various idols, producer Yoshida Tetsuto has just made his own solo debut as a singer-songwriter. His first 7" single ("hitomeguri / hikari no naka e") has songs for which the lyrics were written by idols he has worked with, and those of B-side "hikari no naka e" were written by Kanou Emiri. He plans to release a solo album in 2020.

Yoshida Tetsuto, aka Tetto, will perform at event "Tricolore CH." on February 16 at Ikebukuro Live Inn Rosa (details) and at event "Sunday Girls" on March 29 at Jinbocho Shichoshitsu (details).

13. MANON "GOMENNE GIRL" (2018)

To end this time's selection is one of the quieter from Fukuoka-based singer and model MANON's first album "Teenage Diary" (, Spotify). Check out the music video below.

Having done some interesting collaborations last year ("Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage", "Air Kissing feat. KM & LEX" and an appearance on Yackle's album "Frank Throw") gives hope of more to come for 2020. The Japanese-French singer and model will turn 18 at the end of January.

Manon can next been seen live in Tokyo at event "Tokyo Pico Pico Fes" on February 11, also featuring Nakata Yasutaka, DÉ DÉ MOUSE, RAM RIDER, banvox, TORIENA, Yackle and more. Details here.

Thanks for tuning in!

Find other radio shows here.

Mira Parameter "Okachimachi Roman"

esu-efu "Propeller Song"

Inoue Honoka, album "First Flight" digest

NUBACK "Butterfly"

Nosa Reina "Pink Delusional Aquarium"

MANON "GOMENNE GIRL"

A 7" single of Kai's "Paper Diamond" from her recent mini-album of the same name is being released! Produced by Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), it comes with a brand new cover of Moonriders' "kanashii shirase" (1985). The A'-side was arranged by Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo).

Hear an audio sample of "Paper Diamond" at Jet Set, or check out the mini-album on iTunes/Spotify.

Kai's upcoming events include her birthday event on February 10 at Shibuya Cyclone (details), and before that on February 8 a day-time event from 11:30 at Kichijoji Nepo (details). Also it has just been announced that there will be an event on March 19 organized by Moonriders (who had gone on hiatus in 2011, excluding a show in 2016) that will feature Kai, CTO LAB. and many more (details).

Kai "Paper Diamond / kanashii shirase" (7")
カイ 「ペーパー・ダイヤモンド/悲しいしらせ」

A. Paper Diamond
A'. kanashii shirase

Narisu Records/Trash-Up!! Records TRNS-707
Out 1/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Major Force (Discogs) was a label formed in 1988 by Nakanishi Toshio (Plastics) (R.I.P.), K.U.D.O., Yashiki Gōta, Takagi Kan and Fujiwara Hiroshi. For its 30th anniversary in 2018, some members got back together under the name Major Force Productions and released a 7" of a cover of Plastics' "Top Secret Man" (available on iTunes and Spotify).

This time, main members K.U.D.O., Takagi Kan and Yashiki Gōta teamed up with Leo Imai (METAFIVE) on vocals, and also with Tachibana Hajime (Low Powers, Plastics) on guitar. "Murder Face" is a new song, and the release's B-side contains clean and instrumental versions. The jacket was illustrated by Asano Tadanobu.

An audio sample can be heard at Jet Set.

Major Force Productions "MURDER FACE feat. Leo Imai" (12")

A. MURDER FACE feat. Leo Imai (VOCAL MIX)
B1. MURDER FACE feat. Leo Imai (CLEAN MIX)
B2. MURDER FACE feat. Leo Imai (INSTRUMENTAL)

Major Force/Jet Set MFP002
Out 1/22 2/5, ¥2100 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, Jet Set

Here's one that slipped through from the end of 2019. Singer-songwriter Mira Parameter released a brand new song titled "Phantasmagoria".

Song description (from Facebook):
One spring day, there was an exceptionally awesome cherry blossom tree in the graveyard. I'm looking at the tree, I feel, spirits who lived beyond the time exist amongst it. They make a cherry blossom graceful with their feelings now. I wrote this song as I was getting empathetic inspiration.

This release follows excellent first album "Reborn" (2017) which needs revisiting starting with its beautiful music videos.

Mira Parameter "Phantasmagoria" (Download)
ミラ パラメータ 「Phantasmagoria」

Mira Parameter
Out now (2019/12/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, Amazon MP3 U.S., Amazon MP3 Japan

"New wave gyaru" Haruko Tajima released a new track digitally right at the end of 2019 (year that brought Japan a tax increase) titled "Happy Duty", and its music video has just dropped, edited in her always distinct style. Watch & listen below! This follows latest album "kawaiiresist" released last July.

Haruko has a solo live show coming on January 31 at Shibuya WWW. Tickets are available via e+.

Haruko Tajima "Happy Duty" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「HAPPY税」
(Japanese title "Happy zei")

harucorium
Out now (12/31)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , Bandcamp, SoundCloud

Kimura Takuya (ex-SMAP), aka Kimutaku, is back solo with an album that's full of collaborations with various artists. Most worth of mention is that the opening track "Flow" was written and arranged by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius). There's also a cover of Imawano Kiyoshiro's "yowai boku dakara".

Two different limited editions are available, one that includes two music videos (for "Sunset Bench" and "One and Only"), and another that comes with an A4-sized deluxe booklet.

Check out the release special site.

Kimura Takuya "Go with the Flow"
木村拓哉 「Go with the Flow」

1. Flow
2. One and Only
3. wanna say I love you
4. Unique
5. New Start
6. Leftovers
7. Rolling Stone
8. Speaking to world
9. Sunset Bench
10. Your Song
11. My Life
12. A Piece Of My Life

Regular edition
Victor Entertainment VICL-65288
Out 1/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition with DVD (CD + DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Victor Entertainment VIZL-1679
Out 1/8, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (17% off *), HMV (10% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition with deluxe booklet (CD + A4-sized booklet)
Victor Entertainment VIZL-1678
Out 1/8, ¥6000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"One and Only" (Short ver.)

"Sunset Bench" (Short ver.)

Portable Rock's early works album "Beginnings", first released on CD only in 1990, is being released on vinyl for the first time! Portable Rock was a band in the late 80's formed of Nomiya Maki (who later joined Pizzicato Five), Suzuki Tomofumi (ex-8 1/2) and Nakahara Nobuo (ex-Yapoos).

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

This album was last re-issued on CD in 2011 as "Beginnings + 5" with 5 bonus tracks.

Portable Rock "Beginnings" (12")
ポータブル・ロック 「ビギニングス」

A1. Picnic
A2. Green Books
A3. Golem Polka
A4. tentai kansoku
A5. fuyu no budōbatake
A6. mishin de nuou!
B1. jidōsha Race
B2. ijiwaru denpa
B3. Cricket
B4. shinju kaigan
B5. Idol

Jet Set JSLP120
Out 1/22 2/5, ¥3500 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, Jet Set

Kaede (Negicco) has a 1st full-length solo album that has just been released on New Year's Day! The album has collaborations with artists such as Skirt, Horigome Yasuyuki (ex-Kirinji), Itō Gorō (naomi & goro), Oh shu, Dōjima Kōhei, Wada Shō (Triceratops) and Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo). Two covers are also included, of Triceratops and Kirinji. Check out the new music video for "hanataba" below (and also the previously released ones).

Tower Records gives away a promo DVD of Kaede's music videos (while supplies last).

A tour titled "Kaede Acoustic Live Tour 2020" will begin from February 2. Also, an in-store event will be held on February 10 at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F) from 19:00 (details). There will also be a special show of Skirt and Kaede at Tower Records Shibuya's Stage One (B1F) on January 18 from noon. Tickets are on sale. Find details here.

Kaede "ima no watashi wa kawaritsuzukete ano koro no watashi de irareteru."
Kaede 「今の私は変わり続けてあの頃の私でいられてる。」

1. 2020 (Cover of Triceratops)
2. ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)
3. Sweet Regret
4. bijakuteki ryūdō
5. sore mo kitto shiawase (Cover of Suzuki Ami joins Kirinji)
6. eien no danpen
7. hanataba
8. Remember You
9. yoake no heya
10. tadaima no mahō

T-Palette Records TPRC-0242
Out now (1/1), ¥2728 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"hanataba"

"Remember You"

"tadaima no mahō"

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

Out on the first day of 2020 is a first solo album by Katori Shingo (atarashii chizu, ex-SMAP). The title "20200101" is to be read "niwaniwa waiwai". Included are several collaborations such as ones with Scha Dara Parr, BiSH, TeddyLoid, and more. A limited edition titled "GOLD BANG!" come with a bonus remix by Konishi Yasuharu, while another limited edition has a bonus DVD of two music videos. All songs except the remix are also available digitally.

A special solo concert titled "20200429 PARTY!" will be held on April 29 at Saitama Stadium. Details can be found here.

Katori Shingo "20200101"
香取慎吾 「20200101」

1. Prologue (feat. TeddyLoid & Tanaka)
2. Trap
3. Metropolis (feat. WONK)
4. Welp (feat. Suda Keina)
5. I'm So Tired (feat. Kishidan)
6. Business wa Perfect (feat. Scha Dara Parr)
7. Neo (feat. yahyel)
8. iyaki ga sasu hodo aishiteru (feat. KREVA)
9. Okay (feat. SALU)
10. 10%
11. Now & Forever (feat. SONPUB & Mukai Taichi)
12. Future World (feat. BiSH)
13. 10％ (Konishi Yasuharu remix) (Limited edition "GOLD BANG!" only)

DVD (Limited edition "miru BANG!" only)
1. Trap (Music Movie)
2. Future World (feat. BiSH) (Music Movie)

Limited edition "GOLD BANG!" (CD w/ bonus remix + special booklet)
Warner Music WPCL-13166
Out now (1/1), ¥4040 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition "miru BANG!" (Regular CD (no remix) + DVD (Region 2 NTSC) + special booklet)
Warner Music WPZL-31722
Out now (1/1), ¥4040 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (Regular CD only (no remix))
Warner Music WPCL-13167
Out now (1/1), ¥3030 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, , Spotify, YouTube Music

The first release of 2020 (or Reiwa year 2 in the Japanese calendar) is a new album by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde titled "TOKYOPOP". The album contains 6 new songs (including "kotoba uri" and "Tokyo wa Reiwa reiji"), newly recorded self-covers (such as early songs "shūsei shugisha" and "Skirt kakumei") and remixes by Seiho and Yunomi.

A deluxe edition including a poster and hardcover artbook "Tokyo bakuhatsu" ("Tokyo Explosion", 100 pages, A4 size) is also being sold only via their official online shop. The artbook contains photography by Ivana Micic depicting the band in a theme of "Wild Tokyo", and is designed by Urbangarde leader Matsunaga Temma.

Check out the special release page.

There will be an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku on Friday January 17 from 19:00 (details) (with others to follow in Nagoya, Osaka, Sendai and Sapporo). Also Urbangarde will hold their most extensive tour of Japan ever, starting January 31 at Ebisu CreAto in Tokyo (already sold out), and then ending on May 5 in Tokyo again at Akabane ReNY alpha. Find tour details here.

Also, it has just been announced that three early releases have been made available on iTunes: "shōjo wa 2do shinu" (2009) (), "shōjo toshi keikaku" (2009) () and "shōjo no shōmei" (2010) ().

Urbangarde "TOKYOPOP"
アーバンギャルド 「TOKYOPOP」

1. Tokyo wa Reiwa reiji
2. kotobauri (Word seller)
3. shūsei shugisha (SHINJUKU SYNDROME ver.)
4. mizutama byō (HARAJUKU HOLIC ver.)
5. Meta Sexualis
6. Video no yō ni (Seiho REMIX)
7. FM-ppoi no suki
8. Skirt kakumei (ROPPONGI ROUGE ver.)
9. jisatsu nyūmon (SHIBUYA SUCK ver.)
10. Android rondo
11. shōjo ni shiyagare (NAKANO NOSTALGIC ver.)
12. momoiro Chronicle (REIWA RAP ver.)
13. One Piece Shinjū (Yunomi REMIX)
14. Tokyo bakuhatsu, sono go

zenei toshi FBAC-103
Out now (1/1), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"kotobauri (Word seller)"

Teaser clip