Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Here comes a 2nd new remix of "Fashion Blogger", the first track of RHYME SO, unit of RHYME (Bandcamp) and Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso). See the original's music video if you haven't yet.

Also, RHYME has just released a new digital EP titled "RETUNES Compartment One.", revisiting some favorite songs in her own style. Check it out on Bandcamp or SoundCloud to find your way to the "secret capsule". RHYME is also about to release a limited vinyl edition of "Post Archives", find it and pre-order here (shipping from the UK).

RHYME SO "Fashion Blogger (Alternative)" (Download)

Avex
Out now (4/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

RHYME "RETUNES Compartment One." (Download)

1. Let's Get Digital
2. Wave (Gaveled With Yeuz)
3. Space Oddity (Prod. Infloor)
4. This No Town
5. Paradise (Not for Mother & Daughter) [Vocals with Lex Famous]

Rhyme-Records
Out now (4/30)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, SoundCloud, , Spotify, YouTube Music

ARM is a brand new project of Akakage (Yoichirō Itō), RYO-Z (Rip Slyme) and three-MC rap crew MGF. Also featuring Hashimoto Takahide (Zainichi Funk) on cuíca and saxophone, and singer Asca Hirayabu on back vocals, this first single is a rap party tune with a latin feel and a cumbia beat. The artwork was done by Itō Yoichirō, who recently began as a painter as "Yoichiro" (official site).

Check out an audio sample at Jet Set.

ARM (Akakage+RYO-Z+MGF) "sorezore no Saturday" (7")
ARM (Akakage+RYO-Z+MGF) 「それぞれのサタデー」

A. sorezore no Saturday
B. sorezore no Saturday (Instrumental)

Romantickers Records RREP-0001
Out now (4/29), ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Kaede (Negicco)'s 1st full-length solo album, released on CD on the first day of 2020, has just been released on vinyl! The album contains songs in collaboration 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), as well as covers of Triceratops and Kirinji.

The album can also be heard digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Kaede "ima no watashi wa kawaritsuzukete ano koro no watashi de irareteru." (12")
Kaede 「今の私は変わり続けてあの頃の私でいられてる。」

A1. 2020 (Cover of Triceratops)
A2. ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)
A3. Sweet Regret
A4. bijakuteki ryūdō
A5. sore mo kitto shiawase (Cover of Suzuki Ami joins Kirinji)
B1. eien no danpen
B2. hanataba
B3. Remember You
B4. yoake no heya
B5. tadaima no mahō

T-Palette Records TPRV-0050
Out now (4/28), ¥4091 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"hanataba"

"Remember You"

"tadaima no mahō"

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

Salome no Kuchibiru (aka Salome Lips) has a new 7" single out now! This one is a collaboration with comoestas aka Comoesta Yaegashi (Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys), and the B-side is a remix by Groove Unchant. The song is a cover of Satsuki Midori's debut song (released in 1958). Hear audio samples below.

Salome no Kuchibiru announced last month that they will be disbanding in 2020, following the release of a last album that they have been working on. A message from the members can be found here.

comoestas Salome no Kuchibiru "ozashiki Rock" (7")
コモエスタス サロメの唇 「お座敷ロック」

A. ozashiki Rock
B. ozashiki Rock (Groove Unchant Remix)

Unchantable Records UCT-030
Out now (4/29), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"ozashiki Rock"

"ozashiki Rock (Groove Unchant Remix)"

Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the eighth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.)

Two Brazilian tracks this time! The A-side is the opening track of Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS' rare album "Samba Jovem" (1965), while the AA-side is a bossa-jazz song from album "The Blues Soul of Johnny (Guitar) Watson" (1965), an album on which he plays piano. Both are on 7" for the first time ever!

Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April" (7")

A. Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS "samba na palma da Mao"
AA. Johnny (Guitar) Watson "I'll remember April"

Oldays Records ODREP45028
Out 4/29, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS "samba na palma da Mao"

Johnny (Guitar) Watson "I'll remember April"

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"

This new single of singer Takaoka Saki is a cover of Bobby Hebb's classic "Sunny". The A-side is sung in Japanese with a downtempo dub style, while the B-side has a bossa nova style using a rhythm box and is sung in English . Both were programmed by Yukihiro Fukutomi, with guitar played by Satoshi Yoshida.

This release follows the singer's greatest hits album "All-Time Best Album ~ The Other Side of Love" (2018) (, Spotify) and 7" single "ai no mūkōgawa" (2019).

Check out audio samples at Jet Set.

Takaoka Saki "Sunny" (7")
高岡早紀 「Sunny」

A. Sunny (Japanese ver.)
B. Sunny (English ver.)

HYDRA RECORDS HYDRA-017
Out now (4/24), ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

For Yellow Magic Orchestra's 40th anniversary, their 8th album "Technodon" (released as YMO in 1993) has just got a stack of related reissues! The album itself was re-issued on SHM-CD (a superior quality of CD that plays in regular players), a limited edition SACD Hybrid (which will play in higher quality in SACD players or otherwise normally in regular players), and as a 2LP set (pressed on 180g vinyl and including a deluxe booklet). All of these were newly remastered from the original analog tape.

There's also a new Blu-ray edition of "Technodon in Tokyo Dome", a show held in June 1993, which was also remastered to HD, which comes with a SACD Hybrid of the newly mixed and mastered audio by Goh Hotoda using the original analog multitrack tapes. Plus, there's remix album "Technodon Remixes I&II" which contains both 1993 remix album "Technodon Remixes I" and "Technodon Remixes II", put together on one SHM-CD.

All of these products come in paper jackets per the members' request in care for the environment.

Check out the special page at label Universal where audio samples can be heard, and also the YMO's 40th anniversary site.

YMO "TECHNODON (Remastered 2020)"

1. BE A SUPERMAN
2. NANGA DEF?
3. FLOATING AWAY
4. DOLPHINICITY
5. HI-TECH HIPPIES
6. I TRE MERLI
7. NOSTALGIA
8. SILENCE OF TIME
9. WATERFORD
10. O.K.
11. CHANCE
12. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (JAPANESE VERSION)
13. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (ENGLISH VERSION) (2011 Edition Bonus Track)

SHM-CD edition
Universal Music UPCY-7663
Out now (4/22), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Limited edition SACD Hybrid edition
Universal Music UPGY-9001
Out now (4/22), ¥3300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

YMO "TECHNODON (Remastered 2020)" (2LP)

A1. BE A SUPERMAN
A2. NANGA DEF?
A3. FLOATING AWAY
B1. DOLPHINICITY
B2. HI-TECH HIPPIES
B3. I TRE MERLI
C1. NOSTALGIA
C2. SILENCE OF TIME
C3. WATERFORD
D1. O.K.
D2. CHANCE
D3. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (JAPANESE VERSION)
D4. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (ENGLISH VERSION)

Limited vinyl edition (2LP)
Universal Music UPJY-9089
Out now (4/22), ¥5500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

YMO "TECHNODON LIVE 1993 TOKYO DOME" (Blu-ray+SACD Hybrid)

Blu-ray
1. BE A SUPERMAN
2. NANGA DEF?
3. FLOATING AWAY
4. DOLPHINICITY
5. I TRE MERLI
6. HI-TECH HIPPIES
7. CASTALIA
8. BEHIND THE MASK
9. LA FEMME CHINOISE
10. NOSTALGIA
11. SILENCE OF TIME
12. WATERFORD
13. O.K.
14. CHANCE ~ RYDEEN ENDING
15. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS (Encore)
16. TONG POO (Encore)
17. FIRE CRACKER (Encore)
Bonus footage: Reunion press conference + TV spot: HI-TECH HIPPIES / BE A SUPERMAN

SACD Hybrid
1. BE A SUPERMAN
2. NANGA DEF?
3. FLOATING AWAY
4. DOLPHINICITY
5. I TRE MERLI
6. HI-TECH HIPPIES
7. CASTALIA
8. BEHIND THE MASK
9. LA FEMME CHINOISE
10. WATERFORD
11. CHANCE ~ RYDEEN ENDING
12. TONG POO (Encore)
13. FIRECRACKER (Encore)

Blu-ray (Region free NTSC) + SACD Hybrid
Universal Music UIXZ-4091
Out now (4/22), ¥6500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon (20% off *), HMV, Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

YMO "TECHNODON REMIXES I&II" (SHM-CD)

1. POCKETFUL OF RAINBOWS [HEAVY RAINBOW MIX] Remixed by TEI TOWA
2. BE A SUPERMAN [HUMAN ANIMAL MIX] Remixed by TEI TOWA
3. FLOATING AWAY [VOLTAGE UNLIMITED MIX] Remixed by TEI TOWA
4. NOSTALGIA [JEUX DE MIXAGE] Remixed by GOH HOTODA AND FRANCOIS KEVORKIAN
5. WATERFORD [A 23 DIVERSION]
6. WATERFORD [A 303 ONE LANE CLOSE]
7. HI-TECH HIPPIES [GROUND PLAN FOR PERFECTION MIX]
8. HI-TECH AMBIENCE [ARIEL IMPLOSION MIX]
9. NANGA DEF ? [HOPE YOU CHOKE ON YOUR WHALE MEAT MIX]

Universal Music UPCY-7669
Out now (4/22), ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Far Side Music (UK)
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

Two new mini-albums of projects featuring tabla-bongo player Asa-Chang have just been released. The first is a second collaboration with keyboardist Emerson Kitamura, a follow-up to their album "Debut" (2018). That new mini-album also consists of only covers. Kojima Mayumi is featured in a cover of "sen no kaze ni natte".

The other release is by trio Asa-Chang & Junray, a follow-up to album "mahō" (2016, (Japan)). Guest vocalist Itō Seikō is featured on title song "Jiken".

Also, yet another song by Asa-Chang & Emerson Kitamura has been released only digitally, titled "Kanashikute Yarikirenai" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Asa-Chang / Emerson Kitamura "Eros"
ASA-CHANG / エマーソン北村 「エロス」

(Original artist in parentheses)
1. One Step Beyond (Madness)
2. Sen No Kaze Ni Natte (Akikawa Masafumi)
3. Emmanuelle (Pierre Bachelet)
4. Paradise Lost (Chihara Minori)
5. Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)
6. Ceddin Deden (Turkey Ottoman March)

Airplane Label AP1084
Out now (4/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Asa-Chang & Junray "Jiken"
ASA-CHANG & 巡礼 「事件」

1. Jiken
2. Nihongo
3. Ekiben Song
4. Ekiben Song (English Version)
5. Shikaku
6. Shinoshisamu
7. Seikatsu Bushi

Airplane Label AP1086
Out now (4/22), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Asa-Chang / エマーソン北村 "Eros" Trailer clip

Asa-Chang & Junray "Nihongo"

Indie funkster Fujii Yōhei (SoundCloud) has a new single out now on 7" and digitally! It had been about 7 years since his 2nd album "Banana Games" (2013) (, Spotify). The new songs hint Prince and 80's influences. Don't miss this nice priced 7"!

Check out audio samples at Jet Set, or below in the Spotify widget.

Fujii Yōhei "I Wanna Be Your Star / The Ambiguous Logic and Equation" (7")
藤井洋平 「i wanna be your star / 意味不明な論理・方程式」
(Japanese title: "imi fumei na ronri · hōteishiki")

A. I Wanna Be Your Star
B. The Ambiguous Logic and Equation

Kakubarhythm KAKU-113
Out 4/22, ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, , Spotify, OTOTOY

Following album "Be Kind Rewind" (2019), here's a brand new EP by idol rap group lyrical school!

Having had several shows canceled or delayed, lyrical school have instead posted two great "remote free live" shows on YouTube, in which each member sang from their home. Watch them here.

lyrical school "OK!!!!!"

1. OK!
2. HOMETENOBIRU
3. Last Summer
4. Dance The Night Away feat. Kick a Show
5. Bring the noise

Victor Entertainment VICL-65367
Out now (4/22), ¥1818 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"HOMETENOBIRU" (Short ver.)

"Last Summer" (Remote Free Live short ver.)

"OK!"

Tomoyuki Tanaka (aka FPM) has a new track out now, the first released under his real name! The music was co-written and co-arranged by Nakamura Hiroshi (i-dep). The song uses samples of people speaking the word "alone" that he collected from the web. Watch the music video below.

He is currently working on more music planned to be released as Tomoyuki Tanaka.

Tomoyuki Tanaka "Alone"
田中知之 「Alone」

Never Ever Recordings
Out now (4/22)
Sample/buy:

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new song out now, as well as its music video! As usual, it's produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). "Kamaitachi" refers to a Japanese mythical creature (see Wikipedia). The digital single includes an instrumental version.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kamaitachi" (Download)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「かまいたち」

1. Kamaitachi
2. Kamaitachi (Instrumental)

Kamaitachi
Out now (4/24)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

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. If you couldn't tune in at the times below, you can still listen anytime on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection of songs full of playfulness, with songs that use retro 8-bit video game sounds (chiptune from where it came from!), and then ones that use toy musical instruments!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.4) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on April 22, 2020 from 21:00, repeated at 23:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).

* Japan time: April 23, 2020 from 10:00 (a.m.) and 12:00 (noon).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

This radio show starts with a selection of 8-bit chiptune style music, to later move on to other fun things! Read on while you listen.

1. YMCK "The Secret of the Show" (2019)
(Japanese title: YMCK 「秘密のショータイム」 "himitsu no Showtime")

YMCK is a trio that makes music using Famicom (NES) sounds since around 2003, and turning that into catchy pop songs with often a jazzy feel. This time our opening song is one from their latest and 8th album "Family Circus" (, Spotify, YouTube Music) out at the end of last year. Their albums often having a specific theme, this time they have a whole circus going on. YMCK's visuals are also amazing, watch the "Wild Wild Caravan" video below.

2. The Aprils "Twinkle of the Stars, Little Stars, Shining Stars" (2004)

The Aprils is a future-pop band that uses a lot of synthesizer sounds but also drums and guitar. They have also been qualified as neo-Shibuya-kei. This song is an early one from their first full-length album "Pan·da" ( (Japan)). While the song starts off with 8-bit sounds, for the chorus it moves on to The Aprils' signature sound. Check out their brand new single "Aprilster" out just earlier this month. Also watch the video for song "New Electric" below.

3. Virtualboys "Love Catch" (2017)
(Japanese title: バーチャル・ボーイズ 「ラヴ・キャッチ」)

Virtualboys is a duo formed of The Aprils' Imai Kentarō (also a member of CTO LAB.) with Genius' Asahi Taichi, who use just Famicom and retro game sounds. The song "Love Catch" is from their first EP "Virtualboys I+II" that was sold on CD-R only. Virtuaboys have just released a collaboration EP with Fukuoka-based bitpop artist Breezesquad, it's titled "Chico Ficticio" (2020) and can be heard on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Also check out the video of their theme song below.

4. The Lady Spade "Sweetholic" (2014)
(Japanese title: その名はスペィド 「Sweetholic」)

The Lady Spade is a group that's known for its impressive stage of fun dancing and also great singing by front girl ATG, not to forget DJ and MC SLF!! who is always present tinkering with something in the dark. Their music goes through a variety of styles, sometimes with dark themes, and then sometimes just plain fun about eating endless desserts. "Sweetholic" is from album "Reverse Shaped Black Heart" (, Spotify), the first that featured current singer ATG.

Since then they have also released "Phenomenon" (2017). Also check out their YouTube channel where can be seen recent new track "Bubblepop Bubblicious" and also a home-made collage video of "New Disco Inferno". There's a live performance of "Sweetholic" that you can watch below.

5. Omodaka "Kusatsu Bushi" (2014)

Omodaka is the solo unit of Soichi Terada, who is also famous for touring the world as a house DJ. However with Omodaka he often uses various chiptune and game sounds, and his music features vocals by Akiko Kanazawa who sings in a traditional Japanese minyō style, making for a unique and mesmerizing result.

The song "Kusatsu Bushi" was featured on album "Bridge Song" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), since which he has also released another titled "Gujoh Bushi" (2019). Check out the video for "Hietsuki Bushi" below.

6. YMCK "Unity" (2015)

Another by YMCK! This one is from album "Family Dancing" (, Spotify), which consisted of all danceable music, among which stands out this slower track towards the end.

To those who want to create music with retro game sounds, YMCK's Yokemura actually develops and distributes software-synthesizer plugin Magical 8bit Plug 2 (of which the latest version was just released in February).

On to the 2nd part of the show, we'll check out some more playful music, some of which uses toy musical instruments, or that simply will put us into a fun mood!

7. Chiroline ver.3 "Napolitan No Uta" (2015)
(Japanese title: 新・チロリン Shin-Chiroline 「ナポリタンのうた」)

Taking its roots from a band called Chiroline that debuted in 1989, produced by Moonriders' Okada Tohru, "Shin-Chiroline" (aka Chiroline ver.2 and later ver.3) appeared in 2012 as a new incarnation of that project, releasing one album and two mini-albums. "Napolitan No Uta" appeared on the latest of these, "Last Pajama Party" (). That mini-album included songs written by all members of CTO LAB., band of Okada Tohru (check out their latest album "Beyond The Box" (2018)). Though "Napolitan no uta" was written by Marika who sings the song. Watch the video for "Napolitan No Uta" below.

8. HNC "Moon Song" (2009)

HNC, the solo unit of Yuppa (Instagram, Twitter), sounds kind of like a breakbeats-powered toy box. Appearing on her latest full-length album "CULT" ( (World), (Japan)), "Moon Song" is an upbeat song with a calypso beat, with some rocking toy piano. In the recent years, Yuppa has been keeping busy producing the music of singer MANON, where a good dose of HNC style can be felt.

9. Lullatone "the very first palm tree of spring break" (2015)

Lullatone is a band based in Nagoya, and formed of Shawn and Yoshimi. Their music is characteristically very quiet and gentle, and also full of fun creativity. This instrumental with a delightful melody is from mini-album "The Sounds of Spring" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), which is part of a series of the four seasons.

Lullatone's latest release is a double-album of piano self-covers, titled "Music for Museum Gift Shops".

10. Akane Hosaka "kachikachi Typewriter" (2012)
(Japanese title: ホサカアカネ　「カチカチ タイプライター」)

Akane Hosaka (SoundCloud) is an electronic artist who has for many years used Moog, Stylophone and various other toy instruments and even toys for making her music. Not only that, but her songs often take inspiration from a specific toy or object, such as probably a funny typewriter that you can try to imagine while listening to this one from her 4th album "pikkonoco" which was released on self-made CD-R. It is still available at Tokyo Recohan (check out the sampler clip below too).

Her latest release is an EP titled "Loop Music" (available for free download) for which she has been using a minimal set of a Korg MS-20 Mini and loop pedal. Her SoundCloud is also full of more of those!

11. Kiiiiiii "Dancevador Biber-hill Pop" (2007)

Kiiiiiii is a fun duo of two girls, U.T and Lakin, who did exciting shows with a stage full of various toys and colorful decorations. This track is from their album "AL & BUM" which is full of fun tunes. This album was co-produced by DJ Codomo. Watch them perform song "4 little joeys" below.

12. Love And Hates "Party Trash" (2011)

Also formed of two girls, Yuppa (HNC) and Moe (Milla and The Geeks), Love And Hates mixes indie pop, lo-fi and some hip-hop attitude. "Party Trash" can be found on their toybox of an album titled "L.A.H." (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which featured collaborations with Kaji Hideki (in a cover of "Mahna Mahna"!), human beatbox AFRA (watch the video below) and also talkbox unit Luvraw & BTB.

13. Mint-Lee noka "haenuki yorinuki ongakutai" (2019)
(Japanese title: ミントリノカ　「はえぬきよりぬき音楽隊」)

Mint-Lee noka is a trio formed of Mayutan (ammakasie noka), Okamura Midori (aka Mint-Lee) and toy percussionist Sayu Candy. So far they have released one irresistible 7" picture disc, in which it's the plush toys who are in the spotlight and sing! Watch a teaser clip below.

14. Akane Hosaka "Super Stylus" (2008)
(Japanese title: ホサカアカネ　「Super Stylus」)

Here's another by Akane Hosaka, from her album "Niko Niko Denki Muzic" () that was released on French label Sonore.

15. Lullatone "Pajama Party Pop" (2006)

Here comes one more by Lullatone, this time a vocal song from one of their early albums: "Plays Pajama Pop Pour Vous" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Also check out their YouTube channel which has plenty of fun ideas for making music sometimes in ways beyond imagination. Watch the video for "Let's Split a Banana Split" below.

16. Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (2020)
(Japanese title: Childish Tones feat. 宇佐蔵べに 「思い出のロックンロール」 "omoide no Rock'n'Roll")

To close the show, here's a cover of Jane Birkin's "Ex fan des sixties" performed by Childish Tones (Twitter), a rock'n'roll band that uses only toy instruments! This is their latest single which featured singer Beni Usakura (also a DJ and active as an idol in groups Apokalippps and Frun Frin Friends). The song is available on 7", and also as part of label compilation "Silent Running". There's a music video of this song below, and there's also much more to watch on YouTube.

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows here.

Below are videos of songs and artists featured in this radio show.

First, some of the songs that you heard in the show above.

The Lady Spade "Sweetholic" (Live)

Chiroline ver.3 / Shin-Chiroline "Napolitan no Uta"

Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties"

And below are music videos of different songs by the other artists featured.

YMCK "Wild Wild Caravan"

The Aprils "New Electric"

Virtualboys theme song

Omodaka "Hietsuki Bushi"

HNC "I Dream I Dead"

Lullatone "Let's Split a Banana Split"

Akane Hosaka "pikkonoco" album sampler

Kiiiiiii "4 little joeys"

Love And Hates "Kung-Fu Ripping ft. AFRA"

Mint-Lee noka "Midnight Celebration no Christmas" teaser clip

Nosa Reina has released digitally yet another song from her upcoming album "Sports and Distractions" (Japanese title "Sports to kibarashi"). The new single's artwork was illustrated by Ayaka Hama. This follows "Pink Delusional Aquarium", "City Blue Carnival" and Eccentric Western Exercise. Like in these previous releases, this time too singing chorus is Itō Eriko (who used to sing chorus in Pizzicato Five).

My lovely car is driven at full speed.
Looking for a destination of jealousy with nowhere to go.
My heart burning up and rain of tears falling down,
I drive through the love very furiously.
(Text from the official site)

Reina Nosa "Jealousy Overheat" (Download)
野佐怜奈 「ジェラシーオーバーヒート」

Reina Nosa
Out now (4/21)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S.

Virtualboys (Soundcloud), the 8-bit chiptune duo of Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and Asahi Taichi (Genius), collaborates with Fukuoka bitpop artist Breezesquad for this new delightful EP of two songs and two remixes! It's available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Virtualboys x Breezesquad "Chico Ficticio" (Download)
バーチャルボーイズ×Breezesquad 「架空の少年」
(Japanese title: "kakū no shōnen")

1. Chico Ficticio
2. Polygon Lovers
3. Chico Ficticio (Virtualboys Remix)
4. Polygon Lovers (Breezesquad Remix)

Virtualboys x Breezesquad
Out now (4/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has just released two brand new songs digitally! "Twisted Rainbow" was arranged by PellyColo, and "Pink Medicine" by Blackstone Village (unit of Rillsoul).

If you haven't yet, also check out her recent collaborations with AmamiyaMaako ("Floating Trip") and kiarayui ("Strawberry Moon").

HALLCA "Twisted Rainbow / Pink Medicine" (Download)

1. Twisted Rainbow
2. Pink Medicine

Magellan-Blue Records
Out now (4/19)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube Music

"Twisted Rainbow"

"Pink Medicine"

Singer Saoriiiii (Twitter) (previously Saori@destiny) and band Seijaku in Tokyo (Twitter), both of which are part of label Rooftop Studio, have taken turns releasing seven songs digitally, one every day for a week! Two of the songs are collaborations of the two as "Saori Seijaku in Tokyo".

Below is a sum-up of the whole deal.

Saoriiiii "Mr. Midnight" (Download)

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/11)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saori Seijaku in Tokyo "moonlight" (Download)

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Seijaku in Tokyo "foxy" (Download)
東京に静寂を 「foxy」

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/13)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saoriiiii "Tōryanse (Saoriiiii Vocal Mix)" (Download)
Saoriiiii 「とおりゃんせ (Saoriiiii Vocal Mix)」

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/14)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Seijaku in Tokyo "Rooftop" (Download)
東京に静寂を 「Rooftop」

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saori Seijaku in Tokyo "nadeshiko give me" (Download)

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/16)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saoriiiii "Hot Chocolate" (Download)

Rooftop Studio
Out now (4/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

Saoriiiii "Hot Chocolate / Tōryanse (Saoriiiii Vocal Mix)" sampler clip

Saori Seijaku in Tokyo "moonlight / nadeshiko give me" sampler clip

Seijaku in Tokyo "foxy / Rooftop" sampler clip

RHYME SO, the unit of RHYME (Bandcamp) and Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso), has been getting a lot of attention for their first official track "Fashion Blogger", of which the music video got over 2 million views in a month.

Now here comes an alternate version of the hit track to keep the party going!

RHYME SO "Fashion Blogger (Soft Rave)" (Download)

Avex
Out now (4/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY, YouTube Music

The Aprils, who tend to get active somehow in the month of April, have just released a brand new track digitally! This one was announced on April Fool's Day, on which they have a tradition to hijack their own official site in some funny way. This time they put up this new song that could be heard there for just one day, but turns out that it got released for real!

This is their first new single since "Horror Survivor" (2017), which was followed by a re-issue of debut album as "Astro +Early Works" including some rare tracks.

The Aprils "Aprilster" (Download)
エイプリルズ 「4月の人」

The Aprils
Out now (4/15)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Singer Suzuki Masayuki (aka Martin) is celebrating this year his 40th anniversary since his debut in February 1980 part of chorus group Chanels (later to become Rats & Star). This new album celebrates that with self-covers of Chanels and Rats & Star, those featuring many guest artists, as well as covers of international hits, some new songs, and some greatest hits. It's a 3-CD set, also available as a limited edition with a bonus disc of rarities.

Covers include Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", Little Anthony & The Imperials' "Tears On My Pillow" (both performed with The Shoalin Brothers and produced by Konishi Yasuharu, with brass arrangements by Kubota Haruo), Ohtaki Eiichi's "yume de aetara", Flash Cadillac & The Continental Kids' "Good Times, Rock & Roll" and Shep and the Limelites' "Daddy's Home".

The album features many special guests including Satō Yoshio (Barry Sato) (ex-Chanels, Rats & Star), Kuwano Nobuyoshi (ex-Chanels, Rats & Star), members of Gospellers (also as Gosperats, a collaboration with Rats & Star), Suzuki Airi, Oishi Masayoshi, Okazaki Taiiku, Ayanokōji Shō (Kishidan), Angela Aki, etc. Konishi Yasuharu also edited the medley that the first disc starts with.

Check out the special 40th anniversary site.

Suzuki Masayuki "All Time Rock'n'Roll"
鈴木雅之 「ALL TIME ROCK 'N' ROLL」

Disc 1: "Mr. Black 2nd"
1. Ultra Chu Chu Medley <Hurricane ~ machikado Twilight ~ akogare no Slender Girl ~ shūmatsu Dynamite> (Edited by Konishi Yasuharu)
2. Crazy Little Thing Called Love <With The Shaolin Brothers, Satō Yoshio> (Produced by Konishi Yasuharu)
3. Good Times, Rock And Roll <With Satō Yoshio>
4. machikado Twilight Feat. Okazaki Taiiku <With Satō Yoshio>
5. Runaway <With Stardust☆Revue, Satō Yoshio, Kuwano Nobuyoshi>
6. namida no Sweet Cherry <With Gosperats>
7. Tears On My Pillow <With The Shaolin Brothers, Satō Yoshio> (Produced by Konishi Yasuharu)
8. Daddy's Home <With Satō Yoshio>
9. yume de aetara <With Yamadara Kōichi, Ōishi Masayoshi>
10. tamashii no Brother <Kurosawa Kaoru (Gospellers), Kawabata Kaname (Chemistry)>

Disc 2: "the year of RATS best"
1. TAKE THE"A"TRAIN ~ Harlem Express (Short Version) / Chanels
2. Runaway / Chanels
3. Tonight / Chanels
4. machikado Twilight / Chanels
5. Hurricane / Chanels
6. namida no Sweet Cherry / Chanels
7. yume miru 16sai / Chanels
8. Love Me Do / Chanels
9. akogare no Slender Girl / Chanels
10. Summer Holiday / Chanels
11. shūmatsu Dynamite / Chanels
12. hoshizora no Circus (kuchibue Version) / Rats & Star
13. Me-gumi no hito / Rats & Star
14. T-shirt ni kuchibeni / Rats & Star
15. Miss You / Rats & Star
16. Glamour Guy (12inch-Single Version) / Rats & Star
17. Madonna wa omae dake / Rats & Star
18. Lady Eccentric / Rats & Star
19. nettaiya/manatsu no Ecstacy / Rats & Star
20. Pap-Pi-Doo-Bi-Doo-Ba Story / Gosperats

Disc 3 "Perfect Vision"
1. iki mo dekinai kurai <With Ayanokōji Shō (Kishidan)>
2. Motivation
3. DADDY ! DADDY ! DO ! feat. Suzuki Airi
4. tatoe sekai ga soppo muite mo <With Ōishi Masayoshi>
5. Polaris <with Angela Aki>
6. iki mo dekinai kurai (Karaoke)
7. Motivation (Karaoke)
8. DADDY ! DADDY ! DO ! (Karaoke)
9. tatoe sekai ga soppo muite mo (Karaoke)
10. Polaris (Karaoke)

Disc 4 "ultra RARE tracks" (Limited edition only bonus disc)
1. Ultra Chu Chu Medley (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
2. shūmatsu Dynamite (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
3. akogare no Slender Girl (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
4. Hurricane (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
5. Summer Holiday (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
6. machikado Twilight (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
7. moshikashite, I Love You (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
8. Tonight (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
9. namida Sweet Cherry (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
10. Love Me Do (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
11. Runaway (Karaoke) ("Chanels Karaoke shū")
12. Rockin Robin <dai 2kai "Doo-wop Carnival" Unreleased live recording (1982.7.17)>
13. Stand By Me ~ There Goes My Baby ~ Spanish Harlem ~ Honey Love <dai 2kai "Doo-wop Carnival" Unreleased live recording (1982.7.17)>
14. Twistin' The Night Away <dai 2kai "Doo-wop Carnival" Unreleased live recording (1982.7.17)>

Limited edition (Set of 4 CDs)
Epic Sony ESCL-5390
Out 4/15, ¥4591 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Regular edition (Set of 3 CDs only)
Epic Sony ESCL-5394
Out 4/15, ¥3636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, (Japan ^‡), Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only
‡ How to buy from iTunes Japan?

"yume de aetara" with Yamadara Kōichi, Ōishi Masayoshi

"DADDY ! DADDY ! DO !" feat. Suzuki Airi

"Runaway" with Stardust☆Revue

"tatoe sekai ga soppo muite mo" with Ōishi Masayoshi

Singer-songwriter kiarayui has a new song out now digitally which features HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia). The song was made in collaboration by the two, and HALLCA also sings chorus. The track was sound-produced by keyboardist ken akamatsu.

It's been hinted that another version arranged by HALLCA and featuring kiarayui might show up later.

kiarayui feat. HALLCA "Strawberry Moon" (Download)

Words Studio Records
Out now (4/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Teaser clip

Sakamoto Ryūichi and tabla player U-zhaan have teamed up for the theme song of short TV series "kyō no Nekomura-san" which just started this week. The TV show stars actor Matsushige Yutaka (known for his main role in the "kodoku no Gourmet" series (aka "Solitary Gourmet")) in a role that's a mix of a cat and housekeeper. This theme song is sung by the actor.

The TV show, of which each episode lasts just 2½ minutes, is aired every Wednesday night on TV Tokyo from 24:52.

Matsushige Yutaka, U-zhaan & Sakamoto Ryuichi "Nekomura-san no uta" (Download)
松重豊, U-zhaan & 坂本龍一 「猫村さんのうた」

Avex
Out now (4/9)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Here's a new EP from Kaji Hideki! Actually it was first sold during a café tour he did in spring 2018, on cassette tape and limited to 300 copies. But here it is now for all to enjoy digitally!

Included is an early version of "Sunday Baby", which was later re-recorded for album "Goth Romance" (2019), but otherwise all songs are rarities exclusive to that tape. The recordings also feature Otogivanashi's Ushio Kenta on guitar.

Hideki Kaji "The Perfect Day E.P." (Download)
カジヒデき 「THE PERFECT DAY E.P.」

1. A Perfect Day for Earl Grey
2. Sunday Baby (The Perfect Day E.P. Version)
3. Blue Pink Red Mellow Yellow
4. Unhappy Holiday

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2
Out now (4/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

moonriders is releasing a live album, of a closed show held on March 31, 2018 at Shindaita Fever in Tokyo. The set included two songs requested by fans: "Video Boy" and "mubōbi toshi".

Originally planned for March 19, moonriders have postponed a self-hosted event titled "moonlight jamboree #001" to June 11 at Shibuya Club Quattro. Details can be found here.

moonriders "moonriders LIVE at SHINDAITA FEVER"
ムーンライダーズ 「moonriders LIVE at SHINDAITA FEVER」

1. Video Boy
2. mubōbi toshi
3. hana saku otome yo ana o hore
4. itoko dōshi (Les Cousins)
5. sukanpin
6. yowakina furyō Part-2
7. Tonpikurenkko
8. kurenai futō
9. Scarlet no chikai

moonriders RecordS XQCG-1908
Out 4/8, ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

About to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut (album "Scha Dara daisakusen" was released on May 5, 1990), Scha Dara Parr are back with a brand new full-length album! It's been 5 years since album "1212" (2015), after which mini-album "Ani Shinbou" (2016) was also released.

The new album comes in three editions of which the main CD is all the same, though each comes with a different bonus disc. Each of the bonus discs contains 10 instrumentals in different styles: the "S" (Special) edition bonus disc has arrangements with Japanese traditional instruments, the "D" (Deluxe) edition sounds like a music box, and the "P" (Perfect) edition is bossa nova style. There's word that the bonus discs are CD-only and will not be released digitally. Each edition has different artwork.

The main album is available on Spotify.

Scha Dara Parr "shin Scha Dara daisakusen"
スチャダラパー 「シン・スチャダラ大作戦」

Disc 1 (All editions)
1. Introduc-shin
2. shin Scha Dara Parr no Theme
3. Scha Dara Parr shin-gs
4. Micro Boy to Macro Girl / Scha Dara Parr to Ego-Wrappin'
5. Seventeen Boogie
6. Yon the Mic feat. Robochu & Kaseki Cider
7. sono hi sono toki
8. haru-magedon
9. yappari hinekuretai no feat. Robochu
10. Summer Jam 2020
11. My Regulation
12. Forever Young / Scha Dara Parr karano Rhymester
13. kaerō Chant

Disc 2 ("S" (Special) edition: Instrumental/Japanese traditional instruments)
1. kanata kara no tegami
2. konya wa Boogie Back
3. Doobedoo What?
4. From kidoairaku
5. Summer Jam '95
6. B-Boy bungaku
7. Urban bunpō
8. Lights Camera Action
9. Let's Rock On
10. Micro Boy to Macro Girl

"S" (Special) edition (Bonus disc: Instrumental/Japanese traditional instruments)
Zenryo Records DDCB-14069
Out 4/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Disc 2 ("D" (Deluxe) edition: Instrumental/Music box)
1. konya wa Boogie Back
2. Get Up And Dance
3. Summer Jam '95
4. otona ni natte mo
5. Check The Word
6. Lights Camera Action
7. Hey! Hey! Alright
8. chūyō heibon Punch
9. Let's Rock On
10. Micro Boy to Macro Girl

"D" (Deluxe) edition (Bonus disc: Instrumental/Music box)
Zenryo Records DDCB-14071
Out 4/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Disc 2 ("P" (Perfect) edition: Instrumental/Bossa nova)
1. N.I.C.E Guy
2. hima no sugoshikata
3. konya wa Boogie Back
4. Summer Jam '95
5. The Original Concept
6. 5W1H
7. Let It Flow Again
8. Lights Camera Action
9. Let's Rock On
10. Micro Boy to Macro Girl

"P" (Perfect) edition (Bonus disc: Instrumental/Bossa nova)
Zenryo Records DDCB-14073
Out 4/8, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Scha Dara Parr karano Rhymester "Forever Young"

Scha Dara Parr to Ego-Wrappin' "Micro Boy to Macro Girl"

"sono hi sono toki"

Negicco's leader Nao has a new solo single being released in time for her upcoming birthday on April 10 (she will be turning 32!). Title song "Best☆Friend" is backed by band Scoobie Do, whose guitarist Matsuki Taijirō wrote the music and lyrics. The B-side "rainy ~next season~" was produced by Keishi Tanaka (riddim saunter), and Nao herself wrote the lyrics.

This is her 2nd solo single, following "Nanohana" released two years ago.

Tower Records is pre-selling the single starting April 4, and giving a poster at shops or a postcard online (while supplies last).

Nao☆ (Negicco) "Best☆Friend"
Nao☆ (Negicco) 「ベスト☆フレンド」

1. Best☆Friend
2. rainy ~next season~
3. Best☆Friend (inst)
4. rainy ~next season~ (inst)

T-Palette Records TPRC-0254
Out now (4/7), ¥1000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Best☆Friend"

Singer Gallantique Kazue has just released a new 7"! The title song "yume miru gogatsu ningyō" is one that was released digitally in May 2019. It was written by manmancers, the project of drummer Shirane Kenichi (GREAT3), and co-arranged by Okada Yumi (arranger for Hoshino Michiru, SOLEIL). The B-side is a renewed version of a song first released in 2012, with added brass by Gondō Tomohiko (Metafive) among other musicians.

There's also another new song titled "Bon-bori ~The Tale of Hazy Moon~ (Ver.0)", also produced by Shirane Kenichi, which has been released digitally only on Note (a platform for selling text and other media).

Hear audio samples at Jet Set.

Gallantique Kazue "yume miru gogatsu ningyō" (7")
ギャランティーク和恵 「夢見る五月人形」

A. yume miru gogatsu ningyō (, Spotify, YouTube Music)
B. hitohada chūdoku (2020 new mix)

More More Love MLEP-0001
Out 4/4, ¥1518 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Live performance of "hitohada chūdoku" in 2018

DÉ DÉ MOUSE has just released a brand new EP digitally!

This EP was actually inspired by a friend of his from China who mentioned they wanted something to focus their feelings on. DÉ DÉ MOUSE got to work on these soothing pieces and made the EP available as quickly as possible, and that he hopes the situation will be peaceful again as soon as possible The artwork was an existing drawing by artist Malbeni, explaining that it captures the fresh feeling after the rain and the happiness of meeting again a friend after some time. (This was roughly translated from a part of the message on his official site.)

DÉ DÉ MOUSE can be seen performing online today April 4, part of live streaming festival "Music Unity 2020". He will be on for an hour from 21:30 (Japan time). Tune in here. Also, on Thursday April 9, he will perform a release live on YouTube here, to start at 23:00.

DÉ DÉ MOUSE "Hello My Friend" (Download)

1. Hello My Friend
2. Spring String
3. Muddy Water Waltz
4. Lovely Cloudy
5. Old Friend's Song (Old Mix)

not records NOT0029
Out now (4/3)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music

Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella & produced of xiangyu) has another new track out now digitally! Check it out along with his recent other tracks "Bombay Sapphire" and "Neptune" and album "Footwork".

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Bring Me Joy" (Download)
ケンモチヒデフミ 「Bring Me Joy」

Kujaku Club
Out now (4/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Singer-songwriter Okamura Yasuyuki has a new album out now! Included is "MacGuffin", a collaboration with Rhymester previously released digitally and as a 12" single, and "Step Up Love", a duet with Daoko. Other guests include Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius, Metafive) who plays guitar on "seikō to zasetsu", and Gondo Tomohiko (also of Metafive) who plays horns on "seikō to zasetsu" and "Laser Beam Girl". His previous album was "kōfuku" released in 2016.

Okamura Yasuyuki "Misao"
岡村靖幸 「操」

1. seikō to zasetsu
2. Interior
3. Step Up Love (, Spotify)
4. Sexy Sniper
5. shōnen Saturday
6. enryo naku ai shite yo
7. MacGuffin (, Spotify)
8. Laser Beam Girl
9. sekirara na hodo yamashiku

V4 Records XQME-91007
Out now (4/1), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DAOKO x Okamura Yasuyuki "Step Up Love"

Okamura Yasuyuki sarani Rhymester "MacGuffin"

Fukutomi Yukihiro has a new 12" out now. Included are "It's About Time", a track from the 1994 CD compilation "Remix Trax vol.6 - Japanese New Vibes", as well as two songs from his 2nd album "Post" (1993).

This follows another 12" of the same series released last year, "Feel My Love Vibes" (HMV, Tower (Japan only)). Fukutomi's latest original album is "Contact" (2008) (Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), CDJapan).

Yukihiro Fukutomi "It's About Time" (12")
福富幸宏 「It's About Time」

A. It's About Time
B1. It's Gonna Be Alright
B2. Facing Up

Studio Mule STUDIOMULE31
Out now (3/20)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, , Spotify, Juno (UK)

Funky instrumental party band Wack Wack Rhythm Band has a brand new album about to be released! All songs from their three latest 7"'s are included: "Easy Riding / I'll Close My Eyes", "Madras Express / Stay-Pressed" and "Finish feat. Lemon c/w Everyday Shuffle" (which featured their previous singer Lemon). The whole was mastered by Kanda Tomoki (Crue-L Records).

In terms of albums, this is the follow-up to their greatest hits album "XX Classics" (2012), but their previous full-length goes back to "Sounds of Far East" (2005), despite that I believe they were active pretty much most of that time.

Those in Japan can also order directly at the band's online shop!

Wack Wack Rhythm Band "The 'Now' Sounds"

1. Everyday Shuffle
2. Flyaway on Friday
3. Something Latin
4. Madras Express
5. Weather News
6. We were always Sweet Hearts
7. Finish feat. Lemon
8. Stay-Pressed
9. Driftin' Round
10. Easy Riding
11. I'll Close My Eyes
12. Right and Bright

WWRB WWRB-004
Out 4/4, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip