Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Indie pop band Sloppy Joe (Facebook page) has a brand new 2nd album about to be released! Included are a bunch of new songs, as well as two previously released on 7" in 2013, "Once And For All" and "That Day". Hear new song "Lonely Tonight" below. The album was mixed and mastered by Satō Seiki (microstar).

This album comes nine years after their first full-length "With Kisses Four" (2011), since which trumpeter Kunimi Tomoko (Wack Wack Rhythm Band, nimit & co.) joined the band after having been a support member. A vinyl edition of the first album is also being released at the same time, also remastered by Satō Seiki (see below).

To learn more, go check out this recent bilingual interview at Anorak Crumble.

Sloppy Joe "Waiting For The Night Begins"

1. Lonely Tonight
2. In The Box
3. My Turn
4. Over The Candle Holder
5. That Day
6. Growing Pains
7. Once And For All
8. Different Ways
9. Waiting For The Night Begins
10. I'm a Little Concerned About You
11. Nervous Smile

CD edition
Fastcut Records FCRD-072
Out 7/2, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

LP edition
Fastcut Records FCRD-072LP
Out 7/2, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sloppy Joe "With Kisses Four" (12")

A1. The Boy Who Talks About Someone
A2. Sometimes
A3. With Kisses Four
A4. Portrait
A5. Don't Take A Fave Of Mine
B1. The Leaves Dead
B2. Winter Song
B3. The Country
B4. Still Be A Little Roof
B5. Useless Time
B6. Into My Eyes

Fastcut Records FCRD-071LP
Out 7/2, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Lonely Tonight"

"Once And For All" (2013 mix)

"Portrait" (from "With Kisses Four")

Imaginary idol Ema Grace (Facebook page, SoundCloud), produced by Ryoma Maeda (of Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders, and previously known as milch of source), has a new EP out now!

This is the follow-up to "FAKE" released early 2019. Although other tracks and covers sometimes randomly pop up on Facebook or SoundCloud.

Ema Grace "girasol" (Download)

1. Don't Make You a Wanderer
2. Imagine in bed
3. Slow flow

milch records
Out now (6/26)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music

"Don't Make You a Wanderer"

Digest clip

At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the tenth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.)

Konishi picks two covers where USA meets UK. The A-side is a cover of Tom Jones' hit song "it's not unusual" performed in a jazzy style by American singer Nick Palmer, and on the slipside a cover of Cole Porter's "I've got you under my skin" performed by the then UK-based singer Frank Ifield. These songs were originally released in 1967 and 1964 respectively, and both are available for the first time ever on 7".

Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin" (7")

A. Nick Palmer "it's not unusual"
AA. Frank Ifield "I've got you under my skin"

Oldays Records ODREP45030
Out now (6/29), ¥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"

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, who last year released album "The Secret Life Of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC", has a new 10" EP of song "Cocktail Moon" from that album. The song is sung by singer Mellow Fellow with chorus by Andy Chlau, both from the Philippines. Included is a newly mixed single version of the song, plus two remixes, by Korean producer Mogwaa and Japanese band D.A.N.

VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "Cocktail Moon feat. Mellow Fellow & Andy Chlau (Single Version)" (10")

A. Cocktail Moon feat. Mellow Fellow & Andy Chlau (Single Version)
B1. Cocktail Moon (Mogwaa's Midnight Cocktail Mix)
B2. Cocktail Moon (D.A.N. REMIX)

Kakubarhythm KAKU126
Out 6/30, ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, HMV, Spotify

"Cocktail Moon feat. Mellow Fellow & Andy Chlau (Single Version)"

COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), is back with a brand new song! It had been 4½ years since their previous single, although they had since contributed many songs and arrangements to other artists (including Wakita Monari and Smooth Ace). "A.D. 2200" features chorus sung by Hiroshima-based singer-songwriter Kurata Miwa. Hear it in the video below, or on your favorite streaming/download platform.

Announced at the same time as this single was that another titled "MOON RIDE!" will follow on July 27, and then a first full-length album by COUNTJOKE should be released this fall! Can't wait!

COUNTJOKE "A.D. 2200" (Download)
冗談伯爵 「西暦2200年」
(Japanese title: jōdan hakushaku "seireki 2200nen")

Love Shop
Out now (6/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Instrumental jazz unit tsukuyomi, led by saxophonist yo_zo_, has just released a new 3rd album! The songs come in a great variety, some led by saxophone and others by violin or piano, all with a general calm and pleasant feel that aims to be enjoyable in everyday life.

tsukuyomi "At the Next Corner"

1. Only a Weathercock
2. Witching Hour
3. At the Next Corner　
4. Coup de Coeur
5. Between Stars and Moons
6. Once in a Red Moon
7. Hydrangea
8. Sweetest After-Dark
9. hoshi furu yoru ni revisited
10. Rock,Paper & Scissors

Playwright PWT-71
Out now (6/24), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Sweetest After-Dark"

Teaser clip

Kenmochi Hidefumi (sound producer of Wednesday Campanella and xiangyu) has just released a new album, which is the follow-up to "Footwork". Each of the songs has a music video or official audio on YouTube, which you can watch below.

Also don't miss checking out xiangyu's new mini-album "Kiki" released earlier this month.

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Town Work" (Download)
ケンモチヒデフミ 「たぶん沸く〜TOWN WORK〜」
(Japanese title: "tabun waku ~TOWN WORK~")

1. Bring Me Joy
2. Lolipop
3. Neptune
4. Bombay Sapphire
5. TukTuk Yeah
6. Whistle
7. Midnight Television
8. Masara Town

Kujaku Club
Out now (6/26)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Bring Me Joy"

"Lolipop"

"Neptune"

"Bombay Sapphire"

"TukTuk Yeah"

"Whistle"

"Midnight Television"

"Masara Town"

Steve Aoki has made a remix of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's hit song "Ninja Re Bang Bang", which has just been released digitally! It's also a collaboration with new Nintendo Switch game Ninjala that was released the same day. Check out the music video below!

"Ninja Re Bang Bang" is a song originally from her 2nd album "nanda Collection" (2013).

Also check out Kyary's latest song "Kamaitachi" that was released in April.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninja Re Bang Bang (Steve Aoki Remix)"
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「にんじゃりばんばん　(Steve Aoki Remix)」

Asobi Music
Out now (6/25)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Maika Loubté has just released a new 7", of a version of song "Niet" featuring rapper maco marets. While "Niet II feat. maco marets" was released digitally in March, the vinyl has for B-side two exclusive new songs! This is a limited release pressed on cool clear splatter vinyl, and includes a download code. Fans, go grab it at Jet Set while it's time!

The original of "Niet" was first heard on latest album "Closer" (2019).

Maika Loubté "Niet II feat. maco marets EP" (7")

A. Niet II feat. maco marets
B1. Haha Express
B2. 7 Billion

Water Records WTR002
Out now (6/26), ¥1900 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Instagram live performance of "Niet II feat. maco marets" w/ official audio

Learners has just released a new 7" of "tsukikake" from 3rd album "Hello Stranger", and for B-side a cover of "Sleep Walk" (Santo & Johnny, Brian Setzer) which appeared on mini-album "More Learners". The 7" is a limited edition of 1000 pressed on white vinyl. This year's is Learners' 5th anniversary!

Be sure to check out latest album "Hello Stranger" which has also just recently been made available on Bandcamp.

LEARNERS "tsukikake" (7")
LEARNERS 「つきかけ」

A. tsukikake
B. Sleep Walk

KiliKiliVilla KKV104VL
Out now (6/26), ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, , Spotify, YouTube Music

Crazy Ken Band has just released a new EP which consists mainly of brand new songs "Ivory" and "dakara itta desho"! Also included are the previously digitally released "Kadomatsu" (theme song of movie "uso 800 Kyōmachi Royale") and "yume no yume" (ending theme of TV animated series "Ojarumaru"). "Ivory" is also currently being used as the ending theme of TV show "Jun sanpo".

Crazy Ken Band has recently opened an official YouTube channel. Check out the music video for "Ivory" below!

Crazy Ken Band "Ivory ep"
クレイジーケンバンド 「IVORY ep」

1. IVORY
2. dakara itta desho
3. Eye Catch * for IVORY ep
4. Kadomatsu
5. yume no yume
6. yume no yume * TVsize
7. CRAZY KEN BAND's Information
8. IVORY * Karaoke
9. dakara itta desho * Karaoke
10. Kadomatsu * Karaoke
11. yume no yume * Karaoke

Universal Music UMCK-5691
Out 6/24, ¥1273 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Ivory"

From the upcoming Pac-Man 40th anniversary compilation expected to be released this fall, here are two more tracks available in advance digitally. Following last month's vol. 1 (Ken Ishii and Pasocom Music Club), this time we get songs by Nakatsuka Takeshi and sasakure.UK. The mastering was done by Sunahara Yoshinori.

On July 24 vol.3 will be released with songs by Buffalo Daughter and DiAN (unit of Seidenba Saku, A-bee and immi). Stay tuned!

Various Artists "Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol.2" (Download)

(Title / Artist)
1. PAC-MAN NEVA PAX!! / sasakure.UK
2. Ladies and PAC-MAN / Nakatsuka Takeshi

U/M/A/A
Out now (6/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Nakatsuka Takeshi "Ladies and Pac-Man"

This is a 2nd single by Do Nothing Productions, the project of DJ/producer Hase Hajimu and pianist Yafune Tetsurō with director Suzuki Yōsuke (Disk Union), this time teaming up with jazz-kayō singer Makita Mashiro. The A-side is a new latin kayō track about sunset time magic hour in the city, and the B-side is a jazzy pop song that reminds of Roger Nichols. The jacket unfolds into a small poster that's twice its size.

Also check out the previous single "senya ichiya / Sea Gull Song".

Makita Mashiro with DO NOTHING Productions "Orange Soul / sukitte ieru kana?" (7")
マキタマシロ with DO NOTHING Productions 「ORANGE SOUL / 好きって言えるかな?」

A. Orange Soul
B. sukitte ieru kana?

Do Nothing Productions DNEP2
Out now (6/24), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

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, or to listen once more, you can still listen anytime on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection of happy-feeling rocking tunes that should have you clapping your hands before long, or even make you dance! Hoping that you will find some new favorite songs or artists!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.6) was aired at http://lafaceb.live on June 24, 2020 from 22:00 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: June 25, 2020 from 11:00 (a.m.).

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Easy Riding" (2018)

Wack Wack Rhythm Band is a funky party band of ten members, including a brass section, and the band has been around since the early 90's. Still fully active, they have just released a new album titled "The 'Now' Sounds" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which includes the original instrumental "Easy Riding". Stick around for more later in the show!

2. The Pen Friend Club "Mabataki" (2018)
(Japanese title: 「まばたき」)

The Pen Friend Club is also a large band, of currently eight members, and they take much of their inspiration from 60's west coast rock. The original "Mabataki" appeared on their 5th & latest album "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

The band has just recently changed vocalists, and their first release with new singer Megumi will be a 7" single titled "ippon no ongaku" (a cover of Murata Kazuhito), to be released on August 8 part of the "City Pop on Vinyl 2020" project.

3. K-taro Takanami & Playtime Rock meets Kenichi Shibata "kaerimichi" (2012)
(Japanese title: 高浪慶太郎とプレイタイム・ロック・ミーツ・柴田健一 「かえりみち」)

Playtime Rock is a band led by K-taro Takanami (ex-Pizzicato Five), which also features singer and flutist Ichiba Mina. This song is from first album "Evening Primrose" (Amazon, HMV), which was a collaboration with trombonist Shibata Kenichi. Playtime Rock also later released an album titled "Play Time".

K-taro's latest solo release is a single (CD+7") in collaboration with singer Hoshino Michiru, titled "Memorandum"
(CDJapan, Jet Set). Since then he has also contributed songs to band SOLEIL among others.

4. Yume To Cosme "deaigashira no ichibyōgo" (2010)
(Japanese title: ユメトコスメ 「出会いがしらの一秒後」)

Yume To Cosme is a duo unit that takes some of its roots in Shibuya-kei, always with catchy melodies and often gorgeous strings arrangements. "deaigashira no ichibyōgo" is one of those, it's taken from a self-made EP titled "zettai Love Motion" (2010) which was mastered by Yoshida Tetsuto. More of their songs can be heard on SoundCloud.

Yume To Cosme's songwriter/arranger Hase Yasuhiro's name is lately most often seeing for contributions to idol groups including Negicco, WHY@DOLL and Wakita Monari, to name just a few. Find some of his works here.

5. comoestas "O Ed Twist" (2015)
(Japanese title: コモエスタス 「お江戸ツイスト」 "Oedo Twist")

comoestas is the solo project of Comoesta Yaegashi, who is very active as a DJ and also known as a member of trio Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys. "O Ed Twist" ("Edo" was the old name of Tokyo) is only available as a 7" single (Amazon), of which the B-side is a take on Japanese 60's rhythm pattern "Dodonpa".

The latest of comoestas is a collaboration with band Salome no Kuchibiru, with who he made the song "ozashiki Rock" that was just released on 7".

6. SOLEIL "5-4-3-2-1" (2019)

This one is by band SOLEIL, which was led by bassist Sally Kubota and fronted by young singer Soleil, and also featured guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro (Hicksville). This song written by Sally is from their 3rd and last album "Lollipop Sixteen" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album was also released on vinyl.

7. Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Finish feat. Lemon" (2019)

Another one by Wack Wack Rhythm Band, again from their new album "The 'Now' Sounds" (Spotify, , YouTube Music)! This original song features singer Lemon who was the band's singer for quite a while. Lemon has a wonderful soulful voice! Aside from the album, the song is also available as a 7" single.

WWRB have recently released another 7" (of two more songs from the album) and also a cassette tape of rare live recordings. Find details here.

8. The Scooters "Scooters no Theme" (2012)
(Japanese title: スクーターズ 「スクーターズのテーマ」)

The Scooters is an awesome band that was formed back in 1978 (!), and they are still very active to this day! The band is led by Shindō Mitsuo, art director who is famous for his tons of contributions to the visuals of the Shibuya-kei movement (including all of Pizzicato Five and Flipper's Guitar artworks, among so much more). The Scooters have a sound that may remind of Motown, and they have that special power to transport their audience to another era. This theme song of theirs appeared on album "Une Manche et La Belle" (Amazon, HMV, CDJapan).

Since then they have released a bunch of singles (always on 7" and including a CD), and a live album on cassette (which also comes with a CD, and a T-shirt).

9. The Shaolin Brothers "Pandafull World" (2019)
(Japanese title: 少林兄弟 「パンダフル・ワールド」)

The Shaolin Brothers is a rock'n'roll band with a unique Hong Kong kind of twist. "Pandafull World" is one of their recent original songs released only as a 7" single (Jet Set), with for B-side a cover of The Scooters' hit song "Tokyo Disco Night".

Lately they've also be active in some of the most interesting collaborations, such as backing Nomiya Maki for Pizzicato Five self-covers (produced by none other than Konishi Yasuharu!) (Spotify, , YouTube Music), and also an original song featuring Maki (on this 7"), and more recently playing on star singer Suzuki Masayuki's new album (their songs again produced by Konishi).

10. Learners "Wiper Blues" (2020)

Learners is the rock band of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza), featuring singer/model Sara Mary, super guitarist Horiguchi Chie (also of Chie & The Wolf Baits), with bassist Masamichi Hamada (of Quattro) and drummer TA-1 (of Koncos).

The song "Wiper Blues" is from their latest and 3rd album "Hello Stranger" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album is also available on vinyl (HMV, Jet Set).

11. Francis "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel" (1994)
(Japanese title: Francis 「天使よありがとう」 "tenshi yo arigatō")

Francis is bassist Ori Makoto's solo project (who was previously in The Collectors, and has also played in Original Love). This song is from first album "bUrNing Bear!" released in 1994, and re-issued in 2015 (CDJapan, HMV).

Francis has been very active on stage in the recent years, either solo or also in a unit with Tajima Haruko (as Francis avec Haruko) with who he released two great mini-albums ("Jamón, jamón" and "Zero Gravity Love"). He's apparently working on a new album as Francis that I can't wait for!

12. hiro:n "music!!" (2010)

hiro:n (aka Hiroko Nakajima) is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 2000. Well this is my favorite song, from her album "What's up?! I'm good. Thanks!!" (Spotify, CDJapan, Amazon).

She has recently posted a home session of this song on YouTube, featuring five of herself! Watch it below!

13. The Aprils "Net Surf Music" (2004)
(Japanese title: エイプリルズ　「Net Surf Music」)

We're now going for some synth sounds, although definitely a rocking tune by The Aprils, a band that's both future-pop and neo-Shibuya-kei. This song is from their album "Pan·da" ().

Be sure to check out their brand new single "Aprilster" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) just out digitally last April!

14. Frenesi "Go Ropeway" (2013)
(Japanese title: フレネシ "GO ROPEWAY")

This song by Frenesi is actually one of her latest solo songs, released part of album "Dolphino" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) which also revisited some of her early works.

Although Frenesi has been officially on hiatus from the end of 2014, since the end of April she has got active again as a member of vvv of Wonder (along with Nanba Shiho, Dr.Usui, Kishida Mel and Julie Watai, who were all once active together as xxx of Wonder) that's fronted by virtual singer icon Misazaki Honoha. Follow Honoha's Twitter account to see where this will lead to.

15. The Pen Friend Club "Flying Days" (2018)
(Japanese title: The Pen Friend Club 「飛翔する日常」 "hishō suru nichijō")

One more by The Pen Friend Club, also from their 5th album "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) and sung by Fujimoto Yuka. The song "Flying Days" was also released as a 7" single (still available at Jet Set) of which the B-side is a cover of Roger Nichols' "Don't Take Your Time". The Pen Friend Club's works are often half-originals and half-covers of great classics or lesser-known ones.

Definitely stay tuned for news in these pages of their upcoming single (and hopefully more) with new singer Megumi.

16. Hoshino Michiru "Peaberry o mitsuketara" (2014)
(Japanese title: 星野みちる 「ピーベリーを見つけたら」)

To end the show is a song by singer-songwriter Hoshino Michiru, for which she was backed by Wack Wack Rhythm Band. This was released as part of mini-album "A/W Collection ~anata to watashi no Collection~" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV). I love her "yeah, yeah, yeah!" call at the end, which is just perfect for closing the show! :)

Be sure to check out Michiru's latest album "Moonlight Confessions" (Spotify, YouTube Music)!

Thanks for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows here.

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

Wack Wack Rhythm Band "The 'Now' Sounds" sampler clip

The Pen Friend Club "Rainy Day In August" (with new singer Megumi)

Playtime Rock "This Is Love"

Yume To Cosme "uso dayo, kakokei janakute...!"

comoestas "Twist & Dodonpa" teaser clip

SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl"

The Scooters "Basement Tape" teaser clip

The Shaolin Brothers "Pandafull World" (Live)

Learners "Always On My Mind"

Francis "Stereo Love"

hiro:n "music!!" (hiro:n5 solo session)

The Aprils "New Electric"

Frenesi "Pure Shampoo"

Hoshino Michiru "nagareboshi Rendez-vous"

Trackmaker XTAL has a 2nd solo album out now, the follow-up to the excellent "Skygazer" (2016). XTAL is also active as a member of bands (((surrround))) and Jintana & Emeralds, and part of DJ unit Traks Boys.

The artist explains about this new album:

"First of all, I don't use any rhythm instruments like drums or percussion. The length of each song is also reduced to a maximum of three minutes. The direction of the music was also focused on how I could go outside of my intentions, and how I could go outside of them, which I hadn't done before. The title "Aburelu" means "overflowing". I aimed for music that would overflow to the outside of the demarcated grid. I hope you enjoy this new endeavor."

The album can be heard in whole via the download/streaming services linked below, but also in full on XTAL's SoundCloud and YouTube.

XTAL "Aburelu" (Download)

1. Hare
2. Tasobi
3. Kakela
4. Yuran
5. Hakumei
6. Mashiro
7. Ma-I-Ya
8. Sei So
9. Aburelu
10. Yorube

Cizima
Out now (5/29)
Order: Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Pizzicato One (Instagram), the solo project of Konishi Yasuharu (of Pizzicato Five), has a first live album being released! Made from recordings of shows held at Billboard Live Tokyo and Osaka in October 2019, it features Konishi personally singing his compositions, backed by a combo formed of Ariizumi Hajime on drums, Kawakami Osamu on bass, Katori Yoshihiko on vibraphone, Tanabe Mitsukuni on guitar, and Yafune Tetsurō on piano.

Included are several Pizzicato Five songs ("The Awakening", "The Work of God", "Message Song", "Y.O.U. [I Wanna Be Like You]", "Drinking Wine", "Love Again" and "To Our Children's Children's Children"), Pizzicato One's "Gondola no uta" (from album "watakushi no nijūseiki" (2015)), as well as several more songs that he wrote for other artists (The Scooters, Ino Hidefumi, Mizuno Mari (paris match), kuso yarō All Stars and Yoshikawa Tomoko). All were especially re-arranged for the show by Konishi himself.

Amazon Japan gives away a large-sized print of the jacket artwork, and some other retailers (CDJapan, HMV and Tower Records) give away a promo postcard (only while supplies last). For those in Japan, ordering directly via Readymade Shopping will get you an autographed copy.

Pizzicato One "The Night Before: Pizzicato One In Person"
PIZZICATO ONE 「前夜 ピチカート・ワン・イン・パーソン」
(Japanese title: "zenya Pizzicato One In Person")

(English titles in parentheses)
1. mezame (The Awakening)
2. Tokyo no machi ni yuki ga furu hi, futari no koi wa owatta. (Original: Mizuno Mari)
3. kami no shiwaza (The Work of God)
4. Message Song
5. kimi ni naritai (Y.O.U. [I Wanna Be Like You])
6. chikyū saigo no hi (Original: kuso yarō All Stars)
7. Tokyo jōkū 3000 Feet (From 3000 Feet The Sky Of Tokyo) (Original: Ino Hidefumi)
8. Table ni hitobin no Wine (Drinking Wine)
9. Gondola no uta
10. namida morokunatta. (Original: Yoshikawa Tomoko)
11. kanashii uwasa (Original: The Scooters)
12. mata koi ni ochite shimatta (Love Again)
13. kodomotachi no kodomotachi no kodomotachi e (To Our Children's Children's Children)

Universal Music UCCJ-2178
Out 6/24, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

From their latest mini-album "Soul Punch" (2019), here comes a 7" single by funky soulful sisters Way Wave! Included are the P-Funk-reminiscent "the supreme man", which was written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service), and "Looking For Woman".

Like "Soul Punch", the jacket was illustrated by Terry Johnson, and there are three versions of it, with each a different guy! You will get a random one when buying via an online shop.

As live venues just started resuming operations in Tokyo, although having to follow some rigorous guidelines, a show is being planned for July 2 at Flowers Loft in Shimokitazawa. Jollits 3 (band of Saeki Kenzō) and Francis will also perform, and also DJ Arinco. Details can be found here.

Way Wave "the supreme man c/w Looking For Woman" (7")
WAY WAVE 「最高の彼氏 c/w Looking For Woman」
(Japanese title: "saikō no kareshi c/w Looking For Woman")

A. the supreme man
B. Looking For Woman

P-Vine Records P7-6246
Out 6/17, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Teaser clip

"the supreme man"

"Looking For Woman" (Live performance)

Maika Loubté has just released a brand new song titled "Ride My Bike", available digitally. For this project she collected daily life photos contributed by fans, a total of about 1300 which were used for the artwork and music video. Check it out below!

Maika Loubté "Ride My Bike" (Download)

Water Records
Out now (6/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Mellow Mellow, a trio formed of girls "not taller than 150cm", has a new single out now digitally and the title song was written and arranged by Konishi Yasuharu! Check out the cool music video below! The B-side was written by their main producer Miyano Gento, and also contains a dose of Shibuya-kei homage!

A CD release will also be coming later on July 29. Find details below.

Mellow Mellow "saikō kessaku" (Download)
MELLOW MELLOW 「最高傑作」

1. saikō kessaku
2. Main Street wa asa 7ji

Teichiku Entertainment
Out now (6/10)
Sample/buy: (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music

Mellow Mellow "saikō kessaku"
MELLOW MELLOW 「最高傑作」

1. saikō kessaku
2. Main Street wa asa 7ji
Regular edition-only bonus tracks
3. saikō kessaku (Inst.)
4. Main Street wa asa 7ji (Inst.)

Regular edition (CD with bonus instrumentals)
Teichiku Entertainment TECI-730
Out 7/29, ¥1091 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition type A bonus DVD
- Music video "saikō kessaku"
- Music video making of... Part 1

Limited edition type A (CD + DVD type A (Region 2 NTSC))
Teichiku Entertainment TECI-728
Out 7/29, ¥1636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Limited edition type B bonus DVD
- Music video making of... Part 2

Limited edition type B (CD + DVD type B (Region 2 NTSC))
Teichiku Entertainment TECI-729
Out 7/29, ¥1636 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"saikō kessaku"

This collaboration song of Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth with Wednesday Campanella, which was released digitally in September last year (, Spotify, YouTube Music), is now getting released on 7" with an exclusive instrumental version for B-side. The jacket was illustrated by Makito Takagi (Instagram).

Ryan Hemsworth & Wednesday Campanella "Tiny Tea Room" (7")
Ryan Hemsworth & 水曜日のカンパネラ 「Tiny Tea Room」

A. Tiny Tea Room
B. Tiny Tea Room (Instrumental)

Secret Songs/Jet Set JS7S268
Out 6/10, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Tiny Tea Room"

Cinema and Boy CQ (named denei to shōnen CQ in Japanese) is a boy-girl idol duo with a cinematic approach, singing music of imaginary movie soundtracks. Their 2nd album has just been released.

Check out the music videos below. There's also a special site for the release.

Cinema and Boy CQ "The Picture Show of Chronic Deja Vu"
電影と少年CQ 「クロニックデジャヴのピクチャーショウ」

1. The Picture Show of Chronic Deja Vu
2. Pa.Pa.La.Pa.
3. warui yatsu hodo yoku nemuru
4. Bubble Ballet
5. Mechanical - Dating Plan
6. Apple Yard
7. The Fly
8. koto eiga ni kanshite wa
9. No.9
10. Bird Watching
11. sasame yuki
12. gessekai ryokō
13. Cinema and Boy CQ of Chronic Deja Vu
14. E.T.weekend

Trash-Up!! Records TUR-040
Out now (6/8), ¥2500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY, Idol Underworld
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"E.T.Weekend"

"Apple Yard"

"No.9"

Sampler clip

Handsomeboy Technique, who has so far released two albums, is back with a new single that's said to be from an upcoming 3rd album! Apparently his first song with Japanese lyrics, it features Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service) on vocals. The song is already available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music) and it's about to be released on 7" with an exclusive "Part.2" track for B-side.

His two previous albums ("Adelie Land" (2005) and "Terrestrial Tone Cluster" (2009)) have also just been made available digitally, as well as on label Second Royal's Bandcamp.

Handsomeboy Technique "Dakishimeta feat. Sokabe Keiichi" (7")
Handsomeboy Technique 「抱きしめた feat. 曽我部恵一」

A. Dakishimeta feat. Sokabe Keiichi
B. Dakishimeta (Part.2) feat. Sokabe Keiichi

Second Royal EMF-083
Out 6/12, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

YMCK has released digitally its song "Neko Nadetai", one that had been up on YouTube for a little while (watch below). YMCK does the cutest 8-bit cats, in both sounds and visuals!

For more YMCK cats, check out the song "Neko Ni Kakomarete Kurashitai" from album "Family Days" (music video).

YMCK "Kitten Parade Fuwa Fuwa (Neko Nadetai)" (Download)
YMCK 「ねこなでたい」

not records
Out now (6/5)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has just released a 2nd EP today, titled "Kiki"! Included are her four recent singles that were released digitally since December 2019, plus a brand new track titled "BBIISPP". As always, all songs are produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), with sounds often taking their roots from Gqom (a dance music genre from South Africa). All songs have music videos that can be watched via YouTube below.

Also be sure to check out her first mini-album "The First ○○ Picture Book" which is available both on CD (of which the booklet is like a mini-encyclopedia) and digitally.

xiangyu has announced that she will hold a live event on August 25, whether online or not, but just not one that ends up postponed or canceled. She has just started a crowdfunding project today to sell tickets and merchandise while gathering funds.

xiangyu "kiki" (Download)
xiangyu 「きき」

1. BBIISPP
2. Pick up the white T Shirt in a few seconds. (byō de Pick shiro)
3. home
4. Hiji No Biribiri
5. Piano Damper Gekini Shime saba

Kujaku Club
Out now (6/5)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, (Japan), Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"BBIISPP"
(The first half of the video is "I Went to Sleep Without Taking a Bath (furo ni hairazu nechimatta)" from "The First ○○ Picture Book")

"Pick up the white T Shirt in a few seconds. (byō de Pick shiro)"

"home"

"Hiji No Biribiri"

"Piano Damper Gekini Shime saba"

Masami Watanabe, vibraphonist who is the leader of club-jazz band the fascinations, has released a new digital EP of previously unreleased original songs that he recorded in the mid-80's on a 4-track tape recorder. While excusing his singing which he says is bad, although it definitely has some charm, the songs are definitely great!

The artist explains that the song "Reggae Night" took some inspiration from Pierre Barouh's "Pépé". A completely different band version that clocks over 10 minutes is also included.

Masami Watanabe (the fascinations) "fascinated lost tracks" (Download)
渡辺雅美 「fascinated lost tracks」

1. Summer Dizziness
2. Reggae Night
3. In the Dancing City
4. Reggae Night (Band Style Long Version)

fascinated sound
Out now (6/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Lo-fi indie-pop band Jan flu (Twitter) has a brand new mini-album out now! Each song was inspired by a different sport, the whole which can be enjoyed at home sort of like imaginary Olympics.

This release follows 2018 album "After Image" (, Spotify).

Jan flu "Sports" (Download)

1. Fishing
2. Lacrosse
3. Gateball
4. Tennis
5. Billiards
6. Karate

Friendship
Out now (6/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY