Posted on May 13, 2021 at 00:17. | Event held on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 16:00 (JST)
Full-text search results for High Style
Kidder Friendly Club "Kidder Friendly Philosophy"
Girl garage band Kidder Friendly Club (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) has just released this month a new mini-album titled "Kidder Friendly Philosophy", which includes recent digitally-released songs "Kidder-chan is happy bunny" and "Endless Summertime Blues" (watch their music videos below). This...
Posted on December 29, 2023 at 23:12. | Released on December 13, 2023
Magic, Drums & Love "Keep Romance Alive" (7")
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has released a brand new song on 7" and digitally, titled "Keep Romance Alive". The song was written by member Jinta=Jinta, and as always it's produced by Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda. The B-side...
Posted on December 6, 2023 at 23:57. | Released on December 6, 2023
YMCK "Ten+Ten"
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, YMCK has released a brand new album, their 10th, and it's titled "TEN+TEN" (read "Ten Ten"). The double album is made of 20 tracks, and as usual YMCK has a few tricks in their bag...! The...
Posted on November 8, 2023 at 22:01. | Released on September 29, 2023
Monari Wakita "UNI"
Monari Wakita is about to release a brand new 4th album, titled "UNI" (pronounced as in "Universe"). All of the songs are produced by Dorian, with some lyrics written by Yurina da Gold Digger (Magic, Drums & Love), with also...
Posted on August 29, 2023 at 12:36. | Released on September 6, 2023
Various Artists "City Music Tokyo multiple"
The excellent "City Music Tokyo" compilation series continues, always selected by Cunimondo Takiguchi, the leader of city pop band Ryusenkei. This 7th installment is released on Nippon Columbia, from which Cunimondo selected city pop gems, though actually of no precise...
Posted on July 24, 2023 at 23:48. | Released on July 19, 2023
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day
What's going on in 2023? Well, it's the 35th anniversary of the 8cm CD, also known as "Tanzaku CD" (or also 3" CD or "mini CD"), which was a very popular format for singles in Japan in the 90s. A...
Posted on July 8, 2023 at 01:15. | Released on July 7, 2023
Magic, Drums & Love "Tohhou Magic" (7"/Download)
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has released a brand new single today! "Tohhou Magic" is a funky latin summer track of their own style. Like the other recent releases, this is produced by Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda (of Learners,...
Posted on July 5, 2023 at 23:34. | Released on July 5, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.39
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...
Posted on May 19, 2023 at 14:29.
Various Artists "Ika-Ten Omnibus Album"
"Ika-Ten" aka "Ikasu Band Tengoku" was a famous TV show segment (part of "Heisei Meibutsu TV") in 1989 to 1990 that showcased up-and-coming bands (according to Wikipedia, 846 bands in total!). Over 30 years later, here comes a related album...
Posted on April 27, 2023 at 21:58. | Released on April 7, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.38
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...
Posted on April 21, 2023 at 12:33.
Elektel "Man with a Thousand Faces" (Download)
Lounge music unit Elektel has just released a brand new song, titled "Man with a Thousand Faces". Find it on your favorite download/streaming platform and through the links below. This follows the song "Dent in The Universe" released last...
Posted on April 14, 2023 at 23:58. | Released on April 14, 2023
Wink Music Service "To Rome With Love / My Funny Honey" (7"/Download)
Wink Music Service is an exciting brand new group formed of Keitaro Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Phantom Gift, The Scooters, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, ex-SOLEIL). The project is expected to feature various guests, and the first single...
Posted on April 7, 2023 at 21:55. | Released on April 7, 2023
Interview: The Courettes in Japan
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Just one year after "Back in Mono", The Courettes made it to Japan to entertain, meet and greet their fans in Japan who seem to have been increasing very quickly. In...
Posted on March 28, 2023 at 12:32.
Monari Wakita "Monari no 8-Beat" (7"+Download)
A brand new 7" single by Monari Wakita is being released this month! The new song "Monari no 8-Beat" is produced by Dorian (Twitter) and is described as a hyper 8-beat track. The B-side is a new remix of...
Posted on January 4, 2023 at 22:55. | Released on January 11, 2023
Beni Usakura "open mind" (Download)
Beni Usakura (Instagram, Twitter) has a brand new song out now digitally. Like her previous EP "Passion", the music was written and sound-produced by Emiri Kanou, with lyrics written by Beni herself. Inu Machine co-arranged, mixed and mastered the...
Posted on October 9, 2022 at 00:10. | Released on October 8, 2022
Bluevalley "Bluevalley"
BLUEVALLEY is a bassless lo-fi pop group based in Nagoya, led by singer-songwriter Kikumi Minatani. Here finally comes their first full-length original album! This follows the release of three independently-made 7" singles (some available at Jet Set), and more recently...
Posted on September 21, 2022 at 23:33. | Released on September 21, 2022
Monari Wakita "La Shangri La" (7"+Download)
Monari Wakita has just released a brand new single, titled "La Shangri La"! The music was written and produced by Dorian, and lyrics were co-written by Yurina da Gold Digger (Magic, Drums & Love) and Monari. The 7" single...
Posted on August 17, 2022 at 21:19. | Released on August 17, 2022
COUNTJOKE "One" (CD)
COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), released last year their first album "ONE" as an LP for Record Store Day which had since sold out. Here it is back as a CD, and...
Posted on July 17, 2022 at 22:36. | Released on July 13, 2022
Momoko Motion and Quilts "Fake Food (Quilts version)" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Momoko Motion's new project, Momoko Motion and Quilts, has just released a 5th song digitally! This one is a self-cover of her solo song "Fake Food" (find the original jazzy piano version here), but this time performed with...
Posted on June 1, 2022 at 23:51. | Released on May 25, 2022
Coastlines "Coastlines 2"
Coastlines, the instrumental unit of DJ/producer Masanori Ikeda and keyboardist Takumi Kaneko (of cro-magnon), has just released a brand new 2nd album titled "Coastlines 2"! Included are many new originals plus covers of Alan Hawkshaw & Brian Bennett's "Mile High...
Posted on May 16, 2022 at 00:36. | Released on May 11, 2022
Momoko Motion and Quilts "Department store" (Download)
Here's a 4th song by singer-songwriter Momoko Motion's new project, Momoko Motion and Quilts. The song "Department store" is a new original written by Momoko, actually taking inspiration from a department store. The music is performed by Kazuaki Koyama...
Posted on May 1, 2022 at 23:07. | Released on April 27, 2022
Momoko Motion and Quilts "Triangles and the relationship" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Momoko Motion's latest project, Momoko Motion and Quilts, has released today a 3rd song digitally. Watch the music video below, and hear it on your favorite streaming/download platform. The song is also available in hi-res audio from OTOTOY....
Posted on March 17, 2022 at 20:39. | Released on March 16, 2022
Rie Aono "Rain or Shine"
Singer Rie Aono is releasing a 2nd solo album, the follow-up to "Pastoral" (2017) (Bandcamp, , Spotify, YouTube). With lyrics written by herself, the music was written, arranged and produced by Seki Yoshihiko in an AOR/city-pop sound. Check out the...
Posted on March 15, 2022 at 20:59. | Released on March 16, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.24
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...
Posted on February 11, 2022 at 00:14.
Izumi Kobayashi "Lum no Love Song (Reboot) Mimix EP.1" (Download)
Following her rebooted self-cover of "Lum no Love Song" last month, the song's composer Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi now brings a digital EP of its remixes by other artists. The "Mimix EP.1" features Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella, xiangyu), 3ASiC (a...
Posted on December 25, 2021 at 00:23. | Released on December 8, 2021
Record Day 2021 Day 2
Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), has being held once more this November, on Saturday November 27. Also check out the post about day 1! Items can be ordered online. Below is...
Posted on December 4, 2021 at 00:54. | Released on November 27, 2021
Izumi Kobayashi "Lum no Love Song (Reboot) / Bambutsuruten" (Download)
Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi (Instagram), who composed "Lum no Love Song" (the popular theme song of "Urusei Yatsura"), is back with a brand new "rebooted" version of it with a jungle beat. The B-side is also a self-cover of an...
Posted on November 18, 2021 at 23:50. | Released on November 17, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.21
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...
Posted on November 12, 2021 at 07:50.
Record Day 2021 Day 1
Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), is being held on two separate days in 2021: November 3 and 27. Items can be ordered online without any delay. Below is a list of...
Posted on November 3, 2021 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 2021
Interview: The Courettes × Seiki Sato
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Rock band The Courettes is releasing its 3rd album "Back in Mono" on October 15th, 2021 from Damaged Goods Records (UK), and the album has the particularity of having been mixed...
Posted on October 14, 2021 at 20:00.
Momoko Motion and Quilts "Feeling Vegetables" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Momoko Motion has just released a 2nd song digitally with her latest project, Momoko Motion and Quilts. Watch the music video for "Feeling Vegetables" below and find it on a download platform. This song, along with "High" released...
Posted on October 2, 2021 at 23:51. | Released on September 29, 2021
Yoshinori Sunahara "LOVEBEAT 2021 -Optimized Re-Master-" (CD+Blu-ray/CD/2x12")
It's the 20th anniversary of Yoshinori Sunahara's album "LOVEBEAT", released in 2001! Here it comes newly remastered in three formats. Aside from the regular edition of the CD album only, there's also a limited edition that includes a Blu-ray disc...
Posted on September 12, 2021 at 23:34. | Released on September 15, 2021
Nona Reeves "Discography"
Nona Reeves has just released a brand new album, their 17th! Titled "Discography", it's an original album and also contains a cover of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" sung by Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville). Check out the music videos below! The...
Posted on September 8, 2021 at 22:48. | Released on September 8, 2021
Magic, Drums & Love "Dancehall! Supreme! Shooting!" (7")
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love is releasing a brand new 7" single of two songs! Like the other recent releases, it's produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (of Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). The A-side is a...
Posted on August 24, 2021 at 19:03. | Released on August 25, 2021
Philosophy no Dance "Double Standard"
Funky idol group Philosophy No Dance has released a new EP titled "Double Standard", including the recently digitally released song of the same name, plus two new songs and a remix by Night Tempo. "Double Standard" is the ending theme...
Posted on August 19, 2021 at 13:33. | Released on August 18, 2021
Momoko Motion and Quilts "High" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Momoko Motion, previously active with Re:Served and also an ex-member of Futon (Thailand), is back with a new project called Momoko Motion and Quilts, and she aims to release a full album titled "Lemon is gray" next year....
Posted on August 11, 2021 at 20:46. | Released on August 11, 2021
RSD Drops 2021 Day 2
Here comes the 2nd of Record Store Day's "RSD Drops" for 2021, following the first held on June 12. Online sales will start at 13:00 (JST) on release day. Below are some picks for July 17, followed by some related...
Posted on July 17, 2021 at 02:04. | Released on July 17, 2021
RSD Drops 2021 Day 1
Record Store Day is happening this year, as two "RSD Drops" on June 12 and July 17! It seems in good shape looking at the impressive list of releases, with many good ones. Online sales will start at 13:00 (JST)...
Posted on June 10, 2021 at 00:16. | Released on June 12, 2021
Q.A.S.B. "Candy Dream"
Here's a 5th album from 8-piece funk/soul band Q.A.S.B., which has just been released today! Having been releasing 7"'s at a high pace, the album contains songs from several of these, plus a few brand new tracks too! Included are...
Posted on April 28, 2021 at 22:54. | Released on April 28, 2021
MIKKO "u, fu, fu, fu," (Download)
Singer-songwriter MIKKO has just released a cover of EPO's hit song "u, fu, fu, fu,"! The song was produced by Kanke and features Kashif on guitar. The cover was made for the 20th anniversary of radio program "yokoso yumemachi...
Posted on April 26, 2021 at 00:43. | Released on April 23, 2021
The Aprils "Hyper Girl" (Download)
The Aprils always have a trick ready for April Fool's Day! This year is a surprise release of "Hyper Girl", now available on digital platforms. The song is a self-cover of one written for electro-pop idol my♪Rabbits. Find that...
Posted on April 2, 2021 at 13:48. | Released on April 1, 2021
Interview: BJ Rubin
Interview of BJ Rubin by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) BJ Rubin is the New Yorker who is behind the eclectic TV show titled "The BJ Rubin Show" that's currently being aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN). The show...
Posted on February 27, 2021 at 22:00.
Aya Nakano y Central "La Vida"
Once again, singer Nakano Aya has teamed up with latin sound band Central, this time as Aya Nakano y Central, for a brand new album titled "La Vida"! Along with a bunch of originals is included a cover of Yuming's...
Posted on January 29, 2021 at 21:27. | Released on January 27, 2021
Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother "Hashire Shoujikimono" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has just released a brand new track in collaboration with horn section band videobrother! The song "Hashire Shōjikimono" is a cover of an ending theme of TV anime series "Chibi Maruko-chan", originally sung by Saijō Hideki....
Posted on January 17, 2021 at 20:19. | Released on January 15, 2021
SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO 2"
Following last year's "SOLEIL in STEREO" album which remixed into stereo all songs from already legendary band SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright"), as the originals were recorded and mixed in mono, here comes...
Posted on December 25, 2020 at 22:19. | Released on December 23, 2020
Sally Kubota Group "Twiggy Twiggy c/w Le Canon De Manon" (7"+Download code)
Bassist Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, Les 5-4-3-2-1) has just turned 60 this summer, and his latest project is Sally Kubota Group, a trio that features Nakayama Tsutomu (The Scooters) on organ, Hara "Gen" Hideki on drums, and himself on...
Posted on November 28, 2020 at 23:45. | Released on December 2, 2020
my♪Rabbits "Hyper Girl / SHINExSHINExSHINExSHINE"
Electro-pop idol my♪Rabbits has just released a new single which is written by Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.) and arranged by The Aprils! The A-side "Hyper Girl" (or in Japanese "High Tension Girl") is a newly written song, for...
Posted on November 28, 2020 at 00:07. | Released on November 25, 2020
Record Day 2020
Record Day 2020, ran by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is just about to happen this November 3rd. Being on the same day as Japan's "Culture Day", it's a day off well spent doing record shopping. Record Day items are...
Posted on November 3, 2020 at 01:59. | Released on November 3, 2020
Interview: Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi
Original interview text by Takashi Ikegami Translated from Japanese by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi (below "Mimi") is an interesting artist from actually many perspectives. First, there is the one where she expresses original works as the...
Posted on November 2, 2020 at 00:25.
RSD Drops Day 2: Pizzicato One, Toki Asako, Avec Avec
Record Store Day's second of three "RSD Drops Days" is being held on September 26. In addition to the items being sold in physical shops from the morning, online sales are allowed from 13:00 on release day. Below are just...
Posted on September 25, 2020 at 20:57. | Released on September 26, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
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...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
The High "Affair"
The High is a '60s-influenced rock band, and they're now releasing a 3rd album which follows album "Welcome To The Next World" (2017). Guest musicians are Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville) on chorus and Ookubo Kei (Urbangarde) on keyboards. Sally Kubota directed...
Posted on August 23, 2020 at 20:14. | Released on August 26, 2020
City Pop on Vinyl 2020
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold...
Posted on July 27, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on August 8, 2020
Magic, Drums & Love "Amazon Night / Eyes, Hands, Height & Hair" (7"/Download)
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a new double-A-side 7" single being released! Like their latest album, "Hurricane Upsetter", it's produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). The single is said to include...
Posted on July 21, 2020 at 23:19. | Released on July 22, 2020
Blan( "Bleu & Vert"
Blan( (previously spelt Blanc) is the dance music unit of darkwave veterans Narita Shinobu (aka Shinobu, of Urban Dance) and Yokogawa Tadahiko (ex-P-Model) (both also of 4-D mode1). So far having only sold CD-R singles at shows and some select...
Posted on March 10, 2020 at 22:01. | Released on March 11, 2020
Learners "Hello Stranger"
Learners has a 3rd album about to be released! It's the follow-up to album "More Learners" after which mini-album "Learners High" was also released. Included are three original songs, for which the lyrics were written by singer Sara Mary, and...
Posted on February 15, 2020 at 00:16. | Released on February 19, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
SOLEIL "Twinkle Heart" (7")
SOLEIL has a brand new 7" single being released! The title song is Christmas-themed, and it's a brand new original written by Ijichi Hiromasa, known for writing many songs for idol group Speed. The B-side is a cover of...
Posted on October 10, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on November 20, 2019
Toki Asako "Passion Blue"
Toki Asako has a new album out now! This is the follow-up to "Safari" (2018). One song features G.Rina. There are limited editions which include either a DVD or Blu-ray of a full show from last year's "Safari Tour" plus...
Posted on October 5, 2019 at 19:07. | Released on October 2, 2019
Wakita Monari "Right Here"
Wakita Monari has a 3rd album being released at the end of July! With Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) as the main producer and songwriter of several tracks, the album also includes latest single "Espadrille de tsukamaete" that has music written...
Posted on July 24, 2019 at 23:16. | Released on July 31, 2019
SOLEIL "Lollipop Sixteen"
SOLEIL is back with a 3rd album titled "Lollipop Sixteen", as singer Soleil will be turning 16 just a few days after the release. As with the first two albums, "My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright", the album...
Posted on July 13, 2019 at 23:15. | Released on July 17, 2019
Nakano Aya to Central "Reverse"
Singer Nakano Aya teams up with 9-piece street style latin sound band Central for this collaboration album. Included is brand new original song "Tropical Dandy" written by Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), "rakuen no Moon Bar" written by Sugi Masamichi,...
Posted on July 8, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on July 3, 2019
Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)" (7")
Singer Wakita Monari has a brand new album coming at the end of the month (stay tuned!), but first here's a 7" cut of two songs from it! Title track "A la Espadrille" (Japanese title "Espadrille de tsukamaete") is...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 01:19. | Released on July 10, 2019
avandoned "Margaret"
Idol group avandoned, led by Usakura Beni, is back as a 6-piece, and finally here comes a brand new single! The title song was written by songwriter Tsuruuchi Hana and the music performed by band The Broken TV, while...
Posted on June 24, 2019 at 21:44. | Released on June 26, 2019
Kudo Shizuka "Deep Breath"
Kudō Shizuka, who debuted as an idol in 1987, has a concept cover album being released that consists of covers of foreign songs under the theme "relax". Konishi Yasuharu has arranged and produced two songs, a cover of "Heartbreak Hotel"...
Posted on June 14, 2019 at 23:56. | Released on June 12, 2019
Magic, Drums & Love "Hurricane Upsetter"
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a brand new album coming this month! The whole was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico). With a base sound of soul/disco, there are felt influences of exotica, city pop...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 20:25. | Released on May 15, 2019
Chimidoro "nanokana?"
Techno rap group Chimidoro has just released a 2nd album this month! This is their first in 12 years, the follow-up to debut album "minna no uta" (2007). Check out this special release page, and also the sampler clip below....
Posted on March 23, 2019 at 13:27. | Released on March 15, 2019
Yackle "Frank Throw"
18-year-old DJ/trackmaker Yackle has just released a 1st full-length physical album. Every track features various singers and collaborators that he chose, and those include DÉ DÉ MOUSE, MANON and many more. Check out the video for "Feel Me" (with Dé...
Posted on March 22, 2019 at 08:58. | Released on March 20, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Wakita Monari "Just a 'Crush for Today'" (CD/7")
Wakita Monari has a new single about to be released! Both tracks have music written and arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and Monari wrote the lyrics of title track "Just a 'Crush for Today'". The A-side is said...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on November 28, 2018
SOLEIL "Pinky Fluffy" (7") (Re-issue)
SOLEIL's debut 7" "Pinky Fluffy" (2017) which had sold out long ago is being released once again with a different jacket! Recorded when singer Soleil was still 13, both songs have remained non-album tracks. Note that this release doesn't...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 19:16. | Released on November 14, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Japamyu"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 4th album about to be released! "Japamyu" comes over 4 years after "Pika Pika Fantajin" (2014). Included are the previously released songs "Harajuku Iyahoi", "Kimi No Mikata" and "Todoke Punch", as well as a new...
Posted on September 21, 2018 at 23:52. | Released on September 26, 2018
Nakano Aya "Double Game"
Nakano Aya has a new album coming this month! The album has imaginary "sides", the "Butterfly Side" (tracks 1 to 6) which has a jazzy big band style, and the "Glamour Side" (tracks 7 to 12) which is more rhythm...
Posted on June 13, 2018 at 23:42. | Released on June 20, 2018
Ellie "Stay Gold"
Ellie (ex-Love Tambourines) has a new mini-album being released! It had been 11 years since her previous "rita" (as "eli") (2007). This time it seems that she somewhat goes back to her roots with some musicians she feels most comfortable...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 22:18. | Released on May 23, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
Wakita Monari "Wingscape / LED" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari has a new single out this week! Her new funky jazz tune "Wingscape" was written and produced by COUNTJOKE (aka jōdan hakushaku, unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya) (Facebook page) and features Smooth Ace on chorus! The...
Posted on November 20, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 22, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Soleil "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song...
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 11:48. | Released on September 20, 2017
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | Released on July 26, 2017
Nakano Aya "Asami no Blues" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya has a new single out this week! Produced by Mutō Shōhei (drummer, vocalist and leader of jazz band Katteni-Shiyagare), the music is also performed by Kathmandu, a unit formed mainly of his band's members. The title song...
Posted on June 5, 2017 at 21:06. | Released on June 7, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "kagami no naka no watashi" (CD+7"), "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has not one but two new singles out this week! The first, "kagami no naka no watashi" is a new song written by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), with lyrics by Kiyoura Natsumi (Tweedees). Its B-side is "kare no...
Posted on May 30, 2017 at 21:45. | Released on May 31, 2017
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko. The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including...
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 21:15. | Released on February 15, 2017
Wednesday Campanella "Superman"
Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyoubi no Campanella) has a new album coming this week! "Superman" is the follow-up to album "UMA" (June 2016), and includes two songs from digital EP "Superkid" released last November. The physical album comes in CD and...
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 11:19. | Released on February 8, 2017
Nakano Aya "Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys" (CD+7")
Nakano Aya's new single is a song featuring Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys! The song was written by Comoesta Yaegashi and Fukuhara Mari with lyrics by Paradise Yamamoto. The B-side is a cover of Etta James' "Seven Day Fool", and features...
Posted on December 10, 2016 at 16:51. | Released on December 14, 2016
La Veuve Moustachue "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (12")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka "hige no mibōjin" in Japanese) is releasing an album on vinyl! This unit of Kishino You-ichi and composer/pianist Gary Ashiya first released a 5-song mini-album of the same title in 2002. All of those 5 songs...
Posted on November 15, 2016 at 23:49. | Released on November 16, 2016
microstar "She Got the Blues"
microstar, the unit of Satō Seiki (a producer of Hoshino Michiru) and singer Iizumi Yūko, has a brand new album about to be released! It's been 8 years since the previous, "microstar album" (2008). This includes latest single "Tiny Spark"...
Posted on July 17, 2016 at 10:47. | Released on July 20, 2016
Nakano Aya "Emerald In Paradise"
Here's a new album by Kyoto-born singer Nakano Aya, produced by Hase Hajimu as usual. Included are 8 original songs and 2 covers, one of which features salsa band Central. Two 7" singles (incl. CD) were released in advance: "Episode...
Posted on June 20, 2016 at 22:57. | Released on June 15, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "My Tiny World (Duet with Matsuo Kiyonori)" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru's latest single is a duet with Matsuo Kiyonori, a member of 80's band Cinema. The song "My Tiny World" was also featured on Matsuo's new solo album "This Tiny World" (Amazon). The B-side is a cover of Matsuo's...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2015
Vanilla Beans "onna wa sore o gaman shinai / Beanius / lonesome X"
Vanilla Beans have a new single coming this month, the follow-up to album "Vanilla Beans IV" released last February. Included are three brand new songs! This comes with big news, as they have moved from Tower Records' T-Palette label to...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 00:45. | Released on November 18, 2015
hitomitoi "The Memory Hotel"
hitomitoi has a brand new album out now! Producers and musicians include Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei), Dorian, Kashif (PPP, Jintana & Emeralds), LUVRAW (ImageCluv), Crystal ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) and mabanua. This is the follow-up to album "Snowbank Social Club" (2014)...
Posted on October 22, 2015 at 22:35. | Released on October 21, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
Kit Cat "Wordy Rappinghood" (Download)
Kit Cat, the 3-girl (er, cat!) synth-dance-pop unit produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), finally had a first song released on iTunes worldwide! This is a cover of classic new wave track "Wordy Rappinghood", originally performed by Tom Tom Club in...
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 21:03. | Released on April 8, 2015
hitomitoi "Pacific High / Aleutian Low"
hitomitoi has a new mini-album out this week! With a title that refers to summer and winter, it contains three summer songs previously released digitally, then three new winter-themed songs, plus a cover of Yuming's "A Happy New Year". Producers...
Posted on December 9, 2014 at 20:32. | Released on December 10, 2014
