les 5-4-3-2-1 "le coeur qui jazze / un garcon et une fille" (7")
Two classics from Les 5-4-3-2-1's excellent first mini-album "un" (1993) are being released on 7"! The A-side is a cover of France Gall's "Le coeur qui jazze" with lyrics in French and Japanese, and the B-side is original song...
Posted on October 16, 2017 at 23:19. | Released on October 25, 2017
Original Soundtrack "ryūsen no kanata"
Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Sally Soul Stew) has went back to studio with two former band mates from The Phantom Gift, his 80's neo-GS band, to make music for the soundtrack of this full-length documentary about the Toyota 2000GT sports...
Posted on February 10, 2010 at 00:28. | Released on February 17, 2010
Full-text search results for Les 5-4-3-2-1
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.55
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 22, 2024 at 13:46.
Wink Music Service "It Girls"
Wink Music Service is a group started last year, formed of Keitarō Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Phantom Gift, The Scooters, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, ex-SOLEIL). Following the release of four 7" singles (the first of which was...
Posted on November 19, 2024 at 00:12. | Released on November 20, 2024
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.51
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 July 19, 2024 at 13:25.
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day 2024
This year again, Tanzaku CD Day is being celebrated on July 7, the same day as Tanabata. Started last year for the 35th anniversary of the now nostalgic 8cm CD format (3" CD/mini CD), Tanzaku CD Day brings several great...
Posted on July 7, 2024 at 17:08. | Released on July 7, 2024
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.49
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 17, 2024 at 12:59.
Various Artists "Série Teorema #08: Senyum Harapan"
Série Teorema, the label recently started by mastering engineer Nagano Beat of Clinck Records, has released a new compilation CD just recently. This time it is selected by Hibiki Tokiwa (𝕏) — photographer, designer and DJ (long ago also known...
Posted on January 7, 2024 at 22:27. | Released on December 22, 2023
Record Day 2023
Record Day is being held this year again, on November 3, coinciding with public holiday Culture Day. Below are some picks that are not to be missed from the November 3 crates, but there's also much more to be found...
Posted on November 3, 2023 at 11:43. | Released on November 3, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.43
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 October 20, 2023 at 23:54.
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.
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
Madoka Ogino "La japonaise"
This is the 1st mini-album of Kyoto-born Madoka Ogino (Facebook page). Her latest song "Asagiribashi" ("Asagiri Bridge"), of which the video can be watched below, was written by Shigeo Naka (The Surf Coasters) and performed by Frankie and the Pool...
Posted on March 2, 2023 at 23:05. | Released on February 22, 2023
Record Day 2022 Day 2
It's still time to check out Record Day held a month ago on December 3, which had many great releases and therefore took me some time to write it up. It was the 2nd of two days, following November 3....
Posted on January 3, 2023 at 20:16. | Released on December 3, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.34
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 December 16, 2022 at 21:03.
Sally Kubota Group feat. Natsumi Kiyoura "Just What I Always Wanted"
Here's a 2nd release from the "Girls At Our Best" series of cover EPs produced by Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, The Phantom Gift, Les 5-4-3-2-1). This one features singer Natsumi Kiyoura (of Tweedees), and includes covers of "Just What...
Posted on November 25, 2022 at 22:21. | Released on November 25, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 4 out of 4 (7"x3)
These are the last three 7"s from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). Below are the details of this month's releases. Collect them all by following links...
Posted on September 4, 2022 at 22:57. | Released on August 26, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.30
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 August 12, 2022 at 09:00.
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 3 out of 4 (7"x3)
Here's the 3rd of four monthly batches of three 7"s, from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). Below are the details of this month's releases. Collect them...
Posted on July 30, 2022 at 00:17. | Released on July 29, 2022
Sally Kubota Group feat. Emiri Kanou "Video Killed The Radio Star"
Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, The Phantom Gift, Les 5-4-3-2-1) is starting a new label project named "Girls At Our Best", which will bring new recordings of covers featuring various singers. The first guest is Emiri Kanou, who sings Buggles'...
Posted on July 28, 2022 at 22:13. | Released on July 29, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 2 out of 4 (7"x3)
Here's the 2nd drop of three 7"s from the 2nd season of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics, under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"), in which he selected songs that he wished to have on 7" for...
Posted on June 29, 2022 at 00:06. | Released on June 24, 2022
Readymade mirai no ongaku Series 2nd Season: Part 1 out of 4 (7"x3)
Following a series of twelve 7" of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics under the title "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"), one a month from September 2019 to August 2020 (find them all linked here), here comes a second...
Posted on June 3, 2022 at 20:09. | Released on May 27, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.18
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 July 29, 2021 at 00:00.
Les Sewing Sisters "Les Sewing Sisters" (Download)
Les Sewing Sisters (Facebook) is a duo based in L.A. and formed of Lun*na Menoh and Saori Mitome. Their music is made of nothing but sounds sampled from sewing machines (no drums or synths) and their voices. Find a review...
Posted on July 24, 2021 at 22:09. | Released on July 23, 2021
Posted on July 24, 2021 at 21:41. | Event held on Saturday July 31, 2021 at 11:00 (JST)
Port of Notes "Two", Miyuki Hatakeyama "Song Book #1"
Port of Notes, the unit of singer Miyuki Hatakeyama and guitarist Daisuke Oshima (aka DSK), is celebrating this year its 25th anniversary! This new album titled "Two" was recorded by just the two, and consists of self-covers of their previous...
Posted on July 8, 2021 at 23:48. | Released on July 7, 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
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 05 'nanimokamo akite shimatta'" (CD+Book)
This is the 5th of five monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" CD+Book series supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time he selected music from his record collection, including some jazz, beguine, rock'n'roll, twist, mambo, cha-cha-cha and folk songs. The 60-page booklet...
Posted on May 28, 2021 at 21:42. | Released on May 28, 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.
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 02 'neko mo shakushi mo Twist'" (CD+Book)
Started in January, here's the 2nd of the "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") monthly CD+Book series supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time the CD is an updated edition of a limited edition mix tape of twist tunes, while...
Posted on February 5, 2021 at 20:29. | Released on February 26, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.13
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 January 28, 2021 at 01:13.
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
Various Artists "Magical Connection 2020"
This is a compilation of new generation Shibuya-kei, compiled and supervised by Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). Featured are a few brand new recordings, including new SOLEIL covers by microstar (songwriters of "Baby Boo"), Tweedees...
Posted on November 23, 2020 at 10:40. | 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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
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 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Lin Yiloh "yume de aetara / otomodachi de imashou yo" (7")
Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lin Yiloh (林以樂, aka Skip Skip Ben Ben, also of Freckles, Boyz&Girl) (Bandcamp, Twitter) has a new 7" single being released in Japan. Included are two covers, one of Ohtaki Eiichi's "yume de aetara" (first sung by...
Posted on May 7, 2020 at 23:36. | Released on May 13, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.4
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 23, 2020 at 00:50.
moonriders "moonriders LIVE at SHINDAITA FEVER"
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...
Posted on April 6, 2020 at 00:04. | Released on April 8, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.3
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 March 26, 2020 at 08:00.
Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter), band that using only toy instruments, has a new single featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) about to be released! This time they cover Jane Birkin's "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (1978) and The Spiders' "Nati Bati...
Posted on March 16, 2020 at 00:52. | Released on March 25, 2020
SOLEIL "Live at Veats" (DVD), "Lollipop Sixteen" (12")
SOLEIL, a great band that has put a stop to its activities at the end of 2019, has two releases coming this February 26, 2020! The first is a live DVD which consists mainly of the last show held on...
Posted on February 9, 2020 at 17:17. | Released on February 26, 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.
Konishi Yasuharu & Playboys "Inoue Jun no Playboy kouza 12 shou"
This is Konishi Yasuharu's latest project! A modern take on 1969-released album "Enraku no Playboy kōza 12 shō", a 12-chapter narrative course for becoming a playboy with perfect lounge music BGM (then performed by pianist Maeda Norio & His Playboys),...
Posted on November 14, 2019 at 23:37. | Released on November 20, 2019
Towa Tei "Arbeit" (2CD), "Future Listening!" (2x12")
Towa Tei is celebrating the 25th anniversary since his solo debut (album "Future Listening!" released in October 1994). Taking part in the celebrations are the releases of 2CD album "Arbeit", a collection of mainly production or remix works for other...
Posted on November 4, 2019 at 15:16. | Released on November 6, 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
SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl c/w High School Lullaby" (7")
SOLEIL, whose next album "Lollipop Sixteen" is expected for July, has a new 7" single being released in advance! The A-side is a new original song that reminds of mid-career Beatles, with music written by Okada Yumi (the band's...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 23:00. | Released on May 29, 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.
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
La Veuve Moustachue "Zettai Renai! Count Down!!" (7")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka Mustached Widow, Hige no Mibōjin) is back with a brand new single, its first release since the vinyl edition of brilliant album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016). This time the charming widow has...
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on October 30, 2018
Francis avec Haruko "Zero Gravity Love"
Francis avec Haruko, the unit of Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors) and Tajima Haruko, has a 2nd mini-album out now! The keyword is "cosmic and colorful electro-pop"! This is the follow-up to "Jamón, jamón" (2017). Their next show will...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:53. | Released on October 17, 2018
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright"
SOLEIL, the band fronted by now 15-year-old singer Soleil, has a 2nd album being released very soon! Following the excellent "My Name is SOLEIL" released last March, the new full-length also consists of all original songs with the exception of...
Posted on September 16, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on September 19, 2018
Soleil "My Name is SOLEIL" (12")
The first album of 60's sound band SOLEIL (official Twitter) is being released on vinyl! SOLEIL is the band of 14-year-old singer Soleil (who will soon turn 15!), bassist and producer Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-The Phantom Gift, Les...
Posted on July 1, 2018 at 19:58. | Released on July 4, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
YMCK "Magical Galaxy Tour EP" (Download)
YMCK is releasing a new EP, and on the same day doing a rare one-man show in Ebisu! The EP consists of 4 songs including collaborations with Robotprins (Sweden), Mega Ran (U.S.), and a mysterious rapper named MC8bit, and also...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 23:44. | Released on April 14, 2018
SOLEIL "My Name is SOLEIL"
After having debuted last year with single "Pinky Fluffy", band SOLEIL is already back with a first full-length major album! This consists of only new previously unreleased songs, and matching the band's 60's style all was recorded and mixed in...
Posted on March 7, 2018 at 23:58. | Released on March 21, 2018
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
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
Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki has a brand new album just about to be released! This album has a theme of "French Shibuya-kei", highlighting bits of the French culture that influenced the Shibuya-kei scene. This is a 2-CD release of both a studio...
Posted on August 29, 2016 at 23:22. | Released on August 31, 2016
Sally Soul Stew "Joy To The World / Black Coffee" (7"+CD)
Sally Soul Stew, the band led by Sally Kubota (ex-The Phantom Gift, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1), has a brand new single out this week! A-side "Joy To The World" is a new song with music written by Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five)...
Posted on June 29, 2015 at 21:58. | Released on July 1, 2015
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | Released on September 3, 2014
Buffalo Daughter "Konjac-tion"
Here comes a brand new original album by Buffalo Daughter, follow-up to "The Weapons of Math Destruction" (2010). The new album has a theme of "block party" and comes as a set of 2 CDs, one of the original new...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on July 23, 2014
Various Artists "World Standard.09 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Here's a new live mix by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), of his popular "World Standard" series that reaches a 9th installment. It's been almost 5 years since the previous. This time he offers a 76-minute sound journey of his...
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 23:16. | Released on June 11, 2014
Idiot Pop "Universe"
Idiot Pop, whose previous album "EXWORLD" featured Frenesi and PandaBoY, is now back with new album "Universe". Guests include Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji, among others. Free mixes by the artist can be downloaded on the official site. Idiot Pop. 「UNIVERSE」 1....
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 13:17. | Released on March 25, 2014
Kikuchi Naruyoshi to Pepe Tormento Azucarar "senzen to sengo" (CD+DVD)
Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, ex-Spank Happy) has a new album out now, backed by "exotic jazz orchestra" Pepe Tormento Azucarar. This time Kikuchi sings ten of the 11 songs himself. About half of the songs are originals, while covers include songs...
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 22:56. | Released on March 19, 2014
Various Artists "WIRE13 Compilation"
Here comes the annual WIRE compilation, reminding us of the upcoming annual large rave event of the same name organized by Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). This year WIRE celebrates its 15th anniversary! The 2-CD compilation gives an overview of this...
Posted on August 13, 2013 at 22:16. | Released on August 14, 2013
Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"
Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 18:16. | Released on July 17, 2013
Gig report: Playtime Rock, BANK live at Saravah Tokyo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday July 12 was a show of Playtime Rock, the Nagasaki-based band of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog). Nagasaki being part of the Kyūshū island in the south of...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 00:59.
Koshi Miharu "Madame Crooner"
Koshi Miharu has a new album out now, said to be a collection of covers mainly of standards from the 30's and 40's, in arrangements that focus on piano and vocals. All songs can be sampled at the official release...
Posted on June 16, 2013 at 01:44. | Released on May 22, 2013
Negicco "Idol bakari kikanai de"
This new single from idol trio Negicco has a lead track written & produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! This clavinet and violin-led upbeat pop tune is sure to please P5 fans! The song tells listeners not to listen to...
Posted on May 30, 2013 at 00:06. | Released on May 29, 2013
tofubeats "Lost Decade", "university of remix", "college of remix"
1990-born young genius DJ tofubeats has a first full-length album out now! This features hit song "suisei" (feat. rapper Onomatope Daijin), as well as a lot of new tracks, including songs featuring vocalists Nanba Shiho, PUNPEE, G.RINA, Kariya Seira and...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:31. | Released on April 24, 2013
Natsuki Mari "Impression group collection"
This album from singer and actress Natsuki Mari consists of the whole of mini-albums "La Marie en Septembre" (1995) and "gorilla" (1996), her first collaborations with producer Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five), as well as "inshōha" ("Impressionist", 1997) from her play...
Posted on January 28, 2013 at 22:16. | Released on February 6, 2013
Gig report: Saitō Neon Sign, Love & Revolution, Emmy Lee & The Psyzans
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday January 6, I went to an event at Koenji U.F.O. Club part of a series celebrating the 17th anniversary of the popular GS (Group Sounds)/garage rock oriented venue....
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 00:11.
Koizumi Kyoko "Koizumi Chansonnier"
Singer Koizumi Kyōko has a new original album celebrating her 30th debut anniversary. Producers include Konishi Yasuharu ("omoshiro okashiku ikitekita keredo" and "Ma plus belle histoire d'amour"), Kikuchi Naruyoshi ("Une chanson pour les grands"), Soil & "Pimp" Sessions ("Sweet &...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 23:39. | Released on October 24, 2012
Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
Sally Soul Stew "Blue Angel Deluxe"
Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Phantom GIft), has released a deluxe CD edition of its latest 7", "anata ni maketa no" (2010). The band also features singers Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), Lemon, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro...
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 10:22. | Released on June 27, 2012
MoliquL "Forest" (Download)
MoliquL is the new Brooklyn-based unit of Takashi Tsugumi (PINE*am, Old Monk, Les Sewing Sisters) and Avery Brooks (Ravens & Chimes, Lost Children), taking inspiration from 70's and 80's synth pop/new wave to recent indies/alternative/club music. The EP includes remixes...
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 16:37. | Released on May 2, 2012
Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Raves
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 23:30.
EeL "Bossa Nova" (Download)
Here's a rare acoustic album by EeL featuring only acoustic guitar and her sweet voice. It had previously only been released on CD-R, but is now available digitally with a bonus new track that uses piano and toy instruments. This...
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 19:50. | Released on December 11, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (12")
Konishi Yasuharu's first solo album as Pizzicato One has just been released on vinyl. You'll find all songs from the CD released last May. Be sure to check out the different artwork made especially to be better appreciated in its...
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:01. | Released on August 3, 2011
Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah"
Here's what looks like a pretty good mix CD on the Shibuya-kei perspective, mixed by DJ Souljah. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah" 1. WISE × underslowjams / City Lights 2. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / utsukushiku...
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 14:32. | Released on June 22, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
Gig report: mōretsu kara Beautiful Concert 2011: Sally Soul Stew and Keme
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday May 8 was a show of Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), held at Shinjuku rock venue Red Cloth. Sally...
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 11:55.
Clémentine "Covermentine"
Following last year's popular "Animentine", French bossa nova singer Clémentine has a new cover album coming this week. This time she covers both Japanese and French famous songs. Included are Yamazaki Masayoshi's "futari de Paris ni ikō" (feat. daughter Solita),...
Posted on January 10, 2011 at 15:25. | Released on January 12, 2011
Gig report: Electronic World Cup 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound It's been a month already since I went to this really fun event titled "Electronic World Cup 2010". Organized by Kishino Yūichi (hige no mibōjin aka La veuve moustachue aka...
Posted on December 18, 2010 at 14:08.
Makoto Miura "Je suis snob"
After several great mix CDs and various tracks here and there, here's a first original album by Miura Makoto (aka Monsieur Mieurax)! Necozawa Emi and others are featured. Check out the trailer clip below, and then go hear samples of...
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 20:55. | Released on November 3, 2010
yes, mama ok? "CEO -10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition-"
yes, mama ok? re-issues its now rare album "CEO" (2000), which wasn't included on the "Incomplete Questions" box set released in 2008. Added is a bonus CD full of rarities and live recordings. yes, mama ok? "CEO -10th Anniversary Deluxe...
Posted on October 24, 2010 at 13:45. | Released on October 30, 2010
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.3"
A third sampler compilation from Sazanami Label has been released, containing a total of 22 tracks with many previously unreleased ones, and the whole at a nice price too. Included is a new recording by sono na wa Spade (The...
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 22:07. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: Nakatsuka Takeshi "53512010" Release Cruise
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week, on Friday September 24, I had the chance to go to a live event in a very special place. Nakatsuka Takeshi threw a release party for his new...
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 20:33.
Sally Soul Stew "anata ni maketa no" (7")
Sally Soul Stew, the solo unit of Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), has a new 7" coming this month! The A-side is a cover of Koyama Rumi's "anata ni maketa no" (1970), while the B-side is an original...
Posted on September 13, 2010 at 23:50. | Released on September 20, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "53512010" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a new download-only album out now on iTunes! This album is a collaboration with men's fashion brand 5351 POUR LES HOMMES by Abahouse. When buying the full album, a bonus 42-minute non-stop mix is included. A...
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 23:04. | Released on September 8, 2010
Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"
This 5th of Boot Beat's popular "Manifesto" mix CD series brings us more happy and catchy, fresh-sounding jazzy tunes, both standards and obscure, and sure to make you want to dance. Available now at Jet Set! Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"...
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 21:28. | Released on March 24, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Rock'N'Roll Circus"
This new album from Nakatsuka Takeshi is a collaboration with fashion brand Abahouse's 5351 Pour Les Hommes line. The sound is being described as "dance rock", and unusually doesn't feature any guest singer. This comes a year and a half...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 21:33. | Released on January 20, 2010