P.O.P "fuyuzora to utagoe wa kirei na hou ga ii" (Download)
Spend groovy holidays with rappers P.O.P's new winter-themed EP. This contains brand new collaborations with Nakatsuka Takeshi and others. And leave it to YMCK to take a good rap tune into retro game world with their remix of hit song...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on December 3, 2014
P.O.P "Watch Me" (7")
Rapper twins P.O.P's smooth rap track "Watch Me" has been released on 7"! Included is a remix by Osaka's okadada. This is out on DJ Michelle Sorry's recently started 7" label, mawarisō na Records. Also check out their album "tanoshii...
Posted on December 3, 2014 at 23:42. | Released on November 26, 2014
P.O.P "Summer of P.O.P" (Download)
Out today on iTunes Japan and OTOTOY is a summer-themed EP by identical twin tappers P.O.P. The EP includes a remix of "Watch me" by DJ Jet Baron (aka Takano Mandokoro), known for bringing Indonesian dance music sounds to Japan's...
Posted on August 18, 2014 at 23:49. | Released on August 18, 2014
P.O.P "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni."
P.O.P (previously known as P.O.P ORCHeSTRA) is a hip-hop band led by two identical twin rappers. They have long been active on stage, and have released several songs on iTunes before, but finally here comes their first album being released...
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 18, 2014
Hondalady "Looper Looper"
Vocal techno unit Hondalady has a 12th album out now! P.O.P ORCHeSTRA's twin rappers and idol group Yurumerumo! (You'll Melt More!)'s Kechon and Momopi are featured as guest vocalists on "Kids Are Not Alight" and "Looper Looper" respectively. Hondalady can...
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 12:39. | Released on April 23, 2014
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "1.2.3.4" (Download)
Rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, characterized by its real band and real twin MCs (the Kamisuzuki brothers), has a new 2-track single out now on iTunes worldwide! Like the previous "P.O.P LAB", this comes from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen LAB digital label....
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on January 9, 2013
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "P.O.P LAB" (Download)
Identical twins rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA have a new 2-song digital EP out now! This is the 2nd monthly release from Nakatsuka Takeshi's "Delicatessen LAB" digital label. Released just today, lead track "At, we now..." is already comfortably sitting at...
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 22:09. | Released on June 6, 2012
Gig report: Beat Communist vol.10: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kaji Hideki, akiko, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday May 26 was the 10th edition of the "Beat Communist" event presented by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), which is regularly held every 3 months at jazz club JZ Brat....
Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:20.
Various Artists "The Chocolate Factory" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi, eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Small Circle of Friends and P.O.P Orchestra have all collaborated together to create this 5-song mini-album, out now on iTunes worldwide. A release party will be held at Daikanyama Loop on December 11. Details at...
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 23:49. | Released on December 7, 2011
City Pop on Vinyl 2024
City Pop on Vinyl was held for the 5th time on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Below are just a few recommendations that shouldn't be missed by Tokyo's Coolest Sound's readers. There's also a lot more to find on the official...
Posted on August 10, 2024 at 18:07. | Released on August 3, 2024
Kenji Ozawa & Scha Dara Parr "Boogie Back Baby"
The hit song "konya wa Boogie Back", released by Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr in March 1994, has reached its 30th anniversary. To celebrate that, the same members made a new sequel song titled "Boogie Back Baby". While...
Posted on May 23, 2024 at 22:56. | Released on April 24, 2024
xiangyu "OTO-SHIMONO" (Download)
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has just released a 3rd EP, titled "OTO-SHIMONO". "Otoshimono" translates to "lost items" (or in a more direct translation, "dropped things"), and her recent tracks about things found on the street are all in: shoes, gloves, and...
Posted on November 1, 2023 at 23:09. | Released on November 1, 2023
The Phantom Gift "manatsu no yoru no doubutsuen c/w Tell Me More" (7")
Legendary neo-GS band The Phantom Gift (Twitter), which was very popular when it started in the 80s, came back recently with three original members —bassist Sally Kubota, guitarist Napoleon Yamagishi and drummer Charlie Morita— joined by new singer Lui...
Posted on July 10, 2023 at 21:47. | Released on July 7, 2023
Record Store Day 2023
Record Store Day will be held worldwide on Saturday April 22! Below is a list of recommended releases coming from Japan. The full list of Record Store Day Japan can be found here. As always, there are no online pre-orders,...
Posted on April 15, 2023 at 23:40. | Released on April 22, 2023
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 10 'Blanket no shita de'" (CD+Book)
This is the 10th of the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku", a series that's wholely supervised by Konishi Yasuharu. This time the CD is of songs best listened in winter, selected by Juri Tominaga who is a music...
Posted on December 9, 2022 at 23:55. | Released on November 25, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 09 'ocha to okashi to ongaku to'" (CD+Book)
Here's the 9th of the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has been released today! The guest this time is dessert expert Kaede Fujisawa, and the book and CD contents are said to fit perfectly together. The book has...
Posted on October 28, 2022 at 21:59. | Released on October 28, 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
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
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 08 'Love Ballad ja odorenai'" (CD+Book)
An eighth installment of the fun CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has been released! While the series as a whole is supervised by Konishi Yasuharu (most often featuring music selected by himself), this time he has named DJ...
Posted on July 28, 2022 at 00:18. | Released on August 26, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 07 'mata yoasobi ga koishikunaru'" (CD+Book)
To go along the 2nd season of 7" releases which started last month (6 are now available, with 6 more coming in the next two months), the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has also come back! This issue...
Posted on June 29, 2022 at 21:41. | Released on June 24, 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
Various Artists "A Girl's Favourite Oldies Vol.1: The Musical Roots of SOLEIL"
Bassist and producer Sally Kubota revisits the roots and inspirations of his band SOLEIL, which was active from 2017 to 2019, in this compilation selected, supervised and designed by himself. This collection consists of 30 songs from the 60s, which...
Posted on March 25, 2022 at 10:34. | Released on March 25, 2022
Posted on July 31, 2021 at 01:52. | Event held on Friday August 6, 2021 at 21:00 (JST)
Various Artists "ESCAPE -Tribute to fox capture plan-"
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan, a tribute album of covers performed by other artists has just been released. Along with a wide variety of bands covering their songs, fox capture plan also included...
Posted on July 22, 2021 at 11:54. | Released on July 21, 2021
fox capture plan "NEBULA"
Instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan's 9th full-length album has just been released! "Nebula" is a concept album for which each of the members wrote songs that were put together in a story-like manner. In addition to their signature piano...
Posted on May 19, 2021 at 20:00. | Released on May 19, 2021
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "SKA=ALMIGHTY"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra has just released a brand new album titled "SKA=ALMIGHTY". This follows album "tsugihagi Colorful" (2019). Included are theme songs from Kamen Rider, "Almighty ~ Kamen no yakusoku", "Kamen Rider Saber" and "tajū rokō", as well as...
Posted on March 6, 2021 at 01:00. | Released on March 3, 2021
Posted on March 4, 2021 at 21:32. | Event held on Wednesday March 24, 2021 at 20:00 (JST)
Various Artists "ALFA Music Live - ALFA 50th Anniversary Edition" (2 Blu-ray + 2 CDs)
In September 2015 was held a special concert for the 70th birthday of composer and music producer Murai Kunihiko, founder of the record company Alfa Music. The show was planned by Matsutoya Masataka, and featured performances of many artists close...
Posted on March 2, 2021 at 22:35. | Released on March 4, 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
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
Posted on November 18, 2020 at 23:42. | Event held on Friday November 27, 2020 at 19:00 (JST)
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.
Tokyo Beethoven feat. Chiharu Muto "yureteta buranko" (Download)
Tokyo Beethoven (Twitter, Instagram), the project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife), has a new single out now digitally! This time the featured singer is Chiharu Mutō (ex-E-girls, ex-Flower, now navigator of...
Posted on October 18, 2020 at 13:10. | Released on October 17, 2020
Shuta Hasunuma Full Philharmonic Orchestra "Fullphony" (Download)
Shuta Hasunuma Full Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestral project of 26 musicians, has just released a digital album of original works and remixes, plus a version of Shuta Hasunuma's "windandwindows". The recording was done in March 2019. The orchestra features members...
Posted on August 28, 2020 at 00:29. | Released on August 26, 2020
Posted on August 14, 2020 at 20:14. | Event held on Sunday August 23, 2020 at 18:00 (JST)
hi-posi "hi-posi Cassette ~hi-posi early days 1988-1993~" (CD)
Two early cassette tapes by hi-posi, the unit of Moribayashi Miho (Instagram, Twitter), are being released on CD for the first time! "tenka no hi-posi" (1988) and "hi-posi Demo Tapes Fall 1993" (1993) (also known as "bakazaru") are both included...
Posted on August 9, 2020 at 20:16. | Released on August 18, 2020
Posted on August 7, 2020 at 22:33. | Event held on Saturday August 15, 2020 at 22:00 (JST)
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
Various Artists "Playwright Library of Sounds -solo works at home- vol.1" & "vol.2" (Download)
Japanese jazz label Playwright has just released two compilations worth of demos and home recordings by related musicians. Label director Taniguchi Keisuke explained that feeling privileged to often be the first to hear artist demos (whether programmed, rehearsal recordings or...
Posted on May 9, 2020 at 14:30. | Released on May 9, 2020
Saoriiiii "Remix" (Download)
Saoriiiii has released a digital EP of remixes, including some rare ones from CDs that were sold exclusively at shows. Check out the crossfade sampler clip below, or head over to your favorite streaming platform. Also, a music video of...
Posted on May 3, 2020 at 17:16. | Released on May 1, 2020
YMC "Yellow Magic Children #01"
YMC, or Yellow Magic Children, was a special tribute concert featuring artists who were influenced by or have strong ties with Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), for the 40th anniversary of the legendary group. The show was held at the Shinjuku...
Posted on December 30, 2019 at 23:20. | Released on December 25, 2019
Sheena Ringo "Newton no Ringo ~hajimete no Best ban~"
Sheena Ringo has a first ever greatest hits album being about to be released. Covering her whole career, the 2CD album also contains a new song in collaboration with Utada Hikaru which was recorded in London with the London Phiharmonic...
Posted on November 11, 2019 at 21:39. | Released on November 13, 2019
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
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi compiled by Hoshino Gen"
This is a greatest hits album of Hosono Haruomi works, including his solo music and also Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This first release, which comes as a 2-CD or 3-LP set of 38 songs, was compiled by singer-songwriter...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on August 28, 2019
Natsuki Mari "Co-ro-na / watashi o ikite" (Download)
Natsuki Mari has a new EP now available digitally. Both of the songs have music written by Ōsawa Shinichi (Mondo Grosso), with lyrics written by Yanaka Atsushi (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra) and UA respectively. A live sound arrangement of...
Posted on January 26, 2019 at 22:26. | Released on January 26, 2019
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
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Neue Tanz"
This is a compilation of songs by Yellow Magic Orchestra (and solo ones by each member too) selected by Towa Tei for YMO's 40th anniversary. The album was remastered by Sunahara Yoshinori. The jacket artwork was done by Tomoo Gokita...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:07. | Released on October 17, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 3"
A 3rd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) has just been released. As usual all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai (Metafive),...
Posted on July 25, 2018 at 23:04. | Released on July 18, 2018
Isao Tomita "Missing Link of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia shoki sakuhinshuu 1953-1974~"
This album is a collection of 21 early rare pieces by composer and synthesizer pioneer Isao Tomita (1932-2016) taken from Columbia's archives. The artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune). Isao Tomita "Missing Link Of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on May 23, 2018
TRI4TH "Hybrid Roots"
Danceable instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has released a new album that consists of covers of songs that make up their roots. Two self-covers are also included. A tour will be held starting on June 1st at Daikanyama Unit. Also, TRI4TH...
Posted on May 26, 2018 at 23:55. | 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
Yoichiro Ito "makimodoshitai hodo no shiawase / ao no sekai feat. Crazy Ken" (7")
Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage) has a new 7" single being released! Both songs feature singer Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), with the horn section from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra on the A-side and a swinging jazz band on the B-side....
Posted on April 7, 2018 at 00:05. | Released on April 11, 2018
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 2018
Ozawa Kenji "Arpeggio (kitto mahou no Tunnel no saki)"
Ozawa Kenji has a new single being released on Valentine's Day. The title song is the theme of movie "River's Edge", and also features the voices of lead actress Nikaidō Fumi and actor Yoshizawa Ryō. The B-side is a live...
Posted on February 12, 2018 at 21:54. | Released on February 14, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenai ongakukai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This is a live DVD (and Blu-ray) of the last show of Charan-Po-Rantan's latest tour, titled "Charan-Po-Rantan to yukai na Cancan Balcan Tour 2016-17 'taishū ongaku no tebiki'", which closely followed the release of album "toritomenashi". This show was held...
Posted on July 9, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on July 12, 2017
Denki Groove "Tropical Love"
Denki Groove has just released a brand new album, 4 years after "Human Beings and Animals" (2013). Titled "Tropical Love", it contains a total of 10 new songs including an album version of latest single "Fallin' Down" (2015). The song...
Posted on March 5, 2017 at 01:04. | Released on March 1, 2017
Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra "The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Concert"
"The Legend of Zelda" celebrated last year its 30th anniversary! On October 16, 2016, a special concert where the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performed music from the famous game series was held, and it is now being released on CD. The...
Posted on February 12, 2017 at 14:05. | Released on February 15, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenashi"
Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new mini-album coming this month! Consisting of 8 new songs, including two theme songs for recent TV dramas, this follows cover album "karimono kyōsō" released last September. The song "otakebi" features Tokyo...
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 12:13. | Released on January 18, 2017
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Saoriiiii "Nostalgy"
Saoriiiii (previously known as Saori@destiny until 2012) is back with a first mini-album under the new monicker she has been using for the last few years. A release party will be held this Friday April 1st at Shibuya Star lounge...
Posted on March 31, 2016 at 22:59. | Released on March 23, 2016
FPM "Motions (Best Killer Remixes & Produce works by FPM)" (3CD)
FPM is still celebrating his 20th anniversary, and following greatest hits album "Moments" here comes a 3-CD set of tracks he has produced or remixed for other artists. Some rare and previously unreleased tracks are also included. The album's first...
Posted on March 12, 2016 at 00:56. | Released on March 16, 2016
XTAL "Skygazer"
XTAL, aka Crystal (of (((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds), has a first solo album coming on Crue-L Records! Expect electronic music that visits genres such as "shoegaze piano house", "slow acid minimal" and "cutup Balearic", we're being told. Included are collaborations...
Posted on January 24, 2016 at 13:24. | Released on February 1, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie? -The Music Selection-"
Denki Groove's official documentary movie "Denki Groove The Movie" is being screened in theaters throughout Japan since December 26 for a limited time. The movie is full of rare footage covering the band's history since it was founded in 1989....
Posted on December 31, 2015 at 21:51. | Released on December 23, 2015
Various Artists "Crue-L Cafe II Compiled by Kenji Takimi"
A brand new compilation from Crue-L Records is out today! All songs are either previously unreleased, or available for the first time on CD. The whole was compiled and mastered by Takimi Kenji, with design by Emori Takeaki (tone twilight)....
Posted on October 10, 2015 at 16:46. | Released on October 10, 2015
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 00:27. | Released on March 18, 2015
clammbon "Why not clammbon!? ~ clammbon Tribute"
This recently released clammbon tribute album features a great amount of like-minded artists, including Buffalo Daughter, salyu x salyu, Nona Reeves, Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, GREAT3, Hanaregumi, Rekishi and more. Check out the trailer clip below, and hear samples of...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:53. | Released on December 3, 2014
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Ska Me Forever"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra have a new original album out now, marking their 25th anniversary. Included is a collaboration with FPM, and also ones with bands Asian Kung-Fu Generation, 10-Feet and Mongol800. FPM had previously collaborated with the band on...
Posted on August 17, 2014 at 13:49. | Released on August 13, 2014
Negicco "Triple! Wonderland"
Negicco has a new single on the way! The title track was produced by Yano Hiroyasu (ex-cymbals), while B-side is a new song by Negicco's main producer connie, that one arranged and performed by Kimyō Reitarō Travel Swing Orchestra. The...
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 00:04. | Released on April 16, 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 "Snow Monkey Beer Live!"
"Snow Monkey Beer Live!" is a music and beer festival that's been held every year since 2012. This genre-less compilation CD contains tracks by related artists including Kaji Hideki, Kushibiki Sayaka Trio (feat. Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and Furukawa Taichi), Predawn,...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 01:04. | Released on March 5, 2014
Sakamoto Ryuichi "Ryuichi Sakamoto | Playing the Orchestra 2013"
Sakamoto Ryūichi has released an album with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, as recorded during 3 concerts held in Tokyo and Osaka last May. It had been 16 years since his previous Japan tour with a full orchestra. The album includes...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on December 11, 2013
playtime rock "Play Time"
Playtime Rock (blog) is the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and flutist/singer Ichiba Mina. After last year's split-album "Evening Primrose" (2012), here comes their real first full-length album "Play Time". Half of the tracks are covers of foreign songs...
Posted on July 23, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on July 24, 2013
Muro "Diggin' Salsoul Breaks"
Following Towa Tei's recent Salsoul mix CD, here comes another one from DJ Muro. This features a unique selection by the "King of Diggin'", and the right dose of his top mixing skills. The art direction was done by Shindō...
Posted on April 21, 2013 at 22:40. | Released on April 10, 2013
Crue-L Grand Orchestra vs TBD "Barbarella's Disco" (12")
Crue-L Grand Orchestra has a new 12" out now, in collaboration with NY underground house scene's TBD (unit of Justin Van Der Volgen & Lee Douglas). Out now on one-sider red vinyl on Crue-L Records. The previous of this "vs"...
Posted on February 24, 2013 at 22:44. | Released on February 23, 2013
Isao Tomita "Symphony Ihatov"
Composer and synthesizer artist Tomita Isao meets Hatsune Miku, put in the middle of an orchestra of over 300 (including choir) for this symphony performed on stage. This album was recorded live on November 23, 2012 at Tokyo Opera City,...
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 00:13. | Released on January 23, 2013
Various Artists "The Beat Goes On ~Salsoul Classics Mixed By Towa Tei~"
Towa Tei has a new mix CD, in fact his first ever! He has released many compilation CDs before but it seems like this is his first attempt at a non-stop mix. Here he selects tracks from legendary New York...
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 00:16. | Released on December 5, 2012
ShibusaShirazu "shibusai kayō taizen"
ShibusaShirazu, a big band that mixes various genres and uses all kinds of performances in their shows, has a cover album out earlier this month. Featured are various guest vocalists including Nagisa Yōko, Sakamoto Miu and Sandii. Songs include "Rydeen"...
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:26. | Released on November 7, 2012
marino with Teapot Orchestra "Bathtub de chōshoku o"
marino is back, 6 years after the release of hit album "Lollipop" (2009 reissue here), and now she's with a full brass band and going in a more jazzy direction, actually sounding very musical-like. The title translates to "breakfast in...
Posted on September 17, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on September 20, 2012
Gig report: hitomitoi sings "City Dive"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last June singer hitomitoi's new album "City Dive" was released on Billboard Japan Records. The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of city pops unit Ryūsenkei, with some tracks by Dorian and...
Posted on September 3, 2012 at 00:20.
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Fire Bird" (Download)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a brand new song available for download! First preformed live at World Happiness 2011, annual summer festival always headlined by YMO, "Fire Bird" was inspired by Tezuka Osamu's character "hi no tori" (aka "Phoenix") which was...
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 20:59. | Released on August 1, 2012
Various Artists "Red Diamond ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~"
This is a tribute album to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Takahashi Yukihiro who celebrated his 60th anniversary last June 6. Included are new covers of Takahashi's songs from his whole career. O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Sunahara Yoshinori and Towa Tei) offers...
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 13:37. | Released on August 8, 2012
YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
Various Artists "Crue-L Café"
From Crue-L Records comes this new compilation titled "Crue-L Café", full of songs that are either brand new, previously unreleased or available for the first time on CD! (All except for Tucker's track which is from his latest album.) The...
Posted on March 17, 2012 at 19:20. | Released on March 19, 2012
Polysics "15th P"
Polysics have a new album coming next week, celebrating their 15th anniversary! The album features many guests, including Kojima Mayumi, Yuu (ex-GO!GO!7188, chirinuruwowaka), and even Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo). A special tracks featuring "tomodachi" (friends) has 67 people contributing to the...
Posted on February 22, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on February 29, 2012
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
