Sally Kubota Group feat. Miki Hirayama "I'm Waiting For The Man / Zozoi" (7")
A 7" edition of the latest EP from Sally Kubota Group's "Girls At Our Best" series has just been released. Featuring singer Miki Hirayama, it contains covers of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Waiting For The Man" and France Gall's...
Posted on January 30, 2024 at 23:29. | Released on January 29, 2024
Sally Kubota Group feat. Miki Hirayama "I'm Waiting For The Man"
A 4th CD EP from the "Girls At Our Best" series by Sally Kubota Group has just been released. This time it features singer Miki Hirayama, who sings covers of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Waiting For The Man" and France...
Posted on December 23, 2023 at 12:18. | Released on December 22, 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
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
The Scooters "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (7" / 8cm CD)
This 7" by The Scooters is a brand new recording of a cover of Pizzicato Five's hit song, "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" ("The night is still young"). It was decided to record the song after Yasuharu Konishi asked...
Posted on July 7, 2023 at 00:30. | Released on July 7, 2023
Sally Kubota Group feat. Chiyono Ide from 3776 "Hong Kong Garden"
This is the 3rd release from the "Girls At Our Best" series of cover EPs by Sally Kubota Group. This time the featured girl singer is Chiyono Ide, also known as Mount Fuji local idol 3776. The songs covered are...
Posted on May 24, 2023 at 21:42. | Released on May 26, 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
Various Artists "A Girl's Favourite Oldies Vol.3: SOLEIL Juke Box"
This is the 3rd of a trilogy of compilations of music from which the band SOLEIL (active from 2017 to 2019) took some of its inspiration. This compilation contains 30 songs from the 60s selected by the band's bassist and...
Posted on January 31, 2023 at 22:15. | Released on January 27, 2023
Moe Hiiro & The Phantom Gift "Heart ni Rock!" (7")
Here's a brand new collaboration of "pub rock idol" Moe Hiiro (Instagram, Twitter) (member of progressive rock idol group XOXO Extreme) and The Phantom Gift. The original song "Heart ni Rock!" was written by Emiri Kanou, and the music...
Posted on December 27, 2022 at 23:09. | Released on December 21, 2022
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
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
Machi Akari "Colorful! Exciting! Pop Music!"
Singer-songwriter Machi Akari has just released a brand new album of all original songs. Of the great line-up of songs, all written by herself, four were arranged by Sally Kubota & Yumi Okada ("A Wonderful Time", "Making Up for Eye...
Posted on July 6, 2022 at 21:27. | Released on June 29, 2022
Various Artists "A Girl's Favourite Oldies Vol.2: SOLEIL Anthems"
Here's a 2nd compilation of songs that inspired band SOLEIL, which was active from 2017 to 2019. The compilation contains 28 entertaining pop songs from the 60s, selected by bassist and producer Sally Kubota. Also check out the previous: "A...
Posted on June 30, 2022 at 23:38. | Released on June 24, 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 February 19, 2022 at 22:30. | Event held on Saturday April 23, 2022 at 18:00 (JST)
Machida Girls' Choir "Orion-za ryuseigun"
Girl chorus group Machida Girls' Choir, formed in 2015, has just released a brand new album! Aside from the many songs by their main producer Ishida Shōkichi (ex-Scudelia Electro, Spiral Life), there are also songs written by Sally Kubota ("yūsei...
Posted on January 26, 2022 at 23:35. | Released on January 26, 2022
Sally Kubota Group "Romantic ga tomaranai / JOY" (7"+Download code)
Sally Kubota Group, the trio of bassist Sally Kubota with Nakayama Tsutomu (on organ, of The Scooters) and Hara "Gen" Hideki (on drums), has a new single about to be released! This time is a tribute to songwriter Tsutsumi...
Posted on April 18, 2021 at 21:23. | Released on April 21, 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
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
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
SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO"
SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright") are being reissued as a two-in-one album, and that remixed in stereo for the first time! SOLEIL having always recorded and released in mono only, this time they...
Posted on December 15, 2019 at 12:06. | Released on December 18, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "Moonlight Confessions (tsuki ga kirei desune)"
Hoshino Michiru, who this year started her own label and released 4-song EP "gyakkō", is now back with a new full-length album! It's also her first album in her singer-songwriter style, which puts the focus on gentle and beautiful melodies....
Posted on October 13, 2019 at 13:16. | Released on October 23, 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
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
Ultra-Vybe Japanese hit release re-issues
Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities. Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues....
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 23:18. | Released on July 10, 2019
The Highmarts "I Want You Bad" (7")
Neo-GS trio girl band The Highmarts (Facebook, Twitter) have a first 7" single out now! Produced by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL, ex-The Phantom Gift), it includes original song "I Want You Bad", and on the B-side are covers of The Phantom...
Posted on June 6, 2019 at 23:51. | Released on May 29, 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
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY" (12")
Wakita Monari's excellent 1st album "I am ONLY" (2017) is finally being released on vinyl! Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), ikkubaru (from...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 21:28. | Released on April 24, 2019
Gallantique Kazue "Original Collection", "Cover Collection"
Singer Gallantique Kazue has two new albums being released at the same time! One is an album of her original songs, while the other is a collection of covers. "Original Collection" is actually her 2nd original album, the previous dating...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 20:58. | Released on March 27, 2019
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright" (12")
SOLEIL's 2nd album "SOLEIL is Alright" is being released on vinyl! As it has been with all their recordings and releases so far, this vinyl edition will also be in mono. All of the 12 songs from the album are...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on March 20, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "gyakkou"
Hoshino Michiru, who just started her very own label "yoi Record gaisha" (translates to "Good Record Company") at the end of last year, has a brand new EP being released! Included are three songs of which she wrote the music...
Posted on February 20, 2019 at 22:38. | Released on March 6, 2019
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
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara"
Chikada Haruo, a singer-songwriter famous for his "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu" album (1980) which was turned into a cult rock opera movie in the mid-80's, but also for many hits he wrote for other artists, has a brand new solo...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 00:10. | Released on October 31, 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
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
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
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
Gallantique Kazue "Chigasaki Memory" (7")
Singer Gallantique Kazue has a new 7" out now! The two songs were selected from her ongoing cover EP series "Anthology" that began last year (a 5th one is coming on May 31), consisting of covers of kayō̄kyoku from the...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 20:56. | Released on May 3, 2017
The Scooters "Kaiso-Rasputin" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this month! The title track is a cover of German disco band Boney-M's "Rasputin" (Japanese title "kaisō Rasputin") completely rearranged into a "strange polka rock" in The Scooters' manner. B-side "Hang On...
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 23:27. | Released on January 25, 2017
The Scooters "Make You Mine" (CD+7")
The Scooters have a new 7" single out this week! Included are covers of Honey & The Bees' "Make You Mine" (Japanese title "nakitai kimochi") and Martha & The Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street", both with lyrics newly translated in...
Posted on April 6, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on April 6, 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
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
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 Sally KUBOTA
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.45
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 19, 2024 at 22:29.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.40
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 June 16, 2023 at 22:23.
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.
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.
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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.29
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 15, 2022 at 13:15.
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.
keme "hitorigoto"
Singer-songwriter keme, known for her bands Tokyo Killer and Piggy Banks as well as being the guitarist of Kinoco Hotel, has just released a 3rd solo album! "hitorigoto" is the follow-up to her previous solo album "shiranai sekai" (2013). Included...
Posted on January 30, 2021 at 22:33. | Released on January 27, 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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.12
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 24, 2020 at 00:34.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.11
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 25, 2020 at 23:58.
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
MANON "18" (Download)
MANON (Instagram) has just suddenly released a brand new song titled "18". Produced by KM, with who she previously collaborated on the song "Air Kissing" (, Spotify), this time MANON writes the lyrics about being an 18-year-old. The music...
Posted on November 21, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on November 20, 2020
Posted on October 22, 2020 at 21:28. | Event held on Saturday October 31, 2020 at 16:00 (JST)
Nickey "Le Soleil est Solitaire", "Love x Hurts"
Nickey, the singer of punk band Nickey & The Warriors formed in 1984, has just released a new EP. Included are two duets with Morishige Jūichi: title song "Le Soleil est Solitaire" and "All Kids Love Rock and Roll". This...
Posted on September 6, 2020 at 11:50. | Released on September 4, 2020
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.7
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 22, 2020 at 23:35.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.6
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 June 25, 2020 at 01:32.
Nakano Aya "10th Anniversary Black Box" (5x7")
Singer Nakano Aya has a boxed set of five 7"'s being released on June 10, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her career! Four of the discs were selected different DJs and one by herself. Those selectors are Sunaga...
Posted on May 31, 2020 at 22:33. | Released on June 10, 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.
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
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.
Tokyo Killer "Boom Go!!"
Tokyo Killer, the instrumental rock band led by guitarist Keme (also of Kinoco Hotel), has a 2nd album being released! Included are covers of The Ventures' "Fuzzy and Wild" and Hot Butter's synth-pop classic "Popcorn", as well as many originals....
Posted on September 4, 2019 at 22:51. | Released on September 11, 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
SOLEIL "Baby Boo / Gotta Pull Myself Together" (7")
Band SOLEIL's 15-year-old singer Soleil is currently taking a break to study hard until March, but meanwhile here comes a new 7" of "Baby Boo" from latest album "SOLEIL is Alright". The B-side is a new cover of The...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 2018
Scooters "The Scooters Comes Alive! (The Basement Tape)" (Cassette+CD+T-shirt)
The Scooters are releasing a first live album, recorded at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar on November 1st, 2017. The show also featured guest vocalist (and labelmate) Nakano Aya. This limited release comes as a cassette tape with a CD of the...
Posted on February 15, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on March 7, 2018
STE "koyoi mo, sakaba ni te." (7"+CD)
This is a single produced by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), commissioned by Tochigi Doughnuts, an association that promotes restaurants, bars and shops of Utsunomiya city in Tochigi prefecture, and also 7" records. The song is a kayō-ska hymn...
Posted on June 30, 2017 at 23:33. | Released on July 5, 2017
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer Street"
Tokyo Killer is a girl-fronted surf rock instrumental band formed of guitarist Keme (Kinoco Hotel), bassist Akko (ex-GO!GO!7188), keyboardist Kei (Urbangarde) and drummer Kyōichi (ex-Urbangarde). This first album, released at the end of April, features some famous covers as well...
Posted on May 24, 2015 at 22:53. | Released on April 22, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 22:43. | Released on February 25, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "E-I-E-N Voyage"
After 7" singles being released every month, here finally comes a full-length album from Hoshino Michiru. The whole is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar), which promises a groovy pop journey with touches of spacey synths. Four...
Posted on July 10, 2014 at 21:29. | Released on July 16, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "Back To The Earth ~Live On A Starry Night~" (DVD)
This is a first live DVD by Hoshino Michiru, presenting parts of the release live for album "hoshi ga Michiru" (July 17, 2013) and her birthday show (November 25, 2013, with VJ Sally Kubota), both held at Aoyama Cay in...
Posted on May 31, 2014 at 01:05. | Released on June 4, 2014
Gig report: The Scooters, Juicy Fruits, Kotaro & The Bizarremen at Shibuya WWW
Text and photos Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 5 was a show featuring The Scooters, and it was held at my favorite venue, WWW in Shibuya. Since their official come-back last year, after some 30 years, The...
Posted on December 14, 2013 at 23:51.
Hoshino Michiru "hoshi ga Michiru"
Idol Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48) has a first full-length solo album out now, and it's produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar)! The album Includes a remix by Dub Master X, and the art direction and design was done by...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 21:03. | Released on July 17, 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
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.
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
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.
Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
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
Scooters "Une Manche et La Belle"
It's a dream come true: Tokyo's Motown sound girls' group the Scooters are back! The band directed by Shindō Mitsuo have a new album coming, 30 years since their previous only original album "musumegokoro wa Scooters" (1982). The first cut...
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 00:04. | Released on July 11, 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.
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.
Nakano Aya "zurui hito"
Trying to move on to 2011 but here's something I had failed noticing from last year. 25-year-old hostess Nakano Aya has a debut album released at the end of November that was produced by Hase Hajimu, consisting of various covers...
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 21:30. | Released on November 24, 2010
les 5-4-3-2-1's Three Star Show!!
After 15 years, les 5-4-3-2-1 will be back this year for the time of one special show! The show will feature first vocalist Hitomi, bassist and leader Sally Kubota, and long-time collaborator Nakayama Tsutomu. In case you missed it, a...
Posted on January 7, 2009 at 23:05. | Released on March 20, 2009
kayōkyoku bangaichi ~ Live & DJ event: arcorhyme live
arcorhyme, the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and singer Nishimura Ikuyo, will take the lead at this kayōkyoku live event organized by Hotwax, celebrating the release of a related book sub-titled "Queen of Japanese Pops" . Also featured will...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 14:43. | Released on July 25, 2008
arcorhyme afternoon live at Grand Cru (vol.5)
This month will be held the 5th edition of arcorhyme's early afternoon monthly show at Après-midi Grand Cru, the pasta and wine restaurant located below Café Après-midi. There will be two free sets with different songs. Charge is free, so...
Posted on July 3, 2008 at 15:04. | Released on July 20, 2008
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Strange Song Book - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono 2" (2 CDs+DVD)
Following the "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album" out last year, comes a second one! This one is a 2-CD set featuring Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Sakamoto Miu, Ōnuki Taeko, Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Sheena & The Rokkets, Kicell, and overseas artists such...
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 10:40. | Released on January 23, 2008
arcorhyme "amai hibi ~la douce vie~" & "Soundmatic Brain"
arcorhyme, the new unit of Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) featuring Nishimura Ikuyo (ex-devbacc), finally has some CD releases coming up! In January we will be treated to not one but two albums! The first, "amai hibi ~la douce vie~", is...
Posted on November 15, 2007 at 10:51. | Released on January 23, 2008
Sally Soul Stew live
Sally Kubota (ex. Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift) came back this year with his solo unit Sally Soul Stew. There will be a special show featuring himself and a bunch of the female vocalists which appeared on the recently released...
Posted on March 9, 2007 at 10:34. | Released on May 5, 2007
Sally Soul Stew reko-hatsu DJ
Sally Kubota and friends will DJ for free at Ebisu's cozy Kissa Ginza, celebrating the release of album Sally Soul Stew "uchū de Rendez-vous ~Rendez-vous à l'univers~"! Cafe kakarichō ~ Sally Soul Stew reko-hatsu DJ カフェ係長〜サリー・ソウル・シチューレコ発DJ on 2/22 at Ebisu...
Posted on February 13, 2007 at 10:44. | Released on February 22, 2007
Sally Soul Stew "uchū de Rendez-vous ~Rendez-vous à l'univers~"
This is probably as close as we will get to a full return of legendary Shibuya-kei unit Les 5-4-3-2-1. The Sally Kubota-led new pop project, Sally Soul Stew, features not one but both original vocalists, Hitomi and Arimi, and also...
Posted on December 11, 2006 at 16:48. | Released on January 24, 2007
