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
The Beauty "Love In The Heart of The World Shout"
Out now from Crue-L Records is a first album by The Beauty (MySpace, Bandcamp), solo project of Yuji Oda. While described as contemporary electro-pop, the official blurb also mentions a hallucinating list of influential genres: gothic, shoe gaze, balearic, dark...
Posted on May 26, 2012 at 15:12. | Released on May 25, 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
Hajime Tachibana "Beauty 2022" (Download)
Hajime Tachibana (Plastics, Low Powers) has released today a new track titled "Beauty 2022", coinciding with his 71st birthday (October 28, 2022)! The song is a new take on "Beauty" which originally appeared on one-sider 12" "Beauty & Modern...
Posted on October 28, 2022 at 23:21. | Released on October 28, 2022
City Pop on Vinyl 2022
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei. It takes place again in 2022, for the 3rd tme. Below is a selection of some titles not to be missed by readers of this...
Posted on August 6, 2022 at 00:55. | Released on August 6, 2022
Yusuke Shima "Silent Jazz Case 4"
Yūsuke Shima is a trumpet and flute player and composer/arranger, active professionally since 2002. He has just released a new solo album, the 4th of his "Silent Jazz Case" project which is focused on original compositions. With all brass and...
Posted on July 7, 2021 at 19:28. | Released on July 7, 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
NUBACK "When The Party Is Over" (7")
NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back), the solo unit of Dai Nakamura (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released a 7" single on German label Growing Bin Records! The two songs were previously included on digital EP "Good bye Summer, Again" (2013)...
Posted on January 14, 2021 at 12:23. | Released in January 2021
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
Asa-Chang Emerson Kitamura "Debut"
Reggae meets tabla, with tabla-bongo musician Asa-chang and keyboardist Emerson Kitamura who have just released a first album together, appropriately titled "Debut". Included are several covers (see tracklist) plus an original that features singer Chieko Beauty. Tabla-bongo is an original...
Posted on July 28, 2018 at 16:36. | Released on July 27, 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
Hideki Kaji et Maki Nomiya "Rainy City / Summer Beauty 1990" (7")
This 7" is of two live recordings from Nomiya Maki's "Shibuya-kei Standards" show series. In the one held in November 7, 2014 she was joined on stage by Kaji Hideki, and they sang "amefuri toshi" (a duet with Maki from...
Posted on June 4, 2017 at 12:03. | Released on May 31, 2017
DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"
DJ Hasebe (official Facebook page) has a new mix album out now of 90's songs revolving around Shibuya-kei. This includes a brand new original song that features Nomiya Maki! DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"...
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 00:10. | Released on February 22, 2017
Nomiya Maki "What The World Needs Now Is Love"
Nomiya Maki has a new album coming! Following her live album from last year, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", this time she takes some of those standards (and then some) to the studio! Included are songs by Pizzicato Five,...
Posted on November 8, 2015 at 11:05. | Released on November 11, 2015
Various Artists "Piano Man Plays Disney" (2x12")
The latest Disney cover compilation is one full of pianists. Featured are artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, fox capture plan, Schroeder-Headz, →Pia-no-jaC← and more, playing various Disney hit tunes old and new. This was actually released on CD earlier this...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on March 27, 2015
(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering. A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:00. | Released on March 18, 2015
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Disney piano jazz 'Happiness' Deluxe Edition"
Nakatsuka Takeshi produces and performs Disney favorites on this piano-centered jazz album. Some tracks also feature a big band! This contains what's said to be the world's first jazz cover of "Let It Go" (Frozen). Hear samples in the clip...
Posted on November 11, 2014 at 22:11. | Released on November 12, 2014
Ryoma Maeda "Rhapsody In My Life" (Download)
Following album "Fantastic Suicide", Ryoma Maeda (aka milch of source, producer for EeL) is back with a new album in a completely different direction. Consisting mainly of solo piano with lots of editing, the result is beautiful and refreshing. The...
Posted on November 2, 2014 at 21:25. | Released on October 25, 2014
Various Artists "Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power!"
This new Disney cover compilation features girls only, from idol groups (such as Dempagumi.inc, BiS, Tokyo Girls' Style, hy4_4yh) to bands (akai kōen) and solo artists (Ōta Emiri, Maika Leboutet), and even Minnie Mouse. In terms of producers, Dempagumi.inc's track...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 00:45. | Released on January 22, 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.
Hair Stylistics "Music For The Murder Festa"
Hair Stylistics (SoundCloud), aka Nakahara Masaya, has a new album out now! This is a beat-oriented album said to remind of the sound of his 90's works as Violent Onsen Geisha. The album was created without any computer involved, originally...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on September 11, 2013
Perfume "LEVEL3"
Perfume have a brand new album to be released this October! "LEVEL3" comes about 2 years after the previous, "JPN", and will include lead tracks from singles "Spring of Life", "Spending all my time", "mirai no Museum" and "Magic of...
Posted on August 9, 2013 at 00:25. | Released on October 2, 2013
Idiot Pop "Toy Pop."
Idiot Pop is a mysterious techno-pop artist who debuted in 2009 with a self-titled album. After the release of two mini-albums ("Idiography E.P" and "Idiography, Vol.2") came 2nd album "EXWORLD" in 2012. Now here's a first remix album "TOY POP"...
Posted on June 15, 2013 at 13:33. | Released on May 16, 2013
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.
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
Idiot Pop "EXWORLD"
Described as "dreamy colorful super pop sound", here's a 2nd full album of Idiot Pop's fun and danceable tracks. Featured are several guest appearances including Frenesi and PandaBoY. Check out the video and sampler clip below! Idiot Pop "EXWORLD" 1....
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on September 5, 2012
Recoride "MP3 no danmatsuma"
Formed 3 years ago, here's a first full-length album by Recoride, a synth-punk band led by Sasaki Kissa (ex-Gekkan Pro-Bowler) and fronted by a female singer. Check out the new-wave-y video clip below! Includes a PandaBoY remix. More audio samples...
Posted on April 13, 2012 at 22:16. | Released on April 4, 2012
JiLL-Decoy association "JiLL-Deco 4 ~ugly beauty~"
"Shibuya-kei funk pop" unit (as I saw them described somewhere) JiLL-Decoy association is a trio of guitar, drums and female vocals. Having debuted in 2007 they're already at their 4th album. While mostly original tunes, this one contains two Sunaga...
Posted on October 17, 2010 at 22:01. | Released on October 20, 2010
Perfume "nee"
Perfume has a new single coming this November, titled "nee". It can already be heard in a TV commercial for Natural Beauty Basic (the same brand for which they sang "Natural ni koi shite" earlier this year). The commercial, seen...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 21:13. | Released on November 10, 2010
Gig report: Club Aloe
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two weeks ago, on August 10, I had the chance to see what I believe was the first show by Club Aloe, a new band by 5 ex-members of Modern...
Posted on August 28, 2010 at 02:00.
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.4 Gemini IV Space Nova! - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
This classic live mix tape by Sunaga Tatsuo has been remastered to be released for the first time on CD later this month. This will be available at specialized record shops such as Jet Set, DMR and Disk Union. Pre-order...
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 13:30. | Released in June 2010
Perfume "fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite"
Here's a long-awaited new single from Perfume, their first since 3rd album "⊿" out last summer. The title song "Natural ni koi shite" is a tie-up with fashion brand Natural Beauty Basic, and can be heard in the brand's new...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:45. | Released on April 14, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Kiss & Ride Extended" (12")
A 12" EP containing extended versions of 6 tracks from Nakatsuka Takeshi's latest album "Kiss & Ride" has been released. This of course includes the great "Beautiful" song featuring Nomiya Maki! Audio samples at Jet Set Nakatsuka Takeshi "Kiss &...
Posted on February 15, 2009 at 23:51. | Released on February 13, 2009
Various Artists "House Disney"
Fantastic Plastic Machine has contributed a track to this house cover compilation of Disney tunes! Also featured are Meg, Q;indivi, Ayuse Kozue, Osawa Shinichi and more. The FPM track only has been specially released in advance on iTunes Japan. That's...
Posted on January 22, 2009 at 21:58. | Released on January 28, 2009
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Kiss & Ride"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone, Happiness Records) has a new solo album on the way. The album is said to be part mellow house, part electro-pop, and will feature guests Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Utamaru (Rhymester), and more. Nakatsuka...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 16:04. | Released on September 17, 2008
Various Artists "1 ~Every Conversation Records Compilation~"
Escalator Records' sub-label Every Conversation, which aims to release 7"'s of foreign artists that they judge would appeal to the Japan indies scene, is releasing a first CD compilation. The perfect way to catch up with what's been up! Various...
Posted on June 30, 2008 at 21:19. | Released on July 30, 2008
Eco-Beauty Style: Nomiya Maki special talk
Part of an Eco-Beauty Style exhibition, Nomiya Maki will give a talk about her ways to be "eco" all while wearing high-heels. It's a good opportunity to get a close look and learn a few eco-friendly tips. Entrance is free,...
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 17:04. | Released on May 21, 2008
Hosono Haruomi "Archives Vol.1", Various Artists "Daisy Holiday"
Hosono "Harry" Hauromi (YMO, Sketch Show) brings his label daisyworld back from the dead. The first releases will coincide with his 61st birthday on July 9. These are a collection of rare musical works of his, ranging from TV shows...
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 15:51. | Released on July 9, 2008
Various Artists "Modal Jazz loves Disney E.P." (7")
Two tracks from the recent "Modal Jazz loves Disney" compilation produced by Sunaga Tatsuo will be released as a 7" Mickey picture disc! This will vanish off the shelves. Various Artists "Modal Jazz loves Disney E.P." (7") A. The Five...
Posted on January 30, 2008 at 11:25. | Released on February 14, 2008
Various Artists "Modal Jazz loves Disney"
After Konishi Yasuharu a few years ago, it's Sunaga Tatsuo's turn to cover famous songs from Disney's collection! He's even called up his international friends such as Nicola Conte and The Five Corners Quintet, and also Readymade's Iwamura Manabu, to...
Posted on November 20, 2007 at 17:18. | Released on January 23, 2008
eli "rita"
eli (aka Ellie, of Love Tambourines and girl it's U) has a solo album coming soon! Despite her 1996 solo album under the name Ellie ("Bitch In Zion"), this is her first as "eli" and she considers it a debut...
Posted on October 31, 2007 at 16:53. | Released on November 17, 2007
Various Artists "Lovebeat Disney"
Out soon is a new Disney compilation, this time all newly recorded club-oriented covers. Cubismo Grafico, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Sindbad, Fredo and Rufus are in! There will be vinyl cuts of Cubismo Grafico c/w Q.,Indivi (Rhythm Republic RR12-88489 out 4/1), and...
Posted on March 28, 2007 at 14:23. | Released on April 18, 2007
Cubismo Grafico "Nuit"
Despite his numerous works on other projects (especially Cubismo Grafico Five), it's almost three years after previous album "Foga" that Cubismo Grafico is finally back with a new solo album! This one is set to contain 10 songs under the...
Posted on March 28, 2007 at 13:49. | Released on May 30, 2007
Agawa Yasuko "Re-Mode: Club Jazz digs Yasuko Agawa"
Jazz singer Agawa Yasuko who debuted in 1975 and is still active to this day, has a remix album coming up. The whole is produced/supervised by Sunaga Tatsuo, who is a big fan of hers, and features international artists. This...
Posted on March 27, 2007 at 16:44. | Released on May 23, 2007
Various Artists "Tribute to David Bowie"
Japanese artists pay tribute to David Bowie in this compilation featuring Nomiya Maki, Fukutomi Yukihiro feat. Arichika Masumi (T.V. Jesus), Sakamoto Miu, Coldfeet, Nona Reeves, and more. Various Artists "Tribute to David Bowie" 1. Nomiya Maki / Fame 2. The...
Posted on February 8, 2007 at 16:25. | Released on March 21, 2007
Q.,indivi "ComeBAby"
This one almost slipped through... Producer Tanaka Yusuke's new project Q.,indivi has a first release out now on Felicity's citys label. The producer is best known for Yuki's "Joy" and Halcali's "Tips Taps Tip". Included is a bonus remix CD...
Posted on July 28, 2006 at 14:11. | Released on July 26, 2006
Flipper's Guitar "Three Cheers For Our Side", "Camera Talk"
Two days after Cornelius' new single "Music" will be re-released the two Flipper's Guitar albums "Three Cheers For Our Side" and "Camera Talk". What distincts these from previous re-releases are that these are remastered, include bonus tracks, and the jackets...
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 18:08. | Released on August 25, 2006
p&art sasanoooha "p&art Music"
Osaka's fun club breakbeat unit p&art sasanoooha (read "Panda to Sasanoha"), who appeared on the recent Nomiya Maki album and maxi single, are back in surprise wih a brand new album, "p&art Music" ("Panda to Music"). All songs and a...
Posted on October 24, 2005 at 12:40. | Released on December 7, 2005
Various Artists "Bossa Disney Nova" (CCCD)
There will be a new Disney bossa nova compilation featuring Ivan Lins, Joyce, Wanda De Sah, Edu Lobo, Marcos Valle, Joan Donato, Carlos Lyra, Claudete Soares, and more. Plus, according to Konishi Yasuharu, there will also be remixes by himself...
Posted on July 29, 2004 at 17:20. | Released on August 25, 2004
