Posted on November 1, 2020 at 12:55. | Event held on Tuesday November 3, 2020 at 12:00 (JST)
International Playboys "Twenty Twenty / Dry Run" (7")
Members of Inokashira Rangers (on drums, bass, guitar, organ and piano), Wack Wack Rhythm Band (on trumpet and tenor sax), Your Song Is Good (on trombone) and Omoide yarō A team (OYAT) (on trumpet and tenor sax) join forces...
Posted on February 11, 2019 at 15:39. | Released on February 22, 2019
Negicco "Calypso musume ni hanataba o"
Here's a new single by Negicco! Both songs were written by Negicco's producer connie, although the title song was arranged and performed by Your Song Is Good. This is the first time Negicco collaborates with YSIG. The limited edition...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 23:19. | Released on February 6, 2018
Logic System "RMXLOGIX (with Special Tracks)"
This remix EP of Logic System's track "Clash" (1980) features remixes by 80kidz, JxJx (Your Song Is Good), Dub Master X and DJ Harvey. Also included are two previously unreleased tracks! Logic System is the project of Matsutake Hideki, often...
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 00:36. | Released on May 18, 2011
Halcali "Tokyo Connection"
Here's a new mini-album from Halcali! Included are several new songs, a remix by 80KIDZ and a self-cover of early song "Strawberry Chips". Shibuya-kei fans will rejoice that new song "Girl!Girl!Girl!" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi with lyrics written by...
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 22:37. | Released on February 9, 2011
Halcali "Roman hikō"
Halcali's next single is a cover of Kome Kome Club's "Roman hikō" (1987), featuring Your Song Is Good. I love Halcali, but where did the rap go this time...? The song can be heard in a TV commercial for Sony's...
Posted on September 4, 2010 at 01:02. | Released on September 15, 2010
Full-text search results for Your Song Is Good
RYUSENKEI "Super Generation" (Download)
RYUSENKEI, the city pop group led by Cunimondo Takiguchi, is back with a new song and also some big news. The group was joined by singer Sincere (Instagram, 𝕏) as an official member. Their first song "Super Generation" is...
Posted on April 1, 2024 at 23:58. | Released on March 29, 2024
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.46
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on February 16, 2024 at 13:05.
Hideki Kaji "We Are The Borders E.P.", "Winter Songs For You" (Download)
Hideki Kaji has released today a new EP titled "We Are The Borders E.P.". Its title song is a brand new one that features guest singers Miram and kiss the gambler a.k.a. Kanafun. The CD EP is sold at Tower...
Posted on December 6, 2023 at 23:33. | Released on December 6, 2023
Dai Nakamura "Goodbye c/w for Alison" (Download)
Dai Nakamura (aka NUBACK, Blank Music, also of bands BANK and Vacation Three) has just released a new single of two new songs under his own name. "Good Bye" is a city folk track, and "for Alison" is a...
Posted on December 3, 2023 at 12:51. | Released on November 30, 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.42
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 18, 2023 at 13:44.
°C-want you! "Peppermint Patty Telephone / Tokimeki" (7")
℃-want you! (also a member of Magic, Drums & Love) is releasing a new 7" single. The A-side is a cover of The Good-Bye's "Peppermint Patty Telephone" (a song released in 1986 as B-side of single "Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!"),...
Posted on August 11, 2023 at 01:20. | Released on August 16, 2023
City Pop on Vinyl 2023
City Pop on Vinyl is being held for the 4th time, on August 5, 2023. There are many exciting releases this time again, and below are some recommendations to Tokyo's Coolest Sound's readers. There's also a lot more to find...
Posted on August 5, 2023 at 23:05. | Released on August 5, 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
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.
CHiLi GiRL "One Q feat. Sho Kurashina" (Download)
CHiLi GiRL, the project of singer-songwriter and shamisen player Shinobu Kawashima, has just released a new song titled "One Q", a collaboration with Shō Kurashina (singer and composer of the band Good Bye April). The music blends sounds of...
Posted on June 6, 2023 at 20:55. | Released on May 31, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.38
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on April 21, 2023 at 12:33.
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
Interview: The Courettes in Japan
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Just one year after "Back in Mono", The Courettes made it to Japan to entertain, meet and greet their fans in Japan who seem to have been increasing very quickly. In...
Posted on March 28, 2023 at 12:32.
xiangyu "katappo shoes" (Download)
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has released a new song titled "katappo shoes", taking inspiration from abandoned single shoes strangely found on a highway. The track is again by Gimgigam, like the previous "tofu so good / Zarigani". Check out the...
Posted on March 13, 2023 at 23:57. | Released on March 8, 2023
Shonen Knife "Our Best Place"
Shonen Knife has just released a brand new album titled "Our Best Place"! Included are many brand new songs, plus a re-recorded version of the song "Girl's Rock" (first featured on compilation "Girls L.T.D - Girls Like To Dance"), and...
Posted on February 18, 2023 at 00:16. | Released on February 15, 2023
kiss the gambler "Kuzumochi" (7")
Happy New Year 2023! The first release of 2023 is a new 7" single by singer-songwriter kiss the gambler. New song "Kuzumochi" and the B-side's band version of "Sayonara Seishun" (a song that was also named "Good Bye, Youth"...
Posted on January 3, 2023 at 23:02. | Released on January 2, 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
Cassette Store Day 2022
Cassette Store Day is happening this year again, on Saturday October 15, and many albums are being released in the nostalgic format. Below are a few picks, a bit coincidentally all from the KiliKiliVilla label (which puts a lot of...
Posted on October 14, 2022 at 22:38. | Released on October 15, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.31
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on September 9, 2022 at 13:25.
xiangyu & Gimgigam "tofu so good / Zarigani" (Download)
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) released just recently two new songs in collaboration with trackmaker Gimgigam, who had also produced "Manhole" last year. Find "tofu so good" and "ZARIGANI" on your favorite download/streaming platform. This follows xiangyu's song "LIFE!", which is...
Posted on August 6, 2022 at 23:44. | Released on July 20, 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
Megu (Negicco) "The Cat's Dream" (CD+Book)
Negicco's Megu (Twitter, Instagram) has released recently a new single titled "The Cat's Dream" (or in Japanese "neko no yume"). The song was produced by singer-songwriter Satō Moka. The physical release comes with a photo book shot by photographer...
Posted on July 24, 2022 at 23:57. | Released on June 28, 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
Record Store Day 2022
It's time for Record Store Day! This weekend on Saturday April 23 is the worldwide Record Store Day, and like always there are many releases happening in Japan too! Below is a list of recommended picks. Many releases in Japan...
Posted on April 23, 2022 at 01:33. | Released on April 23, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.25
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 11, 2022 at 01:26.
Shuta Hasunuma & U-zhaan "Good News"
Shūta Hasunuma and tabla musician U-zhaan are releasing a 3rd collaboration album, titled "Good News", the follow-up to "2 Tone" (2017) (, Spotify). This new album is entirely instrumental, and is a mixture of genres such as Indian music, ambient,...
Posted on February 16, 2022 at 20:54. | Released on February 16, 2022
Mondo Grosso "Big World"
Mondo Grosso, the solo project of Shinichi Ōsawa (lately also active with RHYME SO), is back with a brand new album! Each song is a collaboration with different singers, Takao Tajima (Original Love), Yoshie Nakano (Ego-Wrappin')), CHAI, RHYME, DONGURIZU, and...
Posted on February 9, 2022 at 23:26. | Released on February 9, 2022
Boris "W"
Rock band Boris, celebrating its 30th anniversary(!), has just released a brand new album titled "W". The whole is sound produced by suGar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter), and also features guest bassist Tokie. The jacket artwork is by painter Kotao Tomozawa....
Posted on January 23, 2022 at 13:34. | Released on January 21, 2022
Good Bye April "swing in the dark"
Good Bye April is a band that takes inspiration from 70s new music, city pop and 80s sound, with their added touch of fresh air. "swing in the dark" is their 4th full-length album, follow-up to "Xanadu" that was released...
Posted on January 19, 2022 at 23:54. | Released on January 19, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.22
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 9, 2021 at 23:13.
Megu (Negicco) "So good" (CD+Book)
Negicco's Megu (Twitter, Instagram) has a new single out now! "So good" is her first rap song! It was produced by Kim Yasuhiro (producer of lyrical school), and has music written and arranged by Ueda Shūhei and lyrics by...
Posted on November 13, 2021 at 23:57. | Released on November 9, 2021
Interview: The Courettes × Seiki Sato
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Rock band The Courettes is releasing its 3rd album "Back in Mono" on October 15th, 2021 from Damaged Goods Records (UK), and the album has the particularity of having been mixed...
Posted on October 14, 2021 at 20:00.
Halfby "Loco"
Three years since "Last Aloha" (2018), Halfby is back with a brand new album! "Loco" is the last installment of the Hawaii-themed trilogy that started with "Innn Hawaii" (2015). Featured vocalists are Jun "JxJx" Saitō (Your Song Is Good), mei...
Posted on October 3, 2021 at 10:09. | Released on October 6, 2021
Masatomo Yoshizawa meets XTAL "Guitar Esquisse Volume One" (CD/Cassette/Download)
Your Song Is Good's guitarist "Maurice" Masatomo Yoshizawa (Instagram) has just released a first solo album, teaming up with XTAL ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds). A soundtrack of instrumental guitar, the "Guitar Esquisse" title comes from a series of Instagram posts...
Posted on September 9, 2021 at 00:32. | Released on September 8, 2021
City Pop on Vinyl 2021
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and this is the 2nd year it takes place (see City Pop on Vinyl 2020). Below is a selection of some titles not to be...
Posted on August 28, 2021 at 00:58. | Released on August 28, 2021
Magic, Drums & Love "Dancehall! Supreme! Shooting!" (7")
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love is releasing a brand new 7" single of two songs! Like the other recent releases, it's produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (of Learners, Neil and Iraiza, Cubismo Grafico). The A-side is a...
Posted on August 24, 2021 at 19:03. | Released on August 25, 2021
suzuki mamiko (chelmico) "ms", chelmico "POWER" (12"), "Fishing" (12"), "maze" (12"), "COZY" (12")
This week came a massive drop of chelmico! First is a solo album by member Suzuki Mamiko, her first full-length, titled "ms". The song "jam" features singer-songwriter iri. The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of a band-backed live...
Posted on August 19, 2021 at 21:35. | Released on August 18, 2021
ikkubaru "Amusement Park Expanded Edition"
An "expanded edition" of Indonesian city pop band ikkubaru's first album "Amusement Park" is being released today in Japan! The 2-CD package includes both 1st album "Amusement Park" (2015) plus mini-album "Brighter" (2016), plus a full CD worth of rare...
Posted on June 30, 2021 at 13:11. | Released on June 30, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.17
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 24, 2021 at 00:26.
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.16
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 26, 2021 at 21:01.
Ino hidefumi "In Dreams"
Singer-songwriter Ino Hidefumi has a brand new album being released! "In Dreams" is the follow-up to "Song Album" (2018). Along with the 8 original songs, one of which has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu ("My Definition Of Blues"), covers of...
Posted on May 15, 2021 at 13:06. | Released on May 16, 2021
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Once a Robot Sings (Piano Solos of Robo*Brazileira)" (Download)
For the 20th anniversary of the release of Toshiyuki Yasuda's album "Robo*Brazileira" (released in 2000) (, Spotify, YouTube Music) — a concept album on which a robot sang human feelings over Brazilian music — the artist did self-covers of all...
Posted on May 1, 2021 at 20:48. | Released on April 30, 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.
Sound's Deli "Sound's Deli" (7")
Sound's Deli (Instagram, Twitter) is a 5 MC crew formed of G-YARD, Gypsy Well, Kaleido, Moon Jam and Tim Pepperoni. After the release of two EPs (available digitally) here comes a first vinyl release! The A-side is of their...
Posted on February 26, 2021 at 23:21. | Released on February 26, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.14
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on February 25, 2021 at 01:11.
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
World Standard "Shikisai Ongaku"
World Standard, the solo unit of Suzuki Sōichirō that debuted 35 years ago on Hosono Haruomi's label Non-Standard, is releasing a brand new 12th album! Not only had it been 10 years since his previous full-length — "Silencio" (2010, Amazon,...
Posted on October 26, 2020 at 21:40. | Released on November 28, 2020
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.
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.
Pizzicato Five "The Band of 20th Century: Nippon Columbia Years 1991-2001"
Pizzicatomania all over the world! Check this out! This is a compilation of the best from Pizzicato Five's Nippon Columbia years (Triad/Readymade), which featured vocalist Nomiya Maki. The whole was supervised and selected by Konishi Yasuharu himself, with art direction...
Posted on August 2, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on November 3, 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
Mom "Detox"
21-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a new 2nd album being released this month! Check out his cool tracks & smooth vocals that are quite irresistible. This album follows "Playground" released in November 2018 (CDJapan, Spotify, ). HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on May 22, 2019
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 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
Kanou Emiri "gomenne c/w Been With You" (7")
Even though she has only released a CD-R so far, Kanou Emiri (Twitter) has been gaining a lot of attention lately for her songs that take straight inspiration from 80's new wave (despite her young age) while having a...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:57. | Released on February 13, 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.
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
Negicco "MY COLOR"
Negicco has a brand new 4th album about to be released! The album opens with singles "ai, kamashitai no" and "Calypso musume ni hanataba o", after which follow 11 new songs! Check out the sampler clip below. This album is...
Posted on July 5, 2018 at 00:09. | Released on July 10, 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
The Pen Friend Club "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club has just released a 5th album. Included are covers of Roger Nichols ("Don't Take Your Time"), Burt Bacharach ("My Little Red Book"), Ohtaki Eiichi ("suisaiga no machi"), The Rascals ("Good Lovin'"), Brian Wilson ("Melt Away") as...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on March 21, 2018
Shonen Knife "Alive! in Osaka"
Shonen Knife has just released a new live album, recorded at Fandango in Osaka on December 22, 2017. This show was performed by Naoko, Atsuko and Risa. It seems that an overseas edition is also to be released on May...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:41. | Released on March 14, 2018
Bakubaku Dokin "Good Night Baby" (7")
Bakubaku Dokin have a brand new 7" single out now! Included are two new original rap songs. It had been 2 years since their previous song, "swingin'". Another 7" is expected to be released next month! Both tracks can...
Posted on January 19, 2018 at 22:25. | Released on January 18, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "ACID TEKNO DISKO BEATz"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has released a new solo album for his 50th birthday, December 26, 2017. This comes 1½ year after "LUNATIQUE" (2016). All tracks can be sampled at CDJapan, etc. An anthology box set and a new Denki...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 14:15. | Released on December 27, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Vanilla Beans "sweet life" (Download)
Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out today on iTunes! This song's music was composed by the late singer-songwriter bice, and lyrics by long time collaborator Takata Mikiko. In 2017, Vanilla Beans will celebrate their 10th anniversary! Here's...
Posted on February 1, 2017 at 23:13. | Released on February 1, 2017
P.O.P "okaasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai"
Rapper twins-fronted hip-hop band P.O.P (not to be confused with newcomer idol group POP...) has a 2nd album out now, follow-up to "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni." (2014)! The 15-song album features guests such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, BIKKE (Tokyo...
Posted on December 10, 2015 at 00:12. | Released on December 2, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
Pizzicato One "watakushi no nijuseiki"
2015 is looking like a good year for Pizzicato Five fans! Konishi Yasuharu has a second Pizzicato One album coming this June, follow-up to "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (2011). With a title that translates to "My 20th century",...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 12:34. | Released on June 24, 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
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
Vanilla Beans "watashi... fukō guse"
Vanilla Beans have a new single out today! The title track is a Shōwa-kayō style song with a Motown beat flavor. The B-side is an electro-rock track. This release has two different limited editions. Type A includes 6 bonus tracks...
Posted on April 23, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on April 23, 2014
Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
Various Artists "Free Throw Compilation vol.3"
This is a 2-CD compilation of recent tracks played at rock-oriented DJ event "Free Throw". Considering this track list and the good price, it seems to be a good opportunity to catch up with Japanese indie rock bands that sound...
Posted on March 19, 2014 at 22:45. | Released on March 19, 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.
Various Artists "Couleur Cafe Presents JAZZ ME UP! with 21 jazz standard selected by akiko"
This jazz standards compilation was selected by jazz singer akiko with a focus on lyrics. Included is a previously unreleased song by akiko. The package comes as a 72-page book with a CD. Some tracks can be sampled on this...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 18:58. | Released on November 19, 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: Vanilla Beans, Nomiya Maki & BIBA
Text and 2nd photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. 1st photo by Kaz Sekiguchi, courtesy of Yoko Fujiwara. On July 5th was the 4th edition of Vanilla Beans' series of shows with a live band. Every time they...
Posted on July 11, 2013 at 23:34.
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
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.
Kaji Hideki "Sweet Swedish Winter"
Kaji Hideki has a new album coming this month! This one is a tribute to Sweden's sweet winter, and it's his 2nd release from his own Blue Boys Club label (follow-up to "Blue Heart" (2012)). Title song "Sweet Swedish Winter"...
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 19:16. | Released on February 20, 2013
Negicco "ai no Tower of Love"
New single from Niigata-based idol group Negicco, this time a song produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves). B-side "Party ni tsuite." is by connie who produces most of Negicco's tracks. The limited edition is a good deal, coming with a...
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on February 13, 2013
Hotel Mexico "Her Decorated Post Love"
Kyoto indies band Hotel Mexico has a new album coming from Second Royal. The song "A.I. in Dreams" released on 7" on Christmas day (Jet Set) is included, along with 6 other brand new tracks. Hotel Mexico "Her Decorated Post...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:43. | Released on February 6, 2013
Chocolat "No Regrets"
Chocolat has been singing for 15 years, and this is an album of her greatest hits, songs written by the likes of Kaji Hideki, Kanda Tomoki, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza), and more. Also included is brand...
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on December 12, 2012
TGMX "I Can't Sing It"
TGMX (Frontier Backyard, Cubismo Grafico Five, Scafull King) has a 2nd solo album out now on Niw! Records. This new album has many guests from bands such as Cubismo GRafico Five, Your Song Is Good and many more. For the...
Posted on November 26, 2012 at 23:23. | Released on November 23, 2012
Kirinji "Super View"
Kirinji have a 9th album titled "Super View" out now! The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of 4 video clips. Then there's good and bad news... The bad news is that the younger of the two brothers, Horigome...
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 22:38. | Released on November 7, 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.
SMAP "GIFT of SMAP"
SMAP has a new album out now, and as usual they manage to have a bit of good connections and taste in terms of producers. This time again Konishi Yasuharu produces one song, a cover "karajishi botan", the theme from...
Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:15. | Released on August 8, 2012
