Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Towa Tei has a brand new album titled "LP" about to be released on March 3! In terms of original albums, it succeeds "EMO" (2017). "LP" includes recent singles "Magic" and "Birthday" (both released in advance on 7"), and features many guest musicians such as Hosono Haruomi, Takahashi Yukihiro, Hana, Shimizu Hirotaka, Sunahara Yoshinori, Iga Wataru, Mori Shunji (Natural Calamity), Ino Hidefumi, and Kashif. The artwork is by Gokita Tomoo. The album was mixed by Goh Hotoda and mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori.

The CD's first pressing includes an original sticker, and the LP a large-sized postcard. The vinyl is of clear yellow color.

Towa Tei "LP"

1. Birthday
2. Djdj
3. Fabulous
4. Magic
5. Emez
6. Consumer Electronics
7. Mind Power
8. Rendezvous
9. Ringwear
10. Nomadologie

CD edition
Nippon Columbia COCB-54323
Out 3/3, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Vinyl edition
Nippon Columbia COJA-9408
Out 3/3, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"MAGIC feat. Hana"

"BIRTHDAY feat. Haruomi Hosono & Hana"

Fritz von Runte is a Manchester-based producer who has previously done remixes for New Order, 808 State, Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie, etc. Fritz has recently released a new solo album which includes a collaboration with Nagoya artist Dentaku Miyakawa, and also an intro spoken by Peter Barakan, a UK-born veteran radio DJ in Japan (who also took credit for lyrics of several YMO songs), as well as more collaborations with Leslie Winer, Gary Asquith, Beca, and Vincible. Fritz has a long history of being a Japanese music fan, and his influences can be felt through the album.

"The Last Album" has just been released on CD in Japan including 4 bonus tracks (such as a remix by Graham Massey of 808 State!). The CD is available via the artist's Bandcamp, as well as through normal retailers.

The album is also available digitally (without the bonus tracks) on Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music, etc.

Fritz von Runte "The Last Album"

1. Intro (with Peter Barakan)
2. The Truth Will Set You Fritz (with Gary Asquith)
3. Dark Street
4. Musique Magique
5. Pioneer B (with Leslie Winer)
6. Leaf With Us
7. Oh Dear! Oh Dear! Oh Dear!
8. Winter Mission
9. Dance Party in the Living Room (with Beca)
10. Baby
11. Control Lost (with Dentaku Miyakawa)
12. Kombucha!
13. After Tomorrow (with Vincible)
14. Telly Funk
15. The Last Track
16. Baby -- Ambient Reprise
17. Dance Party in the Living Room (extended dance dub)
18. Musique Magique -- Graham Massey Mix
19. Dance Party in the Living Room -- Sasse Extended Remix

Marshall Records EOIO2318
Out now (2/24), ¥2020 (excl. 10% tax)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, Amazon, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Dance Party in the Living Room - Fritz von Runte feat. Beca"

Hip-hop artist maco marets has a 5th album out just recently. It features collaborations with Taisuke Miyata, BUGS, Satō Moka, Shin Sakiura, ggoyle and TiMT, and also a remix by Maika Loubté who had featured him on her song "Niet II" last year.

maco marets "WSIV: Lost in November" (Download)

1. initial point (feat. Taisuke Miyata)
2. Novemberland (feat. BUGS)
3. L.A.Z.Y. (feat. Satō Moka & Shin Sakiura)
4. Oldman (feat. Taisuke Miyata)
5. R21116 (feat. Taisuke Miyata)
6. Samuine (feat. ggoyle)
7. Searching (feat. TiMT)
8. Torches (feat. TiMT)
9. Torches (Remix) (feat. Maika Loubté)

Woodlands Circle
Out now (2/24)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music

Sampler clip

"Samuine (feat. ggoyle)"

"L.A.Z.Y. (feat Satō Moka & Shin Skiura)"

"Torches (feat. TiMT)"

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 theme song, of which you can watch the music video below, and the B-side is another brand new track. The tracks are produced by kosy. and Gradis Nice respectively, and the whole is mixed by MET as MTHA2.

The 7" includes a download code, and the first pressing comes on clear "Coke bottle green" colored vinyl.

This comes from a recently started label named Typ!cal Records, which has also released a bunch of other exciting 7"s mainly of artists from abroad — ones by Hush Moss and Lewis OfMan out already, and more to be released soon by Brigt, R.A.E and Thalassa. To keep informed of good things to come, check out the label's Instagram and Bandcamp. There's also an official Spotify account with playlists updated regularly.

Sound's Deli "Sound's Deli" (7")

A. Sound's Deli (Prod. kosy)
B. Ya'll Be Alright (Prod. DJ Scratch Nice)

Typ!cal Records TYPI004
Out 2/26, ¥1700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Sound's Deli"

Moon Phase, known in Japanese as Tsuki No Michikake, is a duo formed of songwriter/producer Imai Kazuya and lyricist/singer Kumagai Asumi. They have just released a 2nd EP of three songs digitally. The song "My Eyes Seek" features Matsuki Bitei on trumpet. The whole was mixed and mastered by Satō Seiki (microstar).

"Papa Told Me" was released as the B-side of a 7" in December, which is still available at HMV.

Moon Phase "My Eyes Seek" (Download)
月の満ちかけ 「確かな瞳を見つけて」
(Japanese title: Tsuki No Michikake "tashikana hitomi o mitsukete")

(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. Papa Told Me
2. Room (heya)
3. My Eyes Seek (tadashii hito)
4. Papa Told Me (Instrumental)
5. Room (Instrumental)
6. My Eyes Seek (Instrumental)

Tsuki No Michikake
Out now (2/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Sampler clip

City pop-themed virtual idol trio Sputrip, that's part of the virtual idol project Palette Project (YouTube channel), has just released a 2nd single titled "hikari no wakusei". Just like 1st single "Breeze in the Sun" released last November, it has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto and is co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume To Cosme). Lyrics of both are by Edobor (Edoyaborsch).

Sputrip "Planet of Light" (Download)
Sputrip 「光の惑星」
(Japanese title: "hikari no wakusei")

Sputrip
Out now (2/19)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube Music, Amazon MP3 Japan, Amazon MP3 U.S., OTOTOY

Lyric video

Live performance

THE IMAGE is a brand new dance music band that has elements of soul, funk, disco and rock. The band features mainly Nakamura Michihiro on vocals, Taku Tomizawa (Number the., Group Tamashii) on guitar and Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors) on bass. This is their first single titled "Starlight" that was just released digitally, and it features singer Arvin Homa Aya (ex-Jazztronik). Check out the music video below!

This will be followed by a 2nd single titled "ai was Music" on March 31, and an album titled "1" on April 28.

THE IMAGE "STARLIGHT" (Download)

Mitch Records
Out now (2/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriter Dai Nakamura (aka NUBACK, also of bands BANK and Vacation Three) has a brand new project that has just started! Under the name Blank Music, and while it starts with just one member —himself—, it's described as a band and there is plan to involve other members once the pandemic situation calms down.

This first release comes with two songs, of which "This is our answer" is a self-cover of a song originally released as Beat is Murder in 2012 (see "Beat is Murder 1st EP"), here rearranged and rerecorded.

Available in advance on Bandcamp, the EP should also become available on iTunes and Spotify shortly.

Also check out the new 7" of NUBACK, "When The Party Is Over", which was just released in January on German label Growing Bin Records. The title song was played on Tokyo's Coolest Sound's radio show vol.14.

Blank Music "My Name is Blank" (Download)

1. This is our answer
2. My Name is Blank

Too Young Records
Out now (2/23)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp, , Spotify

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 pages. If you couldn't tune in at the times below, or to listen once more, you can still listen anytime on Mixcloud.

This time is a selection of tracks with a sort of electro connection, while exploring several different directions. Enjoy!

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.14) aired at http://lafaceb.live on February 24, 2021 from 22:00 (EST = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: February 25, 2021 from noon.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes.

1. Kenmochi Hidefumi "Lolipop" (2020)
(Japanese title: ケンモチヒデフミ 「Lolipop」)

The opening track is one from Kenmochi Hidefumi's latest album "Town Work" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Kenmochi is known for being the sound producer of Wednesday Campanella, and more recently xiangyu (who will be heard a few songs later!). That new album followed "Footwork" (2019), of which I had went to the release party where I remember thinking how fresh were the sounds!

2. Omodaka "Tankai Bushi" (2019)

Omodaka (Facebook), the solo unit of Soichi Terada, in which he often uses various chiptune and game sounds, while featuring vocals by Akiko Kanazawa who sings in a traditional Japanese minyō style. Like for "Tankai Bushi", which is a traditional song from Saga prefecture that has roots from about a century ago, Omodaka give those songs a brand new face to be appreciated again by new audiences. This song is from his latest album "Gujoh Bushi" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Omodaka recently did a "Synthetic Nature Live" online performance which can be watched on YouTube. The 3D stunt got him a "Best Music Video" award from India at the Cineville Calcutta Global Cinefest.

3. xiangyu "Y△M△" (2020)

"Y△M△" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) is the latest song by xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram). "Yama" is the Japanese word for "mountain", and the lyrics are about climbing a mountain. xiangyu's music is sound produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (heard at the beginning of the show), who takes inspiration from African dance music genres such as Gqom. Also check out her latest EP "Kiki" (2020).

xiangyu just recently did an online performance in collaboration with stage visuals company mplusplus. It can be watched on YouTube. (The first 30 minutes are a mix by Kenmochi Hidefumi.)

4. Elektel "Space Cookin Renderd" (2005)

This song is from Elektel's 2nd album, "Bit Stream Lounge" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). "Space Cookin Renderd" takes inspiration from astronaut food, maybe even from a time when that food will be 3D-printed on demand?! Like Elektel, let your imagination flow while having fun finding some sampling of kitchen sounds!

Elektel released a new track last year, "The smallest and best keyboard in the world", part of compilation "Casiotunes!" (2020).

5. DJ Codomo "Walking with the Echoes" (2020)

Aside from his own solo works, you might remember DJ Codomo from his Cornelius remix (on album "PM") or his producing of Kiiiiiii's album "AL & BUM" (of which a song was featured on this radio show last year). In 2017 he started his own label on which he released "Paper House EP" (2018, Bandcamp) as well as other songs such as "Walking with the Echoes" (Bandcamp).

In recent news, his 2010 album "Play" has just become available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

6. Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa "Zaaab" (2017)

Here's one of my favorites from the latest of this duo, "Are Euphoria" (Spotify, (World), (Japan)). Dustin Wong (ex-Ponytail) (Twitter) and Takako Minekawa (Twitter) joined forces in 2013 and have released three full albums together.

Takako Minekawa is contributing an instrumental song to compilation "New Phantom Lake -LAKE OF ILLUSIONS Vol.3-" to be released on CD and cassette on March 12, and Dustin Wong released in December an album titled "Dedicated to Kevin O'meara: explorer, naturalist, elf" in memory of his friend.

7. XTAL "Aburelu" (2020)

Trackmaker XTAL (read Crystal), who is also active in bands Jintana & Emeralds and (((sssurrounddd))), has released last year a 2nd solo album titled "Aburelu" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music) from which this song is taken. Different from any of his other works, the album consists of short songs not much longer than 3 minutes, and which were made without using any rhythmical instruments. The album was also promptly released on 10" vinyl on a new label named 813 Records.

Jintana & Emeralds released just last month a new song titled "Oh! Southern Wind".

8. Tentenko "Mizu-Iro" (2021)

Tentenko has been active as an electronic artist for several years already. "Mizu-Iro" is a brand new track that's about to be released in early March on vinyl part of an EP titled "An Antworten EP" on German label TAL, which had also released split album "Super Mild" (2019, Spotify, , YouTube Music). Along the way she has also released a large amount of self-made CD-R EPs (56 so far and counting!), most of which are available on Bandcamp. For CDs and other goods check out her online shop Tenten Shōten.

A recent live set presented by Boiler Room Tokyo and S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE can be watched archived on YouTube.

9. HNC "Night Thoughts" (2011)

HNC is the solo unit of Yuppa (Instagram, Twitter), who has in the recent years produced most of the music of singer MANON. The song "Night Thoughts" comes from HNC's "Witches' Party EP" (2011) which seems to be long gone. However I can direct you to checking out the song "I Dream I Dead" from this same EP, which was recently released digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music). There's also a music video of it that you can watch below!

10. Coastlines "Drifting Ice" (2019)

Coastlines is the instrumental unit of DJ/producer Masanori Ikeda (previously known as Mansfield) and keyboardist Kaneko Takumi (of cro-magnon). The song "Drifting Ice" is from their first album "Coastlines" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Coastlines' latest release is a 7" single titled "East Coast / West Coast". The album "Coastlines" has also been released as a double-LP on UK label Be With Records.

11. Ryoma Maeda "POOLSIDE" (2020)

Ryoma Maeda, previously known as milch of source, has been keeping busy in the last few years partially with the production of imaginary (Vocaloid) idol Ema Grace. The song "POOLSIDE" is just one track of album "Tropicalize" (Bandcamp), which soundtracks a day spent at a resort hotel.

Be sure to also check out his latest release, an EP of solo project milky-chu titled "Chu Chu Train" (Bandcamp, Spotify, ). To catch up with Ryoma Maeda, drop by his official site, Bandcamp and YouTube channel.

12. NUBACK "When The Party Is Over" (2013)

NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back) is a solo project of Dai Nakamura (also active in bands BANK and Vacation Three). First released in 2013 part of digital EP "Good bye Summer, Again" (2013) (Bandcamp, Spotify), the song "When The Party Is Over" was also just released last month on 7" vinyl on German label Growing Bin Records.

Dai Nakamura has just started a brand new solo project called BLANK MUSIC. The first EP "My Name is Blank" is available on Bandcamp (with iTunes and Spotify to follow shortly).

Thank you for tuning in!

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen directly and follow on Mixcloud.

Below are videos of songs and artists featured in this radio show. Use them to preview or review, and get to know a bit better the artists you liked!

Kenmochi Hidefumi "Lolipop"

Omodaka "Tankai Bushi" (Short version)

xiangyu "Y△M△" (Short version)

Elektel "Panoramic view of Jazz (URSULA 1000 mix)"

DJ Codomo "Umbrella"

Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa "Elastic Astral Peel"

Jintana & Emeralds "Honey"
(w/ Crystal Emerald aka XTAL)

Tentenko live set (Presented by Boiler Room Tokyo & S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE)

HNC "I Dream I Dead"

Coastlines "Last Summer In Rio"

Ryoma Maeda "POOLSIDE"

Vacation Three "Blue Submarine"

80KIDZ have just released a brand new album titled "Angle"! Including some previously released singles that featured Maika Loubté, YonYon and mabanua, the album also brings new collaborations with singer-songwriter AAAMYYY and Thai synth pop band Polycat's vocalist Na.

While 80KIDZ had kept a flow of various kinds of releases (including a greatest hits album, self-remixes and a series of mix tapes), in terms of full-length albums "ANGLE" is the successor to "5" that was released in 2016 (, Spotify, OTOTOY) which also included a collaboration with Maika Loubté.

80KIDZ "ANGLE" (Download)

1. Subject
2. Don't Stop (Rework)
3. Glasses feat. mabanua
4. Your Closet feat. YonYon
5. Magic feat. AAAMYYY
6. Welcome To My House
7. Banane feat. Maika Loubté
8. Object
9. Grand
10. Always On My Way feat. Na Polycat
11. Waves

Park
Out now (2/17)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Ryuichi Sakamoto wrote the music and Tsunku♂ the lyrics of a charity song titled "My Hero ~kiseki no uta~" in support of the International Childhood Cancer Day. Featuring vocals by some 21 artists, all profits will be given to charity. There's a music video of recording footage that you can watch below.

Project official site

Live Empower Children "My Hero ~A Song Of Miracle~" (Download)
Live Empower Children 「My Hero～奇跡の唄～」

Out now (2/15)
Sample/buy: Spotify, , YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Otagiri, previously known as Soccerboy (of Tokyo Fun Party fame!), has just released a full-length album digitally! All tracks are produced in collaboration with DJ MAYAKU, with two co-produced with butaji. One track features i know. The whole was mastered by TSUTCHIE.

Otagiri "The Radiant" (Download)

1. ja
2. Échoes (feat. butaji)
3. Music Related
4. Thirty-Six & 9 (feat. butaji)
5. Theme2
6. The Radiant
7. ja (Reprise)
8. Life Sentence Pt. 4
9. Pt. 3 (Remix)
10. Theme
11. Ode2 (feat. i know)
12. Daily, Updated

Out now (2/11)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

Trailer clip of live performance

Childish Tones (Twitter), band which plays rock'n'roll using only toy instruments, has a new single being released on 7"! This follows the album "God Bless The Girls" which featured singer Beni Usakura. This time the songs are sung by the band's own members: "Country Girl" (a cover of Primal Scream) by KA-NO-KO L.K <a.k.a Lovely K>, and "Rock'n'Roll Radio On" (a new original song) by leader Nemoto De Chôbeaullet. "Rock'n'Roll Radio On" does homage to Pianosaurus, Chubby Checker and The Modern Lovers.

Check out audio samples at Jet Set, and below a live performance of "Country Girl" from last year.

Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura recently performed a studio live of 4 songs that can be viewed on YouTube, in consolation of a postponed show.

L.K has announced that she will be leaving the group after the release party for this single, to be held on March 7 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus (show details).

CHLIDISH TONES "Country Girl" (7")

A. Country Girl
B. Rock'n'Roll Radio On

KiliKiliVilla KKV-116VL
Out 2/26, ¥1500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†, Vamp! Shop
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Country Girl" live performance

A remix by tofubeats of the theme song from Lupin The Third has just been released digitally! The track of over 7 minutes is the 9th of a series under the project name Lupin The Third Jam Crew that has also featured remixes by fox capture plan, banvox, Kan Sano and more. Check out the video for tofubeats' track below, and find the others on the YouTube channel.

A 10-track LP edition will be released on March 13 (already available for pre-order at CDJapan and HMV), to apparently be followed by a CD release later.

Lupin The Third Jam Crew "THEME FROM LUPIN Ⅲ 2015 - LUPIN THE THIRD JAM Remixed by tofubeats" (Download)

Lupin The Third JAM / VAP
Out now (2/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Following the digital release of "Hashire Shoujikimono" (Spotify, ), cover by Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother of an ending theme of "Chibi Maruko-chan", here it comes as the B-side of a 7"! On the A-side is a new cover of Sawada Kenji's hit song "TOKIO". Check out the audio samples below!

"TOKIO" is also available digitally since February 12 (Spotify, ).

The jacket was illustrated by Muramatsu Hiroki, known for his DJ-themed manga "DJ dō", and also an online DJ & food spinoff called "DJ meshi" in which Nakatsuka Takeshi appeared.

Nakatsuka Takeshi & videobrother "TOKIO / Hashire Shoujikimono" (7")
中塚武とvideobrother 「TOKIO／走れ正直者」

A. TOKIO
B. Hashire Shoujikimono

Unchantable Records UCT-034
Out 2/24, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Toki Asako has a new cover album about to be released! This follows original album "Passion Blue" (2019).

Included are covers of Quruli, Yuming, EPO, a self-cover of "Rendez-vous in '58" (originally from album "Heartbreakin'") and more. The song "Home", released last July as a theme song for anime "Fruits Basket", is included as a bonus track.

Amazon gives away a large print of the jacket artwork, while HMV gives away a promo postcard (while supplies last).

Toki Asako "HOME TOWN -Cover Songs-"
土岐麻子 「HOME TOWN -Cover Songs-」

(Original artist in parentheses)
1. Solanin (Asian Kung-Fu Generation)
2. Jubilee (Quruli)
3. ai (Hata Motohiro)
4. natsu yoru no Magic (indigo la End)
5. kaede (Spitz)
6. Rendez-vous in '58 (sings with Bakarhythm)
7. shiroi koibitotachi (Kuwata Keisuke)
8. I Miss You (Soyou)
9. CHINESE SOUP (Yuming)
10. VITAMIN E・P・O (EPO)
11. HOME

A.S.A.B RZCB-87044
Out 2/17, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Sampler clip

"HOME"

Guitarist and singer-songwriter Sawa Ryūji has just released a mini-album of solo acoustic demos. This mini-album, of which the title refers to his Yamaha FG280 acoustic guitar, had been available at shows on CD-R since early last year and later to purchase digitally, but it has now been made available via subscription platforms. The songs featured are originals he wrote for his bands Sawa Ryuji Band, Fairy Brenda ("Pool") and NOS ("Hanabi").

Ryuji is known as a member of Kuroneko Chelsea (which went in hiatus in 2018). He's also lately seen playing in Zunō Keisatsu aka Brain Police, and as live support guitarist with Childish Tones (recent studio live performance).

Ryuji Sawa "FG&Me" (Download)
澤竜次 「FG&Me」

1. Safari No Yoru
2. Parallel Yoru
3. D.P.G
4. Orange
5. Pool
6. Hanabi (Japanese title "tōmawari shite kaerō")

Glass Family Record
Out now (2020/5/29)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

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 the book is said to be full of pictures. Can't wait!

Aside from the links below, in Japan the series can also be ordered directly via Merurido (home of Oldays Records). Readymade Shopping has said to have already run out of stock from pre-orders.

Various Artists "Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 02 'neko mo shakushi mo Twist'" (CD+Book)
「レディメイド未来の音楽シリーズ CDブック篇 02 『猫も杓子もツイスト』」
(English compilation title: "ANYBODY and EVERYBODY Does the TWIST!")

1. Bob Azzam / Amen Twist
2. Charly Antolini / Come On Charly
3. Jean Constantin / Alphabetwist
4. Andy Fischer / Fraulein, Fraulein
5. Henry Mancini / Mr. Unioshi
6. Jo Baseli / Baby Elephant Walk
7. Marilyn Maye / Java
8. Perez Prado / Tico Tico No Fuba
9. Fred Adison & His New Sound / Navarone
10. The Twisters / Istanbul
11. Dave Brubeck / Toki's Theme
12. Jean-Claude Petit Et Son Orchestre / Trans-Europ Express
13. Tuff Jack (Jack Marshall) / Sing Sing Sing
14. Bill Haley & His Comets / Pretty Alouette
15. Jochen Brauer Sextett / Frere Jaques
16. Rocky Twist & His Bips Bips / Romeo
17. Joey Dee / C'est Si Bon
18. Quartetto Cetra / Lambret Twist
19. Los Brasilios / No Te Esconde
20. Les Elgert & His Orchestra / Hawaiian War Chant
21. Xavier Cugat & His Orchestra / Fascinating Rhythm
22. Mary Wells / Eight Days A Week
23. Leslie Uggums / I Want You To Be My Baby
24. Meyer Davis / I Could Have Danced All Night
25. Rocky Twist & His Bips Bips / Twist Twist
26. Shorty Rogers / Joshua's Sax
27. Danny Davis & The Titans / Happy New Year Twist

Oldays Records ODR7002
Out 2/26, ¥2400 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Previous release:
#01 2021.01.29: "yoasobi ni tsukarete shimatta"

Upcoming releases:
#03 2021.03.26: "watakushi no Saint-Germain-des-Prés" (guest selector/supervisor: Miura Makoto)
#04 2021.04.30: "renai ni akite shimatta"
#05 2021.05.28: "nanimokamo akite shimatta"
#06 2021.11.26: "Christmas gō koyomi no ue de wa Mirai no ongaku"

The Highmarts (Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter) have recently released a brand new 7" single. The title song "It's All Over Now" is the theme song of imaginary movie "Sukeban Baby" by Rockin' Jelly Bean who illustrated the jacket. The B-side is a cover of The Ventures' "Manchurian Beat". The first pressing of 500 is on red vinyl (after which a black vinyl pressing should follow). The title song can be heard on Tokyo's Coolest Sound's radio show vol.13!

The EP is available at a few shops in Japan listed below, which do ship internationally, but also it appears that the band takes direct orders from abroad according to this Facebook post! Their two previous singles are available digitally on Bandcamp.

The Highmarts will play a show on February 21 which can be viewed streaming online (with archive viewable until March 7 (JST)). Find details here.

The Highmarts "It's All Over Now" (7")
ザ・ハイマーツ 「恋はもう............ (It's All Over Now)」
(Japanese title: "koi wa mō............ (It's All Over Now)")

A. It's All Over Now
B. Manchurian Beat

Skban Records SKBAN-003
Out now (December 2020), ¥1300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Erostika, Time Bomb Records

Singer Gallantique Kazue has a new single out today! Both songs are arranged by Yoshida Tetsuto, who also wrote the music of original song "sekitō". "My Address" is a cover of Azusa Michiyo, a song of which the music was written by Tsutsumi Kyōhei.

This single is the 2nd of a series of "music cards", featuring artwork by graphic designer Ushiro Tomohito. It follows "namida, ame, Adieu / kizashi no Season" released in July 2020. The music card edition includes a CD and lyric sheet, and is only sold on Gallantique's official shop, which ships within Japan.

Gallantique Kazue "sekitou / My Address" (Download)
ギャランティーク和恵 「赤橙｜MY ADDRESS」

1. sekitō
2. My Address

Nippon Columbia COKM-42839
Out now (2/3)
Sample/buy: , Spotify

Sampler clip

Hosono Haruomi has a big release day coming on February 10!

First is a new live album titled "America / Hosono Haruomi Live In US 2019", consisting of live recordings from when he toured New York and L.A. in 2019 (May 28 and 29 at Gramercy Theater in New York, and June 3 at Mayan Theater in L.A.). It appears to be his first solo live album!

Out at the same time is a box of three Blu-rays (or DVDs), which will also all be available individually. The first, "Hosono Haruomi 50shūnen kinen tokubetsu kōen", is of his 50th anniversary show held at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A on November 30, 2019. The 2nd is "Yellow Magic Show 3", of a special comedy show held the next day and featuring many guests (Takahashi Yukihiro, Oyamada Keigo, U-zhaan and more). And the 3rd is "No Smoking", a documentary movie that was shown in theaters in 2019. These three give the total view of Hosono's 50th anniversary year that was 2019.

Haruomi Hosono "America / Hosono Haruomi Live In US 2019" (CD)
細野晴臣 「あめりか / Hosono Haruomi Live in US 2019」

1. Tutti Frutti
2. The Song Is Ended
3. Radio Activity
4. Rose & Beast
5. jūsho futei mushoku teishūnyū
6. Choo Choo Gatagoto (America hen)
7. Angel On My Shoulder
8. Honey Moon
9. Roochoo Gumbo
10. Peking Duck
11. Hong Kong Blues
12. Sports Men
13. Cow Cow Boogie
14. Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
15. Pom Pom jōki
16. Body Snatchers
17. The House Of Blue Lights
18. Absolute Ego Dance

Speedstar Records VICL-65475
Out 2/10, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi 50th ~ Music, Comedy and Movie" (Blu-ray/DVD)
細野晴臣 「Hosono Haruomi 50th ~Music, Comedy and Movie~」

Includes:
"Hosono Haruomi 50shūnen kinen tokubetsu kōen"
"Yellow Magic Show 3"
"No Smoking"

Blu-ray edition (3 Blu-ray discs, Region A)
Speedstar Records VIZL-1856
Out 2/10, ¥11000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (20% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DVD edition (3 DVDs, Region 2 NTSC)
Speedstar Records VIZL-1857
Out 2/10, ¥10500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (23% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi 50shūnen kinen tokubetsu kōen" (Blu-ray/DVD)
細野晴臣 「細野晴臣 50周年記念特別公演」

1. Temo Finala: Nokto De La Galaksia Fervojo
2. Honey Moon
3. The Song Is Ended
4. Rose & Beast
5. jūsho futei mushoku teishūnyū
6. Choo Choo Gatagoto America hen
7. Angel On My Shoulder
8. Pistol Packin' Mama
9. Rei Medley (my mama ~ BLACK BANANA)
10. Unsung Song
11. Aayurveda
12. Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
13. Body Snatchers
14. Sports Men
15. The House Of Blue Lights
16. Peking Duck
17. Pom Pom jōki

Blu-ray edition (Region A)
Speedstar Records VIXL-331
Out 2/10, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (23% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
Speedstar Records VIBL-1010
Out 2/10, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (16% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi "Yellow Magic Show 3" (Blu-ray/DVD)
細野晴臣 「イエローマジックショー3」

Blu-ray edition (Region A)
Speedstar Records VIXL-332
Out 2/10, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (16% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
Speedstar Records VIBL-1011
Out 2/10, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (10% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

Hosono Haruomi "NO SMOKING" (Blu-ray/DVD)
細野晴臣 「NO SMOKING」

Blu-ray edition (Region A)
Speedstar Records VIXL-333
Out 2/10, ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (23% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

DVD edition (Region 2 NTSC)
Speedstar Records VIBL-1012
Out 2/10, ¥3800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, YesAsia, Amazon (23% off *), HMV (13% off *), Tower Records ^†
* Discount at time of writing
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Sports Men (Live at The Mayan Theatre, Los Angeles, July, 2019)" trailer clip

Trailer clip for "America / Hosono Haruomi Live In US 2019" and "Hosono Haruomi 50th -Music, Comedy and Movie-"

Towa Tei is releasing this month a new 7" single titled "Birthday"! The new song features Hosono Haruomi, Koike Mitsuko (Beautiful Hummingbird) and HANA.

The B-side is "Luv Pandemic" from album "CUTE" (2015), which featured vocals by Hosono Haruomi, Takahashi Yukihiro, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai and Mizuhara Yuka. This song is available on 7" for the first time. This limited edition single is pressed on pink vinyl.

This follows the single "Magic" released last June, which also featured HANA. Both of these singles come ahead of a new album titled "LP" to be released on March 3.

Towa Tei "BIRTHDAY" (7")

A. Birthday
B. Luv Pandemic

Nippon Columbia COKA-88
Out 2/10, ¥1600 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Jet Set, CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships within Japan only

"Birthday"

"Birthday" teaser clip

"Luv Pandemic"