Tokyo's Coolest Sound

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. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.49) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on May 16 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: May 17, 2024 from 9:30 a.m.

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (some replaced according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts which you can listen to.

1. sugar me "Little Girl In Me" (2024)

Singer-songwriter sugar me released in March a new mini-album digitally titled "Super Me" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), on which appears the song "Little Girl In Me".

The new mini-album included a collaboration with Robert Kretzschmar, and the two toured Japan together in April.

Check out the new music video of "Little Girl In Me" below!

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: sugar me, Falling Sugar

2. Falling Sugar "Cats & Dogs" (2024)

Falling Sugar (Facebook page, Bandcamp) is a bubblegum pop band formed in 2019, featuring singer and organ player Mikko, guitarist Toyozo and bassist Brono Monma. The song "Cats & Dogs" is an original from their first self-titled album released in February. The band was recently joined by drummer Lisa.

The album has plenty of fun original songs, plus covers such as of 1910 Fruitgum Company, Velvet Ungerground. While the album is so far available on CD only (at Disk Union, Tower Records, etc.), it will also be released on vinyl on Austrian label Bachelor Records.

Audio samples of "Cats & Dogs" and other album songs can be heard at Juno Records (UK).

3. Voodoo Club "Cynical Baby" (2024)
(Japanese title: 暴動クラブ 「シニカル・ベイビー」)

Voodoo Club (𝕏, Instagram) is an up-and-coming young rock band formed in May 2022. They have recently released for Record Store Day 2024 a 2nd single, of which the A-side is original song "Cynical Baby".

The single, of which B-side is a cover of Kenji Sawada's "Kininaru omae", can also be heard on download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The 7" can still be found at Jet Set, HMV and Tower Records.

4. Cocopuff Club "SUKI NA YUME" (2024)

This is the second song by Cocopuff Club (Bandcamp), the solo project of COCO (lead singer and guitarist of THE LET'S GO's). "SUKI NA YUME" was released on Bandcamp at the end of April.

Following the song "My First Tattoo" out in March, it seems that there might be monthly releases from Cocopuff Club, so follow her on Bandcamp not to miss them!

It has been announced that THE LET'S GO's will tour France from June 28 to July 6! Nine shows in nine days?! Find out their full schedule here. Ne les manquez pas!

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Voodoo Club, Cocopuff Club, Wink Music Service

5. Wink Music Service "Fantastic Girl" (2024)

"Fantastic Girl" is the title song of Wink Music Service's new 7" single, released at the end of April. However, it seems that the 7" pretty much sold out from reservations before its release and became rare immediately... This is the first single featuring guest singer Lin Oberndorff (member of idol group ww), a 13-year-old German-Japanese who on the B-side sang in German a cover of France Gall's "Der Computer Nr.3".

Wink Music Service is the unit of K-taro Takanami (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) and Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-The Phantom Gift, SOLEIL, Les 5-4-3-2-1). So far they have released three 7" singles, featuring two different guest singers (the other being Angie Hiyori). Only the first one is available digitally (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The next single should be coming in June. Stay tuned!

Check out this short sampler clip of the latest single.

6. Hideki Kaji "Walkin' After Dinner" (2024)
(Japanese title: カジヒデキ 「Walkin' After Dinner」)

Hideki Kaji released at the end of April a brand new album titled "Being Pure At Heart" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), said to be his 19th! "Walkin' After Dinner" is a new song that first appeared on this album.

For the release of the album, there will be a special show in Tokyo on July 12 at Shindaita Fever, and then on September 13 in Kyoto. He will also make an appearance at Tokyo Nominoichi, in Tachikawa, on June 2 (details). Find his full schedule here.

7. kimriri "frame" (2024)

D.I.Y.-style singer-songwriter kimriri (Instagram, Twitter) has just released a new song digitally titled "frame" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). Find it on your favorite download/streaming platform.

This follows the song "episode", of which a music video can be watched on YouTube.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Hideki Kaji, kimriri, Sho Kurashina

8. Sho Kurashina "Ridgeline (English ver.) feat. Hugh Keice" (2024)

Shō Kurashina, frontman of city-pop band Good Bye April, has released a new song titled "Ridgeline" which is a collaboration with Hugh Keice (Instagram), the singer of Korean synth-pop band ultramodernista (Instagram). The song was written by Sho and co-arranged by Hugh Keice, and it is sung by both of them. First released as a Japanese version in April, a new English version came this month, which is the one played this time. Both are included on the digital release (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

Good Bye April and ultramodernista will perform a show together on May 25 at Shindaita Fever. Find details here. An after-party event will also be held the next day, with Shō Kurashina and Hugh Keice and also Brian Shinsekai (Lafuzin), on May 26 at Casa Zizo in Gaienmae (details).

Here's the original version's music video.

Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some older ones on Mixcloud.

Chie Horiguchi, known as the super guitarist of Learners (band currently on hiatus), has released a live album with her band Chie Horiguchi and The Desperado Gentlemen. This is a recording of a show held on July 13, 2023 at Shindaita Fever. The Desperado Gentlemen are Kōsuke Miyashita on pedal steel guitar (of Phono Tones), Hiroyuki Kitajima on double bass, and Kosuke Wakiyama on drums.

The album is available only on CD at this time, and audio samples can be heard on HMV, Tower. Within Japan, the CD can also be purchased directly from label KiliKiliVilla.

Chie has an upcoming show in Tokyo on May 22 at Shimokitazawa Shelter where she will perform solo (details & tickets), and on June 11 at Shimokitazawa Fūchi-kūchi with Kōsuke Miyashita (tickets). Then a one-man show will be held on June 28 at Nishi-Waseda Blah Blah Blah. Find her full schedule here.

Chie Horiguchi & The Desperado Gentlemen "We Saw The Light"

1. Thunderbird
2. Down By Law
3. On the Road Again
4. akuma no shiwaza
5. Watch Your Back
6. zenbu moyasō
7. The Dark End of the Street
8. All My Relations
9. Golden Rays
10. kimi no ban wa kuru
11. Buzz Flag
12. Austin Texas

KiliKiliVilla KKV-172
Out now (5/15), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, KiliKiliVilla
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Shō Kurashina, frontman of city-pop band Good Bye April, has released a new song titled "Ridgeline" which is a collaboration with Hugh Keice (Instagram), the singer of Korean synth-pop band ultramodernista (Instagram). The song was written by Sho Kurashina and co-arranged by Hugh Keice, and it is sung by the two. First released as a Japanese version last month, now a new English version has been released, and both of these are included on the digital release.

Hugh Keice had previously remixed Good Bye April's "missing summer". Listen to both versions on YouTube.

Good Bye April and ultramodernista will perform a show together on May 25 at Shindaita Fever. Find details here. An after-party event will be held the next day, with Shō Kurashina and Hugh Keice and also Brian Shinsekai (Lafuzin), on May 26 at Casa Zizo in Gaienmae (details).

Sho Kurashina "Ridgeline feat. Hugh Keice (English ver.)" (Download)
倉品翔 "Ridgeline feat. Hugh Keice (English ver.)"

1. Ridgeline feat. Hugh Keice (English ver.)
2. Ridgeline feat. Hugh Keice

DOBEATU NBTU64
Out now (5/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Original version music video

Funky soulful sisters unit Way Wave has a new song that has just been released digitally. This new song "nagasarete ikō" comes ahead of their new 4th album "Journey" coming on June 5 (stay tuned for details!). Check out the music video below!

Other recent releases include EP "Soul Sugar", a 8cm CD single in collaboration with Zettai Wasureruna released for Tanzaku CD Day, and participation to several songs of Musement's album "Physical Ladyland".

Way Wave will hold an event on May 26 at Shibuya Oto, also featuring a live performance by usabeni, plus DJs arinko, Inuzaki and Ikkyū. Find details here.

Way Wave "nagasarete ikō" (Download)
WAY WAVE 「流されていこう」

Narisu Records
Out now (5/6)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Following the release of "you'll never walk alone" last month, OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏) is back again with a new song titled "Morning Routine". This song was written by member Yū Suganami, and the jacket and music video feature actress Shiho Niiyama. Watch it below!

On June 29, a show organized jointly by OCHA∞ME and Hazy Sour Cherry (two bands in which Tsuzumi is a common member) will be held at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Details can be found here.

OCHA∞ME "Morning Routine" (Download)
OCHA∞ME 「モーニングルーティン」

Friendship.
Out now (5/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

D.I.Y.-style singer-songwriter kimriri (Instagram, Twitter) has just released a new song, titled "frame". Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. This follows the song "episode".

kimriri will be guest DJ on May 12 at event "Blue Boys Club", celebrating the birthday of Hideki Kaji and the release of his new album. The event held at Shimokitazawa Flowers Loft will also feature Hideki Kaji, Maki Nomiya and Magic, Drums & Love, and also DJs Blue Boys Club (Hideki Kaji and Kink), and in the lounge "Bend It!" DJs (Melime, Yamada Yūko, Nutty Nuts and Carole Ai❣️ (Jenny Jenny/Childish Tones)). There's a special discount for students and people from overseas. Find all details here.

kimriri "frame" (Download)

kimriri
Out now (5/8)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

OCHA∞ME (Instagram, 𝕏) has released in April a new song digitally, titled "you'll never walk alone", which is accompanied by a music video featuring the band's members in Tokyo streets, with a special appearance of bar and band social hub Poor Cow located in Shimokitazawa. The song's music and lyrics were written by member Imaizumi K (also a member of Mega X), who also illustrated the jacket.

This release follows 8cm single CD "ageless c/w sweet strawberry toast" released last year for Tanzaku CD Day, also available digitally (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY).

On June 29, a show organized jointly by OCHA∞ME and Hazy Sour Cherry (two bands in which Tsuzumi is a common member) will be held at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Details can be found here.

OCHA∞ME "you'll never walk alone" (Download)

Friendship.
Out now (4/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Rapper valknee has released a first full-length album digitally, titled "Ordinary". This includes previously released songs "WHITE DOWN JKT" and "BREEEEZE", and a whole lot of new tracks! Featured producers are NUU, hirihiri, Pianootoko, SEKITOVA, Bailefunk Kakeko and KUROMARU.

valknee will organize and be part of alternative rap event "Crash Summer" to be held on July 7 at Shibuya WWW X / WWW / WWW β. Details and ticket information can be found here.

valknee "Ordinary" (Download)

1. OG
2. LOOSE
3. SWAAAG ONLY
4. Load My Game
5. Even If
6. Over Sea
7. Not For Me
8. BREEEEZE
9. Watch me!
10. WHITE DOWN JKT

valknee
Out now (4/10)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"BREEEEZE"

Penny Arcade (Instagram, 𝕏), a guitar pop band formed in the mid-80s and originally active until 1989, has become active again since 2017 and now here comes a single of new music! The single is now available on 7", and also digitally via the label's Bandcamp where more information can be found.

The two songs are also available on download/streaming platforms separately: "Land of Glacier" (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY), "Norma Jean" (, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY).

Penny Arcade can be seen live on May 19 at mona records in Shimokitazawa. Find event details here.

Penny Arcade "Land of Glacier" (7"/Download)

A. Land of Glacier
B. Norma Jean

KiliKiliVilla KKV-168VL
Out now (4/18), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

A second song by Cocopuff Club, the solo project of COCO (lead singer and guitarist of THE LET'S GO's), has been released on Bandcamp. Titled "Suki Na Yume", this one is sung in Japanese, and features additional drummer tae (of ORESKABAND). This follows the song "My First Tattoo" released in March.

This Friday, May the 3rd, 2024 is Bandcamp Friday!

THE LET'S GO's can be seen in Tokyo on May 3 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam, part of "Jam Fes 2024", and then on May 6 at Shibasaki Rathole. Find details and their full schedule here.

Cocopuff Club "SUKI NA YUME" (Download)

Out now (4/30)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

VIOLAVIE (YouTube, 𝕏, Instagram) is a new idol group that is produced by Emiri Kanou, and is formed of Konoha, Mitsuki, Marin, Mioha, Nico and Saaya. Their first two songs, "Answer" and "Birthday", were recently released digitally. Emiri wrote and arranged both, with the help of Hyoe Yasuhara (co-arranger of "Answer") and asobi virus (who co-wrote the music and co-arranged "Birthday"). Check out the sampler clip below, and find the full songs on your favorite download/streaming platform.

A CD edition is also available exclusively at shows and at Blute Company's official online shop (shipping within Japan). The CD contains bonus instrumental versions.

Dance practice and introduction videos can be viewed on the group's official YouTube channel.

VIOLAVIE "Answer / Birthday" (Download)

1. Answer
2. BIRTHDAY

Blute Company
Out now (4/24)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Sampler clip

The Pen Friend Club has released a new album titled "Back In The Pen Friend Club", the first featuring their new vocalist Niina (UK-born British-Japanese). This album consists of all covers, with the exception of a self-cover of original song "Tell Me (Do You Really Love Me?)". All are recorded with the current personnel, with the spotlight on Niina's singing. Check out the sampler clip below!

This follows 7" "Darlin' / doyōbi no koibito" which also featured Niina. In terms of albums this is the follow-up to "The Pen Friend Club" (also on vinyl) which consisted solely of original songs and was sung by previous previous singer Megumi. A split 7" of a song from that album was also released for Record Store Day 2024.

A lunchtime show celebrating the new album will be held on May 5 at Ochanomizu Kakado. The show can be viewed online from anywhere via Twitcasting, archived until May 19. Find upcoming schedule and ticket details here.

The Pen Friend Club "Back In The Pen Friend Club"

1. Got To Get You Into My Life (The Beatles)
2. Pleasant Valley Sunday (The Monkees)
3. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
4. For Once In My Life (Stevie Wonder)
5. Reach Out I'll Be There (Four Tops)
6. Let It Shine (Brian Wilson)
7. The Girl From Greenwich Village (The Trade Winds)
8. Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli)
9. Hey There Lonely Boy (Eddie Holman)
10. Do You Believe In Magic? (The Lovin' Spoonful)
11. Alfie (Cilla Black)
12. Tell Me (Do You Really Love Me?) (The Pen Friend Club)

Penpal Records PPRD0006
Out now (5/1), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Just one day after the release of Denki Groove's 32nd and 34th anniversary songs, here finally comes a more timely anthem: "Denki Groove's 35th Anniversary Song"! This third song was mixed by Tetsuya Kaneshige, and again features guitar by Satoshi Yoshida. Check out the official audio clip below created with AI tool Kaiber.

Denki Groove "Denki Groove's 35th Anniversary Song" (Download)
電気グルーヴ 「電気グルーヴ35周年の歌」
(Japanese title: "Denki Groove 35shūnen no uta")

macht
Out now (5/2)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has recently released a new song titled "OEDOEDO". It's a theme song for anime series Ninjala, and follows "Isshin Doutai" which was also used as a theme song for the series. As always, the song was written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE).

Kyary recently announced that she is pregnant, following the news last year that she got married with actor Shōno Hayama. Congratulations!

Kyary will be appearing at "Gobu Gobu Festival 2024" on May 12 in Osaka.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Oedoedo" (Download)
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ 「OEDOEDO」

1. OEDOEDO
2. OEDOEDO (Instrumental)
3. OEDOEDO (TV edit)

KRK LAB COKM-44897
Out now (4/12)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

Singer-songwriter Machi Akari has released a new mini-album of 4 songs with a theme of disco, always with her special touch of Japanese vibes and humor! The songs were arranged by Yumi Okada who had also participated to previous album "Colorful! Exciting! Pop Music!".

The album is available on CD in regular and limited editions (the latter including a DVD with the music videos and extras), and also digitally.

Machi Akari has been touring Japan for the new release, and will be stopping by Space emo in Ikebukuro (Tokyo) on May 26. Find details of the tour and other shows on her official site.

Also check out streaming platforms for several songs that Machi Akari has been releasing steadily, singing bits of Japanese culture in English. The latest is "Omakase As You Like" (, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Machi Akari "Chikyu Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo ~ Disco Akari"
町あかり 「地球出禁にしていいよ ～ディスコあかり～」

1. Chikyū Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo
2. Jōban Disco Minatomachi
3. Kuroobi Fever
4. Rakuen Nagashi No Kei
5. Chikyū Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo (Karaoke)
6. Jōban Disco Minatomachi (Karaoke)
7. Kuroobi Fever (Karaoke)
8. Rakuen Nagashi No Kei (Karaoke)

DVD (Limited edition only)
1. Chikyū Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo (Music video)
2. Jōban Disco Minatomachi (Music video)
3. Machi Akari 20mon 20tō Part.1
4. Machi Akari 20mon 20tō Part.2
5. Chikyū Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo Making Clip

Limited edition (CD+DVD (Region 2 NTSC))
Hotwax Trax HOTWAXCD-2005
Out 4/3, ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Regular edition (CD only)
Hotwax Trax HOTWAXCD-2004
Out 4/3, ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Chikyū Dekin Ni Shite Iiyo"

"Jōban Disco Minatomachi"

Denki Groove has just released two brand new songs, said to have been made for their 35th anniversary, although their titles may seem to say otherwise. "Denki Groove's 32nd Anniversary Song" was mixed by Naoya Tokunou, while "Denki Groove's 34th Anniversary Song" was mixed by Takashi Watanabe. Both tracks feature guitar by Satoshi Yoshida. Check out the official audio clips below created with AI tool Kaiber.

These songs follow "Homebase" released in August last year.

Denki Groove "Denki Groove's 32nd Anniversary Song" (Download)
電気グルーヴ 「電気グルーヴ32周年の歌」
(Japanese title: "Denki Groove 32shūnen no uta")

macht
Out now (5/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

Denki Groove "Denki Groove's 34th Anniversary Song" (Download)
電気グルーヴ 「電気グルーヴ34周年の歌」
(Japanese title: "Denki Groove 34shūnen no uta")

macht
Out now (5/1)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, OTOTOY

"Denki Groove's 32nd Anniversary Song"

"Denki Groove's 34th Anniversary Song"

Girl artists & creators crew bala (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube, TikTok) has just released a first EP! Included are the songs releaseed over the last year — "barla", "Heavenly", and "Tokyo Survivor" — as well as the lead song "Like That" out last month in advance, plus two more brand new songs: "Freedom" and "Galaxy In Your Eyes" (Japanese title "kimi ga mitsuketa kono hoshi"). Check out the latest music video for "Like That" below, shot by bala and edited by member MANON.

bala is currently formed of MANON, SUNNY ONLY1 and KANO. Music and lyrics contributors include Shinichi Osawa (Mondo Grosso, RHYME SO), Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), Bodysync (Ryan Hemsworth & Giraffage), Yuppa (HNC), YHEL, Lil' Leise But Gold, and LLLL, among others.

There's also word that there may be new solo songs of MANON and SUNNY ONLY1 on the way.

bala "bala-llel world" (Download)

1. Heavenly
2. barla
3. Freedom
4. Galaxy In Your Eyes
5. LIKE THAT
6. Tokyo Survivor

ASOBIMUSIC bala008
Out now (4/19)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"LIKE THAT"

"Tokyo Survivor"

"Heavenly"

"barla"