Tokyo's Coolest Sound

This is the 3rd album of Yuyakeshiwasu (Instagram, 𝕏). Previously a band, that split up in March 2023, it is now the solo unit of the singer-songwriter of the same name. "Rock'n'Roll Cult" is a 2-disc-worth concept psychedelic album of 28 songs, and it is out now in digital format.

In addition to download/streaming platforms, the full 1-hour-and-25-minute album can also be heard on YouTube.

A mysterious "movie trailer" also surfaced on release day. Watch it on YouTube until the end to know the truth. Also check out the music videos below.

Upcoming shows include ones on Thursday September 5 at Green Apple in Koenji (info & ticket reservations), on Wednesday November 6 at Shimokitazawa Club Que (details), and on Sunday November 24 at U.F.O. Club (Higashi-Koenji).

Yuyakeshiwasu "Rock'n'Roll Cult" (Download)
ゆうやけしはす 「ロックンロール教団」
(Japanese title: Yūyakeshihasu "Rock'n'Roll kyōdan")

Disc 1
1. New Scene
2. The Song Of Rock'n'Roll Cult
3. A Guru
4. The Sea Buffalo
5. Summer Of Your Love
6. Psychedelic Baseball
7. You Can't Escape
8. Ascension Please
9. The Air Era
10. Clinging To The Sun
11. Lazy
12. When Time Passes
13. Ambient Blues

Disc 2
1. The Theme Of Kamakura
2. Danger Girl
3. Dendekedekedeke Man
4. The Earthly Desires Temple
5. SUSANOO
6. The Steam
7. I'm The Unluckiest Person In The World
8. Jah-maica
9. Buriburi Boogie Woogie
10. The Tax Increase Glasses
11. Invincible Elementary School Student
12. The Cicada
13. The Moon Stage
14. 5 O'clock
15. The Maiden Of The Sun

Rock'n'Roll Cult
Out now (8/28)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music

Mystery movie trailer

"The Song Of Rock'n'Roll Cult"

"Danger Girl"

"Jah-maica"

Negicco has released a brand new album titled "What A Wonderful World". It's their 5th original album, and in terms of albums it's the follow-up to "My Color" (2018). Check out the music video below of the song "Walk With" which was written and arranged by Miho Tsujibayashi.

While member Megu is currently taking a maternity break for her 2nd child born in June, Nao☆ and Kaede will be dropping by Tower Records Kinshicho Parco in Tokyo on September 20 from 18:30 for a meet & greet autograph session. Details can be found here.

Negicco has now been active for 20 years as of July 2024! Congratulations!

Negicco "What A Wonderful World"

1. ◯x△□ and Me
2. I Love Your Love
3. So Bright, So Cute
4. Watashi Wo Negi Ni Tsuretette 2
5. Gozen 0ji No Sympathy
6. Owaranai Good Times
7. Poker Face
8. Walk With
9. Anata to Negi with You!
10. Anata to Negi with You!

Fall Wait Records FAWA-25
Out now (8/14), ¥2300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records (Japan only) ^†, , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"Walk With"

Here's a new compilation and two new EPs from Crue-L Records (Facebook), in this second installment of a collaboration with legendary brand WAVE. The compilation "Crue-L Wave II" consists of popular tracks, as well as rarities and previously unreleased tracks. It was selected by Kenji Takimi.

As for the two EPs, one is of new re-edits of classic tracks by Crue-L Grand Orchestra that featured singer Miyuki Hatakeyama, and the other of fresh new tracks by Italy's Beppe Loda (in a remix by Being Borings a.k.a. Kenji Takimi) and a first collaboration of XTAL & Keita Sano plus a re-edit of a Fran-Key favorite.

All three are out now on 12" vinyl, and available via Crue-L's online shop, or at Jet Set Records and Disk Union.

Various Artists "Crue-L Wave II" (12")

A1. Tomoki Kanda / Ride a Watersmooth Sliver Stallion
A2. Crue-L Grand Orchestra / Psycho Piano (Prins Thomas Piano Trax)
A3. Kahimi Karie / Porque Te Vas
A4. Saiko Tsukamoto / Higher Than the Sun (Being Borings Remix Demo)
B1. The Beauty / Changes (Mike Simonetti Remix)
B2. Port of Notes / Regret (Y.Sunahara's Studio's Instrumental)
B3. Hiroshi Fujiwara / Ave Maria

Crue-L KYTHMAK165/CrLWav006
Out now (8/9), ¥4400 (excl. tax)
Order: Crue-L Shop, Jet Set, Disk Union

Crue-L Grand Orchestra feat. Miyuki Hatakeyama "Candidate For Love (Kenji Takimi & Gonno Re-Edit) / Got To Get Real (Yamarchy & Daichi Re-Edit)" (12")

A1. Candidate for Love (Kenji Takimi & Gonno Re-Edit)
A2. Candidate for Love (Kenji Takimi & Gonno Dubstrumental Feeling)
B1. Got to Be Real (Yamarchy & Daichi Re-Edit)
B2. Got to Be Real (Yamarchy & Daichi Dub)

Crue-L KYTHMAK163/CrLWav004
Out now (8/16), ¥3400 (excl. tax)
Order: Jet Set, Disk Union

Various Artists "Space Trip (Being Borings Remix)" (12")

A. Beppe Loda / Space Trip (Being Borings Remix)
B1. XTAL & Keita Sano / Happy Day
B2. Fran-Key / Tetrapod Love (Takimi's Lost iPod Remix) (Kenji Takimi & Gonno Re-Edit)

Crue-L KYTHMAK164/CrLWav005
Out now (8/16), ¥3400 (excl. tax)
Order: Jet Set, Crue-L Shop, Disk Union

SUGIURUMN (of The Alexx, ex-Electric Glass Balloon) has released a brand new solo album, featuring a variety of singers: Ani (of Scha Dara Parr), Keiichi Sokabe (Sunny Day Service), Hokuto Asami and Haruna Yusa (both of Have a Nice Day!), and more. This year is the 25th anniversary of his solo debut. The album was mastered by Yoshinori Sunahara.

While the album can be heard digitally, ordering the CD via Bandcamp or directly from the label's online shop (for those in Japan) includes a bonus 6-track promo CD (while supplies last).

SUGIURUMN's DJ and event schedule can be found on his offiicial site.

SUGIURUMN "Someone Is Dancing Somewhere"

1. True Story feat. Mirai Oukura
2. Midnight Club feat. mayu
3. Music Function feat. Hokuto Asami
4. All About Z feat. Haruna Yusa
5. Juveniles feat. Daiki Kishioka
6. Slowmotion Through The Night feat. ANI
7. Razor Sharp feat. Jimme Armstrong
8. Love Degrees feat. Keiichi Sokabe
9. Rebel Boy
10. Into The Light feat. Jun Yoshimura
11. Butterfly Effect

KiliKiliVilla KKV-155
Out 8/7, ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Bandcamp, CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify, OTOTOY
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"All About Z feat. Haruna Yusa"

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.52) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on August 15 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: August 16, 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. Takeshi Nakatsuka "Parade" (2023)
(Japanese title: 中塚武 「Parade」)

The first song is the title track from Takeshi Nakatsuka's latest album, "Parade" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). The album's CD edition comes with a bonus disc of mainly works with other artists (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower, YesAsia).

Takeshi Nakatsuka has an upcoming big show on September 13 at Billboard Live Yokohama, titled "Takeshi Nakatsuka with Makoto Igarashi Iga-Band BB Big Band Parade". Find details here

🎙️ Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Takeshi Nakatsuka, AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN

2. AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN "George JAZZ" (2024)

Next is a song from the first album of Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (𝕏, Instagram), "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic" (Spotify, , YouTube Music). While the album is overall produced by CMJK (Cutemen, ex-Denki Groove), the song "George JAZZ" is one of two written and arranged by George (keyboardist of the band Mop of Head).

Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan, nicknamed Konneki, is known both as a comedian/talent and a musical artist. Check out her YouTube channel.

3. BABY JOHNSONZ "Pole Shift" (2024)

Baby Johnsonz is the new unit of two producers, Tetsuto Yoshida (who last year released albums "The Summing Up" and "The World Won't Listen") and Tomonao Tanaka (a.k.a. Tremorela, also half of novaFASE). From their first EP "BABY JOHNSONZ e.p.", this is the lead track titled "Pole Shift".

"BABY JOHNSONZ e.p." was released exclusively on 8cm CD (3" CD) for Tanzaku CD Day 2024 held last month, on July 7. The CD is available at Tower Records and Disk Union.

Part of a live performance of "Pole Shift" at an event for the EP's release can be viewed on 𝕏.

EP trailer clip

4. nonayu x usabeni "Ice Bahn" (2024)

usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) (Instagram, 𝕏) and nonayu (Instagram, 𝕏) are two idols who were previously together in groups Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned. Last month marked the 10th anniversary of the two's debut, and they released two new collaboration songs to commemorate that. The first was "Ice Bahn" (Spotify, , YouTube Music), which has music by teoremaa — who made many songs for Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned.

Another song titled "PEEK-A-BOO!" was also released (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

The two will be part of a same event on September 7 at Shinjuku Heist. Find details here.

🎙️ Listen to Narration II
Presenting: BABY JOHNSONZ, nonayu x usabeni, AOI12SAI

5. AOI12SAI "Antenna" (2024)
(Japanese title: あおい12さい 「Antenna」)

This is the latest song of singer-songwriter AOI12SAI (Instagram, 𝕏) (read "aoi jūni sai"), titled "Antenna" (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

This followed the release of "Sea of Neon" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) last December.

AOI12SAI is also active as part of unit ARAKAWAYA, formed of five siblings and their father. They regularly do live streamings on their Instagram account.

6. Frenesi "machi" (2010)
(Japanese title: フレネシ 「街」)

Last month, 3 songs from Frenesi's 2010 album "Märchen" (Spotify, , YouTube Music) were released in the 8cm (3") mini-CD format for Tanzaku CD Day, aimed at fans and collectors. One of the songs featured is "machi".

Following the new release, Frenesi has opened an online shop where her CDs are available for shipping worldwide. It's also possible to order the new mini-CD from Tower or Disk Union.

7. Dai Nakamura "Nami Oto" (2024)

Dai Nakamura (a.k.a. NUBACK) has released a new solo 3-song EP recently, titled "Nami Oto" (which means "sound of waves"). This is the title song from the EP.

The digital EP is available on Bandcamp and also other download/streaming platforms (Spotify, , YouTube Music).

This release followed the 2-song single "Goodbye c/w for Alison" out last December.

🎙️ Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Frenesi, Dai Nakamura, DÉ DÉ MOUSE & hitomitoi

8. DÉ DÉ MOUSE & hitomitoi "Skyscraper Starlight" (2024)
(Japanese title: DÉ DÉ MOUSE ＆ 一十三十一 「摩天楼Starlight」 "matenrō Starlight")

DÉ DÉ MOUSE and hitomitoi have released a new collaboration song, titled "Skyscraper Starlight" (Bandcamp, Spotify, , YouTube Music). This is the 3rd time that the two have collaborated, following "Love Groovin'" (2023) and "The Night of Neon Light" (2021).

DÉ DÉ MOUSE has kept busy with many collaborations this year, including new projects EFUEMU TOWNS, Henryne Girls, and nite pianos. To not miss anything, keep checking his official site's news pages.

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.

Up-and-young rock'n'roll band Voodoo Club has just released their first full-length album. Along with many brand new original songs, such as "Born to Kill" (Spotify, YouTube Music), also included are covers of Bo Diddley's "Road Runner" (done in The Pretty Things' version) and The Roosters' "C.M.C.". The album was produced by Mr.PAN of The Neatbeats, and recorded at his Grand-Frog Studio in mono using analog equipment.

This album is available on CD only, with no plan for a digital release. The CD includes a 24-page booklet.

Also check out their official YouTube channel where live performances were recently posted.

On August 28, Voodoo Club will hold a solo show at Shibuya Club Quattro.

Voodoo Club "Voodoo Club"
暴動クラブ 「暴動クラブ」

1. tomerarenai
2. Born to Kill
3. Rockets
4. sukanpin Boogie
5. California Girl
6. ROAD RUNNER
7. machibōke
8. itoshi no Chloe
9. Voodoo Rag
10. Chelsea Girl
11. C.M.C.

Beat East/forlife Songs FSCR-1
Out now (8/7), ¥3000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Sampler clip

Documentary & "machibōke", live at Shindaita Fever on April 25, 2024

"Cynical Baby" live at Shindaita Fever on April 25, 2024

Rock'n'roll band The Bohemians has just released a brand new album, their 11th. This is the follow-up to "essential fanfare (2021). The new album is available on CD and digitally.

A tour of Japan will be held for the release, with dates in Tokyo on September 22 at Kōenji High and on October 23 at Shibuya WWW.

THE BOHEMIANS "Ultimate Confirmation"

1. the earnest
2. kayaku! kayaku! kayaku!
3. Rock'n'Roll Gentlemen
4. ultimate debaser
5. Machinegun
6. kakehiki
7. tasogare no Magic Melody
8. manatsu no takara
9. Wray
10. still I love you oh yeah! yeah! yeah!
11. ai no Rock'n'Roll yori hayaku

Delicious Label QECD-10014
Out now (8/7), ¥2727 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†, , Spotify
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

"the earnest"

Towa Tei has released a new 7" single, of a song expected to be included on a new album to come in 2025. The song "Typical!" features singing by Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove). It's apparently the first time that the two have worked in studio together. Towa Tei will be celebrating later this year the 30th anniversary of his solo debut!

The B-side contains an alternate version. "Typical!" should be made available digitally later this year.

Towa Tei feat. Takkyu Ishino "Typical!" (7")

1. Typical!
2. Typical! (Version)

Mach Beat MBEP-2401
Out now (8/7), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Teaser clip

City Pop on Vinyl was held for the 5th time on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Below are just a few recommendations that shouldn't be missed by Tokyo's Coolest Sound's readers.

There's also a lot more to find on the official site's full list (some of the releases on the page are older ones, so look for the "新譜" = "new release" tags). Look out for Ginger Root LPs, Taeko Ohnuki and Akiko Yano reissues, and more.

See also the previous years: 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020.

Linda Carriere "Linda Carriere" (12")

First ever official release of a 1977 album produced by Haruomi Hosono, with also songs written by Tatsurō Yamashita, Minako Yoshida and Akiko Yano.

A1. Up On His Luck
A2. Loving Makes It So
A3. Sunday Girl
A4. All That Bad
A5. Proud Soul
B1. Laid Back Mad Or Mellow
B2. Child On An Angel's Arm
B3. Vertigo
B4. Love Celebration
B5. Socrates

Great Tracks MHJL-349
Out now (8/3), ¥4300 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Keiichi Sokabe / Tsutchie featuring Sokabe "Slow Motion / Caffeine no joō" (7")
曽我部恵一／Tsutchie featuring 曽我部恵一 「スロウモーション／カフェインの女王 7inch Edit」

7" of the lovers rock song "Slow Motion" from the 2004 compilation "Cozy Hotels", and for B-side a collaboration song from Tsutchie's 2002 album "Thanks For Listening" (here newly edited for 7").

(Artist / Title)
A. Keiichi Sokabe / Slow Motion
B. Tsutchie / Caffeine no joō featuring Keiichi Sokabe (7inch Edit by Tsutchie)

avex trax AQJH-77650
Out now (8/3), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Asako Toki "Peppermint Time ~20th Anniversary VINYL Best~" (12")
土岐麻子 「Peppermint Time ～20th Anniversary VINYL Best～」

10 songs from Asako Toki's 20th anniversary greatest hits album "Peppermint Time" out in April, selected by herself.

A1. STRIPE
A2. Tokyo Drive
A3. SUPERSTAR
A4. Fancy Time
A5. Peppermint Town
B1. utsukushii kao (with Raisan)
B2. Emerald
B3. Rain Dancer
B4. natsuyo no Magic
B5. Ice Cream Talk feat. G.RINA

A.S.A.B RZJB-87140
Out now (8/3), ¥4000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Asako Toki "A Night In New York" (7")
土岐麻子 「A Night In New York」

7" cut of the bonus track from 2021 compilation album "melody of memory - City Pop of Tetsuji Hayashi Selection". Cover of Elbow Bones and the Racketeers' 1983 song. The B-side is a previously unreleased instrumental.

A. A Night In New York
B. A Night In New York (instrumental version)

Universal Music PROI-7001
Out now (8/3), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

ECD "kimi wa bara yori utsukushii" (12")
ECD 「君は薔薇より美しい」

Akira Fuse's hit song, covered by ECD and featuring Masumi Arichika (T.V. Jesus, Variété), with also a remix by Tatsuo Sunaga. Re-issue of a 2001 release on clear red vinyl.

A1. kimi wa bara yori utsukushii Featuring Masumi Arichika from TV JESUS
A2. kimi wa bara yori utsukushii (Instrumental)
AA. kimi wa bara yori utsukushii (Audio Musica N'11 Mix) Remixed by Sunaga t Experience

avex trax AQJH-77644
Out now (8/3), ¥2700 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

IKKUBARU "Cloudless Night" (7")

7" of two tracks first released on a split cassette with Tweedees in 2017. "Cloudless Night" is a self-cover of a song Ikkubaru wrote for Monari Wakita. Both songs were newly mixed for vinyl.

A. Cloudless Night
B. Skyline

Ca Va? Records HYCA-8077
Out now (8/3), ¥2000 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

Various Artists "Velvet Songs" (12")

Selection of songs from the 2011 compilation "Velvet Songs" from the Grand Gallery label. All songs included are covers of Yuming and Hi-Fi Set.

(Original artist in parentheses)
A1. Tavito Nanao / Velvet Easter (Yumi Arai)
A2. Keiichi Sokabe / Kojinteki Message (Hi-Fi Set)
A3. bird / ame no Station (Yumi Arai)
A4. Cubismo Grafico feat. Sayaka Kushibiki / hoshi furu mayonaka (Hi-Fi Set)
B1. Wyolica / sotsugyō shashin (Yumi Arai)
B2. Strange Reitarō Travel Swing Orchestra / Rouge no dengon (Yumi Arai)
B3. Takeshi Nakatsuka / hikōkigumo (Yumi Arai)
B4. Nobuyuki Nakajima / Velvet easter (Yumi Arai)

Grand Gallery GRGALP-0016
Out now (8/3), ¥4500 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Play-Asia, Amazon, HMV, Tower Records ^†
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.

BLUEVALLEY, a bassless lo-fi pop group based in Nagoya, has released a new EP digitally! Titled "WHITE", it consists of five songs, four of which had been released periodically in advance. This is the follow-up to their first album "BLUEVALLEY" released in 2022.

A release party will be held in Tokyo on Sunday September 1st at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Details and the flyer can be found on 𝕏.

BLUEVALLEY "WHITE ep" (Download)

1. own
2. Hello
3. Yours
4. F
5. BMO

KiliKiliVilla
Out now (7/31)
Sample/buy: , Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY