Various Artists "Sauna Cool 1"
New label Sauna Cool starts things off with this 51-track compilation, with a rule of "no more than 30 seconds per track". Featured are mainly artists from the Tokyo indies scene, including Chabe, HNC, Miila and the Geeks, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Mitsume,...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on December 25, 2013
FPM "Scale Remixes" (Download)
On Christmas day, FPM did a surprise release of a remix album of tracks from his latest album "Scale". Remixers from Japan and also Taiwan are featured. All tracks can be sampled on this official release page. Clicking the "buy...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 22:31. | Released on December 25, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Big Band Back Beat"
2013 celebrated a 10th anniversary year of the solo career of Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone), seeing the release of latest album "Lyrics". Then came this "Big Band Back Beat" album, entirely backed by a large brass band, and full of covers...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 19:50. | Released on January 8, 2014
Various Artists "PARK compilation 01"
This is a compilation from 80KIDZ' own label PARK which started in 2013 and has been delivering . Included are previously unreleased tracks, including one by 80KIDZ themselves. Various Artists "PARK compilation 01" (Title / Artist) 1. Face Off /...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:47. | Released on November 20, 2013
Riow Arai "Drum Dub Delay" (Download)
Riow Arai has released a new album exclusively on iTunes store. The conceptual "spin-off" album consists of one-shot recordings of only drums and bass, that were then mixed in dub fashion. The drums and dub mixes were done by Riow...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:15. | Released on December 11, 2013
Sakamoto Ryuichi "Ryuichi Sakamoto | Playing the Orchestra 2013"
Sakamoto Ryūichi has released an album with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, as recorded during 3 concerts held in Tokyo and Osaka last May. It had been 16 years since his previous Japan tour with a full orchestra. The album includes...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on December 11, 2013
Hanazawa Kana "Love Planet"
Voice actress/singer Hanazawa Kana's new single again features a great line-up. The title track was written and produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), with strings arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme). "Spanish Apartment" was written and produced by Okii...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 18:35. | Released on December 25, 2013
Every Little Thing/Konishi Yasuharu "Aquamarine no mama de ite" (7")
As released on CD earlier this year, here's a 7" cut of Konishi Yasuharu's take of drama "dakishimetai!"'s theme song. The A-side is the theme song as performed by Every Little Thing and produced by Konishi, while the B-side...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 18:11. | Released on December 20, 2013
lyrical school "waratte.net / My kawaii nichijōtachi"
Rap idol unit lyrical school's latest single is new song "waratte.net" coupled with "My kawaii nichijōtachi" from album "date course". Both songs were written by Illreme ((((sssurrounddd)))). The limited edition contains two live tracks from a show held on November...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 13:09. | Released on December 11, 2013
"Nintendo Famicom Music"
Need a NES music fix? Try this recent compilation of music from hit Nintendo games. What distinguishes it from previous releases is that the media conforms to the high quality "Blu-spec CD2" standard (plays in normal CD players), a first...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 12:34. | Released on December 4, 2013
Kinoco Hotel "Salon De Kinoco On Stage" (CD+DVD)
This is a live album by neo-GS girl band Kinoco Hotel, taking you back in time to May 2009. This comes as a CD, with a bonus DVD of 3 live tracks (of another show from March 2009). Kinoco Hotel...
Posted on December 30, 2013 at 00:51. | Released on December 4, 2013
sugar me "Why White Y?"
sugar me, the solo project of singer-songwriter Teraoka Ayumi, has a 1st album out now! This features guests including Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Itoken, and members of milk and number 0. sugar me can be seen live together with Au Revoir...
Posted on December 19, 2013 at 22:23. | Released on December 18, 2013
fox capture plan "BRIDGE"
Here's a 2nd album from fox capture plan, instrumental jazz-rock trio formed of Kishimoto Ryo (Jabberloop), Kawai Hidehiro (Immigrant's Bossa Band) and Inoue Tsukasa (direction of the chord, ex-nhhmbase). This follows "trinity" released just last May. All songs are originals...
Posted on December 11, 2013 at 22:51. | Released on December 4, 2013
mishmash* Julie Watai "The Second Album" (Booklet+Download)
mishmash* Julie Watai, unit produced by Mishima Toyoaki ("the man behind Cornelius") and featuring singer/model/photographer Julie Watai, has a new album out now! This "Second Album" contains new songs "Do a 180" and "Heartbrakeroid" and the previously digitally released "Electromotive...
Posted on December 8, 2013 at 21:17. | Released on December 5, 2013
Sheena Ringo "ukina", "mitsugetsushō"
Sheena Ringo has two new albums out now. "ukina" consists of collaborations with other artists, including a new one with Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), and the previously unreleased "It Was You" written by Burt Bacharach. "mitsugetsushō" is a collection of her...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 11:28. | Released on November 13, 2013
kaku P-Model "Gipnoza"
Former P-Model member Hirasawa Susumu's solo unit, kaku P-Model, has a new album out now. This comes 9 years after previous album "Vistoron" (Amazon). The new album features guest musicians Tanaka Yasumi (keyboards, ex-P-Model) and PEVO #1 (guitar, from PEVO)....
Posted on November 17, 2013 at 12:27. | Released on November 6, 2013
Moonriders "Modern Music Special Edition"
The Moonriders' album "Modern Music" (1979) has been re-issued as a special edition with a bonus CD. Each song was newly remixed by different artists including Tokumaru Shūgo, Urbangarde, Riow Arai, little moa, Sawabe Wataru (Skirt) and more. This release...
Posted on November 15, 2013 at 23:04. | Released on November 6, 2013
Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi"
Taikuh Jikang is the solo unit of Kawamura Kohey, a gamelan player (Indonesian instrument). The unit's visuals involve shadow play. This 2nd album features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on one track. Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi" TAIKUH JIKANG 滞空時間 「RAINICHI 来日」 1. HUTAN...
Posted on November 2, 2013 at 23:52. | Released on October 23, 2013
Tarte Tatin "The Gutenberg Galaxy"
Indie-pop duo Tarte Tatin have a 2nd album out now! The unit has actually changed both singers since the previous album, as the previous two quit to focus on their studies, and two new girls were selected by audition. This...
Posted on October 27, 2013 at 22:31. | Released on October 23, 2013
Konishi Yasuharu/Pizzicato Five "'dakishimetai!' Music Collection"
P5 fans rejoice, here come some lost Pizzicato Five sounds! Hit TV drama "dakishimetai!" was originally aired in 1988, and it's back this year as a special sequel marking its 25th anniversary. The original had music by Pizzicato Five —at...
Posted on September 14, 2013 at 20:52. | Released on September 27, 2013
lyrical school "date course"
6-girl rap idol unit lyrical school has a new album coming. This is actually their first full-length since they switched names from Tengal6 (see album "City"). This new album includes tracks not only produced by tofubeats, but also collaborations with...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 23:32. | Released on September 18, 2013
Nyantora "High Strangeness" (Download)
Nyantora, the solo project of Nakamura Kōji aka Nakakō (LAMA, iLL, ex-Supercar), has a new album out now that explores ambient sounds. It is available for download through Bandcamp and DIY Stars. Audio samples at label Sound of Romance Nyantora...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 23:21. | Released on September 9, 2013
Aira Mitsuki "I'll Be Back"
Techno-pop idol Aira Mitsuki is preparing to go on hiatus, but not before releasing another album. "I'll Be Back" features mostly tracks produced by Terukado as usual, but also ones by Tessy (CANDLES) and Sasaki Kissa (Recoride). All lyrics were...
Posted on August 16, 2013 at 00:29. | Released on August 21, 2013
Various Artists "WIRE13 Compilation"
Here comes the annual WIRE compilation, reminding us of the upcoming annual large rave event of the same name organized by Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). This year WIRE celebrates its 15th anniversary! The 2-CD compilation gives an overview of this...
Posted on August 13, 2013 at 22:16. | Released on August 14, 2013
Portmanteau "Portmanteau"
Portmanteau is a new ambient unit, collaboration of Yasuda Toshiyuki (ex-FPM), Morgan Fisher (ex-Mott the Hoople) and Kimura Tatsuji (dip in the pool). This first album features guest vocalists Koda Miyako (dip in the pool) and Honda Michiyo (ex-Overrocket). Portmanteau...
Posted on August 12, 2013 at 22:30. | Released on June 26, 2013
Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New Quad' 2x2=4 / very well L.P."
Dots+Borders, the legendary unit of Kaji Hideki and Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group, pupa), has teamed up with young rock band Sister Jet for a new album full of British-influenced upbeat tracks. Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New...
Posted on August 11, 2013 at 12:26. | Released on August 7, 2013
Denki Groove "'Human Beings and Animals' Tour Panda 2013" (DVD & Blu-ray)
This video is a whole show from Denki Groove's latest tour, "Tour Panda 2013", in support of their "Human Beings and Animals" album released last February. The show was held on March 13, 2013 at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo. Always...
Posted on August 5, 2013 at 22:04. | Released on August 7, 2013
Masanori Ikeda "The Loud Works"
Masanori Ikeda (SoundCloud) (aka Mansfield) has a new album out now! This is actually his first original album under this name, and it contains a variety of tracks released over the recent years in vinyl or digital forms, including "Mu"...
Posted on July 31, 2013 at 21:30. | Released on July 24, 2013
Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"
Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 18:16. | Released on July 17, 2013
Seiji "Smooth Chanson kuchibiru ni uta o"
Seiji is a singer from Osaka who takes his roots from French chanson. He has already been active for several years on stage, but had never got around to record his music. He decided to ask Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five)...
Posted on July 25, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on June 19, 2013
playtime rock "Play Time"
Playtime Rock (blog) is the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and flutist/singer Ichiba Mina. After last year's split-album "Evening Primrose" (2012), here comes their real first full-length album "Play Time". Half of the tracks are covers of foreign songs...
Posted on July 23, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on July 24, 2013
Negicco "Melody Palette"
Negi-loving idol group Negicco from Niigata has a new album out now! This is actually their first real album, as their previous full-length release "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-" was made up of early tracks. The new album includes latest single "Idol...
Posted on July 20, 2013 at 03:09. | Released on July 17, 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.
Tommy february6 "TOMMY CANDY SHOP ♥ SUGAR ♥ ME"
Tommy february6 has a new album that was released last month. This follows the "February & Heavenly" album from last year, and contains both songs from the "Be My Valentine" single (Amazon) released on February 6th this year. 2013 marks...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 21:34. | Released on June 12, 2013
Towa Tei "Lucky"
Towa Tei has a brand new album out now! "Lucky" is full of brand new songs including latest single "Radio". Many artists are featured, including all three of YMO, Dorian, Sugar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter), Sheena Ringo, Predawn, Bakubaku Dokin, visual...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 11:49. | Released on July 10, 2013
Misola "Correspondence"
Misola is a recent band that debuted with a 7" last March, and now here comes a 1st album on Orange Records! The band actually features some famous members, with Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, now part of BANK, ex-Bridge) on...
Posted on July 13, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on June 12, 2013
Toki Asako "Heartbreakin'"
Singer Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new original album that was released in June. With an 80's city pop taste, the album has two songs of which the music was written by EPO. Check out the video for "Tokyo Drive"...
Posted on July 13, 2013 at 22:34. | Released on June 12, 2013
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.
Towa Tei "Radio (Edit) with Yukihiro Takahashi & Tina Tamashiro" (Download)
Towa Tei has a new album on the way, "Lucky" to be released on July 10! Here's a new track to enjoy meanwhile. "Radio" features Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) and model Tina Tamashiro, and is available now on iTunes Japan. Be...
Posted on June 21, 2013 at 23:22. | Released on June 19, 2013
Negicco "Idol bakari kikanai de"
This new single from idol trio Negicco has a lead track written & produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! This clavinet and violin-led upbeat pop tune is sure to please P5 fans! The song tells listeners not to listen to...
Posted on May 30, 2013 at 00:06. | Released on May 29, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Invader Invader"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming, for the song "Invader Invader" that's being heard in TV commercials for the GU fashion brand (by Uniqlo). She has already been performing the song on stage starting her 2nd world tour....
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 10:44. | Released on May 15, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Young, Alive, in Love / Have you ever seen the rainbow?" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), whose latest album "Lyrics" was released last February, has a 7" cut of two songs being released. One of the chosen songs is a cover of Flipper's Guitar "Young, Alive, in Love"! This release comes from Groove...
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 00:32. | Released on May 8, 2013
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.
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no gyakushū"
Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album, actually a maniac selection of GS-oriented covers. Included are Tokyo Bravo's "Eleki de Swim" (1980, original on YouTube), Carmen Maki's "Noisy Baby" (1969, watch Kinoco Hotel's version below), Izumi Mishuko's "konya wa tottemo ikenai...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 10:33. | Released on May 1, 2013
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.
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? "Instantaneous" (DVD)
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? ("YMO?") is a project formed of Minimoog maestro Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) with rare vintage electronic instruments collector Morgan Fisher. This first show of theirs was held on November 3, 2012, and recorded using 10 video cameras....
Posted on April 23, 2013 at 23:26. | Released on April 24, 2013
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.
RF "Fill the bill"
Jazz band RF covers hip-hop classics with their signature live band sound. This follows De De Mouse-produced cover album of De De Mouse influences (here). For audio samples, checkout Amazon MP3 (U.S.). RF "Fill the bill" (Original artists in parentheses)...
Posted on April 1, 2013 at 22:11. | Released on April 3, 2013
Gig report: Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong debut live w/ Living Astro
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday, I finally got to see an artist I had been wanting to see for about 15 years, ever since I got "Cloudy Cloud Calculator"! That's right, Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 21:04.
"The Selection of DE DE MOUSE Favorites performed by Rokugen Club with Farah a.k.a. RF vol.01"
This is an album produced by De De Mouse consisting of songs that influenced the artist, but all of these are re-arranged and performed by an "instrumental hip-hop jazz band" named RF. "Floats & Falls" from De De Mouse's latest...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 00:07. | Released on March 20, 2013
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.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninjya Re Bang Bang"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's next single is titled "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", song that's already being performed on stage in her ongoing world tour that dropped by Belgium, France and U.K. in February. The song is also used in a TV...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 16:58. | Released on March 20, 2013
Tarte Tatin "irideppō ni deonna - tofubeats EDO remix" (7")
Cute indie girl pop duo Tarte Tatin (produced by members of Sōtaiseiriron) have a new 7" coming, of a remix by Tofubeats. Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set. The original song is from their first album "Tetrad" (2012,...
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 22:41. | Released on February 20, 2013
Denki Groove "Human Beings and Animals"
Denki Groove is back with a brand new album! Their previous was 20th anniversary album "20" (2009). Album versions of singles "Upside Down" (2009), "Shameful" (2012) and "Missing Beatz" (2013) are included, as well as a cover of The Monkees'...
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 23:28. | Released on February 27, 2013
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.5"
This is a 5th of Sazanami Label's popular compilation series of indies girl rock/garage/neo-GS bands. Collect them all! All tracks can be sampled at the official release page. The jacket was specially designed by Italian illustrator Luca Tieri. A series...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on February 9, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Lyrics"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), who this year celebrates 10 years of solo activity, has a new album coming. While several of the songs here have been previously released in demo form for free on the "Takeshi Lab" section of his web...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on February 6, 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
Crazy Ken Band "ma, iiya"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single out now! Title song "ma, iiya" (translates to "oh well") is the theme song for movie "Tsuya no yoru" to start in theaters on January 26. Crazy Ken Band "ma, iiya" クレイジーケンバンド 「ま、いいや」...
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 22:45. | Released on January 23, 2013
Hanazawa Kana "Silent Snow"
This is a 4th single by Hanazawa Kana, a voice actress who debuted as a singer last year. All songs are written by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), and the title song has strings arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (yume to...
Posted on January 15, 2013 at 22:20. | Released on January 16, 2013
Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop EP" (12")
A selection of tracks from rapper Kaseki Cider's latest album "Mr. City Pop" are being released on 12" Audio samples of all tracks at Jet Set. Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop EP" (12") かせきさいだぁ 「MR.CITY POP EP」 A1. Mr.CITY POP...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 18:48. | Released in February 2013
hitomitoi "YOUR TIME Route #1" (12")
hitomitoi's cover album "YOUR TIME Route #1" (released on CD in November 2012) is being released on vinyl. All 9 songs from the album are included. Some audio samples can be heard at Jet Set. hitomitoi "YOUR TIME Route #1"...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 18:47. | Released in January 2013
kotringo "tsubame Novelette"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album to be released this week. This is a concept album starring a white swallow (tsubame). In addition to songs with the 3-piece band from previous album "La mémoire de mon bandwagon", woodwind...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 12:40. | Released on January 16, 2013
Gig report: Saitō Neon Sign, Love & Revolution, Emmy Lee & The Psyzans
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday January 6, I went to an event at Koenji U.F.O. Club part of a series celebrating the 17th anniversary of the popular GS (Group Sounds)/garage rock oriented venue....
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 00:11.
Perfume "mirai no Museum"
Perfume has a new single coming at the end of February, and the title song is being used as the new ending theme of anime series "Doraemon" (TV Asahi every Friday from 19:00). It will also be used as the...
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 01:09. | Released on February 27, 2013
CANDLES "Fantastic parallel world"
Indies electro unit Candles has a new mini-album coming on January 30. This is their 2nd physical release, following "Evolutional Form" released last May. On December 5th was also released 3-song digital single "Parallel world" on iTunes worldwide, from which...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 22:09. | Released on January 30, 2013
Denki Groove "Missing Beatz"
This month Denki Groove are back with a new single coming, a pop tune titled "Missing Beatz". This comes ahead of a new 13th album to be released on February 27, about which full details have yet to be announced...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:24. | Released on January 16, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "kimi ni 100 Percent / furisodeshon"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who will be turning 20 on January 29, has a new single to be released on the next day. This double-A-single contains "kimi ni 100 Percent", theme song of anime series "Crayon Shinchan", and new song "furisode-shon"...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 16:51. | Released on January 30, 2013
Small Boys "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"
Small Boys is a new unit formed of Nona Reeves' Nishidera Gōta and singer-songwriter Dōjima Kōhei. The two have in the past contributed many songs to Japan's top male idol groups such as SMAP, V6, Shōnentai, Kinki Kids, KAT-TUN, and...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:55. | Released on December 19, 2012
Nona Reeves "Hippy Christmas / Live Thirteen"
Nona Reeves have been making a tradition of doing a Christmas show every year at Shibuya Club Quattro, and year 2012 saw its 14th edition. This live album release is of the show from the previous year (the 13th) held...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on December 19, 2012
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio "Day & Midnight"
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio, featuring Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and Furukawa Taichi (aka TA-1, ex-Riddim Saunter), has a first album out now. This mainly consists of covers of Japanese songs (and some covers of Japanese covers of foreign songs). Both...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 23:46. | Released on December 19, 2012
LAMA "Modanica"
Following single "Parallel Sign", here comes a brand new 2nd album from LAMA. The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of what seems to be 5 videos of songs from first album "New!" (2011). The Modanica tour will stop...
Posted on December 18, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 2012
Sekitova "premature moon and the shooting star"
Sekitova is a high school student DJ and deep-house artist who debuted last year on acclaimed net label Maltine Records. He has now started his own label, Zamstak, of which the first release is his own album. Definitely worth a...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 23:48. | Released on December 5, 2012
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
LAMA "Parallel Sign"
Here's a new single from LAMA. B-side "Seven Swell -based on 'Niji'-" is, as the title says, inspired by Denki Groove's hit song "Niji", and a short version video clip made by the team behind "Eureka Seven OA" can be...
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on November 28, 2012
Round Table featuring Nino "Singles Best 2002-2012 Memories"
Round Table has a greatest hits album out now of a selection from the many "featuring Nino" singles released over the last 10 years. Most of the songs were used in anime series. This release also marks an end to...
Posted on December 2, 2012 at 23:53. | Released on November 28, 2012
Original Love "Overblow Tour 2012 Live in Shibuya Club Quattro"
Original Love has a first live album out now. This 18-song 2-CD recording is from a show held at Shibuya Club Quattro on July 21, 2012, part of the "Overblow Tour". Included are also several old hits such as "seppun...
Posted on November 25, 2012 at 21:41. | Released on November 21, 2012
Rocketman feat. Cana "Mermaid" (Download)
Rocketman's new track features singer Cana (Sotte Bosse). It's available now on iTunes Japan only. Also Rocketman has been active on SoundCloud recently, posting what seem to be some new tracks. Rocketman feat. Cana "Mermaid" (Download) Out now (11/14), ¥250...
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 00:12. | Released on November 14, 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
fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer"
Techno-pop-punk unit fantaholic, formed of singer Satō Takako and machinist Takahashi Hiroki, has a first 5-song mini-album out now. fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer" 1. Welcome to Another World, Here You Are 2. Till the Party Ends 3. I'm Your Slave,...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:23. | Released on October 24, 2012
Aurora Acoustic "Harmony of the Spheres", "The Light Chronicles (Best of Aurora Acoustic)"
Aurora Acoustic is the 2-acoustic guitar instrumental unit of DJ/producer Kaoru Inoue (Chari Chari) and guitarist Kojima Daisuke (aka DSK, of Port of Notes). Having previously released albums "Flare" (2004), "Fjord" (2006) and "Feast" (2007) under the Aurora name, here...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:42. | Released on October 24, 2012
Ryoma Takemasa "Catalyst"
This is the debut album by newcomer instrumental electro artist Ryoma Takemasa (Soundcloud) who takes his roots from various dance music scenes, and has been making himself known internationally with tracks played by the likes of Laurent Garnier and James...
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 22:44. | Released on October 17, 2012
De De Mouse "sky was dark"
De De Mouse has a 4th album out now! This album is said to have a conceptual story tone based around the "time" keyword. HMV offers an extra CD of a non-album track (while supplies last). There's also a bonus...
Posted on October 18, 2012 at 00:11. | Released on October 17, 2012
quasimode "Soul Cookin'"
Jazz quartet quasimode has a 6th original album coming. Featured are guests including Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) and Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition comes as a high fidelity HQCD (plays in normal CD players), and a bonus DVD...
Posted on October 1, 2012 at 23:25. | Released on October 3, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Fashion Monster"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming in October! Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this time the title track is a rocking tune. An extended version of "tsukema tsukeru" is included, as well as a B-side that's used...
Posted on September 23, 2012 at 15:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
Calmera "1000nichimae High Colors"
Osaka-based instrumental jazz-rock band Calmera has a 4th album out now on Orange Records! Included are 2 remixes, one by Groove Unchant. Also, the first limited pressing comes with a bonus DVD of a show held in Osaka on February...
Posted on September 20, 2012 at 23:06. | Released on August 29, 2012
marino with Teapot Orchestra "Bathtub de chōshoku o"
marino is back, 6 years after the release of hit album "Lollipop" (2009 reissue here), and now she's with a full brass band and going in a more jazzy direction, actually sounding very musical-like. The title translates to "breakfast in...
Posted on September 17, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on September 20, 2012
Gig report: frenesi "gendai" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On September 15, 2012, was the release party for frenesi's album "gendai". It was held at Shibuya WWW, one of my favorite venues lately (it used to be a movie...
Posted on September 17, 2012 at 00:34.
Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop"
Rapper Kaseki Cider has a new album following last year's great "Sound Burger Planet", this time again with back-band the Hugtones! Featured are guests Illicit Tsuboi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji) and Epo. Covers of Denpa gumi inc's "kuchizuke Kibonnu" (a song...
Posted on September 15, 2012 at 00:49. | Released on September 19, 2012
Julia Oki "É da Julia"
This is the debut album of Julia Oki, her music described as Japanese Brazilian Crossover. The album is produced by jazz singer-songwriter akiko, and this also features artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, Shimizu Hirotaka (The Cornelius Group), Miura Makoto, and...
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on September 5, 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.
Perfume "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'"
Perfume continues to do its best to appeal to a global audience, and here comes a first greatest hits album. No word on an actual overseas CD release, but this will hopefully be available worldwide on iTunes like their recent...
Posted on August 18, 2012 at 17:42. | Released on September 12, 2012
Yakushimaru Etsuko "kirikirimai" (Download)
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single now available for download on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Yamamoto Linda's french-pop style song "kirikirimai" from 1973. The song was actually recorded in 2010 for a 3-CD compilation paying tribute...
Posted on August 13, 2012 at 23:49. | Released on August 1, 2012
Various Artists "Who is the Star? WITS Compilation Vol.3 -20th anniversary edition-"
WITS was a Shibuya-kei label that in its early years mainly focused on releases by L⇔R (a band of which Minekawa Takako was a member for some time), Spiral Life, and also Minekawa Takako's early solo career ("Chit Chat", "(A...
Posted on August 12, 2012 at 12:28. | Released on August 8, 2012
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
Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
Moonriders' Okada Tohru, lately active with CTO LAB., has a 4th album out this week. It has been no less than 19 years since his previous solo album! Included are several self-covers of Moonriders favorites, and the album is full...
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 22:39. | Released on August 8, 2012
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Fire Bird" (Download)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a brand new song available for download! First preformed live at World Happiness 2011, annual summer festival always headlined by YMO, "Fire Bird" was inspired by Tezuka Osamu's character "hi no tori" (aka "Phoenix") which was...
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 20:59. | Released on August 1, 2012
