Full-text search results for UA

  1. Various Artists "WIRE12 Compilation"
    Here's this year's compilation for Ishino Takkyū's arena techno party WIRE, to be held on August 25 at Yokohama Arena. Included are several branc new tracks by Ishino Takkyū, Sunahara Yoshinori, Tanaka Fumiya, Ken Ishii & Mickey Zhang, DJ Sodeyama,...
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 01:06. | Released on August 1, 2012
  2. mishmash* Julie Watai "Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (Download)
    Here's a 3rd digital single from mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai. Same formula as before, with the song released in both Japanese and English. The sexy video (seen below) was directed...
    Posted on July 17, 2012 at 22:30. | Released on July 15, 2012
  3. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei feat. Hatsune Miku"
    Virtual idol Hatsune Miku sings Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Kahimi Karie, Kaji Hideki, Original Love and Ozawa Kenji in this Shibuya-kei cover compilation put together by producers from the Vocaloid scene. Two original songs are also included as bonus tracks....
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 20:44. | Released on July 11, 2012
  4. Takkyu Ishino "WIRE TRAX 1999-2012"
    Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) has a new album out now, a collection of all his original contributions to the compilations for his annual WIRE arena techno party. A 2nd disc consists of rare related tracks that were used in commercials...
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 02:09. | Released on July 4, 2012
  5. Open Reel Ensemble "Open Reel Ensemble" (CD+DVD)
    Open Reel Ensemble have been active on stage for several years, using USB-controlled open reel tape recorders to create a unique performance. Here's finally a first album, and it comes from Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. A bunch of unexpected guests...
    Posted on June 23, 2012 at 21:25. | Released on June 27, 2012
  6. Gig report: Vanilla Beans one-man live vol.4
    Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday June 17, I went to see Vanilla Beans who were holding their 4th one-man live. I had been to the first held in December 2009 (report), and have...
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 23:35.
  7. Vanilla Beans "gekkan NEO Vanilla Beans" (Book)
    Vanilla Beans have a first ever photo book being released next week! The 104-page book is full of pop, sexy and cute photos of Rena and Lisa posing in various situations. A special edition comes with a hard cover and...
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 23:57. | Released on June 26, 2012
  8. Teams "Teams X White Lily Remixes"
    Coming next from HNC's White Lily Records is a release of LA-based electro unit Teams (funnily borrowed from label White Iris Records). Included are 4 original tracks plus 5 remixes by White Lily's current roaster and friends. Featured are HNC,...
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on June 25, 2012
  9. World Order "2012" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)
    World Order, the Genki Sudō-led salaryman robot dance unit that got the world's attention with their impressive videos on YouTube, such as one of a performance held at a Microsoft event, has a 2nd album out now! This comes as...
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 21:18. | Released on June 20, 2012
  10. mishmash* Julie Watai "Veiled by Reverb" (Download)
    Following "Roll of Love" released in April, here's a 2nd song from mishmash*, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog), feat. Julie Watai. Like last time, the song has being released in both Japanese and English versions. The full-length music...
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 22:14. | Released on June 13, 2012
  11. Gig report: Portable Rock
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 2, I went to see Portable Rock at small venue Club Crawl in Shibuya. It was the first of two "one-man" shows (no opening band) the band played. This...
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 21:57.
  12. Gig report: Beat Communist vol.10: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kaji Hideki, akiko, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday May 26 was the 10th edition of the "Beat Communist" event presented by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), which is regularly held every 3 months at jazz club JZ Brat....
    Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:20.
  13. Various Artists "zoku Fami-Compi"
    This is a follow up to last year's "Fami-Compi", again full of new pico-pico club-style covers of popular Famicom (NES) theme songs. Producers include sasakure.UK and TeddyLoid. Various Artists "zoku Fami-Compi" オムニバス 「続ファミ・コンピ」 1. Opening ~Menuet da Pico~ 2. ikki...
    Posted on May 21, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on May 23, 2012
  14. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"
    After a mini-album and 2 singles, here comes Harajuku fashion icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 1st full-length album! Included are 4 previously released songs and 8 new ones, such as one featured in a recent TV commercial for KFC Krushers. This...
    Posted on May 20, 2012 at 01:44. | Released on May 23, 2012
  15. Logic System "RMXLOGIX Vol.2 (with Special Tracks)"
    Following Vol.1 released just a year ago, here's a 2nd EP of Logic System remixes. This time are featured remixes by Luvraw & BTB, 8-bit artist Quarta330 and more, as well as previously unreleased track "Ruins". Logic System is the...
    Posted on May 17, 2012 at 00:02. | Released on May 2, 2012
  16. Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
    Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo...
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 22:24. | Released on May 16, 2012
  17. Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
    Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi. The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also...
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 21:35. | Released on May 2, 2012
  18. Meg "La japonaise"
    This new album by Meg, who had escaped to France for a while, is mainly a collection of anime covers previously released on iTunes in France only. Included are tracks produced by Konishi Yasuharu, Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), 2 ANIMEny DJs...
    Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:51. | Released on April 25, 2012
  19. Various Artists "The Girl from Ipanema ~Antonio Carlos Jobim Tribute~"
    Here's a tribute album to Tom Jobim featuring various young Japanese electronica artists. The whole is produced by Tobeta Bajune who has developed close ties with YMO and friends over the recent years. Sounds like a good way to revisit...
    Posted on April 19, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on April 11, 2012
  20. Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
  21. Vanilla Beans "Choco Mint Flavor Time"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single coming! Title track "Choco Mint Flavor Time" is a catchy pop tune that can be heard in the cute videoclip below, which features more dancing than usual. The jacket even shows Rena and...
    Posted on April 4, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
  22. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful - selected by Shachō"
    Here's a compilation of Japanese jazz, selected under the theme keyword "beautiful" by Soil & "Pimp" Sessions' agitator, Shachō. Featured artists include Ino Hidefumi, Calmera, Jazztronik, quasimode, PE'Z, of course Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and more. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful...
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 23:35. | Released on March 28, 2012
  23. "Bell to issho." (DVD)
    This is the image DVD of Kobe pro baseball team Orix Buffaloes's official female mascot, Bell. The Aprils and friends have contributed all over this, and claim it can even be enjoyed by non-baseball fans. The Aprils contributed the mascot's...
    Posted on March 24, 2012 at 12:17. | Released on March 21, 2012
  24. Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
  25. m-flo "Square One"
    Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
  26. Tommy february6 & Tommy heavenly6 "February & Heavenly"
    Kawase Tomoko (The Brilliant Green) is back with her two solo projects, Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6. Here's a joint album containing 7 songs by each persona. Two of the songs by Tommy heavenly6, "monochrome rainbow" and "I'm Your Devil...
    Posted on February 27, 2012 at 20:28. | Released on February 29, 2012
  27. Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Oh Yes Say LaLa*:-"
    Here's Shinohara Tomoe's 2nd album this year, following "-:*Better*:-" out on January 11. Again this is all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. The artwork for this album even contains photos of herself wearing self-designed costumes to go with...
    Posted on February 17, 2012 at 20:13. | Released on February 22, 2012
  28. Okamura Yasuyuki "katei kyōshi"
    Okamura Yasuyuki's 4th album, "katei kyōshi" (1990), is being re-issued as a high quality Blu-Spec CD. Plus, the album was remastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! The title translates to "home teacher". Lately the song "(E)na" can be heard covered by The...
    Posted on February 15, 2012 at 21:00. | Released on February 15, 2012
  29. Gig report: Love And Hates "L.A.H." release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday, February 5, was the release party for Love And Hates' 1st album "L.A.H." The event was held at Shinjuku Marz, starting at 5pm and to finish around 10!...
    Posted on February 14, 2012 at 21:41.
  30. Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
    Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
  31. Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
  32. salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)
    salyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer...
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:10. | Released on February 1, 2012
  33. Crazy Ken Band "furyō Club"
    Crazy Ken Band has a new single, with a title that translates to "Bad guys club". The new video clip seen below stars actor Asano Tadanobu. The CD includes a B-side and the usual jingle and information. The jingle's seems...
    Posted on February 8, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on February 1, 2012
  34. Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
    Led by Sakamoto Ryūichi, this charity single covers The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" in an electronic arrangement, and featuring some 30 big names participating on vocals and production. Profits are said to be donated for children victims of...
    Posted on February 1, 2012 at 22:59. | Released on March 7, 2012
  35. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"
    For a 4th month in a row here's another compilation selected by Sunaga Tatsuo, of songs from the catalog of Japanese jazz label Venus Records which releases works by foreign artists. Tracks of the previous installments can be sampled on...
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on January 21, 2012
  36. Various Artists "Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute"
    Here's a tribute album to Sakamoto Ryūichi, produced by Tobeta Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features Ōnuki Taeko. The album is released on Sakamoto's...
    Posted on January 15, 2012 at 01:13. | Released on January 17, 2012
  37. Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
  38. Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
    Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
  39. Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
    Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
    Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 2012
  40. Various Artists "01:11"
    Japanese electro label PROGRESSIVE FOrM has a first label greatest hits compilation coming that covers from the label start in 2001, hence the title of "01:11" (reads "one eleven"). Included are tracks by MimiCof, Aoki Takamasa (one song featuring Tujiko...
    Posted on January 7, 2012 at 13:22. | Released on January 11, 2012
  41. Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"
    Vanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning...
    Posted on December 30, 2011 at 22:17. | Released on January 18, 2012
  42. Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Better*:-"
    Shinohara Tomoe has not one but two new albums coming! Both are original, all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. It has been 13 years since her previous original album, "Dream & Machine". The 2nd new album, "-:*Oh Yes...
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 23:58. | Released on January 11, 2012
  43. The Aprils "Magical Girls"
    Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
    Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
  44. Prof. Sakamoto "Sakamoto kyōju no 8bit Juke Box"
    Prof. Sakamoto (aka Sakamoto kyōju, a nickname that usually refers to Sakamoto Ryūichi but not in this case) is an 8-bit artist also known for being able to play just about any Famicom game theme on a synthesizer off the...
    Posted on December 20, 2011 at 22:56. | Released on December 21, 2011
  45. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
    This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
  46. plusico Produced by Thomas O'hara "Hatsune Miku plays gekkōkakishidan (Moonriders)"
    Along with their 21st album "Ciao!", the Moonriders also have this official album of covers sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku coming at the same time. ("gekkōkakishidan" in the title means Moonriders.) Miku sings The Moonriders' greatest hits, programmed by...
    Posted on December 11, 2011 at 13:36. | Released on December 14, 2011
  47. Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
    Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
  48. Love and Hates "L.A.H."
    Love and Hates, the girl party unit of Yuppa (HNC) and Moe (Miila and the Geeks) has finally a first album coming, after several cassettes that all sold out almost instantly! 17 tracks are included, totaling 36 minutes (2:07 average)....
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 17:27. | Released on December 7, 2011
  49. Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
    Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
  50. Crazy Ken Band "Wild de ikō!!!"
    Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming, including 2 songs recently featured in TV commercials. Title track "Wild de iko!!!" was used in men's scalp care product "Rigaos", and "ikinokore!!!" for a pachinko CM (yes..!). This comes with a...
    Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on November 23, 2011
  51. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus II"
    Here's a 2nd installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's selection of jazz gems from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records. The 3rd is coming on December 21. All tracks can be sampled on the official release page by clicking the track...
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 00:13. | Released on November 16, 2011
  52. FPM "Qlassix"
    There's a new FPM album coming next week! Actually a compilation of all the classical music covers he did for Uniqlo Calendar, plus one brand new recording. The artwork was done by the same people who design Uniqlo Calendar. All...
    Posted on November 13, 2011 at 13:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
  53. Asa-Chang "Asa-Chang & shūshū"
    Asa-Chang, now the only member remaining of Asa-Chang & Junray, has a compilation out now of his works as a producer, spanning over his whole career. Asa-Chang used to be the leader of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and has a...
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 14:27. | Released on November 9, 2011
  54. Rocketman feat. Hatsune Miku "tonda Hattary Boy" (Download)
    Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) has a new track now available for download, and featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku. Quite a good track, though some Miku fans have expressed disappointment of the fact that she only sings chorus while Rocketman sings...
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 13:55. | Released on November 9, 2011
  55. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "tsukematsukeru"
    Here's a new single from Harajuku model turned singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, again produced by Nakata Yasutaka. This is to contain 2 new songs plus an extended version of "Cherry Bonbon" from "moshimoshi Harajuku". Little details are available so far,...
    Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:50. | Released on January 11, 2012
  56. coltemonikha "coltemonikha Best" (CD+DVD)
    coltemonikha, the unit of fashion designer Kate Sakai (blog) produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), has a new CD coming this December. This is actually a compilation of all songs from the two previously released great mini-albums (with the exception...
    Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on December 14, 2011
  57. Gig report: Dorian "studio vacation" release party, w/ Luvraw & BTB, (((sssurrounddd)))
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound We've been enjoying some cool autumn weather in Tokyo lately, but last Friday was a hot summer night at Shibuya WWW where was held the release party for Dorian's "studio...
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 23:33.
  58. Various Artists "Hatsune Miku sings New Wave"
    Out this week is this new Hatsune Miku compilation of new wave covers sung by the virtual idol. Included are songs originally by Plastics, Nomiya Maki, Portable Rock, Juicy Fruits, Hikashu, P-Model, Halmens, Cosmic Invention and more. The compilation is...
    Posted on October 25, 2011 at 00:24. | Released on October 26, 2011
  59. Luvraw & BTB "Hotel Pacifica"
    Yokohama-based mellow talkbox duo Luvraw & BTB (MySpace) have a 2nd album coming. Their previous album was "Yokohama City Blues" released in summer 2010. This time they aim at making a soundtrack for fall evenings. Included is a cover of...
    Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:50. | Released on October 19, 2011
  60. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus 1"
    Sunaga Tatsuo begins a new sub-series of jazz compilations, part of his ongoing "yoru jazz" ("Jazz All-Nighters") series. This time he selects from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records, which since 1992 has brought many releases from worldwide artists...
    Posted on October 14, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on October 19, 2011
  61. Matsunagota Rhythm Section "Groovy Situation Dub"
    Bassist Matsunaga Takayoshi and drummer Yashiki Gōta, both former members of Japan's first dub band Mute Beat (mainly active in the 80's), are now back as a new unit appropriately named Matsunagota Rhythm Section. Their first album is out now,...
    Posted on October 9, 2011 at 10:24. | Released on October 5, 2011
  62. Soil & "Pimp" Sessions "Magnetic Soil"
    Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, a jazzy band that mixes in sounds of rock, punk, electro and funk, have a new (7th!) album out just now, their first in 2 years. This includes the title track from single "Movin'" released earlier...
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:28. | Released on October 5, 2011
  63. Various Artists "I Love Tokyo ~For Anime Music Lovers~"
    Shibuya meets Akihabara in this concept anime song cover compilation. Featured are various producers, such as Tofubeats, Ram Rider, Takizawa Kentarō, Jazzin' park, etc., in collaboration with various female singers including Nomoto Karia, Julie Watai (JulieHally), BiS and more. Audio...
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:09. | Released on October 5, 2011
  64. Chloe "Norwegian Wood"
    Singer dahlia sings all songs on this new cover album by Irma Records Japan-based producer unit Chloe. This is a concept album featuring only covers of songs mentioned in books by writer Murakami Haruki ("1Q84", "Norwegian Wood", "Kafka on the...
    Posted on October 3, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on October 5, 2011
  65. La Casa Azul "Cerca de Shibuya"
    Shibuya-kei-friendly Spanish band La Casa Azul has what I believe is a first Japanese release out just last week. The title translating to "Somewhere near Shibuya", this comes as a greatest hits album of songs from their previous Spanish releases...
    Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:39. | Released on August 31, 2011
  66. Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
    Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
    Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
  67. Omodaka "Sanosa"
    Omodaka, solo unit of Terada Sōichi (aka Far East Recording) that mixes chiptune and Japanese traditional singing, has a full-length album out now. This contains remastered versions of all songs from maxi-singles released since 2001, plus 5 brand new songs....
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 11:25. | Released on August 14, 2011
  68. Clémentine "Varientine"
    After various anime covers, now you can hear Clémentine singing Imokin Trio's "High School Lullaby", Epo's "Downtown", The Drifters, and even "Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori" in her usual bossa nova style. Check out her charming cover of Crazy Cats' "sūdara bushi" (in French...
    Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on August 3, 2011
  69. OCTET Sunaga t "Kiev no sora feat. Jukka Eskola-TRI4TH" (Download)
    Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new song available exclusively on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Japanese 80's dub band Mute Beat's "Kiev no sora" (hear the original), an anti-nuclear song first recorded after the Chernobyl nuclear...
    Posted on July 28, 2011 at 20:28. | Released on July 27, 2011
  70. Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco release day in-store event
    Text by Patrick for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Vanilla Beans' 2nd full-length original album "Vanilla Beans II"! They are now touring several record stores around the Kantō area in a promotion rush, but it all...
    Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:00.
  71. Gig report: Yellow Magic Orchestra U.S. shows, with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter, Towa Tei
    Text, photos and videos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two reports of Yellow Magic Orchestra shows held in California last month (June 26 at Hollywood Bowl, L.A., with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and Towa...
    Posted on July 23, 2011 at 20:13.
  72. Gig report: Maezono Naoki Group in-store at Tower Records Shinjuku
    Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday July 11 was held an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku with Maezono Naoki Group in promotion of 2nd album "tooku e." (translates to "To far away") released...
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 22:37.
  73. naomi & goro & Kikuchi Naruyoshi "calendula"
    Bossa nova duo naomi & goro have a new collaboration going with Kikuchi Naruyoshi (saxophone - Spank Happy, DCPRG, etc.). This brings us a new album of mainly covers but also with a new song from each party. Watch the...
    Posted on July 10, 2011 at 12:24. | Released on July 13, 2011
  74. Nomiya Maki "Looker" (Download)
    Nomiya Maki has a new 2-song single available on HearJapan and iTunes Japan from today! These two songs have been the theme of her on-going "Looker" tour. Maki's site says that Looker is actually the name of her new solo...
    Posted on July 6, 2011 at 00:33. | Released on July 6, 2011
  75. Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
  76. MimiCof "RundSkipper"
    Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano has a new solo project going under the name MimiCof in which she says she focuses more on electronic textures and beat-oriented music. Here's a first album coming on Japanese label Progressive Form. Check out...
    Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:55. | Released on June 15, 2011
  77. Yellow Magic Orchestra "YMO"
    Here's yet another greatest hits album from Yellow Magic Orchestra selected by the 3 members. Worth of mention are the inclusions of HASYMO's "Tokyo Town Pages" (2008) and some tracks from live albums (tracks 4, 5 from "Faker Holic" and...
    Posted on June 4, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on June 15, 2011
  78. Gig report: Hikashu & Shinohara Tomoe at The Japan Society, NYC
    Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Back in late 2009 Tomoe asked to let her listen to some Hikashu (MySpace) tracks, specifically "Biro Biro", a classic 1980 released track of theirs because...
    Posted on May 17, 2011 at 23:22.
  79. Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#1"
    Following the popularity of "suggested function EP#2" released last January, here comes Cherryboy Function's rare "#1" that was released on 12" only in 2006 and sold out almost instantly. Added are two remixes that were previously only available on the...
    Posted on May 16, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on May 18, 2011
  80. Gig report: "Swing in the JICOO" with Nakatsuka Takeshi
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday, May 7, was another swinging cruise hosted by Nakatsuka Takeshi aboard JICOO, the water bus-turned-floating bar designed by manga artist Matsumoto Leiji. The event was a sort of...
    Posted on May 12, 2011 at 22:58.
  81. Gig report: Frenesi and Kaseki Cider
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Friday May 6 was the first day of a series of shows celebrating the 11th anniversary of venue Astro Hall in Harajuku. It was only my 2nd time there (the first being...
    Posted on May 11, 2011 at 00:10.
  82. Sakura gakuin "Sakura gakuin 2010nendo ~message~"
    Here's the first album from idol group Sakura Gakuin. I'm bringing it up because the song "Dear Mr.Socrates", sung by sub-group Twinklestars (the "baton" section) is produced by ex-Cymbals' Okii Reiji, and despite the clear idol direction with the many...
    Posted on April 28, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 27, 2011
  83. Gig report: Charity event: KAJI Hideki, Chabe, Harvard, Love and Hates
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Wednesday was held a charity event organized by Kaji Hideki, with the help of Harajuku Astro Hall where he has been doing regular events for a long time. The...
    Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:25.
  84. Moonriders "Caméra Égal Stylo Special Edition"
    The Moonriders has a reissue coming of "Caméra Égal Stylo", their 5th album first released in 1980. This edition contains a special bonus CD with remixes of all songs by the likes of CTO LAB., Kishino Yūichi (La veuve moustache...
    Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:14. | Released on April 27, 2011
  85. Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki LiVE TOUR 2011 '???' in LIQUIDROOM" (DVD+CD)
    Aira Mitsuki has a 2nd live DVD coming up, this time of the awesome final show of her latest tour for 3rd album "???". This show was held last January 30 at Liquidroom in Ebisu, Tokyo. I had the great...
    Posted on April 10, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 20, 2011
  86. Perfume "Laser Beam/kasukana kaori"
    Perfume's next double-A-sider single is coming in May, and the song "Laser Beam" can already be heard in a TV commercial (watch below). Part of the profit from the sales will be given to charity for the recent earthquake/tsunami victims....
    Posted on April 9, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on May 18, 2011
  87. "Norageki!" (DVD, Blu-ray)
    "Norageki!" is an anime film directed by Andō Hiroaki (storyboard artist for "Tekkonkincreet"), with original music by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and a new song by Meg. So far there are no plans of the music being released on CD. Plot...
    Posted on April 7, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on April 7, 2011
  88. Various Artists "Love Motown"
    In the same line as the popular "Soul Source" series, here comes a Motown remix album that can't be ignored. Featured are remixes by Plus-Tech Squeeze Box, Dorian, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tofubeats and more! Check out a sample audio digest at the...
    Posted on April 2, 2011 at 10:41. | Released on April 6, 2011
  89. Tequila Production "Rockin' Jazz"
    Here's a rocking club-jazz album that consists of tracks by Tequila Production, a trio of DJs Takehana Eiji, Nakamura Yūsuke and Kanno Katsuya who together form various units: Rockin' Jazz Society, Spiritual Unity and tg.electronics. Aside for a cover of...
    Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:05. | Released on March 2, 2011
  90. Chabe "Me."
    Cubismo Grafico aka Matsuda Gakuji is back with a new album, his first under his popular nickname, Chabe. This includes songs from last December's now sold out debut 10" EP that marked the opening of his KIT Gallery, and contains...
    Posted on March 7, 2011 at 21:24. | Released on March 16, 2011
  91. Gig report: Ohno Yumiko "The Rainy Table" release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Friday was a public holiday, Japan's National Foundation Day, and early evening I went to Roppongi SuperDeluxe for an event organized by multi-talent Ohno Yumiko of Buffalo Daughter. Yumiko...
    Posted on February 14, 2011 at 22:52.
  92. "Tokyo Idol Festival 2010" (DVD)
    Here is a live DVD set (2 discs) of event Tokyo Idol Festival 2010 ("TIF") held last August 7-8, which featured some 45 up-and-coming idol groups. Included are 6 or 7 songs with Vanilla Beans, making this much worth of...
    Posted on February 7, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on February 9, 2011
  93. Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "???" tour final
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday I had the chance to catch Aira Mitsuki's last stop of her tour for the release of latest album "???". The show was held at Ebisu LiquidRoom on January 30....
    Posted on February 6, 2011 at 22:56.
  94. Gig report: Club Aloe live at 440
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound My first show of the year was Club Aloe, the anti-aging post-punk band featuring 5 ex-members of Modern Choki Chokies. It was their 2nd show in Tokyo, following the one...
    Posted on February 1, 2011 at 00:17.
  95. Misswonda "In Flawless"
    Misswonda has a 2nd album coming on new label flawless world (post-Usagi-chang Records)! It's already been 5 years since "Wonderful Tangent" (2005). The album takes inspiration from UK new wave and various rock/pop/dance influences from the 80's and 90's, and...
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 01:11. | Released on February 9, 2011
  96. The Suzan "iTunes Live" (Download)
    The Suzan played an acoustic show last January 9 at Apple Store Ginza, and it's now available on iTunes Japan at a nice price! All tracks are from their album "Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat" which has just...
    Posted on January 26, 2011 at 23:53. | Released on January 26, 2011
  97. HNC "Witches' Party EP" (7"+CD)
    HNC (aka Hazel Nuts Chocolate)'s new offering is a 7" of "Witches' Party", a track from album "CULT" (2009). The B-side is a remix by Threepee Boys, said to be borrowing a sample from a well-known witch. This actually comes...
    Posted on January 22, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on February 4, 2011
  98. Toki Asako "Toki Asako Light! ~CM & Cover Songs~", "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~"
    Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming, a collection of cover songs plus some recent songs for TV commercials (for Shiseidō, Uniqlo, Nissan and DoCoMo). Lead song "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~" has been released as a "one coin" ¥500...
    Posted on January 22, 2011 at 01:20. | Released on February 2, 2011
  99. Dorian "Melodies Memories EP.1" (12")
    Cuts from Dorian's excellent first album "Melodies Memories" are being released on 12". This first EP contains "Shooting Star", the collaboration with Nanao Tavito and rapper Yakenohara, song from 1st video clip "Morning Calling", the cover of Denice Williams' "Free",...
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 14:04. | Released on January 7, 2011
  100. Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
    Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.

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