Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi compiled by Hoshino Gen"
This is a greatest hits album of Hosono Haruomi works, including his solo music and also Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This first release, which comes as a 2-CD or 3-LP set of 38 songs, was compiled by singer-songwriter...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on August 28, 2019
Halfby "kurikaesu feat. Oh shu" (7")
This new 7" by Halfby is a cut from latest album "Last Aloha" (2018), of the song "kurikaesu" which featured singer Oh shu. The B-side is a brand new remix by old Second Royal labelmate Handsomeboy Technique. A release...
Posted on August 28, 2019 at 22:23. | Released on August 28, 2019
Carole & Tuesday / Angela "Polly Jean / Not Afraid"
This is a new single coming from music-themed anime series "Carole & Tuesday". The song "Polly Jean", sung by the two main characters, has music written and arranged by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), with lyrics by Leo Imai (METAFIVE). A vinyl...
Posted on August 18, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on August 28, 2019
Various Artists "Toki Asako Remixies Weekend Shuffle" (12")
2007 remix album "Toki Asako Remixes Weekend Shuffle", which consisted of remixes of songs from Toki Asako's "Weekend Shuffle" (2006), is being released on vinyl for the first time. Included were remixes by Nakata Yasutaka, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Indigo Jam...
Posted on August 14, 2019 at 23:26. | Released on August 21, 2019
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys "Pachinko" (7")
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, the 1 DJ + 2 percussionists unit of Comoesta Yaegashi, Paradise Yamamoto and Gonzalez Suzuki, is re-releasing its first single "Pachinko" in vinyl format! The two songs were originally featured on first album "Mambo tengoku"...
Posted on August 11, 2019 at 18:56. | Released on August 21, 2019
Nomoto Karia "Chocola ni muchū" (7")
Originally released on CD in 2005 on label Readymade International (CD release), this single sung by Nomoto Karia and produced by Konishi Yasuharu was the opening theme song for anime series "Sugar Sugar Rune" (based on the manga of...
Posted on August 10, 2019 at 13:21. | Released on September 4, 2019
Pizzicato Five "The Band of 20th Century: Nippon Columbia Years 1991-2001"
Pizzicatomania all over the world! Check this out! This is a compilation of the best from Pizzicato Five's Nippon Columbia years (Triad/Readymade), which featured vocalist Nomiya Maki. The whole was supervised and selected by Konishi Yasuharu himself, with art direction...
Posted on August 2, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on November 3, 2019
Crazy Ken Band "Pacific"
Crazy Ken Band has a brand new album being released next week, their 19th original album! This comes just a year after "Going To A Go-Go". A remix by VIDEOTAPEMUSIC is included. The album's limited edition comes with a bonus...
Posted on August 1, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on August 7, 2019
Haruko Tajima "kawaiiresist"
Self-produced electro singer-songwriter Haruko Tajima has a brand new album just about to be released! Check it out starting with her self-directed music videos below. The album will also be available digitally starting Monday August 5. Haruko will appear at...
Posted on July 30, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on July 31, 2019
Cornelius "Sauna Sukisugi" (Download)
Cornelius has a new song out now digitally! Titled "Sauna sukisugi", it's the theme song of a TV series titled "Sa dō", a live-action adaptation of the sauna-themed manga of the same name. Some Cornelius physical releases ("Mellow Waves...
Posted on July 26, 2019 at 22:31. | Released on July 26, 2019
Wakita Monari "Right Here"
Wakita Monari has a 3rd album being released at the end of July! With Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) as the main producer and songwriter of several tracks, the album also includes latest single "Espadrille de tsukamaete" that has music written...
Posted on July 24, 2019 at 23:16. | Released on July 31, 2019
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "The Secret Life Of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC"
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC has a new 4th album coming this week, most of which is vocal! A large number of collaborators are featured including vocalists Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Takagi Shōhei (cero), Robochū, mmm, etc., and musicians such as Emerson Kitamura,...
Posted on July 22, 2019 at 23:04. | Released on July 24, 2019
Natsu Summer "Time Distance (toki no Silhouette)" (7")
Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer has a brand new single out now! Again produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi, it is backed by a full band like her excellent previous mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" (2018). Natsu Summer will...
Posted on July 20, 2019 at 11:18. | Released on July 17, 2019
SOLEIL "Lollipop Sixteen"
SOLEIL is back with a 3rd album titled "Lollipop Sixteen", as singer Soleil will be turning 16 just a few days after the release. As with the first two albums, "My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright", the album...
Posted on July 13, 2019 at 23:15. | Released on July 17, 2019
Ultra-Vybe Japanese hit release re-issues
Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities. Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues....
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 23:18. | Released on July 10, 2019
Maika Loubté "Closer" (Download)
Singer-songwriter and synth wiz Maika Loubté has a brand new album out now digitally! Included are many new tracks, such as "Mountaintop" and "Nobara" which had been released in advance, and also a collaboration with New Optimism (aka Miho Hatori),...
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 22:31. | Released on July 12, 2019
Nakano Aya to Central "Reverse"
Singer Nakano Aya teams up with 9-piece street style latin sound band Central for this collaboration album. Included is brand new original song "Tropical Dandy" written by Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), "rakuen no Moon Bar" written by Sugi Masamichi,...
Posted on July 8, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on July 3, 2019
DYGL "Songs of Innocence & Experience"
Rock band DYGL (read Day Glo) have a 2nd album that has just been released. This time with the help of producer Rory Attwell, they aimed for a sound that reminds of the late 60's to 70's. Three of the...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 23:24. | Released on July 3, 2019
TRI4TH "Jack-in-the-box"
Danceable jazz band TRI4TH has a new album about to be released! It's their 2nd album on major label Sony, follow-up to "Anthology" (released November 2018) (Amazon, CDJapan). "Jack-in-the-box" contains 9 brand new original songs, as well as a cover...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 22:25. | Released on July 10, 2019
Negicco "ai no Tower of Love" (7")
First released in February 2013 on CD only, this Negicco single has just been released on vinyl for this first time. The A-side was written by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), and the B-side by Negicco's main producer connie. This...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 14:46. | Released on July 2, 2019
Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)" (7")
Singer Wakita Monari has a brand new album coming at the end of the month (stay tuned!), but first here's a 7" cut of two songs from it! Title track "A la Espadrille" (Japanese title "Espadrille de tsukamaete") is...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 01:19. | Released on July 10, 2019
avandoned "Margaret"
Idol group avandoned, led by Usakura Beni, is back as a 6-piece, and finally here comes a brand new single! The title song was written by songwriter Tsuruuchi Hana and the music performed by band The Broken TV, while...
Posted on June 24, 2019 at 21:44. | Released on June 26, 2019
Enoshima Bakusou Gals "surume Boy" (7")
Self-produced new wave idol Kanou Emiri joins forces with soulful voiced sisters Way Wave in this new collaboration unit called Enoshima Bakusō Gals. Their first 7" single is titled "surume Boy" (surume = dried squid), a super catchy track...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 12:21. | Released on June 26, 2019
HALLCA "Utopia" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a brand new song out now digitally! "Utopia"'s music was co-written by herself and Rillsoul, and arranged by Blackstone Village (unit of Rillsoul), with lyrics by HALLCA. This is her 5th song released...
Posted on June 22, 2019 at 23:20. | Released on June 22, 2019
Kudo Shizuka "Deep Breath"
Kudō Shizuka, who debuted as an idol in 1987, has a concept cover album being released that consists of covers of foreign songs under the theme "relax". Konishi Yasuharu has arranged and produced two songs, a cover of "Heartbreak Hotel"...
Posted on June 14, 2019 at 23:56. | Released on June 12, 2019
Kaede "shinya. anata wa kyou o furikaeri, mata atarashii asa dane."
Kaede of Negicco has officially started a solo career, and here comes a first solo mini-album on T-Palette Records! Included are songs written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service), Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo), Yamazaki Yukari (Kūki Kōdan), Kushibiki Sayaka, and Someya...
Posted on June 11, 2019 at 23:00. | Released on June 18, 2019
Negicco "Melody Palette" (2x12")
Negicco's first album "Melody Palette" (2013) is being re-issued on color vinyl (two discs, red and white)! A vinyl edition had been released back in 2013, with the same tracklist, however it was sold only at Tower Records and had...
Posted on June 9, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on June 17, 2019
Kai "Moonlight Tokyo"
Singer Kai (ex-There There Theres, ex-Engawa) just started her solo career last April, and here comes her first solo release! The EP contains two original songs: title song "Moonlight - Tokyo" written by Yoshida Tetsuto, and "yūsei yori ai o...
Posted on June 9, 2019 at 21:18. | Released on June 12, 2019
Shonen Knife "Sweet Candy Power"
Shonen Knife has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to album "Adventure" (2016), since which original member Atsuko also joined back the band. The 10 songs were written by Naoko, and there's one in which drummer...
Posted on June 8, 2019 at 22:18. | Released on June 5, 2019
Maika Loubté "Mountaintop" (Download)
Maika Loubté has a new song available digitally. "Mountaintop" has been a live favorite for about two years I believe, and it's finally here for all ears. It has also been announced that a new album titled "Closer" will...
Posted on June 8, 2019 at 21:05. | Released on June 7, 2019
The Highmarts "I Want You Bad" (7")
Neo-GS trio girl band The Highmarts (Facebook, Twitter) have a first 7" single out now! Produced by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL, ex-The Phantom Gift), it includes original song "I Want You Bad", and on the B-side are covers of The Phantom...
Posted on June 6, 2019 at 23:51. | Released on May 29, 2019
Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza),...
Posted on June 5, 2019 at 00:04. | Released on June 5, 2019
Hotei "GUITARHYTHM VI"
Guitarist Hotei (aka Hotei Tomoyasu, ex-BOØWY) has a new solo album being released, the 6th of his "GUITARHYTHM" series, and it features Cornelius on one song! "Clone (feat. Cornelius)" is available digitally in advance (, Spotify). The limited edition comes...
Posted on May 26, 2019 at 15:30. | Released on May 29, 2019
SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl c/w High School Lullaby" (7")
SOLEIL, whose next album "Lollipop Sixteen" is expected for July, has a new 7" single being released in advance! The A-side is a new original song that reminds of mid-career Beatles, with music written by Okada Yumi (the band's...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 23:00. | Released on May 29, 2019
xiangyu "The First ○○ Picture Book"
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) is a newcomer solo female artist who debuted last year. Her music is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). Following a few digital releases since October 2018, here comes her first physical mini-album! You can also enjoy...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 22:27. | Released on May 22, 2019
Mia Nascimento "Lucky Girl" (Download)
Mia Nascimento (Milli Milli Bar, ex-Especia) (Twitter) has a new song out now digitally! It was written and produced by Yafune Tatsurō. Upcoming shows include event "otonanbo Fest." on Saturday May 25 at Asagayake Gekijō in Asagaya (details), and...
Posted on May 22, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on May 21, 2019
Masanori Ikeda "City Lights" (7")
Masanori Ikeda's cover of William Pitt's "City Lights" is being released on 7". First released part of compilation "Grand Gallery presents New Wave" in 2007 and then on 12" vinyl in 2009, this time it has been re-mixed into...
Posted on May 19, 2019 at 21:04. | Released on May 22, 2019
Various Artists "inu Inch Wan P" (7" shaped picture disc)
This compilation 7" that comes as a beautiful shaped picture disc features 3 dog-themed songs, by Halfby + EMC (Enjoy Music Club), The Natsuyasumi Band and Tōgō Kiyomaru. The disc was illustrated by Norwegian artist Bendik Kaltenborn. Various Artists...
Posted on May 19, 2019 at 02:12. | Released on April 24, 2019
Yasutaka Nakata "Pico Pico Tokyo feat. Momo Mashiro" (Download)
Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE) has just released a brand new song under his own name. The track features singer Mashiro Momo (Twitter), the result of her winning an audition that promised a debut produced by Yasutaka. Check out the music...
Posted on May 19, 2019 at 01:27. | Released on May 17, 2019
Maika Loubté "Nobara" (Download)
Maika Loubté has a brand new song out now digitally! "Nobara" had been often performed in her shows for about two years, and it's finally available. A limited CD edition will be sold from May 15 only at Tower...
Posted on May 10, 2019 at 22:49. | Released on May 10, 2019
HALLCA "Show the Night" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has just released a new track digitally! "Show the Night" is a brand new song written by herself and arranged by PellyColo. HALLCA's next show will be her self-organized event "Tipsy Bar Vol.4" on...
Posted on May 6, 2019 at 23:22. | Released on May 6, 2019
Mom "Detox"
21-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a new 2nd album being released this month! Check out his cool tracks & smooth vocals that are quite irresistible. This album follows "Playground" released in November 2018 (CDJapan, Spotify, ). HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on May 22, 2019
Magic, Drums & Love "Hurricane Upsetter"
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a brand new album coming this month! The whole was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico). With a base sound of soul/disco, there are felt influences of exotica, city pop...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 20:25. | Released on May 15, 2019
Kera "Landscape"
Kera (aka Keralino Sandorovich, of No Lie-Sense, Uchōten) has a brand new album being released! "Landscape" is the follow-up to "Brown, White & Black" (2016). The album has a concept of classical jazz from the 20's to 30's. Featured musicians...
Posted on April 29, 2019 at 23:57. | Released on May 8, 2019
Popuri "Popuri to fuwafuwa monogatari"
Popuri (also spelt Pot-Pourri) is a unit formed of Reina and Sasaki Atsushi (SoundCloud) (also of Melting Holidays). Both compose and perform the music, with Reina singing lead vocals. While their visuals consist of cute illustrations of a girl and...
Posted on April 29, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on April 24, 2019
Omodaka "Hietsuki Bushi" (7")
Omodaka, unique artist who blends chiptune and Japanese traditional minyō singing, has a new 7" out now! "Hietsuki Bushi" is a song from album "Sanosa" (2011), while the B-side is a previously unreleased mambo disco funk track titled "Gujoh...
Posted on April 24, 2019 at 00:40. | Released on April 24, 2019
Himeno Tama "Panorama kaidou masshigura"
Multi-talent singer/artist, also freelance idol and model, and known as the singer of band Je et Georges, Himeno Tama is back with a major debut album! Featured musicians include Hasegawa Hakushi, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), Torii Masamichi (Triple Fire), Kawabe Moro...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on April 24, 2019
Sunaga t experience "Suomenlinna"
Sunaga t experience, the jazz project of DJ Sunaga Tatsuo, has a brand new 6th album being released! It's the follow-up to 2015 album "STE". Featured musicians include Jukka Eskola, Timo Lassy and Teppo Mäkynen (all three of Five Corners...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 22:17. | Released on April 24, 2019
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY" (12")
Wakita Monari's excellent 1st album "I am ONLY" (2017) is finally being released on vinyl! Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), ikkubaru (from...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 21:28. | Released on April 24, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
HALLCA "Moisture Milk" (Download)
Today HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out now digitally! This one was produced by PellyColo, and it concludes a series of three monthly releases (see also "Wanna Dance!" and "burning in blue"). HALLCA's next live...
Posted on April 1, 2019 at 22:22. | Released on April 1, 2019
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 2019
"Eternelle Lunna" (DVD)
Director Kawasaki Minoru is known for making comedy sci-fi films such as "Calamari Wrestler" and "Executive Koala". This time he brings a short movie starring Soleil (Instagram), the 15-year-old singer of band SOLEIL. The movie starts out at a...
Posted on March 26, 2019 at 22:17. | Released on March 29, 2019
Gallantique Kazue "Original Collection", "Cover Collection"
Singer Gallantique Kazue has two new albums being released at the same time! One is an album of her original songs, while the other is a collection of covers. "Original Collection" is actually her 2nd original album, the previous dating...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 20:58. | Released on March 27, 2019
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
Chimidoro "nanokana?"
Techno rap group Chimidoro has just released a 2nd album this month! This is their first in 12 years, the follow-up to debut album "minna no uta" (2007). Check out this special release page, and also the sampler clip below....
Posted on March 23, 2019 at 13:27. | Released on March 15, 2019
Yackle "Frank Throw"
18-year-old DJ/trackmaker Yackle has just released a 1st full-length physical album. Every track features various singers and collaborators that he chose, and those include DÉ DÉ MOUSE, MANON and many more. Check out the video for "Feel Me" (with Dé...
Posted on March 22, 2019 at 08:58. | Released on March 20, 2019
Kanou Emiri "Friday Night", "gomenne" (Download)
Self-produced singer-songwriter Kanou Emiri (Twitter), who takes a lot of her inspiration from 80's new wave, has a brand new song titled "Friday Night" now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.! A CD edition was also just released, containing other new...
Posted on March 18, 2019 at 19:03. | Released on March 18, 2019
HALLCA "burning in blue" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out now digitally! "burning in blue" is a track arranged by Rillsoul, who also produced "guilty pleasure" on "Apéritif e.p". One more song is to follow on April 1st. Stay...
Posted on March 1, 2019 at 23:24. | Released on March 1, 2019
Hosono Haruomi "Hochono House" (CD, 2x12")
Hosono Haruomi is releasing an album titled "Hochono House", a rearranged and re-recorded version of his hit album "Hosono House" (1973). Tracks are in the backwards order, starting with "aiaigasa" and ending with "Rock-a-Bye My Baby". CD and vinyl editions...
Posted on February 24, 2019 at 23:15. | Released on March 6, 2019
Learners "Always On My Mind" (7")
Learners have a new 7" single being released this March! There's already a video for A-side "Always On My Mind", a cover of a 1969 song (and later covered by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, etc.), while the B-side is...
Posted on February 23, 2019 at 00:07. | Released on March 20, 2019
P.O.P "itsumo Street"
Follow-up to "okkasan ni kiite minai to wakaranai" (2015) and including recent singles "Fresh ni Step", "Kiss me" and "Summer Back Again", here's a brand new 3rd album from P.O.P, group of twin rappers and trackmaker Saitō Ryōji! Also included...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 22:18. | Released on March 13, 2019
MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 20:53. | Released on February 22, 2019
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright" (12")
SOLEIL's 2nd album "SOLEIL is Alright" is being released on vinyl! As it has been with all their recordings and releases so far, this vinyl edition will also be in mono. All of the 12 songs from the album are...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on March 20, 2019
Nomiya Maki "miss maki nomiya sings (Re-issue)"
Nomiya Maki's solo album "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings" was released in July 2000 (back when Pizzicato Five was still active) and it is finally being re-issued! The album had a theme of Maki being a jetsetter and travelling across the...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:13. | Released on March 20, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "gyakkou"
Hoshino Michiru, who just started her very own label "yoi Record gaisha" (translates to "Good Record Company") at the end of last year, has a brand new EP being released! Included are three songs of which she wrote the music...
Posted on February 20, 2019 at 22:38. | Released on March 6, 2019
Various Artists "Manhattan Records Presents Tokyo Neo 90s Groove mixed by DJ Hasebe"
DJ Hasebe (aka Old Nick) (Twitter, Facebook) mixes recent R&B and hip-hop songs that connect with 90's Japanese sounds. Look out for songs by DJ Hasebe (including new song "Midnight Dreamin'") as well as many more that give an overview...
Posted on February 11, 2019 at 11:33. | Released on February 20, 2019
Childish Tones feat. Usakura Beni "Cruel To Be Kind / There She Goes" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter) is a band that plays rock'n'roll using nothing but toy instruments! This new 7" single is a collaboration with Beni Usakura (of Avandoned). Included are covers of Nick Lowe's "Cruel To Be Kind" and The La's' "There...
Posted on February 10, 2019 at 10:58. | Released on February 20, 2019
Various Artists "chansoiree"
Live venue Saravah in Shibuya opened in December 2010 with the supervision of French artist Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016) and taking its name from his record label. The unique venue will close its doors on February 17,...
Posted on February 9, 2019 at 21:33. | Released on February 17, 2019
WHY@DOLL "Hey!"
WHY@DOLL is an idol duo from Sapporo (Hokkaido) that combines great songs (and singing) with elegant and charming dances. Their new ep "Hey!" brings four new songs, two of which are written by Yoshida Tetsuto (and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on February 4, 2019 at 23:36. | Released on February 12, 2019
Kanou Emiri "gomenne c/w Been With You" (7")
Even though she has only released a CD-R so far, Kanou Emiri (Twitter) has been gaining a lot of attention lately for her songs that take straight inspiration from 80's new wave (despite her young age) while having a...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:57. | Released on February 13, 2019
Original Love "bless You!"
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! In terms of original albums this follows "Lover Man" (2015), since which single "Golden Time" (2016) and collaboration live album "Sessions" (2018, with Nagaoka Ryōsuke (Petrolz)) were...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:23. | Released on February 13, 2019
HALLCA "Wanna Dance!" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out today digitally! "Wanna Dance!", a new dancefloor-oriented track with music written by PellyColo, is the follow-up to "Apéritif e.p" released last summer. It has been announced that there will...
Posted on February 1, 2019 at 21:14. | Released on February 1, 2019
ammakasie noka "Little Ghost House"
ammakasie noka is a unit featuring songwriter Mayutan. This new album has a conceptual story of two twin sisters in a deep forest, the elder is a ghost and the younger one who became a witch. The music is made...
Posted on January 31, 2019 at 00:01. | Released on January 30, 2019
moonriders "moonriders Final Banquet 2016 ~ saigo no kyōen ~" (2CD)
Despite that they were in hiatus, in 2016 Moonriders did a "hiatus hiatus" to thank their fans, and performed several times at festivals and also did a tour which ended on December 15, 2016 at Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo). This 2-CD...
Posted on January 22, 2019 at 21:36. | Released on January 23, 2019
Kamoda Jun featuring Yano Akiko "ii jikan" (12")
"ii jikan" is a song that first appeared on Evisbeats' 2nd album in 2012 (titled "hitotsu ni naru toki"). The song was co-written by Kamoda Jun (Twitter) (aka Illreme, of (((sssurrounddd)))), and here it is being released by himself as...
Posted on January 20, 2019 at 21:15. | Released on January 23, 2019
lyrical school "Tokyo Burning / Cookin' feat. Young Hastle" (7")
Following the release of "Pajama Party / Sharp Pencil feat. Sushiboys" last month, here comes another single from rap idol group lyrical school. A-side "Tokyo Burning" was written and produced by PES (Rip Slyme), and B-side "Cookin'" features hip-hop...
Posted on January 16, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on January 22, 2019
Philosophy no Dance "Love Variation with Scoobie Do / Heuristic City"
Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new single out now! "Love Variation" is a new collaboration with band Scoobie Do, with who they shared the stage of Tokyo Kinema Club last October. The double-A-sider single also contains...
Posted on January 8, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on December 14, 2018
nimit & co. / BANK split cassette single
nimit & co. is the solo unit of Kunimi Tomoko (Twitter), trumpeter of Wack Wack Rhythm Band, and this is her very first release! This comes as a split cassette tape with band BANK whose two latest songs (released...
Posted on January 7, 2019 at 21:45. | Released on December 15, 2018
Denki Groove "30"
Denki Groove will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! So here comes a new album called "30" which includes remakes of songs such as remakes of hit songs "Shangri-La", "Fujisan" and "Flashback Disco", as well as two anniversary songs,...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 15:59. | Released on January 23, 2019
lyrical school "Pajama Party / Sharp Pencil feat. Sushiboys"
lyrical school has a brand new single out now on CD and 7". The A-side was co-produced by Ōkubo Junya of band Ana. B-side "Sharp Pencil" features SUSHIBOYS. Check out videos for both songs below,. Another new single is planned...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 12:46. | Released on December 25, 2018
Way Wave "Show Time"
Way Wave, the funky duo formed of soulful-voiced sisters Anna and Yuna, has released a first album just recently! The producers are Seki Yoshihiko, Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) and Lainy J Groove, and featured musicians include Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme),...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 11:57. | Released on December 19, 2018
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Wakita Monari "Live Radio Broadcast From After 6 Junction" (Download)
A live radio performance of Wakita Monari has been released digitally. Musical instruments including event a drum set were stuffed into the radio studio for a sound as close as possible to what's heard in Monari's live shows. The...
Posted on December 28, 2018 at 21:40. | Released on December 21, 2018
MaCWorry Hillbillies "MaCWorry Hillbillies e.p." (7")
Shizuoka-based 8-piece jug band MaCWorry Hillbillies (Facebook, Twitter) has a first 7" single out now! Included are three covers: Blondie's "Heart of Glass" is taken from their 2016 self-titled album, and two more which were previously unreleased (Cheap Trick's...
Posted on December 25, 2018 at 22:31. | Released on November 28, 2018
LUNASUN "Organ Heaven"
Closely following the release of Chikada Haruo's latest solo album "chō jōdan dakara", here comes another one as a brand new unit called LUNASUN also featuring creator OMB. The result is a danceable house music album that contains elements of...
Posted on December 9, 2018 at 00:22. | Released on December 19, 2018
SOLEIL "Baby Boo / Gotta Pull Myself Together" (7")
Band SOLEIL's 15-year-old singer Soleil is currently taking a break to study hard until March, but meanwhile here comes a new 7" of "Baby Boo" from latest album "SOLEIL is Alright". The B-side is a new cover of The...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 2018
Tentenko "All Your Need Is Cat ~ neko koso wa subete"
Tentenko has a new mini-album out now in which she sings songs about her favorite animal, the cat. Guest artists include Kawamoto Makoto, Kera, Kishino You-ichi, Yoshida Tetsuto, Nakahara Masaya, neco nemuru, Itoken, ayU tokiO, Carre and more. A free...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 00:04. | Released on December 5, 2018
Hime to Mahou "Princess & Magic"
Hime to Mahou is the unit of singer/idol Himeno Tama and DJ Mahoutsukai (aka manga artist Nishijima Daisuke), who are disbanding with the release of this first fill-length album. Most tracks were previously released as CD-R's sold exclusively from 2016...
Posted on December 4, 2018 at 23:34. | Released on December 5, 2018
(M)otocompo "Yokoshima Borderline ep", Motocompo "Chiptop Lips"
Dr.Usui's ska-electro band (M)otocompo (read "otocompo") has a brand new EP about to be released! "Yokoshima Borderline ep" includes brand new track "Tao", and also popular song often heard in their live shows "kono yo ni tada hitori", and more....
Posted on December 3, 2018 at 22:45. | Released on December 5, 2018
Bank "Vivre / Number 3" (Download)
New wave band BANK has a new single out now digitally! Lovers rock song "Vivre" features vocals by Kunimi Tomoko (Wack Wack Rhythm Band, nimit & co.) and additional guitars by Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, ex-Bridge, an ex-member of...
Posted on November 28, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on November 28, 2018
Wakita Monari "Just a 'Crush for Today'" (CD/7")
Wakita Monari has a new single about to be released! Both tracks have music written and arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and Monari wrote the lyrics of title track "Just a 'Crush for Today'". The A-side is said...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on November 28, 2018
Urbangarde "Urbangarde of Love and Fantasy"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has just released a new special album! Closely following the release of "shojo Fiction" (April 2018), this new album collects rarities and tracks not available on any of their...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on November 21, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Weekend Jack (+1 disc)"
This gem of a party album, the first full-length by Wack Wack Rhythm Band released on Trattoria in 1998, has just been re-released in a newly remastered edition! A bonus disc has been added, containing rarities such as 5 live...
Posted on November 22, 2018 at 22:30. | Released on November 21, 2018
The Pen Friend Club "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club, a band that takes inspiration from The Beach Boys and Phil Spector (etc.), has just released a "first and last" Christmas album! Included are 15 covers, of songs by Mariah Carey ("All I Want For Christmas...
Posted on November 14, 2018 at 23:27. | Released on November 14, 2018
Negicco "love my 15 years" (Blu-ray)
Negicco's 15th anniversary live show, held at Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center on July 21, 2018, has just been released on Blu-ray. Negicco have an upcoming show titled "relive MY COLOR" to be held on Saturday November 24 at Nakano...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on November 6, 2018
The Collectors "Young Man Rock"
The Collectors have a new 23rd album out now, titled "Young Man Rock"! Takanami Keitarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) has co-arranged the two last songs, according to credits on Tower Records' page. All songs can be sampled on this official...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:16. | Released on November 4, 2018
