Full-text search results for Non

  1. dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
    dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
    Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
  2. Negicco "Rice&Snow"
    Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
    Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
  3. Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
    Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
  4. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
    Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
  5. clammbon "Why not clammbon!? ~ clammbon Tribute"
    This recently released clammbon tribute album features a great amount of like-minded artists, including Buffalo Daughter, salyu x salyu, Nona Reeves, Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, GREAT3, Hanaregumi, Rekishi and more. Check out the trailer clip below, and hear samples of...
    Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:53. | Released on December 3, 2014
  6. Nona Reeves "Choice III"
    The latest in Nona Reeves' "Choice" series is a cover album of Wham!, or an album of only Wham! covers, if you prefer. The artwork refers to the fact that Wham! songs "Bad Boys" and "Freedom" were used in TV...
    Posted on December 29, 2014 at 20:16. | Released on November 5, 2014
  7. hitomitoi "Pacific High / Aleutian Low"
    hitomitoi has a new mini-album out this week! With a title that refers to summer and winter, it contains three summer songs previously released digitally, then three new winter-themed songs, plus a cover of Yuming's "A Happy New Year". Producers...
    Posted on December 9, 2014 at 20:32. | Released on December 10, 2014
  8. nananon "Nana Nana Non Non" (7")
    Model duo nananon's first single, produced by Konishi Yasuharu, has been released on 7"! This includes a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Baby Portable Rock" with special lyrics. DJs grab it while you can! nananon "Nana Nana Non Non" (7") ななのん...
    Posted on November 23, 2014 at 20:49. | Released on November 21, 2014
  9. Hoshino Michiru "A/W Collection ~anata to watashi no Collection~"
    Singer-songwriter idol Hoshino Michiru has a new mini-album out now! This includes both songs from the recently released "Planetarium de mattete ne" 7", one of which features Wack Wack Rhythm Band, and also non-album track "mo ichido déjà vu" (from...
    Posted on November 16, 2014 at 13:37. | Released on November 12, 2014
  10. BTB "Back To Basic ~ore to omae hen~"
    Yokohama talkbox musician BTB (of the Pan Pacific Playa collective, and previously of Luvraw & BTB which Luvraw quit earlier this year) has a new solo album out now. Featured are summer-oriented mellow covers of various songs originally by artists...
    Posted on August 20, 2014 at 21:57. | Released on August 20, 2014
  11. nananon "Nana Nana Non Non"
    Some new sounds from Konishi Yasuharu coming this August! First is duo nananon formed of idol/actress/model Nana (aka Naabōdōfu@Nana) and model Maeda Nozomi, who are 20 and 21 respectively (with birthdays on June 17 and 16). They're often told they...
    Posted on August 8, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on August 12, 2014
  12. ryo fukawa "life is music 2"
    ryō fukawa (aka Rocketman) has a new album out this week, his second release under his real name. This album features guest singers Mizuno Mari (paris match) and Cana (Sotte Bosse) among others, with a cover of "love theme from...
    Posted on July 22, 2014 at 23:10. | Released on July 23, 2014
  13. Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
    In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
    Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
  14. Buffalo Daughter "Konjac-tion"
    Here comes a brand new original album by Buffalo Daughter, follow-up to "The Weapons of Math Destruction" (2010). The new album has a theme of "block party" and comes as a set of 2 CDs, one of the original new...
    Posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on July 23, 2014
  15. Crazy Ken Band "Spark da!", "Free Soul Crazy Ken Band", "Crazy Ken Band Tour Flying Saucer 2013" (DVD)
    Here's a wave of releases from Crazy Ken Band! First, new single "Spark da!" which is being used as NHK's "minna no uta" for June and July. Included are 3 B-sides of new songs used in TV and radio commercials....
    Posted on July 13, 2014 at 11:50. | Released on July 16, 2014
  16. Hoshino Michiru "E-I-E-N Voyage"
    After 7" singles being released every month, here finally comes a full-length album from Hoshino Michiru. The whole is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar), which promises a groovy pop journey with touches of spacey synths. Four...
    Posted on July 10, 2014 at 21:29. | Released on July 16, 2014
  17. Hoshino Michiru "koi no Funfair" (7"+CD)
    Now here's the last of Hoshino Michiru's 7"+CD series, preparing the way for her new album "E-I-E-N Voyage" coming July 16 (stay tuned for details). As always this is produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar). The title track...
    Posted on June 15, 2014 at 14:13. | Released on June 18, 2014
  18. Nona Reeves "Forever Forever"
    Nona Reeves have a brand new album coming June 4. A little bit over a year has passed since previous album "Pop Station". HMV gives away a promo sticker (while supplies last). Two sets will be played at Billboard Live...
    Posted on May 28, 2014 at 23:53. | Released on June 4, 2014
  19. Shibata Satoko "ijiwaru zenshū"
    Indies singer-songwriter/guitarist Shibata Satoko has a 2nd album out now, written and recorded almost entirely by herself with a few appearances of Tenniscoats' Ueno Takashi. All tracks can be sampled at HMV or Amazon. A 7" single was also released...
    Posted on May 25, 2014 at 22:38. | Released on May 21, 2014
  20. Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no jubaku"
    Group sounds girl band Kinoco Hotel have a new original album out this month, follow-up to "Marianne no yūwaku" (2012). This is also their first original album since new bassist Julietta Kirishima was recruited. A deluxe edition limited to 1000...
    Posted on May 5, 2014 at 11:29. | Released on May 14, 2014
  21. Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
    Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
    Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
  22. Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
    Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
    Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
  23. Gota Nishidera "Temple St."
    Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves) has a first solo album out now, titled "Temple St.". This comes on his new label "Gotown Label" (a word play on his first name), a sub-label of Vivid Sound. Other Nona Reeves members are also...
    Posted on March 26, 2014 at 22:42. | Released on March 25, 2014
  24. Various Artists "yaba-kayō Super Nonstop Mix ~Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
    DJ Fukutake (aka Fukuta Takeshi) is one of the selectors who brought us the hit "Techno kayō" compilation series under the name "8-bits" in the late 90's. This new mix CD brings various Japanese rare groove from the 60's to...
    Posted on February 9, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on February 19, 2014
  25. Especia "YA-ME-TE! / Aventure wa giniro ni"
    Osaka-based idol group Especia has a new single coming, and track "Aventure wa giniro ni" was produced by Maserati Nagisa, unit of LUVRAW (LUVRAW & BTB) and PellyColo (SoundCloud). Especia are one of those few idol groups that are likely...
    Posted on January 4, 2014 at 13:12. | Released on January 8, 2014
  26. 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
  27. Various Artists "Nameko no CD 2"
    Popular character Nameko inspired this compilation that features new tracks by the likes of YMCK, Kaseki Cider and YeYe, and many others. The first pressing comes with a bonus CD and Nameko handkerchief towel, so you might be lucky if...
    Posted on December 31, 2013 at 17:21. | Released on December 18, 2013
  28. Dorian "midori"
    MC-909 maestro Dorian, aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a brand new full-length original album out this week! On "midori" he explores more exotic and lounge themes, while expanding his world to sampling techniques. Guest musicians include Kashif (aka StringsBurn) and...
    Posted on November 4, 2013 at 17:06. | Released on November 6, 2013
  29. Negicco "tokimeki no Headliner"
    Idol group Negicco have a new single coming, their first since the release of album "Melody Palette" last July. The title track was produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), and B-side "sayonara Music" is by Negicco's main producer connie. A...
    Posted on November 3, 2013 at 14:33. | Released on November 6, 2013
  30. frenesi "Dolphino"
    Here's a new release from frenesi! This album contains the 8 songs from now rare album "Landmark Theater" (2000, Bambini Records), but also 3 rarities from a compilation and a 7", and 3 brand new songs ("8:30 no Theme", "GO...
    Posted on November 2, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on November 6, 2013
  31. Hair Stylistics "Music For The Murder Festa"
    Hair Stylistics (SoundCloud), aka Nakahara Masaya, has a new album out now! This is a beat-oriented album said to remind of the sound of his 90's works as Violent Onsen Geisha. The album was created without any computer involved, originally...
    Posted on September 13, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on September 11, 2013
  32. Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band "Take Me To The Land Of Hell"
    Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band has a new album coming in September. The all-star band features Sean Lennon, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and Honda Yuka (Cibo Matto)! Guest musicians include Lenny Kravitz, Nels Cline (Wilco), tUnE-yArDs, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow) and...
    Posted on August 25, 2013 at 14:18. | Released on September 12, 2013
  33. 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
  34. Nakano Aya "heta na uso"
    Here's a 2nd album by hostess and singer Nakano Aya. Like her previous album "zurui hito", this is produced by DJ Hase Hajimu and consists of various covers in jazz and latin styles. A 7" can also be found at...
    Posted on August 4, 2013 at 21:50. | Released on July 24, 2013
  35. 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
  36. nakayoshi group "The Jesus vs Cheatman"
    nakayoshi group is an up-and-coming band that comes with a fresh-sounding lo-fi new wave sound. This first CD release comes from 80KIDZ' recently started PARK label. Ordering at HMV will get you a free badge (while supplies last). Release official...
    Posted on July 23, 2013 at 23:37. | Released on July 24, 2013
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. "TV Anime 'Photo Kano' Character Song Album 'Through The Camera'"
    The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has contributed a song to this character song album for anime "Photo Kano". The song in question, "Tinkle My Bell", is the one for character Maeda Kanon. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
    Posted on July 14, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on July 3, 2013
  40. hitomitoi "Surfbank Social Club"
    Following last year's wonderful "City Dive", here's a new summer city pop album by singer hitomitoi! Again she is joined by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), Dorian, Kashif aka StringsBurn, as well as new collaborators LUVRAW & BTB, grooveman Spot and Avec...
    Posted on July 14, 2013 at 00:42. | Released on June 19, 2013
  41. Lullatone "Summer Songs" (Download)
    Nagoya bedroom pop unit Lullatone has a new digital EP (or a modest 8-song album) that was released just last month. This one is meant to be a soundtrack to some hot fun in the summer sun. Get it for...
    Posted on July 13, 2013 at 21:55. | Released on June 11, 2013
  42. Various Artists "Revisit - Brunswick - selected by Tatsuo Sunaga" (Download)
    Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has started a new compilation series called "Revisit". In this first offering he selects songs from the Chicago soul music label Brunswick. This release is only available digitally on iTunes Japan. Various Artists "Revisit -...
    Posted on July 3, 2013 at 22:15. | Released on June 5, 2013
  43. 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.
  44. mononkul "tobu monotachi, hau monotachi, utau monotachi"
    mononkul is a 4-piece jazz band with female vocalist. Their first full-length album is produced by Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, Spank Happy) and out now. mononkul "tobu monotachi, hau monotachi, utau monotachi" ものんくる 「飛ぶものたち、這うものたち、歌うものたち」 1. kibō no koto 2. Marionette 3....
    Posted on June 18, 2013 at 22:09. | Released on May 22, 2013
  45. Ino Hidefumi "Cry Me A River" (7")
    Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi will be back this month with a new album, but first comes this 7" of a Japanese lyrics cover of "Cry Me A River" (originally sung by Julie London). This song features Suzuki Shigeru (Happy...
    Posted on May 5, 2013 at 00:53. | Released on May 10, 2013
  46. 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.
  47. Vanilla Beans "Muscat Slope Love"
    Vanilla Beans have a new single coming, this time a new song produced by Kaji Hideki who Rena and Lisa like to call "Mr. Sweden". This release follows album "Vanilla Beans III" released in November 2012, while the previous single...
    Posted on May 3, 2013 at 14:17. | Released on May 8, 2013
  48. Muro "Diggin' James Brown"
    DJ Muro has another mix CD out now, this time using only 7"'s by none other than James Brown, with many tracks that are now hard to find. 2013 would celebrate JB's 80th anniversary, of course a good reason to...
    Posted on April 29, 2013 at 00:08. | Released on April 24, 2013
  49. Tamaki ROY "Lucky"
    Rapper Tamaki ROY has a 4th album out now, with tracks made by the likes of Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Todaka Masafumi (Art-School), Gondo Tomohiko (Anonymass), and electro artists Hasunuma Shūta and Himuro Yoshiteru. HMV is giving away a bonus autographed...
    Posted on April 10, 2013 at 21:40. | Released on April 3, 2013
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. Nona Reeves "Pop Station"
    This is a new original album by Nona Reeves, it has been 4 years since their previous, "GO" (2009, Amazon). It has a pop music theme, as you can guess from the title, and label-mate female singer hitomitoi is featured...
    Posted on March 4, 2013 at 21:14. | Released on March 6, 2013
  53. Negicco "ai no Tower of Love"
    New single from Niigata-based idol group Negicco, this time a song produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves). B-side "Party ni tsuite." is by connie who produces most of Negicco's tracks. The limited edition is a good deal, coming with a...
    Posted on January 31, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on February 13, 2013
  54. tofubeats "yumenonakamade feat. ERA" (Download)
    This new track from tofubeats now out on iTunes worldwide! Features rapper ERA. tofubeats "yumenonakamade feat. ERA" (Download) tofubeats 「夢の中まで feat. ERA」 1. yumenonakamade feat. ERA 2. yumenonakamade feat. ERA (Golby $ound Remix) 3. yumenonakamade feat. ERA (Instrumental) 4. yumenonakamade...
    Posted on January 10, 2013 at 20:53. | Released on January 9, 2013
  55. 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
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. Various Artists "The Beat Goes On ~Salsoul Classics Mixed By Towa Tei~"
    Towa Tei has a new mix CD, in fact his first ever! He has released many compilation CDs before but it seems like this is his first attempt at a non-stop mix. Here he selects tracks from legendary New York...
    Posted on December 8, 2012 at 00:16. | Released on December 5, 2012
  59. Little Lounge*Little Twinkle "hvit"
    Little Lounge*Little Twinkle has a 2nd album out now! LLLT is the charming pop unit of Kida Shunsuke (composer), Tanaka Keiko (viola, etc.) and Asano Miyuki (vocals, toy instruments). "hvit" means "white" in Norwegian. The CD package contains a DIY...
    Posted on November 13, 2012 at 23:11. | Released on November 11, 2012
  60. hitomitoi "YOUR TIME Route #1"
    Following its "Choice" series of foreign song covers, Billboard Records begins a series of Japanese song cover albums titled "Your Time". The first artist of the series is hitomitoi who released her latest original album "City Dive" on the label....
    Posted on November 5, 2012 at 21:58. | Released on November 14, 2012
  61. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans III"
    It's a busy year for Vanilla Beans! Not only have they released 3 singles, a DVD and a photo book so far, but here comes a brand new 3rd album! This one is said to have the particularity of being...
    Posted on November 2, 2012 at 00:55. | Released on November 7, 2012
  62. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
    October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
    Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
  63. 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
  64. Nosa Reina "don't kiss, but yes"
    "Pizzicato Five 2012 edition!?", "Post-Nomiya Maki?" dare official blurbs say! Nosa Reina is a new singer whose debut album is being produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five), who has also hired the two musicians from Portable Rock for the back...
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 10, 2012
  65. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans One-Man Live DVD - Debut 5th Anniversary Live @ Shibuya WWW" (DVD)
    Vanilla Beans have been around for 5 years already, and here's their first ever live DVD. Included is a show from last June 21 (2012) held at Shibuya WWW, currently my favorite venue. You can get a taste of the...
    Posted on September 26, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 3, 2012
  66. elect-link "On Your Wave:"
    Café music unit elect-link have a new album out now, described as bossa-nova-like but non-bossa-nova pop, electronic and organic. More audio samples at ototoy. elect-link "On Your Wave:" 1. shine 2. umi to yakusoku 3. hatenaki tabi 4. mada kagi...
    Posted on September 25, 2012 at 23:54. | Released on September 19, 2012
  67. hitomitoi "City Dive EP" (12")
    Here's a 6-track EP cut from hitomitoi's latest album "City Dive". The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi. Also included here are tracks in collaboration with Dorian and Stringsburn (Pan Pacific Playa). Jet Set ran out of stock in one...
    Posted on September 23, 2012 at 01:34. | Released on September 21, 2012
  68. 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.
  69. Kaoru Inoue "A Missing Myth"
    Crue-L Records family's Kaoru Inoue (aka Chari Chari) has a new album coming this week on his Seeds And Ground label. This album is non-stop mixed and includes new songs and a few remixes. A few tracks are available in...
    Posted on September 9, 2012 at 13:41. | Released on September 12, 2012
  70. 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.
  71. frenesi "gendai"
    frenesi has a brand new album coming in September! Titled "gendai" ("modern times"), it contains the song from latest video of the same name, and also a track that appeared in game "taiko no tatsujin" last year, and a cover...
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on September 5, 2012
  72. Chiroline ver.2 "Chit Chat Chiroline"
    Chiroline (reads -lyn) was a girl techno-pop unit that was produced by Okada Tohru (CTO LAB., ex-Moonriders) in the mid-to-late-80's. This year sees the formation of a group of 4 new girls borrowing the same name, again produced by the...
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47. | Released on August 8, 2012
  73. YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
    Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
    Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
  74. Various Artists "Puffy Covers"
    There's a new Puffy ("AmiYumi") tribute album, of their songs covered by Okamoto's, Guitar Wolf, LOW IQ 01, Okuda Tamio and many others. 10 of the tracks are brand new recordings. Audio samples of all songs at CDJapan. Various Artists...
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:04. | Released on July 4, 2012
  75. Vanilla Beans "Non-Section"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out this week! "Non-Section" is a rocking catchy pop tune. The video for this song also gives life to a few scenes from their recently released photo book. This comes in 3 different...
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 22:51. | Released on July 4, 2012
  76. 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.
  77. hitomitoi "City Dive"
    Singer hitomitoi has a brand new album coming, produced by jazz DJ Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), in collaboration with Dorian and guitarist Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa). This album, being described as contemporary city music, is when summer starts! Coming...
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on June 20, 2012
  78. Nona Reeves "Choice II"
    Nona Reeves have a 2nd cover album out now on Billboard Records, this time featuring songs by Madonna, Blur, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Earth Wind & Fire, New Kids On The Block (...), and more. The first of...
    Posted on June 9, 2012 at 16:25. | Released on June 6, 2012
  79. Miyauchi Yuri "Tone After Tone"
    Miyauchi Yuri has a new album out this week, featuring none other than Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) as a guest musician throughout, it seems, and also Kanda Tomoki for engineer. Miyauchi Yuri "Tone After Tone" 宮内優里 「トーンアフタートーン」 1. toaf_ 2. digo_...
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on June 6, 2012
  80. 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.
  81. Nakamura Kazuyoshi "6 Remix'n Birds"
    Singer-songwriter Nakamura Kazuyoshi, leader of J-rock band 100s, has a remix mini-album out just now. The originals aren't something I'd recommend, but the impressive list of remixers here is sure to draw attention, with Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), FPM, Yakenohara,...
    Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:04. | Released on March 28, 2012
  82. "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
  83. 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.
  84. 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
  85. Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
    Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
  86. 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
  87. tokyo pinsalocks "Hallelujah Girls"
    New wave/post-rock band tokyo pinsalocks has a new album out just now! This is produced by Miura Shunichi of Kera & The Synthesizers. Two tracks can be sampled at MySpace. Also, recent non-album track "Salon de Tokyo (remixed by miurashun)"...
    Posted on January 10, 2012 at 23:19. | Released on January 11, 2012
  88. 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
  89. Maki Rinka "Girl"
    Osaka-based singer-songwriter Maki Rinka has a new album coming this time from Orange Records! The whole is produced and arranged by Hattori Shōtaro of Stoned Soul Picnic, and directed by Groove Unchant. There are guest appearances of instrumental band Calmera...
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 23:24. | Released on December 14, 2011
  90. 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
  91. Various Artists "YMO Rewake"
    Here's a tribute album to YMO featuring their most famous songs in brand new covers by various electro artists including Riow Arai, Calm, Tobeta Bajune as Macho Robot, etc. Coming this week on mysterious young label electric sheep. Check out...
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 23:10. | Released on September 1, 2011
  92. Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (12")
    Konishi Yasuharu's first solo album as Pizzicato One has just been released on vinyl. You'll find all songs from the CD released last May. Be sure to check out the different artwork made especially to be better appreciated in its...
    Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:01. | Released on August 3, 2011
  93. 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.
  94. DadaD "Go Around"
    DadaD (pronounced "da da da") is making a major debut with this new maxi-single. The girl-boy duo makes guitar-driven pop songs with non-intrusive beats and an amount of synths. Singer Kate, who is half-Taiwanese and half-Japanese, sings in English and...
    Posted on June 18, 2011 at 11:05. | Released on June 22, 2011
  95. Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.6 - 92.7 Organ b. FM - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
    Following No.4 and No.5 last year, here's a re-issue of Sunaga Tatsuo's 6th of his famous live mix tape series, available for the first time on CD remastered from the master DAT source. With a concept of a nonexistent FM...
    Posted on May 19, 2011 at 23:30. | Released on May 25, 2011
  96. Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
    Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
    Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
  97. 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.
  98. Gig report: mōretsu kara Beautiful Concert 2011: Sally Soul Stew and Keme
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday May 8 was a show of Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), held at Shinjuku rock venue Red Cloth. Sally...
    Posted on May 14, 2011 at 11:55.
  99. Towa Tei "Sunny"
    Towa Tei is back with a brand new, 6th album! "Sunny" is the 3rd of a trilogy started with "Flash" and "Big Fun". Featured guests include Hatori Miho (Cibo Matto), Takahashi Yukihiro, Hosono Haruomi (both YMO), Yasuda Toshiyuki, Natural Calamity,...
    Posted on April 29, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on May 11, 2011
  100. Gig report: Farm Party #6: Abikyokan, Hosaka Akane, Young Fratellis, N'toko
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 22 was a fun event held at Asagaya GaMuSo, of the Farm Party series organized by the great Tokyo Gig Guide. Started just last year, it was...
    Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:49.

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