SOLEIL "Pinky Fluffy" (7") (Re-issue)
SOLEIL's debut 7" "Pinky Fluffy" (2017) which had sold out long ago is being released once again with a different jacket! Recorded when singer Soleil was still 13, both songs have remained non-album tracks. Note that this release doesn't...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 19:16. | Released on November 14, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Madras Express / Stay-Pressed" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band has another new 7" single out now! This time the band brings us two new groovy original instrumentals. A-sider "Madras Express" has over 5 minutes and spotlights the brass section in an afro-funk tune, while...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 10:38. | Released on November 11, 2018
Hoshino Michiru "After 6 Sessions" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Hoshino Michiru has released a digital EP of a session recently performed live on TBS Radio show "After 6 Junction" hosted by Utamaru (Rhymester) on weekdays from 18:00 to 21:00. The set featured keyboardist Inoue Kaoru (Blue Peppers)...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 00:27. | Released on October 31, 2018
Haruko Tajima "Holy Holy Holy Holy"
Electro singer-songwriter Tajima Haruko, who is also active as duo Francis avec Haruko (see new mini-album "Zero Gravity Love"), has released a brand new album recently! Be sure to check out the cool videos she posts on YouTube, starting with...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on October 3, 2018
Learners "Learners High" (10")
Learners' latest mini album "Learners High" has been released on 10" vinyl. It's limited to 1000 copies. Fans and rockabilly DJs, get it while you can! Hear some audio samples at Jet Set. LEARNERS "LEARNERS HIGH" (10") A1. Cassis Oolong...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 21:05. | Released on October 31, 2018
Denki Groove "Kraken Taka" (Blu-ray/DVD/2CD)
This Denki Groove show held in March 2018 at Zepp Tokyo was first released digitally (audio only) recently, but now here it comes on Blu-ray and DVD. Included is bonus commentary by the group's two members (Takkyu Ishino and Pierre...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 19:19. | Released on October 24, 2018
La Veuve Moustachue "Zettai Renai! Count Down!!" (7")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka Mustached Widow, Hige no Mibōjin) is back with a brand new single, its first release since the vinyl edition of brilliant album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016). This time the charming widow has...
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on October 30, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
Francis avec Haruko "Zero Gravity Love"
Francis avec Haruko, the unit of Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors) and Tajima Haruko, has a 2nd mini-album out now! The keyword is "cosmic and colorful electro-pop"! This is the follow-up to "Jamón, jamón" (2017). Their next show will...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:53. | Released on October 17, 2018
Wakita Monari "Callin' You (Nite in the Groove Mix)" (Download)
A new remix of "Callin' You" from Wakita Monari's 2nd album "Ahead!" has been released digitally. The remix was done by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) who wrote the song's music. He said on Twitter that he used a Korg...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:45. | Released on October 17, 2018
Avandoned "Lemon Peels" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned has released a new single earlier this month! "Lemon Peels" was written and produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The B-side was written and performed by punk band SEVENTEEN AGAiN. There's...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:26. | Released on October 10, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Song Album"
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has released a brand new album titled "Song Album", of which all songs are vocal and sung by himself. "Skytree" and "From 3000 Feet The Sky Of Tokyo" have lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:06. | Released on October 10, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Easy Riding / I'll Close My Eyes" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band (official Facebook page) has a brand new 7" single out now! A-side "Easy Riding" is a brand new happy-sounding soft rock instrumental, while B-side is a vocal cover of jazz standard "I'll Close My Eyes"....
Posted on October 15, 2018 at 22:34. | Released on October 10, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Saoriiiii "Tokyo Kunyan" (Download)
Saoriiiii has a new EP out now digitally! The new songs are produced by Seijaku In Tokyo. Check out the video below. A release party will be held on September 29 from 18:00 at Strobe Cafe in Harajuku, also featuring...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 21:39. | Released on September 19, 2018
Cutie Pai "megane myboy"
Cutie Pai has a new single being released! The title song is of course glasses-themed ("megane"). The single comes in two different versions, the Type A contains a remix of "This Is Megane" by CANDLES, while Type B instead has...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 11:50. | Released on September 25, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Japamyu"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 4th album about to be released! "Japamyu" comes over 4 years after "Pika Pika Fantajin" (2014). Included are the previously released songs "Harajuku Iyahoi", "Kimi No Mikata" and "Todoke Punch", as well as a new...
Posted on September 21, 2018 at 23:52. | Released on September 26, 2018
Cornelius "Ripple Waves"
Cornelius has a new album being released this week! This is actually an album that revolves around the latest, "Mellow Waves". Included are some remixes (two of which were previously released part of the Sound & Recording magazine), some tracks...
Posted on September 17, 2018 at 22:10. | Released on September 19, 2018
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright"
SOLEIL, the band fronted by now 15-year-old singer Soleil, has a 2nd album being released very soon! Following the excellent "My Name is SOLEIL" released last March, the new full-length also consists of all original songs with the exception of...
Posted on September 16, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on September 19, 2018
Mia Nascimento "Dance in the Moonlight" (Download)
Mia Nascimento (Milli Milli Bar, ex-Especia) (Twitter) has a new solo song out now on iTunes, Spotify, etc. It was written and produced by Yafune Tetsurō (Milli Milli Bar). The song has often been played in their shows and...
Posted on September 12, 2018 at 22:37. | Released on September 3, 2018
STUTS "Eutopia"
Trackmaker/producer STUTS has a 2nd album coming soon! "Eutopia" features guest vocalists such as Thai singer Phum Viphurit, hitomitoi, jazz singer Maya Hatch, and rappers Chinza Dopeness, Campanella, JJJ, Senninsho, Daichi Yamamoto and G Yamazawa. Some collaboration track with Nagaoka...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 22:40. | Released on September 5, 2018
fox capture plan "Capturism"
Piano-led jazz-rock instrumental trio fox capture plan has a 7th original album out now! Included is a self-cover of their theme song for drama series "The Confidenceman JP". Check out the album's special site. A tour will be held in...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 22:12. | Released on September 5, 2018
Learners "Learners High"
Chabe's rockabilly band Learners is back with a brand new mini album! This includes two new original songs, "Cassis Oolong" and "Take a Trip", as well as covers of The Bangles, Brigitte Bardot, The Looking Glass (in a cover featuring...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 21:31. | Released on September 12, 2018
Vanilla Beans "going my way"
Idol group Vanilla Beans announced recently that they will be quitting after a last single and last shows. That last single's details have now been announced. "going my way" is an upbeat song, while B-side "Last Song" is a ballad,...
Posted on August 28, 2018 at 22:43. | Released on September 18, 2018
P.O.P "Summer Back Again" (Download)
P.O.P, unit formed of twin rappers and trackmaker Saitō Ryōji, has a new digital single out now! "Summer Back Again" has a laid back feel with a rocking chorus. Check it out on iTunes, Spotify, etc. A release part...
Posted on August 22, 2018 at 23:08. | Released on August 22, 2018
Kaji Hideki "Autumn Olive"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new EP being released just ahead of fall. The EP's two lead songs take their theme from fashion magazine Olive (published from 1982 to 2003). Both of these songs were produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 13:23. | Released on September 5, 2018
The Natsuyasumi Band "shinkirou [TNB×mitsume]" (7")
The Natsuyasumi Band, formed of piano, bass, drums plus steel drum and trumpet, has a new 7" single being released this month. The song "shinkirō" is a collaboration with band mitsume, featuring two drums, two basses and three guitars,...
Posted on August 14, 2018 at 23:25. | Released on August 29, 2018
Natsu Summer "Old School Surfer" (7")
This is a 7" single cut from Natsu Summer's latest mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" that was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei) and backed by a real band with drums and bass, organ, steel pan, etc. The B-side...
Posted on August 13, 2018 at 21:53. | Released on August 18, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have...
Posted on August 11, 2018 at 18:20. | Released on August 5, 2018
De De Mouse "be yourself"
Dé Dé Mouse has just released a 7th full-length album! This is the follow-up to album "dream you up" (2017), since which digital EP "via alpha centauri" was also released. Check out the two music videos below. Amazon gives away...
Posted on August 8, 2018 at 23:41. | Released on August 2, 2018
Perfume "Future Pop"
Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai",...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 22:55. | Released on August 15, 2018
chelmico "Power"
chelmico, girl rap unit formed of MC Rachel & MC Mamiko, have a first major album out this week! Tracks were made in collaboration with U-zhaan ("Date"), Parkgolf, Mikeneko Homeless, ryo takahashi and Toshiki Hayashi (%C). The first pressing comes...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 21:56. | Released on August 8, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Skytree / Witchcraft" (7")
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has a new 7" single out now! Both vocal songs have music written by myself, and the A-side "Skytree" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu. It was pressed at Toyokasei in Japan and is...
Posted on August 3, 2018 at 22:09. | Released on August 1, 2018
Asa-Chang Emerson Kitamura "Debut"
Reggae meets tabla, with tabla-bongo musician Asa-chang and keyboardist Emerson Kitamura who have just released a first album together, appropriately titled "Debut". Included are several covers (see tracklist) plus an original that features singer Chieko Beauty. Tabla-bongo is an original...
Posted on July 28, 2018 at 16:36. | Released on July 27, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 3"
A 3rd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) has just been released. As usual all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai (Metafive),...
Posted on July 25, 2018 at 23:04. | Released on July 18, 2018
"'Be My Baby' Shindo Mitsuo Retrospective" (Book)
Shindō Mitsuo has been active as a prolific art director since the 80's, creating countless CD, record and poster artworks for Japanese artists of all kinds including many of the Shibuya-kei scene such as Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Cornelius,...
Posted on July 22, 2018 at 20:10. | Released on July 24, 2018
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan "Apron Boy no sashisuseso"
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan has a new mini-album being released! Included is "Apron Boy", the theme song of anime "Emiya-san chi no kyō no gohan". Also there's a curry collaboration song with Negicco! HMV and Tower Records (and apparently...
Posted on July 18, 2018 at 23:43. | Released on July 25, 2018
Natsu Summer "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation"
City pop singer Natsu Summer has released earlier this month a new mini-album! Like her first album "Hello, future day" this is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), though this time the whole is backed by a real band with drums...
Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:46. | Released on July 4, 2018
Wakita Monari "Ahead!"
Wakita Monari has a 2nd album being released this month! This is the follow-up to the excellent "I am ONLY" (2017). Included are several songs produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and also ones produced by microstar, Illicit Tsuboi (co-written...
Posted on July 15, 2018 at 23:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
The Scooters "Be My Baby" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single that has just been released! "Be My Baby" is a new original song that was made as the theme of leader Shindō Mitsuo's exhibition held a few months ago sharing the same title....
Posted on July 14, 2018 at 22:58. | Released on November 14, 2018
BTB tokko "Sweet Machine"
Talkbox musician BTB (Pan Pacific Playa, ex-Luvraw & BTB) is back as "BTB tokkō" (tokkō = 特効 = special effects) with a new album titled "Sweet Machine". Expect mellow urban summer sounds! This follows recent single "I'll Be Around" (2018)...
Posted on July 10, 2018 at 21:30. | Released on July 11, 2018
HALLCA "Aperitif e.p"
It's been a bit over a year since Especia disbanded, and it's now the turn of group leader Tominaga Haruka to come back as a solo singer! Under the new monicker HALLCA, here comes a first EP of which the...
Posted on July 8, 2018 at 00:22. | Released on July 25, 2018
Negicco "MY COLOR"
Negicco has a brand new 4th album about to be released! The album opens with singles "ai, kamashitai no" and "Calypso musume ni hanataba o", after which follow 11 new songs! Check out the sampler clip below. This album is...
Posted on July 5, 2018 at 00:09. | Released on July 10, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go" (Download)
A third consecutive new song by Crazy Ken Band has just been released digitally. Check out the video below! "Soul Train", "yamabato Waltz" and "Going To A Go-Go" lead the way to a brand new album (also titled "Going...
Posted on July 4, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on July 4, 2018
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "3"
Towa Tei's side-project Sweet Robots Against The Machine is back with a 3rd album! Titled "3" (pronounced "san"), the unit now consists of three people: Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori and comedian Bakarhythm (Twitter). Also featured are actresses Kaho and Asō...
Posted on July 3, 2018 at 22:28. | Released on July 18, 2018
Soleil "My Name is SOLEIL" (12")
The first album of 60's sound band SOLEIL (official Twitter) is being released on vinyl! SOLEIL is the band of 14-year-old singer Soleil (who will soon turn 15!), bassist and producer Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-The Phantom Gift, Les...
Posted on July 1, 2018 at 19:58. | Released on July 4, 2018
Way Wave "Summer Girl / Lovin' You" (7")
Way Wave is a duo formed of sisters Anna and Yuna with soulful voices, and their first 7" single is produced by Seki Yoshihiko and classifies as city pop. The A-side is original "Summer Girl", while the B-side is...
Posted on June 27, 2018 at 23:57. | Released on June 27, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "The Spooky Obakeyashiki ~Pumpkins Strike Back~" (Blu-ray/DVD)
With a Halloween concept and a haunted mansion ("obakeyashiki")-themed stage, this special Kyary Pamyu Pamyu show was held on October 28 and 29, 2017 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Don't miss this Blu-ray/DVD of the musical-like show. The first pressing...
Posted on June 26, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on June 27, 2018
Manon "Teenage Diary"
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) finally has a full-length album coming! Just over a year since debut single "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (available on pink vinyl 7"), "Teenage Diary" contains all of her great singles so far plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 22, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on July 7, 2018
Denki Groove "Tropical Love Tour 2017" (Blu-ray/DVD)
The final show from Denki Groove's latest tour, "Tropical Love Tour 2017", is being released on Blu-ray and DVD! The show was held on March 25, 2017 at Zepp Tokyo. The limited editions include two CDs of the entire show's...
Posted on June 11, 2018 at 22:25. | Released on June 20, 2018
lyrical school "World's End"
Idol rap group lyrical school has a brand new album being released this month! The song "toko Nuts Return" has music written & arranged by Shinco (Scha Dara Parr) and lyrics by Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Kaseki Cider. There...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 21:27. | Released on June 19, 2018
Charan-Po-Rantan "Page o mekutte" (Download)
Charan-Po-Rantan has released two new songs digitally. Both are featured in dumpling-themed movie "Kiss dekiru gyōza" to start in theaters from June 22. The video for "juu-juu" was filmed in Utsunomiya, a town of Tochigi prefecture famous for having...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 19:43. | Released on June 6, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "yamabato Waltz" (Download)
Crazy Ken Band has released a new digital single. "yamabato Waltz" is being featured on NHK's "minna no uta" from June to July. A bit of it can be seen here. A new album by Crazy Ken Band titled...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 12:16. | Released on June 6, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Saito Neonsign "Yokohama Rampway"
Saito Neonsign, a Showa-kayō band from Yokohama fronted by Piro Saito (aka Saitō Hiroyuki), has a first mini-album being released! Formed in 2012 and having previously released 4 songs (check out iTunes or Spotify), this new mini-album brings 5 brand...
Posted on June 2, 2018 at 11:26. | Released on June 6, 2018
Hello, Wendy! "No.9", "The First Encounter with Hello, Wendy!"
Hello, Wendy! (Facebook Page) is a unit of four synthesizer musicians led by Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) and also featuring Maika Loubté, Azuma Hitomi and Niitsu Yui (previously known as Neat's), with no use of computer programming. Following the release...
Posted on May 31, 2018 at 21:55. | Released on May 30, 2018
Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 23:26. | Released on May 23, 2018
TRI4TH "Hybrid Roots"
Danceable instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has released a new album that consists of covers of songs that make up their roots. Two self-covers are also included. A tour will be held starting on June 1st at Daikanyama Unit. Also, TRI4TH...
Posted on May 26, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on May 23, 2018
Ellie "Stay Gold"
Ellie (ex-Love Tambourines) has a new mini-album being released! It had been 11 years since her previous "rita" (as "eli") (2007). This time it seems that she somewhat goes back to her roots with some musicians she feels most comfortable...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 22:18. | Released on May 23, 2018
Avandoned "After School c/w bakuhatsu suru Romance" (CD+7")
Idol duo Avandoned have a new single out this week! Like previous single "Donut Friends", this is produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The A-side was written by members of Koncos, and the B-side by...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on May 23, 2018
Sawagi "Kabo Wabo"
Sawagi, a band that gives an energetic show of dance music played with live instruments, has a new album coming and it's co-produced by Chabe (Learners, cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza)! A remix by Chabe as cbsmgrfc is also included....
Posted on May 21, 2018 at 22:49. | Released on May 23, 2018
cero "Poly Life Multi Soul"
City pop band cero has a 4th album out now! It had been 3 years since "Obscure Ride" (2015). There are two limited editions, one that comes with a DVD of 13 live songs plus two sessions of new songs,...
Posted on May 17, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on May 16, 2018
RYUTist "aozora Signal"
This is a new single by Niigata-based idol group RYUTist. Title song "aozora Signal" was written and arranged by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), and the B-side has music and arrangements by Indonesian band ikkubaru. Both have lyrics written by Kiyoura...
Posted on May 17, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on May 15, 2018
JiLL-Decoy association "JiLL-Decoy DUO ~ Zinger ~"
Jazz unit JiLL-Decoy association's vocalist chihiRo and guitarist kubota have been also recently active as JiLL-Decoy DUO, and here comes a first mini-album. The title "Zinger" is said to be a mix of "Ginger" and "Zine". Included are collaborations with...
Posted on May 13, 2018 at 15:38. | Released on May 2, 2018
Pizzicato Five "On Her Majesty's Request;ep" (7"), "Lovers Rock" (7")
Following the release of two Pizzicato Five 7" cuts last year, "couples ep" and "Bellissima! ep", here are two more limited 7"'s coming this month! The first contains 3 songs from the 1989 album "On Her Majesty's Request", when...
Posted on May 3, 2018 at 22:47. | Released on May 16, 2018
The Beatniks "Exitentialist A Xie Xie"
The Beatniks, the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), is about to release a 5th album! "Exitentialist A Xie Xie" is the follow-up to "Last Train To Exitown". Included are 10 songs with sounds that...
Posted on April 30, 2018 at 20:37. | Released on May 9, 2018
Kirinji "jikan ga nai"
Kirinji has a new single coming! Included is new song "jikan ga nai", which was first performed live during the encore of a show at EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo last December. Aside from the new song, 7 live bonus...
Posted on April 26, 2018 at 21:42. | Released on May 2, 2018
Hoshikuzu Scat "keshoushitsu"
Hoshikuzu Scat, the Shōwa-kayō drag queen trio formed of Mitz Mangrove, Gallantique Kazue and Meili Mu, has a first full-length album being released! Most songs were arranged—and many written—by Nakatsuka Takeshi. Most songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
Posted on April 22, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on April 25, 2018
Wakita Monari "Take It Lucky!!!!" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari's latest song "Take It Lucky!!!!", released digitally last month, is being released on 7" with a previously unreleased B-side! Both songs have music written and produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke). The A-side has lyrics by singer UKO,...
Posted on April 20, 2018 at 22:01. | Released on April 25, 2018
Madame Croissant "salut / Who's calling me?" (7")
Satō Nozomu aka M. Lemon (of caméra-stylo, and lately known for the great Fujin Club) produces this new girl duo unit named Madame Croissant (Instagram)! Their first release is a 7" of two songs. The cover artwork is by...
Posted on April 19, 2018 at 21:28. | Released on April 21, 2018
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Mas Que Nada" (Download)
Saxophonist Shunosuke Ishikawa covers Sergio Mendes' bossa nova hit song "Mas Que Nada" in a danceable breakbeats arrangement that also features trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums. A release event will be held on Wednesday May 16 at Shibuya...
Posted on April 18, 2018 at 00:09. | Released on April 18, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
jan and naomi "Fracture"
jan and naomi (Facebook) have a brand new album about to be released! "Fracture", actually their first full-length album, is the follow-up to mini-album "Leeloo and Alexandra". The artwork was done by Chim↑Pom. Audio samples can be heard at OTOTOY....
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 19:44. | Released on April 18, 2018
Nosa Reina "Endless Party ~Cover Album~"
Nosa Reina is releasing a first cover album this month, of various charming Japanese songs from her memories arranged with a new wave touch. Featured are songs originally by EPO, Sakakibara Ikue (Techno-kayō classic "Robot"!), Sawada Kenji, Ōtaki Eiichi, Suzuki...
Posted on April 14, 2018 at 00:15. | Released on April 18, 2018
YMCK "Magical Galaxy Tour EP" (Download)
YMCK is releasing a new EP, and on the same day doing a rare one-man show in Ebisu! The EP consists of 4 songs including collaborations with Robotprins (Sweden), Mega Ran (U.S.), and a mysterious rapper named MC8bit, and also...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 23:44. | Released on April 14, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
Furukawa Miki ÷ U-zhaan "Kouta LP" (12")
This unit of Furukawa Miki (Lama, ex-Supercar) and tabla musician U-zhaan released last year a first cassette tape that consisted of two traditional Japanese songs. This new record contains both of those songs, plus two new songs ("B&G" and "koke...
Posted on April 6, 2018 at 22:36. | Released on April 6, 2018
Urbangarde "Shoujo Fiction"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a brand new album being released this week, underlining their 10th anniversary since album "shōjo wa nido shinu" (2008)! The deluxe edition comes with a 24-page booklet and DVD of 4 music videos. HMV gives...
Posted on April 2, 2018 at 23:24. | Released on April 4, 2018
The Pen Friend Club "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club has just released a 5th album. Included are covers of Roger Nichols ("Don't Take Your Time"), Burt Bacharach ("My Little Red Book"), Ohtaki Eiichi ("suisaiga no machi"), The Rascals ("Good Lovin'"), Brian Wilson ("Melt Away") as...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on March 21, 2018
Shonen Knife "Alive! in Osaka"
Shonen Knife has just released a new live album, recorded at Fandango in Osaka on December 22, 2017. This show was performed by Naoko, Atsuko and Risa. It seems that an overseas edition is also to be released on May...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:41. | Released on March 14, 2018
Yogee New Waves "Spring Cave e.p."
City pop band Yogee New Waves has a new EP out now, their first since their recent move to a major label! Included are some brand new songs and a new remix of "Ride on Wave" (lead track of 2nd...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:24. | Released on March 14, 2018
Wakita Monari "Take It Lucky!!!!" (Download)
Wakita Monari has a brand new song out now on iTunes, Spotify, etc.! "Take It Lucky!!!!" was written and produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and it was featured as the theme song of online drama "Lucky" aired earlier...
Posted on March 28, 2018 at 00:28. | Released on March 24, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 2", "Design Ah" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Out now is a 2nd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) for which all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Aoba Ichiko, Harada Ikuko (clammbon), Hanaregumi, KAKATO (Tamaki ROY x Chinza...
Posted on March 27, 2018 at 22:42. | Released on March 21, 2018
SOLEIL "My Name is SOLEIL"
After having debuted last year with single "Pinky Fluffy", band SOLEIL is already back with a first full-length major album! This consists of only new previously unreleased songs, and matching the band's 60's style all was recorded and mixed in...
Posted on March 7, 2018 at 23:58. | Released on March 21, 2018
Bakubaku Dokin "Darara / tasogare no Catherine" (7")
Following a great single titled "Good Night Baby" released just last month, here's a 2nd 7" from Bakubaku Dokin. The A-side "Darara" is said to be a mellow tune that sounds best at night, while B-side "tasogare no Catherine"...
Posted on February 20, 2018 at 22:21. | Released on February 28, 2018
Emerson Kitamura "The Countryside is Great e.p." (12")
"Bangkok Nites" is a Japanese movie released in 2016. EM Records, the label that released the soundtrack, has been also releasing a series of tribute 12" EPs. This last installment is by keyboardist Emerson Kitamura. "inaka wa iine" is a...
Posted on February 18, 2018 at 12:13. | Released on February 17, 2018
tofubeats "Immortal Love" (Download)
tofubeats has a new song out now digitally. "Immortal Love" (Japanese title: "fumetsu no kokoro") is the theme song of live action TV drama "Video Girl Ai 2018" ("den·ei shōjo") shown on TV Tokyo every Saturday night from 24:20....
Posted on February 17, 2018 at 09:40. | Released on February 16, 2018
ECD "Lucky Man" (7")
Rapper ECD passed away on January 24, 2018 at the age of 67. This is a 7" release of song "Lucky Man" from his latest album "Three Wise Monkeys" (2015), and includes a new remix by Illicit Tsuboi who...
Posted on February 15, 2018 at 21:50. | Released on February 28, 2018
Plastics "A"
On February 25 it will have been a year since the passing away of Plastics leader Nakanishi Toshio. This is a live album of the Plastics' 40th anniversary show held at Blue Note Tokyo on May 10, 2016. The show...
Posted on February 13, 2018 at 21:41. | Released on February 21, 2018
Ushio Kensuke "'Sunny/32' Original Soundtrack"
The soundtrack of movie "Sunny/32" was produced by Ushio Kensuke (aka agraph, of band LAMA and also live support member for Denki Groove). Theme song "pray" is sung by Tabuchi Hisako (LAMA). The movie, which features Pierre Taki (Denki Groove)...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 23:29. | Released on February 14, 2018
Yogee New Waves "Waves" (2LP)
City pop band Yogee New Waves' 2nd album "Waves" (2017) has just been released as a double-LP that comes in a gatefold sleeve. Yogee New Waves will release a new EP titled "Spring Cave e.p." on March 14. Stay tuned...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 21:28. | Released on February 10, 2018
Juicy Fruits "Bittersweet"
Legendary new wave band Juicy Fruits is back with a brand new album! While they have been active playing some live shows in the recent years, 34 years have passed since their previous album release ("Come on Swing" in 1984)!...
Posted on February 5, 2018 at 21:41. | Released on February 14, 2018
BTB "I'll Be Around" (7")
Out now on new label Shinjuku Tracks is a 7" by talkbox musician BTB (Pan Pacific Playa). "I'll Be Around" is a reggae cover of The Spinners' hit song (original). The B-side is a dub version by Ichihashi Dubwise....
Posted on February 4, 2018 at 12:10. | Released on January 31, 2018
Robochu "Scrappin"
Rapper Robochu, lately often seen on stage with Scha Dara Parr but also as the leader of 90's hip-hop group Dassen 3 and a member of Donuts Disco Deluxe (with Afra and Ani (SDP)), has released a new album. It...
Posted on February 3, 2018 at 18:01. | Released on January 31, 2018
Yasutaka Nakata "Digital Native"
Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE) is releasing a first solo album! Included are some brand new songs, including collaborations with banvox and MAMIKO (chelmico), along with some previously released tracks including "Crazy Crazy" (a collaboration with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Charli XCX)...
Posted on January 31, 2018 at 22:37. | Released on February 7, 2018
Negicco "Calypso musume ni hanataba o"
Here's a new single by Negicco! Both songs were written by Negicco's producer connie, although the title song was arranged and performed by Your Song Is Good. This is the first time Negicco collaborates with YSIG. The limited edition...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 23:19. | Released on February 6, 2018
Tajima Takao & Nagaoka Ryosuke "Sessions"
This is a live album from a series of shows featuring Tajima Takao (Original Love) and Nagaoka Ryōsuke (Petrolz), which were held in October and November 2017. Included is a new song by Original Love titled "Happy Birthday Song", and...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 22:31. | Released on January 31, 2018
Kinoco Hotel "kainarasarenai onnatachi ~ jikkyou rokuonban" (2CD+DVD)
Kinoco Hotel has released a new live album of their 10th anniversary show that was held on June 24, 2017 at Akasaka Blitz in Tokyo. The packages includes 2 CDs (totaling 96 min.) and a DVD (of about 78 min.)....
Posted on January 27, 2018 at 18:55. | Released on January 17, 2018
