fox capture plan "KOTODAMA -kono koe o kimi ni Soundtrack-", "SEPT"
Here are two new soundtracks by instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan. Both are for TV drama series. The final show of their "UИTITLƎD" tour will be held on February 2 at Shibuya O-East. fox capture plan "KOTODAMA -kono koe...
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on January 24, 2018
Spangle call Lilli line "Spangle call Lilli line Club Re-edits by XTAL" (12")
XTAL ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) re-edits 3 songs by band Spangle call Lilli line for dancefloor use! "dreamer" was a single produced by Nagai Seiichi (sotaiseiriron) in 2010, and the two songs on side B were taken from their 4th...
Posted on January 21, 2018 at 15:25. | Released on January 17, 2018
Milli Milli Bar "My Sweet Seventeen" (Download)
Milli Milli Bar (Twitter) is the new band featuring pianist/singer-songwriter Yafune Tetsurō and singer Mia Nascimento (ex-Especia), with bassist Hishikawa Kōtarō and Sugata Naoto. Already having played some shows in Tokyo (some of which can be watched on YouTube)...
Posted on January 19, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on January 19, 2018
Nosa Reina "Endless Valentine" (Download)
Nosa Reina has a new cover song out now digitally! "Endless Valentine" is a cover of EPO, originally released in 1990. A whole album of covers including this and her recent Christmas song cover is expected to be released...
Posted on January 17, 2018 at 20:27. | Released on January 17, 2018
Tentenko "kiken na anata"
The 2nd EP of Tentenko (ex-BiS) is being released on CD. This was first released on iTunes on December 6. Included is a cover of classic techno-kayō song "Robot" (originally sung by Sakakibara Ikue). "nantonaku abunai" was written by Sakamoto...
Posted on January 14, 2018 at 13:09. | Released on January 17, 2018
Luby Sparks "Luby Sparks"
Indie-pop band Luby Sparks (Facebook, Soundcloud), formed in 2015, is finally releasing a debut album. It is co-produced by Max Bloom (Yuck, ex-Cajun Dance Party) and was entirely recorded in London. This follows the release of split-cassette "Yuck/Luby Sparks" (Fastcut...
Posted on January 8, 2018 at 11:54. | Released on January 24, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
WHY@DOLL "Show Me Your Smile"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL from Sapporo (Hokkaido) has a new single coming, the follow-up to their self-titled album released last August. The title track was written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi, while B-side "Promises, Promises" has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto...
Posted on January 2, 2018 at 23:05. | Released on January 23, 2018
Ryuichi Sakamoto "async - Remodels"
This month Ryuichi Sakamoto suddenly released a remix album of songs from his latest album "async". Included are remixes by close collaborators Cornelius, Alva Noto and Fennesz, as well as ARCA (co-producer of Björk's "Vulnicura"), Oneohtrix Point Never (who is...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 13:50. | Released on December 13, 2017
Kashif "BlueSongs" (12")
Guitarist Kashif's brilliant first solo album was recently released on vinyl! Great city pop songs sung by himself, with also guest hitomitoi. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the cover artwork is by famous illustrator Nagai Hiroshi. The...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 13:17. | Released on November 29, 2017
Blue Peppers "Retroactive"
Blue Peppers is a unit formed of Fukuda Naoki and Inoue Kaoru. After an EP and two singles, here comes their first full-length album, which features guest vocals by Hoshino Michiru and Sasaki Shiori. Aside from making their own music,...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 11:07. | Released on November 15, 2017
Hosono Haruomi "Vu Ja De"
Hosono Haruomi has released a brand new album last month. Titled "Vu Jà Dé", it's a 2-CD album with the 1st disc sub-titled "Eight Beat Combo" and the 2nd "Essay". Check out this special site where all songs can be...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 00:07. | Released on November 8, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "Mirage Collage"
Sisters Charan-Po-Rantan released a brand new album original album recently. All songs can be sampled on this special site. The limited editions (Blu-ray and DVD) contain 3 music videos plus a digest of 12 songs from a show held in...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 1, 2017
Nakano Aya "girigiri no kankei" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya's latest single was released on 7"+CD! Both are new songs, with a danceable 16-beat soul A-side, and a track with an old soul sound for B-side. The CD includes bonus instrumentals. On January 9 will be held...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 22:08. | Released on October 25, 2017
Takkyu Ishino "ACID TEKNO DISKO BEATz"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has released a new solo album for his 50th birthday, December 26, 2017. This comes 1½ year after "LUNATIQUE" (2016). All tracks can be sampled at CDJapan, etc. An anthology box set and a new Denki...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 14:15. | Released on December 27, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Holiday Shibuya-kei o utau." (2x7")
4 songs from Nomiya Maki's recent winter song cover album are being released on vinyl in the form of a set of two 7"'s. The exclusive artwork was designed and photographed by Shindō Mitsuo in Shibuya's Nonbei Yokochō. Valentine's Day-themed...
Posted on December 24, 2017 at 10:48. | Released on December 27, 2017
Maika Loubté "Candy Haus" (7")
Maika Loubté has a new 7" single out now! The A-side is "Candy Haus", a song released as a YouTube video in collaboration with Gap and also as a digital EP (iTunes, Spotify) earlier this year. The B-side is...
Posted on December 21, 2017 at 21:36. | Released on December 20, 2017
Duke Aces "atarashii uta" (7")
Duke Aces is a Japanese jazz chorus group that was formed in 1955 and had been active ever since. However, the group has announced that they will officially end their activities at the end of 2017. Konishi Yasuharu had...
Posted on December 20, 2017 at 23:22. | Released on December 20, 2017
Vanilla Beans "Necco ~watashi no mono~" (Download)
Vanilla Beans never stop surprising! Today they suddenly released a brand new song on iTunes worldwide, and it's sung in Korean! Filed under K-Pop, the song actually has a Swedish-style soft rock sound with pizzicato strings that should perk...
Posted on December 20, 2017 at 21:19. | Released on December 20, 2017
Nosa Reina "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" (Download)
Nosa Reina has a new Christmas song available on iTunes Japan (and OTOTOY, Spotify, etc.)! "I WIsh It Could Be Christmas Everyday" is a cover of Suzuki Saeko, from the 1983 album of the same name. This is an...
Posted on December 12, 2017 at 22:42. | Released on December 6, 2017
Nomiya Maki with Stardust Brothers "hoshikuzu kyoudai, tsuki e yuku" (Download)
Nomiya Maki has a new song out now on iTunes Japan! This space disco track appears in sci-fi musical movie "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" directed by Macoto Tezka (son of Tezuka Osamu), to open in...
Posted on December 5, 2017 at 23:28. | Released on December 6, 2017
Vanilla Beans "Vani Best II"
Vanilla Beans are celebrating their 10th anniversary! This is a greatest hits album that consists of all singles since their debut in 2007. Also included are one brand new song and also a new version of "Tokyo wa yoru no...
Posted on November 30, 2017 at 23:54. | Released on December 6, 2017
Record Day 2017
Record Day 2017 was held on November 3, and this year again led to the release of many vinyl records. Below is a selection of the titles, but you can find the whole list on the official site here. Record...
Posted on November 26, 2017 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 2017
Wakita Monari "Wingscape / LED" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari has a new single out this week! Her new funky jazz tune "Wingscape" was written and produced by COUNTJOKE (aka jōdan hakushaku, unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya) (Facebook page) and features Smooth Ace on chorus! The...
Posted on November 20, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 22, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "On the Air"
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, a talentful artist who is both a prolific video director (using old video tapes for source) and also makes exotic music with pianica sounds, has a brand new album coming this month! There's an appearance by female rapper NOPPAL,...
Posted on October 17, 2017 at 22:59. | Released on October 25, 2017
les 5-4-3-2-1 "le coeur qui jazze / un garcon et une fille" (7")
Two classics from Les 5-4-3-2-1's excellent first mini-album "un" (1993) are being released on 7"! The A-side is a cover of France Gall's "Le coeur qui jazze" with lyrics in French and Japanese, and the B-side is original song...
Posted on October 16, 2017 at 23:19. | Released on October 25, 2017
Rie Aono "Pastoral"
Singer Aono Rie (who also fronts band Aono Rie & hums, and has sung in aoyama and Frog) has a first solo album being released! The whole has a cool city pop sound produced by Seki Yoshihiko with songs co-written...
Posted on October 15, 2017 at 23:28. | Released on October 18, 2017
Aira Mitsuki "Pyramidal"
After a 2-year hiatus, techno-pop singer Aira Mitsuki had been slowly coming back since 2015 and released 4 digital singles. Now it's finally time for a full-length album! "Pyramidal" has just been released also digitally. The whole is sound produced...
Posted on October 13, 2017 at 21:33. | Released on October 11, 2017
Hikashu "ANGURI In the style of unlanding"
Veteran new wave band Hikashu has a brand new album out now! We've lost count but they say it's their 23rd..! The album was recorded in New York. Guest musicians are Mori Ikue, Chris Pitsiokos, Fubuki Yukie, Afrirampo and Inoue...
Posted on October 13, 2017 at 00:13. | Released on October 10, 2017
Gallantique Kazue "kagayaite Night Flight", "yoru ni okiru Patron" (7")
Drag queen singer Gallantique Kazue, also a member of hoshikuzu Scat, has new single with music written and produced by Gary Ashiya (La veuve moustachue) being released this week. The title song is a disco tune, while the B-side has...
Posted on October 9, 2017 at 11:54. | Released on October 10, 2017
Yashiro Aki "yoru no tsuzuki"
Enka singer Yashiro Aki has a 2nd jazz album being released, this time again produced by Konishi Yasuharu! It's been five years since the first, "Songs Around Midnight" (2012). The media is a high-fidelity SHM-CD which plays in regular CD...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 22:29. | Released on October 11, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Holiday Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki's new album is coming this month, and this time she sings Shibuya-kei standards that share a winter theme. Included are duets with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Watanabe Marina, Takano Hiroshi and Suzuki Masayuki, with also chorus by...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 21:11. | Released on October 18, 2017
Manon "Popcorn Crisis" (Download)
Here's a 4th song by Fukuoka-born half-French teenage model and singer Manon! This fun bouncy track is again produced by Yuppa (HNC), and the toybox-like video below was directed by VJ unit onnacodomo! The song is out now on...
Posted on October 6, 2017 at 23:12. | Released on October 6, 2017
Stardust Brothers "hoshikuzu kyoudai no densetsu" (Download)
An exciting sci-fi rock musical movie titled "The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers" directed by Macoto Tezka (son of Tezuka Osamu famous for "Astro Boy") will start showing in theaters in Japan in January 2018! It will...
Posted on October 5, 2017 at 23:28. | Released on October 4, 2017
CTO LAB. "The Theme of Ma.K." (Download)
CTO LAB. released this song last year as a limited cassette tape edition, but it's now finally available for download on iTunes, etc.! This is a theme song for Ma.K., aka Maschinen Krieger, a science fiction universe created by...
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 21:53. | Released on October 4, 2017
fox capture plan "UNTITLED"
Instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan has a 6th album being released. This is the follow-up to "Fragile" released last January, since which they also released Disney cover album "Rock In Disney ~fox capture plan" (Amazon). A tour will be...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 14:38. | Released on October 4, 2017
marino "watashi wa kouchayasan"
marino has a new 3rd album coming this month! This follows "Bathtub de chōshoku o" released in 2012. Recorded with a real band, the musical-like new album takes its theme from her own tea store which she has been running...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 11:37. | Released on September 29, 2017
"Godzilla Legend V"
This is a cover album of songs from the "Godzilla" movie series, arranged and performed by musicians including Hikashu and Charan-Po-Rantan, with Inoue Makoto (ex-Hikashu) plus a three-piece brass section. The title implies that it is the follow-up to the...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 00:16. | Released on September 20, 2017
kataomoi "hinotori" (7")
Band kataomoi has a new 7" single out now! This was recorded and mixed by Illicit Tsuboi, and the jacket was illustrated by Thai artist wisut ponniit. Nice price too! It's been just over a year since their 2nd...
Posted on September 29, 2017 at 00:13. | Released on September 29, 2017
Meet The Hopes "uwasa ni naritai / Jasmine High" (7")
Self-described as a "southern Shimokita soul band", Meet The Hopes has just released a 7" of two new funky songs. It had been 3 years since their first album "Jamboree" (2014, CDJapan). Meet The Hopes holds regular party "Jinriki...
Posted on September 19, 2017 at 22:52. | Released on September 15, 2017
The Lady Spade "Phenomenon"
The Lady Spade has released just recently a brand new mini-album, the follow-up to "Reverse Shaped Black Heart" (2014). Their sound is more sophisticated and danceable than ever, cuter but also perhaps a bit scarier!? That the album is available...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:35. | Released on September 6, 2017
Bank "Time / Himitsu" (7")
New wave band BANK has a new 7" out now! Check out their new songs of a dubby mellow 80's feel. BANK is a band that features singer Nakamura Dai (ex-Arch), drummer Suzuki Bō, bassist Hirami Fumio (ex-Love Tambourines),...
Posted on September 16, 2017 at 22:20. | Released on September 16, 2017
Various Artists "Ace 2", "Ace ep" (7"x2)
Konishi Yasuharu compiles another CD from Sony's J-Pop hit catalog, consisting of songs that have not been released on 7". This follows the release of "Ace" last February that was the starting point to the release of several 7" singles...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 23:20. | Released on September 13, 2017
De De Mouse "via alpha centauri" (Download)
Dé Dé Mouse has a brand new EP being released digitally! This is the follow-up to "dream you up" (April 2017). "via alpha centauri" takes inspiration from the "Centaur festival" which appears in classic Japanese fantasy novel "Night on the...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 00:27. | Released on September 15, 2017
TRI4TH "4th Rebellion"
Dance jazz quintet TRI4TH has a 6th album about to be released! Their previous was the 2016-released "Defying", since which they also did a split mini-album with band Calmera titled "Horns Riot" (CDJapan, Amazon). Aside from plenty of new songs,...
Posted on September 3, 2017 at 21:58. | Released on September 6, 2017
Lucky Tapes "Virtual Gravity"
3-piece band Lucky Tapes has a new EP coming this week on label Rallye. This is a follow-up to 2016 album "Cigarettes & Alcohol". Check out the brand new clip below. A tour will be starting soon, going through Japan...
Posted on September 3, 2017 at 20:53. | Released on September 6, 2017
Cutemen "Exhibition Of Love & Desire"
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a new album being released! This is the follow-up to "Humanity" (2016) which marked their 25th anniversary. This new album's limited edition comes with a bonus disc...
Posted on September 3, 2017 at 20:08. | Released on September 6, 2017
Soleil "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song...
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 11:48. | Released on September 20, 2017
Manon "Wavy Pineapple Days" (Download)
Just ahead of the release of her first 7" single "xxFANCYPOOLxx", teenage model Manon has a 3rd brand new song now available for download on iTunes. Again produced by Yuppa (HNC), this time we get a cool reggae summer...
Posted on August 29, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on August 28, 2017
Manon "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (7")
Fukuoka-based teenage model Manon, of the Asobi System agency (same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, etc.), debuted last month as a singer with the songs "xxFANCYPOOLxx" and "Beat The Bad Luck" produced by Yuppa (HNC aka Hazel Nuts Chocolate)! Those...
Posted on August 26, 2017 at 15:25. | Released on August 30, 2017
Various Artists "Throw Away Your CDs Go Out To A Show"
Call And Response Records has a new compilation out now! Curated by Ian Martin, author of the book "Quit Your Band! Musical Notes from the Japanese Underground", this album features 17 bands from various areas of Japan, revolving around genres...
Posted on August 20, 2017 at 00:37. | Released on August 16, 2017
Perfume "If you wanna"
Perfume has a new single coming at the end of August! Both songs are used in TV commercials. The title song in a one for Ora2 toothpaste (special site), and B-side "Everyday" of which a version can be heard in...
Posted on August 15, 2017 at 00:22. | Released on August 30, 2017
PARKGOLF "Reo"
Parkgolf (Twitter), a beatmaker/producer based in Hokkaidō whose debut album was released on Seiho's Day Tripper Records, has a 2nd album out now! "hyakunen" (feat. hitomitoi) and "Dance no aizu" (feat. Okamoto Emi) were also released on 7", find details...
Posted on August 14, 2017 at 23:03. | Released on August 9, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau." (7"x2)
From the album of the same name released in May, here's a set of two 7"'s containing four summer-themed Shibuya-kei related covers sung by Nomiya Maki. The two records come packaged in a gatefold jacket, designed and photographed by art...
Posted on August 13, 2017 at 09:37. | Released on August 30, 2017
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band All Time Best Album ai no sekai"
Crazy Ken Band has an all-time greatest hits album out now! The three CDs hold 60 of their best tracks covering their whole career so far, for a total of almost 4 hours! Plus, the limited edition gets you...
Posted on August 12, 2017 at 23:44. | Released on August 2, 2017
Momoko Motion "Fake Food / Suppai Budou" (Download)
Momoko Motion (ex-Futon) has a new single out now digitally on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Contrasting with unit Re:Served and her previous works as Momokomotion which had electro sounds, her current solo project has a jazzy piano sound. Check out...
Posted on August 12, 2017 at 22:12. | Released on August 9, 2017
Emerson Kitamura "Madokara / Ame No Saka No Ashimoto" (Download)
Keyboardist Emerson Kitamura has released two new songs digitally! Check them out on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Also don't miss his delightful latest mini-album "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha". Emerson Kitamura will play at Rising Sun Festival 2017 in Hokkaido...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:54. | Released on August 2, 2017
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 3 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a 3rd compilation by Sunaga Tatsuo of the "yoru Jazz gaiden" series, part of his larger ongoing "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") series, which features many up-and-coming young Japanese jazz bands. Included is a brand new song by Sunaga t...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on August 2, 2017
P.O.P "Kiss Me" (Download)
P.O.P, the group of twin rappers with trackmaker Saitō Ryōji, have a new single now available for download and streaming! The song "Kiss Me" comes along with a very special 360° VR video. When viewed on a PC or...
Posted on August 9, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on August 9, 2017
WHY@DOLL "WHY@DOLL"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL has a 2nd album out now. Five different songwriters/producers have each contributed two songs, including ones written by Yoshida Tetsuto ("sumire Iolite" and "koi wa Shoo-be-doo-be-doo-ba!") (both co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme)), and others by...
Posted on August 8, 2017 at 23:58. | Released on August 1, 2017
Kaseki Cider "Onigiri University"
Rapper Kaseki Cider has a brand new album out now! It had been almost 5 years since his previous original album "Mr. City Pop". Guests include Wakita Monari, Negicco, Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan, Satō Nanako, Matsuda...
Posted on August 2, 2017 at 22:00. | Released on August 2, 2017
Omisohan to Richakohan "Nihao! Zaijian! Yodaredori!!", Vanilla Beans "Tokyo Crawl (Rena ver.)" (Download)
Vanilla Beans are this year celebrating their 10th anniversary! Today, members Rena & Lisa have each released a separate song now available on iTunes Japan and other download/streaming services. DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan (nickname: Omisohan) and Lisa (nickname...
Posted on August 2, 2017 at 20:46. | Released on August 2, 2017
Manon "Beat The Bad Luck" (Download)
Half-Japanese half-French 15-year-old model Manon has a 2nd track out now! This time the song has an indie-pop flavor, and it's again written & produced by Yuppa (HNC)! Hear it on YouTube below, and you can also find it...
Posted on July 29, 2017 at 00:53. | Released on July 28, 2017
Denki Groove "Tropical Love Lights", "Denki Groove Decade 2008~2017"
Denki Groove has two new releases out at once today! "Tropical Love Lights" is an alternate edition of latest album "Tropical Love" (2017), including mainly instrumentals and two new mixes. The other, "Denki Groove Decade 2008-2017", is a greatest hits...
Posted on July 26, 2017 at 23:11. | Released on July 26, 2017
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | Released on July 26, 2017
Negicco "Negicco 2011~2017 -Best- 2"
Negicco has a new greatest hits album coming this month! Included are songs revolving around albums "Melody Palette" (2013), "Rice&Snow" (2015) and "Tea for Three" (2016), but also a single B-side ("sayonara Music"), previously unreleased show opening song "Make Up...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on July 20, 2017
hitomitoi "Ecstasy"
hitomitoi has a brand new album being released this week! "Ecstasy" is entirely produced by Dorian, who has been contributing great tracks to her albums since "City Dive" (2012). This is the follow-up to "The Memory Hotel" (2015). Check out...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 00:56. | Released on July 19, 2017
The Aprils "Horror Survivor"
The Aprils has a new single coming this week! Title song "Horror Survivor" is a brand new collaboration with The Lady Spade, who was previously featured on "Magical Girls". The B-side is a self-cover of "KIRA×KIRA×KIRA×KIRA", a song that...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 00:42. | Released on July 19, 2017
lyrical school "natsuyasumi no Baby"
lyrical school, who are now five after three new members joined recently, have a summer-themed single being released this month. Aside from the regular edition listed below, there are five (!) limited editions, each of which includes a bonus drama...
Posted on July 10, 2017 at 00:04. | Released on July 18, 2017
Learners "Water The Flowers / Shampoo Planet" (7"), "More Learners" (Cassette)
Learners have a new 7" that's just out! Included are original songs "Water The Flowers" (from 2nd album "More Learners") and "Shampoo Planet" (from "Learners"). Color vinyl edition of 1000! Includes a download code. Out at the same time is...
Posted on July 9, 2017 at 10:50. | Released on July 6, 2017
Mira Parameter "Reborn"
Singer-songwriter Etuka's new electro-pop solo unit Mira Parameter has a first album being released on Gooondo, the label of Gondō Tomohiko (Metafive). The album, with a sound reminiscent of 80's techno, was produced by Gondō and mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori....
Posted on July 5, 2017 at 21:08. | Released on July 6, 2017
Natsu Summer "Hello, future day"
After the release of a few EPs, tropical city pop female singer Natsu Summer has a first full-length album being released. The producer is Cunimondo Takiguchi (of Ryūsenkei, who also produced hitomitoi's "City Dive" album). Check out the clip below...
Posted on July 2, 2017 at 22:33. | Released on July 5, 2017
Tamaki Roy "nagi"
Rapper Tamaki ROY has new album out now! This is the follow-up to "Lucky" (2013). Most songs are collaborations with various producers, including Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Hasunuma Shūta, Ametsub, and many more. Check out the two clips below! A 7"...
Posted on June 25, 2017 at 13:22. | Released on June 21, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "12 signs of the zodiac"
Hoshino Michiru has a new album out now! "12 signs of the zodiac" contains three new songs from singles "kagami no naka no watashi" and "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (with also B-side "kyōkaisenjō no futari") released just last month, plus 9 brand...
Posted on June 20, 2017 at 22:46. | Released on June 21, 2017
Wakita Monari "I'm with you" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 3rd single being released this week, ahead of a 1st solo album to come later on July 26! The new single's title song is a house tune written and produced by Fukutomi Yukihiro! Mellow jazz...
Posted on June 17, 2017 at 10:57. | Released on June 21, 2017
Tweedees "à la mode"
Tweedees, the unit of Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and singer Kiyoura Natsumi, has a new mini-album out very soon! This is the follow-up to 2nd album "The Second Time Around" (2016). Check out the new clip below. Tweedees will be at...
Posted on June 16, 2017 at 23:22. | Released on June 21, 2017
Alfred Beach Sandal + STUTS "ABS+STUTS"
This is a collaboration mini-album by singer-songwriter Alfred Beach Sandal and trackmaker STUTS. "Horizon" features Yu Arauchi (cero) on Rhodes, and nakayaan (mitsume) on bass, while "Quiet Blue" features Omoide yarō A team (OYAT). Check out the clip below! A...
Posted on June 16, 2017 at 23:09. | Released on June 21, 2017
Chie & The Wolf Baits "Chie & The Wolf Baits"
Chie & The Wolf Baits is a rock'n'roll girl trio led by Learners' guitarist Horiguchi Chie. This first album comes in a mini-LP sleeve with a 12-page booklet. HMV gives away a signed 7" sleeve (while supplies last). On June...
Posted on June 16, 2017 at 22:43. | Released on June 21, 2017
Nona Reeves "Billboard Best 2011-2016"
Here's a greatest hits album of band Nona Reeves, covering the 3 original albums and 3 cover albums released during their 5 years so far on Billboard Records. Nona Reeves "Billboard Best 2011-2016" 1. P-O-P-T-R-A-I-N 2. yume no koibito 3....
Posted on June 15, 2017 at 21:11. | Released on June 14, 2017
Emerson Kitamura "Spinning Wheel / Remember" (7")
Taken from recent mini-album "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha" (2016), here's a 7" of two tracks by keyboardist Emerson Kitamura! Both songs are instrumental covers, of "Spinning Wheel" (originally by Blood, Sweat & Tears) and "Remember" (written by Irving...
Posted on June 12, 2017 at 22:49. | Released on June 3, 2017
Cornelius "Mellow Waves"
A brand new album by Cornelius (international site) is coming at the end of June! Announced a few months ago and preceded by the release of two 7" singles, here comes "Mellow Waves", the long awaited follow-up to "Sensuous" (2006)!...
Posted on June 10, 2017 at 23:34. | Released on June 28, 2017
Nakano Aya "Asami no Blues" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya has a new single out this week! Produced by Mutō Shōhei (drummer, vocalist and leader of jazz band Katteni-Shiyagare), the music is also performed by Kathmandu, a unit formed mainly of his band's members. The title song...
Posted on June 5, 2017 at 21:06. | Released on June 7, 2017
Hideki Kaji et Maki Nomiya "Rainy City / Summer Beauty 1990" (7")
This 7" is of two live recordings from Nomiya Maki's "Shibuya-kei Standards" show series. In the one held in November 7, 2014 she was joined on stage by Kaji Hideki, and they sang "amefuri toshi" (a duet with Maki from...
Posted on June 4, 2017 at 12:03. | Released on May 31, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "kagami no naka no watashi" (CD+7"), "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has not one but two new singles out this week! The first, "kagami no naka no watashi" is a new song written by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), with lyrics by Kiyoura Natsumi (Tweedees). Its B-side is "kare no...
Posted on May 30, 2017 at 21:45. | Released on May 31, 2017
Kinoco Hotel "Playgirl dai makyou"
Kinoco Hotel's new release is a 10th anniversary album, containing 10 songs from previously released album although they have all been re-arranged and re-recorded, mainly ones that had been released before current bassist Giulietta Kirishima joined the group. Also included...
Posted on May 28, 2017 at 14:52. | Released on June 7, 2017
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds -produced by Muro-"
"King of Diggin'" Muro produced this album of covers of Japanese songs, featuring various female vocalists. Also check out the mix CDs by Sunaga Tatsuo and Muro previously released on the same Tokyo Records label. Tokyo Records will hold an...
Posted on May 26, 2017 at 20:48. | Released on May 24, 2017
Shibata Satoko "Do You Need a Rest From Love?"
Singer-songwriter Shibata Satoko has a 4th album out today! This is the follow-up to her eponymous album released in 2015. Two songs were arranged by Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), and one by Yamamoto Seiichi (Boredoms). In June she will tour Japan,...
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 23:05. | Released on May 17, 2017
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
Smooth Ace "Sing Like Talking Complete"
First released in 2014, this 6th album by chorus group Smooth Ace had become rare. This time it is reissued on a major label, remastered and with two newly recorded songs added! Including the new songs, a total of 5...
Posted on May 8, 2017 at 21:34. | Released on May 10, 2017
little moa "Trampoline"
little moa is a trio formed of singer Okada Shion, keyboardist 5MBS, and euphonium player Kanna. This 2nd album is the follow-up to "good evening" (2013, Rallye Label), and features appearances by Iceland-based French singer Olèna, singer-songwriter Matsuki Ayumu, and...
Posted on May 6, 2017 at 12:18. | Released on May 31, 2017
tofubeats "Fantasy Club"
tofubeats has a brand new album, his 3rd major album, coming this month! This is the follow-up to "Positive" (2015). There seems to be much more of tofubeats' own vocals than ever before, though the album also features guest vocalists...
Posted on May 6, 2017 at 11:51. | Released on May 24, 2017
The Boom "kaze ni naritai" (7")
Next up from Konishi Yasuharu's 7" single project is hit song "kaze ni naritai" by The Boom. Released in 1995 as a 3" CD single, it was never released as a single on vinyl until now. The B-side "Tokyo Love"...
Posted on May 5, 2017 at 22:51. | Released on May 24, 2017
Yogee New Waves "Waves"
City pop band Yogee New Waves has a new album coming this month! This is their 2nd, follow-up to "Paraiso" (2014). The limited edition comes with a DVD of mainly live footage from a show held at Liquid Room on...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 22:22. | Released on May 17, 2017
"'Tasha Tudor - a still water story' Soundtrack"
"Tasha Tudor - a still water story" is a documentary movie by Japanese director Matsutani Mitsue that followed for ten years Tasha Tudor, a picture book writer and maker of beautiful gardens. This movie soundtrack features music by sione (aka...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 21:34. | Released on May 15, 2017
Gallantique Kazue "Chigasaki Memory" (7")
Singer Gallantique Kazue has a new 7" out now! The two songs were selected from her ongoing cover EP series "Anthology" that began last year (a 5th one is coming on May 31), consisting of covers of kayō̄kyoku from the...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 20:56. | Released on May 3, 2017
"Game ongaku taizen Revolution" (Book)
This book about game music, with a title that translates to "Game music encyclopedia revolution", was supervised by YMCK and Famicomania. A follow-up to "Game ongaku taizen" (2016), it comes with a CD of 10 famous Konami game tracks,...
Posted on May 3, 2017 at 22:03. | Released on May 10, 2017
