Negicco "Negicco 2003~2012 Best" (2x12")
The final release of Negicco's vinyl re-issue project is their first full-length album, first released on CD in 2012 and bringing together 18 of their best songs since their 2003 debut. To fit everything, it needed to be made into...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 22:54. | Released on November 5, 2019
Record Day 2019
Record Day 2019, an initiative of Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is being held this Sunday November 3rd (the same day as Japan's "Culture Day" national holiday). Items are available in stores and online from that date. Below is a...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 01:12. | Released on November 3, 2019
Yoshida Tetsuto "hitomeguri / hikari no naka e" (7")
Yoshida Tetsuto (Twitter), known in the recent years for his songwriting and arrangements for various idol groups such as WHY@DOLL, Kai and Team Syachihoko (to name a few), is now releasing his own solo debut 7" single as a...
Posted on October 27, 2019 at 11:35. | Released on October 30, 2019
xiangyu "Piano Damper gekini shime saba" (Download)
Electro artist xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) has a new track out now digitally! Always produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella), and again with a Gqom style (a dance music genre from South Africa), this new track compares the look of...
Posted on October 26, 2019 at 13:23. | Released on October 25, 2019
Hajime Tachibana & Low Powers "lowpowers with the friends" (Download)
Hajime Tachibana & Low Powers, initially formed in 1997, have been back on stage since about last year, and here comes a brand new album! The band's current line-up consists for former members Tachibana Hajime and eri, with Ohno Yumiko...
Posted on October 26, 2019 at 00:06. | Released on October 25, 2019
Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys "The man who calls bliss."
Sunny Kubota & Old Lucky Boys (aka OLB), the band led by Kubota Shingo (ex-8 1/2, and one of the original "Stardust Brothers"), has a 3rd album about to be released! "The man who calls bliss." is the follow-up to...
Posted on October 22, 2019 at 22:45. | Released on October 25, 2019
YMCK "Family Circus"
YMCK has a brand new 8th album being released, this time with a "circus" theme! Always moving on with their sound while keeping their 8-bit style, this time they added hints of classical music, electro swing and American rock. The...
Posted on October 17, 2019 at 23:25. | Released on November 4, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "Moonlight Confessions (tsuki ga kirei desune)"
Hoshino Michiru, who this year started her own label and released 4-song EP "gyakkō", is now back with a new full-length album! It's also her first album in her singer-songwriter style, which puts the focus on gentle and beautiful melodies....
Posted on October 13, 2019 at 13:16. | Released on October 23, 2019
Polysics "In The Sync", The Vocoders "1st V"
Polysics have a brand new album that has just been released! Also, out at the same time is a first album by The Vocoders, a "café techno group" formed of the same members as Polysics. Each containing 13 songs, included...
Posted on October 12, 2019 at 22:07. | Released on October 9, 2019
SOLEIL "Twinkle Heart" (7")
SOLEIL has a brand new 7" single being released! The title song is Christmas-themed, and it's a brand new original written by Ijichi Hiromasa, known for writing many songs for idol group Speed. The B-side is a cover of...
Posted on October 10, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on November 20, 2019
Marianne Shinonome "Mood Adjuster"
Marianne Shinonome, the leader/singer/keyboardist of Kinoco Hotel, has a first solo album out now! While Marianne usually always writes all songs in Kinoco Hotel, this time she had the music of several songs written by collaborators. Also included are covers...
Posted on October 6, 2019 at 23:36. | Released on November 6, 2019
Ursula 1000 "Esoterique"
New York producer Ursula 1000 (aka Alex Gimeno) has a brand new album out now! Featured are collaborations with Qypthone's Ookawara Izumi and Nakatsuka Takeshi, The Gentle People, Ferd Schneider (The B-52s), Isabelle Antena, Loredana Grimaudo (Swingrowers), and remixes by...
Posted on October 5, 2019 at 18:27. | Released on October 1, 2019
Final Spank Happy "mint exorcist" (Download)
Spank Happy's latest (or "final"!?) incarnation is Final Spank Happy! Credited members are Boss the NK (monicker of Kikuchi Naruyoshi) and OD (aka Oda Tomomi of CRCK/LCKS, DCPRG). After having performed shows for over a year, they finally put together...
Posted on October 1, 2019 at 22:36. | Released on December 1, 2019
Kinoco Hotel "Nude / tenmado" (7"), "ai no awa / yukimachi Elegy" (7")
Here come two new 7" cuts from a href="http://kinocohotel.org/" target="_blank">Kinoco Hotel's latest album "Marianne no ōgi" in which the band added some dance music colors that contrast with its signature garage rock style. Kinoco Hotel are about to finish...
Posted on September 22, 2019 at 11:13. | Released on September 25, 2019
Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "Make Her Mine" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter), band that plays rock'n'roll with just toy instruments, has a new 7" in collaboration with Beni Usakura (of Avandoned). The previous ("Cruel To Be Kind / There She Goes") quickly sold out. This time are covers...
Posted on September 19, 2019 at 20:30. | Released on September 25, 2019
Various Artists "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' Kayo Collection"
Kyoto rock'n'roller Ban Hiroshi (of Bambino) brings us a compilation of rocking kayō songs selected from Columbia's historic collection. The collection includes the first Japanese cover of Elvis to various covers and original songs that were influenced by rockabilly and...
Posted on September 16, 2019 at 11:02. | Released on September 18, 2019
Miho Keitaro & His Group "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" (12")
This rare and unique album of pianist and composer Miho Keitarō is getting a first ever vinyl re-issue. "Sound Poesy 'Sachio'" is an album first released in 1969, taking inspiration from a close friend of Miho, Paris-born car racer Fujisawa...
Posted on September 13, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on September 11, 2019
Tsujibayashi Miho "ombre"
Singer-songwriter Tsujibayashi Miho (Twitter) has a 2nd album just about to be released! "ombre" is the follow-up to "Clarté" (2016). Included is a re-arranged band version of "Écran Le Blanc", song that was featured in Nintendo Switch game "Taiko no...
Posted on September 12, 2019 at 00:16. | Released on September 16, 2019
Kaede "shinya. anata wa kyou o furikaeri, mata atarashii asa dane." (12")
The first solo mini-album of Kaede (Negicco), released on CD last June, is about to get a vinyl release. This includes songs written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service), Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) among others. An in-store event will be held...
Posted on September 10, 2019 at 22:43. | Released on September 15, 2019
Tokyo Killer "Boom Go!!"
Tokyo Killer, the instrumental rock band led by guitarist Keme (also of Kinoco Hotel), has a 2nd album being released! Included are covers of The Ventures' "Fuzzy and Wild" and Hot Butter's synth-pop classic "Popcorn", as well as many originals....
Posted on September 4, 2019 at 22:51. | Released on September 11, 2019
lyrical school "Be Kind Rewind"
Hip-hop idol group lyrical school is back with a new album, this time on major label Victor! There are songs contributed by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), PES (Rip Slyme), members of Ana, Odd Foot Works, etc. The artwork was done...
Posted on September 2, 2019 at 23:10. | Released on September 11, 2019
kataomoi "Liv Tower"
Band kataomoi is back with a new album titled "Liv Tower". It has been 3 years since previous album "Quiero V.I.P". Check out the teaser clip below, and also the special site for the release. Also, a 7" of "kankyō"...
Posted on September 2, 2019 at 21:46. | Released on September 4, 2019
Original Love "bless You!" (12")
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao)'s latest album "bless You!" has just been released on vinyl! Also a new music video for title song "bless You!" has been released, as well as the full length videos for "Acrobat tachi yo" and...
Posted on August 30, 2019 at 22:52. | Released on August 21, 2019
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi compiled by Hoshino Gen"
This is a greatest hits album of Hosono Haruomi works, including his solo music and also Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This first release, which comes as a 2-CD or 3-LP set of 38 songs, was compiled by singer-songwriter...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on August 28, 2019
Nuback "I'm not in DUB" (Download)
NUBACK, the solo project of Nakamura Dai (BANK, Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has a new mini-album out now digitally! Guitar-driven minimal sounds, with hints of 80's dub and new wave. Grab it on Bandcamp, or listen on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Dai's...
Posted on August 21, 2019 at 23:16. | Released on August 21, 2019
Various Artists "Toki Asako Remixies Weekend Shuffle" (12")
2007 remix album "Toki Asako Remixes Weekend Shuffle", which consisted of remixes of songs from Toki Asako's "Weekend Shuffle" (2006), is being released on vinyl for the first time. Included were remixes by Nakata Yasutaka, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Indigo Jam...
Posted on August 14, 2019 at 23:26. | Released on August 21, 2019
chelmico "Fishing"
chelmico, 2-girl rap unit formed of MCs Rachel and Mamiko, has a 2nd major album being released this month! This time there are tracks made in collaboration with Mikeneko Homeless, ryo takahashi and Toshiki Hayashi (%C), and also Chikada Haruo...
Posted on August 14, 2019 at 22:27. | Released on August 21, 2019
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys "Pachinko" (7")
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, the 1 DJ + 2 percussionists unit of Comoesta Yaegashi, Paradise Yamamoto and Gonzalez Suzuki, is re-releasing its first single "Pachinko" in vinyl format! The two songs were originally featured on first album "Mambo tengoku"...
Posted on August 11, 2019 at 18:56. | Released on August 21, 2019
Pizzicato Five "The Band of 20th Century: Nippon Columbia Years 1991-2001"
Pizzicatomania all over the world! Check this out! This is a compilation of the best from Pizzicato Five's Nippon Columbia years (Triad/Readymade), which featured vocalist Nomiya Maki. The whole was supervised and selected by Konishi Yasuharu himself, with art direction...
Posted on August 2, 2019 at 23:40. | Released on November 3, 2019
Haruko Tajima "kawaiiresist"
Self-produced electro singer-songwriter Haruko Tajima has a brand new album just about to be released! Check it out starting with her self-directed music videos below. The album will also be available digitally starting Monday August 5. Haruko will appear at...
Posted on July 30, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on July 31, 2019
Natsu Summer "Time Distance (toki no Silhouette)" (7")
Reggae-touch city pop singer Natsu Summer has a brand new single out now! Again produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi, it is backed by a full band like her excellent previous mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" (2018). Natsu Summer will...
Posted on July 20, 2019 at 11:18. | Released on July 17, 2019
WabiSabi with Izumi Ookawara "Je t'aime... moi non plus / Harvest Moon" (7")
WabiSabi is a new unit formed of DJ aribo and trackmaker Egami Yūkichi. Their first release comes as a 7" single, for which they have invited Qypthone's Izumi Ookawara to sing on a cover of Serge Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime......
Posted on July 15, 2019 at 22:43. | Released on July 17, 2019
SOLEIL "Lollipop Sixteen"
SOLEIL is back with a 3rd album titled "Lollipop Sixteen", as singer Soleil will be turning 16 just a few days after the release. As with the first two albums, "My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright", the album...
Posted on July 13, 2019 at 23:15. | Released on July 17, 2019
Ultra-Vybe Japanese hit release re-issues
Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities. Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues....
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 23:18. | Released on July 10, 2019
Nakano Aya to Central "Reverse"
Singer Nakano Aya teams up with 9-piece street style latin sound band Central for this collaboration album. Included is brand new original song "Tropical Dandy" written by Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), "rakuen no Moon Bar" written by Sugi Masamichi,...
Posted on July 8, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on July 3, 2019
TRI4TH "Jack-in-the-box"
Danceable jazz band TRI4TH has a new album about to be released! It's their 2nd album on major label Sony, follow-up to "Anthology" (released November 2018) (Amazon, CDJapan). "Jack-in-the-box" contains 9 brand new original songs, as well as a cover...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 22:25. | Released on July 10, 2019
Wakita Monari "A la Espadrille (Espadrille de tsukamaete)" (7")
Singer Wakita Monari has a brand new album coming at the end of the month (stay tuned!), but first here's a 7" cut of two songs from it! Title track "A la Espadrille" (Japanese title "Espadrille de tsukamaete") is...
Posted on July 7, 2019 at 01:19. | Released on July 10, 2019
avandoned "Margaret"
Idol group avandoned, led by Usakura Beni, is back as a 6-piece, and finally here comes a brand new single! The title song was written by songwriter Tsuruuchi Hana and the music performed by band The Broken TV, while...
Posted on June 24, 2019 at 21:44. | Released on June 26, 2019
WHY@DOLL "futari de ikite yukereba / Love Story wa shumatsu ni" (7")
Girl duo WHY@DOLL have a new 7" single being released. A-side "futari de ikite yukereba" is taken from their latest EP "Hey!", while the B-side is a new 2019 mix of a song from a previous single ("kimi wa...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 16:18. | Released on June 26, 2019
Enoshima Bakusou Gals "surume Boy" (7")
Self-produced new wave idol Kanou Emiri joins forces with soulful voiced sisters Way Wave in this new collaboration unit called Enoshima Bakusō Gals. Their first 7" single is titled "surume Boy" (surume = dried squid), a super catchy track...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 12:21. | Released on June 26, 2019
Kenmochi Hidefumi "Footwork"
Kenmochi Hidefumi, member and sound producer of Wednesday Campanella, has a new solo album out now! It had been 9 years since his previous solo album "Shakespeare" (2010). As the new album's title states, it has an overall juke/footwork taste....
Posted on June 20, 2019 at 23:03. | Released on May 15, 2019
Kaede "shinya. anata wa kyou o furikaeri, mata atarashii asa dane."
Kaede of Negicco has officially started a solo career, and here comes a first solo mini-album on T-Palette Records! Included are songs written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service), Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo), Yamazaki Yukari (Kūki Kōdan), Kushibiki Sayaka, and Someya...
Posted on June 11, 2019 at 23:00. | Released on June 18, 2019
Kai "Moonlight Tokyo"
Singer Kai (ex-There There Theres, ex-Engawa) just started her solo career last April, and here comes her first solo release! The EP contains two original songs: title song "Moonlight - Tokyo" written by Yoshida Tetsuto, and "yūsei yori ai o...
Posted on June 9, 2019 at 21:18. | Released on June 12, 2019
Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza),...
Posted on June 5, 2019 at 00:04. | Released on June 5, 2019
xiangyu "The First ○○ Picture Book"
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) is a newcomer solo female artist who debuted last year. Her music is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). Following a few digital releases since October 2018, here comes her first physical mini-album! You can also enjoy...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 22:27. | Released on May 22, 2019
Masanori Ikeda "City Lights" (7")
Masanori Ikeda's cover of William Pitt's "City Lights" is being released on 7". First released part of compilation "Grand Gallery presents New Wave" in 2007 and then on 12" vinyl in 2009, this time it has been re-mixed into...
Posted on May 19, 2019 at 21:04. | Released on May 22, 2019
Popuri "Popuri to fuwafuwa monogatari"
Popuri (also spelt Pot-Pourri) is a unit formed of Reina and Sasaki Atsushi (SoundCloud) (also of Melting Holidays). Both compose and perform the music, with Reina singing lead vocals. While their visuals consist of cute illustrations of a girl and...
Posted on April 29, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on April 24, 2019
Omodaka "Hietsuki Bushi" (7")
Omodaka, unique artist who blends chiptune and Japanese traditional minyō singing, has a new 7" out now! "Hietsuki Bushi" is a song from album "Sanosa" (2011), while the B-side is a previously unreleased mambo disco funk track titled "Gujoh...
Posted on April 24, 2019 at 00:40. | Released on April 24, 2019
Himeno Tama "Panorama kaidou masshigura"
Multi-talent singer/artist, also freelance idol and model, and known as the singer of band Je et Georges, Himeno Tama is back with a major debut album! Featured musicians include Hasegawa Hakushi, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), Torii Masamichi (Triple Fire), Kawabe Moro...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on April 24, 2019
Sunaga t experience "Suomenlinna"
Sunaga t experience, the jazz project of DJ Sunaga Tatsuo, has a brand new 6th album being released! It's the follow-up to 2015 album "STE". Featured musicians include Jukka Eskola, Timo Lassy and Teppo Mäkynen (all three of Five Corners...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 22:17. | Released on April 24, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 2019
Hoshikuzu Scat "Absolutely Adorable"
Hoshikuzu Scat has a brand new single out today! The title song is a dance track written by member Mitz Mangrove, with music co-written by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), while the B-side is a cover of Wada Kanako. Both were...
Posted on March 25, 2019 at 23:07. | Released on March 25, 2019
Gallantique Kazue "Original Collection", "Cover Collection"
Singer Gallantique Kazue has two new albums being released at the same time! One is an album of her original songs, while the other is a collection of covers. "Original Collection" is actually her 2nd original album, the previous dating...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 20:58. | Released on March 27, 2019
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
Chimidoro "nanokana?"
Techno rap group Chimidoro has just released a 2nd album this month! This is their first in 12 years, the follow-up to debut album "minna no uta" (2007). Check out this special release page, and also the sampler clip below....
Posted on March 23, 2019 at 13:27. | Released on March 15, 2019
Yackle "Frank Throw"
18-year-old DJ/trackmaker Yackle has just released a 1st full-length physical album. Every track features various singers and collaborators that he chose, and those include DÉ DÉ MOUSE, MANON and many more. Check out the video for "Feel Me" (with Dé...
Posted on March 22, 2019 at 08:58. | Released on March 20, 2019
Suzuki Masayuki "Funky Flag"
Singer Suzuki Masayuki has a new album released just recently. The album's last song, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Marching Band", which was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu and it features chorus by Nomiya Maki (!) and Yoshikawa Tomoko (of...
Posted on March 21, 2019 at 21:40. | Released on March 13, 2019
Hachimitsu Rocket "chuuken Hachiko"
Hachimitsu Rocket is an idol group of 7 members that was formed in 2014 and did a major debut last year. This 4th single's A-side is a fun song of which the music video shows the girls in Twiggy-like outfits....
Posted on March 19, 2019 at 00:03. | Released on March 20, 2019
Hosono Haruomi "Hochono House" (CD, 2x12")
Hosono Haruomi is releasing an album titled "Hochono House", a rearranged and re-recorded version of his hit album "Hosono House" (1973). Tracks are in the backwards order, starting with "aiaigasa" and ending with "Rock-a-Bye My Baby". CD and vinyl editions...
Posted on February 24, 2019 at 23:15. | Released on March 6, 2019
Buffalo Daughter "Pshychic" (12"+7"), "Euphorica" (12"+10")
Buffalo Daughter's 4th and 5th albums "Pshychic" (2003, Amazon) and "Euphorica" (2006) are being released for the first time on vinyl! They come as two-disc sets (12"+7" and 12"+10" respectively) and each is limited to 300 copies. Buffalo Daughter "Pshychic"...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 22:42. | Released on March 13, 2019
MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 20:53. | Released on February 22, 2019
Nomiya Maki "miss maki nomiya sings (Re-issue)"
Nomiya Maki's solo album "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings" was released in July 2000 (back when Pizzicato Five was still active) and it is finally being re-issued! The album had a theme of Maki being a jetsetter and travelling across the...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:13. | Released on March 20, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "gyakkou"
Hoshino Michiru, who just started her very own label "yoi Record gaisha" (translates to "Good Record Company") at the end of last year, has a brand new EP being released! Included are three songs of which she wrote the music...
Posted on February 20, 2019 at 22:38. | Released on March 6, 2019
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace -kaitei ban-"
Future tennis icon unit Her Serves & Receive's excellent first album "Service Ace" is being re-released as a "revised" edition. Included is the entire original album plus new track "One" that was contributed by Kobe pop group Sappy. The jacket...
Posted on February 14, 2019 at 23:08. | Released on February 23, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
Various Artists "Manhattan Records Presents Tokyo Neo 90s Groove mixed by DJ Hasebe"
DJ Hasebe (aka Old Nick) (Twitter, Facebook) mixes recent R&B and hip-hop songs that connect with 90's Japanese sounds. Look out for songs by DJ Hasebe (including new song "Midnight Dreamin'") as well as many more that give an overview...
Posted on February 11, 2019 at 11:33. | Released on February 20, 2019
Childish Tones feat. Usakura Beni "Cruel To Be Kind / There She Goes" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter) is a band that plays rock'n'roll using nothing but toy instruments! This new 7" single is a collaboration with Beni Usakura (of Avandoned). Included are covers of Nick Lowe's "Cruel To Be Kind" and The La's' "There...
Posted on February 10, 2019 at 10:58. | Released on February 20, 2019
Various Artists "chansoiree"
Live venue Saravah in Shibuya opened in December 2010 with the supervision of French artist Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016) and taking its name from his record label. The unique venue will close its doors on February 17,...
Posted on February 9, 2019 at 21:33. | Released on February 17, 2019
Lang Lee & Shibata Satoko "Run Away"
Singer-songwriters Lang Lee (from Korea, also an active filmmaker, writer, etc.) and Shibata Satoko (from Japan) did a tour together of 7 cities in Japan in November 2016. A month after the "Runaway Tour", Lang Lee visited again to record...
Posted on February 7, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on February 7, 2019
Kanou Emiri "gomenne c/w Been With You" (7")
Even though she has only released a CD-R so far, Kanou Emiri (Twitter) has been gaining a lot of attention lately for her songs that take straight inspiration from 80's new wave (despite her young age) while having a...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:57. | Released on February 13, 2019
Original Love "bless You!"
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! In terms of original albums this follows "Lover Man" (2015), since which single "Golden Time" (2016) and collaboration live album "Sessions" (2018, with Nagaoka Ryōsuke (Petrolz)) were...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:23. | Released on February 13, 2019
ammakasie noka "Little Ghost House"
ammakasie noka is a unit featuring songwriter Mayutan. This new album has a conceptual story of two twin sisters in a deep forest, the elder is a ghost and the younger one who became a witch. The music is made...
Posted on January 31, 2019 at 00:01. | Released on January 30, 2019
Natsuki Mari "Co-ro-na / watashi o ikite" (Download)
Natsuki Mari has a new EP now available digitally. Both of the songs have music written by Ōsawa Shinichi (Mondo Grosso), with lyrics written by Yanaka Atsushi (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra) and UA respectively. A live sound arrangement of...
Posted on January 26, 2019 at 22:26. | Released on January 26, 2019
moonriders "moonriders Final Banquet 2016 ~ saigo no kyōen ~" (2CD)
Despite that they were in hiatus, in 2016 Moonriders did a "hiatus hiatus" to thank their fans, and performed several times at festivals and also did a tour which ended on December 15, 2016 at Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo). This 2-CD...
Posted on January 22, 2019 at 21:36. | Released on January 23, 2019
Controversial Spark "After Intermission"
Controversial Spark (Facebook Page) is a band formed of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Yabe Hiroshi (Musement), bassist Iwasaki Naomi, guitarist Kondō Kenji and vocalist konore. They have a 2nd album out just now, which follows mini-album "Angels of a Feather" (2015)...
Posted on January 12, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on January 11, 2019
nimit & co. / BANK split cassette single
nimit & co. is the solo unit of Kunimi Tomoko (Twitter), trumpeter of Wack Wack Rhythm Band, and this is her very first release! This comes as a split cassette tape with band BANK whose two latest songs (released...
Posted on January 7, 2019 at 21:45. | Released on December 15, 2018
Denki Groove "30"
Denki Groove will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! So here comes a new album called "30" which includes remakes of songs such as remakes of hit songs "Shangri-La", "Fujisan" and "Flashback Disco", as well as two anniversary songs,...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 15:59. | Released on January 23, 2019
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara / konya mo tenteten" (7")
A 7" cut from Chikada Haruo's recent solo vocal album "chō jōdan dakara". Included are title track "chō jōdan dakara", which features singer Himeno Tama, and disco-kayō track "konya mo tenteten". Check out the video below, and hear a...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 12:12. | Released on December 26, 2018
Way Wave "Show Time"
Way Wave, the funky duo formed of soulful-voiced sisters Anna and Yuna, has released a first album just recently! The producers are Seki Yoshihiko, Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) and Lainy J Groove, and featured musicians include Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme),...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 11:57. | Released on December 19, 2018
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Agata Morio "risou no kutsushita to fune"
Singer Agata Morio has a brand new album out now! Having released an album every year since 2011 (the previous being "Baby-lon" with Hachimitsu Pie), this time all recording and mixing was done in New York City. Collaborators include artists...
Posted on December 28, 2018 at 23:00. | Released on December 26, 2018
Wakita Monari "Live Radio Broadcast From After 6 Junction" (Download)
A live radio performance of Wakita Monari has been released digitally. Musical instruments including event a drum set were stuffed into the radio studio for a sound as close as possible to what's heard in Monari's live shows. The...
Posted on December 28, 2018 at 21:40. | Released on December 21, 2018
LUNASUN "Organ Heaven"
Closely following the release of Chikada Haruo's latest solo album "chō jōdan dakara", here comes another one as a brand new unit called LUNASUN also featuring creator OMB. The result is a danceable house music album that contains elements of...
Posted on December 9, 2018 at 00:22. | Released on December 19, 2018
Sokabe Keiichi "Heaven"
Singer-songwriter Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service) has just released a new solo album that's surprisingly all rap and hip-hop! Sokabe Keiichi "Heaven" 曽我部恵一 「ヘブン」 1. small town summer wind 2. bungaku 3. Francis Bacon Egg 4. the light~yoake mae no...
Posted on December 8, 2018 at 23:50. | Released on December 7, 2018
Tentenko "All Your Need Is Cat ~ neko koso wa subete"
Tentenko has a new mini-album out now in which she sings songs about her favorite animal, the cat. Guest artists include Kawamoto Makoto, Kera, Kishino You-ichi, Yoshida Tetsuto, Nakahara Masaya, neco nemuru, Itoken, ayU tokiO, Carre and more. A free...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 00:04. | Released on December 5, 2018
(M)otocompo "Yokoshima Borderline ep", Motocompo "Chiptop Lips"
Dr.Usui's ska-electro band (M)otocompo (read "otocompo") has a brand new EP about to be released! "Yokoshima Borderline ep" includes brand new track "Tao", and also popular song often heard in their live shows "kono yo ni tada hitori", and more....
Posted on December 3, 2018 at 22:45. | Released on December 5, 2018
Urbangarde "Urbangarde of Love and Fantasy"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has just released a new special album! Closely following the release of "shojo Fiction" (April 2018), this new album collects rarities and tracks not available on any of their...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on November 21, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Weekend Jack (+1 disc)"
This gem of a party album, the first full-length by Wack Wack Rhythm Band released on Trattoria in 1998, has just been re-released in a newly remastered edition! A bonus disc has been added, containing rarities such as 5 live...
Posted on November 22, 2018 at 22:30. | Released on November 21, 2018
The Collectors "Young Man Rock"
The Collectors have a new 23rd album out now, titled "Young Man Rock"! Takanami Keitarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) has co-arranged the two last songs, according to credits on Tower Records' page. All songs can be sampled on this official...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:16. | Released on November 4, 2018
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
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara"
Chikada Haruo, a singer-songwriter famous for his "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu" album (1980) which was turned into a cult rock opera movie in the mid-80's, but also for many hits he wrote for other artists, has a brand new solo...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 00:10. | Released on October 31, 2018
Vacation Three "One"
Vacation Three is the band of Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK, ex-Arch), saxophonist Nakamoto Kōichiro (Wack Wack Rhythm Band) and percussionist Okyon. After having performed many shows since they got together about 2 years ago, here comes a first album of...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on November 7, 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
Takahashi Yukihiro "Saravah Saravah!"
Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) has re-recorded the vocals of his debut solo album "Saravah!" (1978) 40 years later with his current voice. Included are strings arrangements by Sakamoto Ryuichi, and features appearances of Hosono Haruomi, Yamashita Tatsuro, Takanaka Masayoshi and...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 19:51. | Released on October 24, 2018
