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
Nagisa Yoko "Nagisa no Zundoko bushi" (7")
Kayōkyoku singer Nagisa Yōko suddenly passed away in September just days after performing part of a Crazy Ken Band concert, ahead of her annual recital which was to be held in November. R.I.P. to a great singer and entertainer....
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 11:19. | Released on October 24, 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
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Neue Tanz"
This is a compilation of songs by Yellow Magic Orchestra (and solo ones by each member too) selected by Towa Tei for YMO's 40th anniversary. The album was remastered by Sunahara Yoshinori. The jacket artwork was done by Tomoo Gokita...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:07. | Released on October 17, 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
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
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
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
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 5, 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
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
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
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
Sato Chiaki "SickSickSickSick"
Satō Chiaki (singer of Kinoko Teikoku) has a first solo mini-album out now! The whole is co-produced by Sunahara Yoshinori. Check out the video for "Summer Gate" below. Satō Chiaki "SickSickSickSick" 佐藤千亜妃 「SickSickSickSick」 1. SickSickSickSick 2. Summer Gate 3. Signal...
Posted on July 26, 2018 at 21:59. | Released on July 25, 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
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
Denki Groove "Kraken Taka 2018" (Download)
Denki Groove has suddenly released digitally a live album of a show held at Zepp Tokyo on March 17. Towards the end, the show featured several songs with guitarist Yoshida Satoshi and a guest appearance by singer Hidero. Hear it...
Posted on July 11, 2018 at 23:35. | Released on July 11, 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
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
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
Hirose Aina "Schedule of Afternoon Hours"
15-year-old singer Hirose Aina (ex-Peach sugar snow)'s solo debut mini-album has just been released. Produced by Seki Yoshihiko, also featured are songs written by Sokabe Keiichi (Sunny Day Service) ("otona ni nanka naranai de") and Shibata Satoko ("ikisugita tomodachi"), as...
Posted on June 26, 2018 at 23:29. | Released on June 20, 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
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
Blue Peppers "Retroactive" (12")
Blue Peppers' first album "Retroactive", released on CD in November 2017, is being released on vinyl. The album features guest vocalists Hoshino Michiru and Sasaki Shiori. Blue Peppers "Retroactive" (12") A1. 8gatsu no kagebōshi A2. akikaze no Regret A3. futari...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 12:28. | Released on June 13, 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
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
Spank Happy "natsu no tensai" (Download)
Spank Happy, the unit of Kikuchi Naruyoshi, has released a brand new song which features vocalist Oda Tomomi (CRCK/LCKS, dCprG, and support member of cero). The song was featured in a campaign for department store chain Mitsukoshi Isetan, and...
Posted on May 31, 2018 at 21:24. | 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
Isao Tomita "Missing Link of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia shoki sakuhinshuu 1953-1974~"
This album is a collection of 21 early rare pieces by composer and synthesizer pioneer Isao Tomita (1932-2016) taken from Columbia's archives. The artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune). Isao Tomita "Missing Link Of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on May 23, 2018
Ushio Kensuke "'mori no iru basho' Original Soundtrack"
The soundtrack for movie "mori no iru basho", produced by Ushio Kensuke (aka agraph), is now available on iTunes Japan, Spotify, etc. The movie is currently showing in theaters throughout Japan. Ushio Kensuke "'mori no iru basho' Original Soundtrack" 牛尾憲輔...
Posted on May 27, 2018 at 19:47. | Released on May 19, 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
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
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
Non "Super Heroes", "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~" (DVD)
Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival. With five songs written by...
Posted on May 2, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on May 9, 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
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
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
The Geno London "Geno London EP"
The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The...
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 00:16. | Released on April 11, 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
Yoichiro Ito "makimodoshitai hodo no shiawase / ao no sekai feat. Crazy Ken" (7")
Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage) has a new 7" single being released! Both songs feature singer Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), with the horn section from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra on the A-side and a swinging jazz band on the B-side....
Posted on April 7, 2018 at 00:05. | 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
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 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
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
Perfume "mugen mirai"
Perfume has a brand new single out now. "mugen mirai" is the theme song of movie "Chihayafuru -musubi-", the last part of live-action movie trilogy based on manga "Chihayafuru". Check out the music video below. The single is available in...
Posted on March 21, 2018 at 23:20. | Released on March 14, 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
Clémentine "Café de POP from Tokyo Paris"
French singer Clémentine has just recently released a new album, a 4th of her "Café" series. Included are some new original songs, but also various covers of Shibuya-kei hit songs with lyrics translated to French (Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Ozawa...
Posted on February 25, 2018 at 21:06. | Released on February 14, 2018
Scooters "The Scooters Comes Alive! (The Basement Tape)" (Cassette+CD+T-shirt)
The Scooters are releasing a first live album, recorded at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar on November 1st, 2017. The show also featured guest vocalist (and labelmate) Nakano Aya. This limited release comes as a cassette tape with a CD of the...
Posted on February 15, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on March 7, 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
Nakajima Megumi "Curiosity"
A 4th album by singer and voice actress Nakajima Megumi is about to be released. Included are songs written by Maedayama Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Avec Avec (Sugar's Campaign), CMJK (Cutemen) (with lyrics by Kai Minori and Twisty aka Takashi Tsugumi),...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on February 14, 2018
The Suzan "Konichiwa" (Download)
The Suzan, now the duo of sisters Saori and Rie, has recently released a new 3-song EP produced by Bjorn (of Peter Bjorn and John). It's available on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Check out the video for "Desire" here! The...
Posted on February 8, 2018 at 22:40. | Released on January 19, 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
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
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
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Breaking the Silence (Version 10.3.3)"
Toshiyuki Yasuda has a brand new album out now! This is his 6th album, the follow-up to "Nameless God's Blue" (2015), although this time he used a completely new process to produce music which he calls "Version Up Music". Started...
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 22:01. | 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
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
atarashii chizu "72"
atarashii chizu is the new group formed of 3 ex-SMAP members: Inagaki Gorō, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi and Katori Shingo. "72" is the theme song of a 72-hour online TV show they held last November, and it was written and produced...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on December 24, 2017
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
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
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
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
Studio 75 "Over Your Shoulder"
Studio 75, the instrumental project of Small Circle of Friends, has a 4th album out now! This is a collection of 15 songs, with the help of Musicaänossa's Nakamura Tomoaki as selector. Release official page Small Circle of Friends can...
Posted on November 11, 2017 at 13:44. | Released on October 25, 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
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
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
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
Punpee "Modern Times"
Rapper/trackmaker Punpee (of group PSG) has a long-awaited first solo album out now! Check out audio samples at Jet Set. Official release page Punpee "Modern Times" 1. 2057 2. Lovely Man 3. Happy Meal 4. uchū ni iku 5. Renaissance...
Posted on October 5, 2017 at 00:11. | 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
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicatomania!" (12")
Following the recent release of a remastered CD last February, Pizzicato Five's "Pizzicatomania!" is now being released on vinyl for the first time. In addition to one of the new "Action Painting" mixes that appeared on that CD, previously unreleased...
Posted on September 27, 2017 at 00:06. | Released on November 3, 2017
Various Artists "Sweets Wonderland / es koyama with friends"
This concept album is a collaboration of pastry shop es koyama (located in Hyōgo prefecture) with several artists who created new songs inspired by the shop's various cakes and sweet treats. Included are new songs by Nakatsuka Takeshi, Nanba Shiho,...
Posted on September 23, 2017 at 12:08. | Released on September 27, 2017
Kaede "ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)" (Download, 7")
Kaede (of Negicco) has released today a first solo single, of which the title song was written by Sawabe Wataru (Skirt). The B-side is a cover of Kirinji's "sore mo kitto shiawase". Both were arranged by Skirt. This is being...
Posted on September 20, 2017 at 22:45. | Released on September 20, 2017
"'Zen and Bones' Original Soundtrack"
"Zen and Bones" is a documentary film directed by Nakamura Takayuki ("Yokohama Mary") about Japanese-American Buddhist priest Henry Mittwer. This soundtrack features music by many artists including Nomiya Maki, Comoesta Yaegashi, Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Kishino You-ichi (La veuve...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 23:51. | Released on September 20, 2017
The Lady Spade "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!"
The Lady Spade's first album, "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!", was released in 2009 and featured former vocalist Ruby aka Nosa Reina. It is now being released again in a remastered edition! The Lady Spade fans and also anyone...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:13. | Released on September 20, 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
