Hoshino Michiru "Love Me Again feat. ikkubaru" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new single coming, the A-side is a Japanese cover of Indonesian 4-piece band ikkubaru's "Love Me Again" and features the band itself (recent live version by ikkubaru). By the way, ikkubaru is also known for writing...
Posted on July 2, 2016 at 14:08. | Released on July 6, 2016
suiyoubi no Campanella "UMA"
There's a brand new album by suiyōbi no Campanella coming this week, with a title that stands for "Unidentified Mysterious Animal"! It's their first major album. Included is Red Bull collaboration song "Chupacabra", glasses chain store Zoff tie-up "Yeti", and...
Posted on June 21, 2016 at 00:31. | Released on June 22, 2016
Nakano Aya "Emerald In Paradise"
Here's a new album by Kyoto-born singer Nakano Aya, produced by Hase Hajimu as usual. Included are 8 original songs and 2 covers, one of which features salsa band Central. Two 7" singles (incl. CD) were released in advance: "Episode...
Posted on June 20, 2016 at 22:57. | Released on June 15, 2016
Learners "Absolute Learners" (Photo book+Download code)
Learners is the rockabilly band led by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji, and featuring singer Sara Mary, guitarist Chie, with bassist Masamichi Hamada (Quattro) and drummer TA-1 (Koncos). Here comes a 116-page photo book that covers their first year since their first...
Posted on June 12, 2016 at 23:55. | Released on June 15, 2016
Un Amin "Giant Panda ni notte mitai"
Un Amin, band with an exotic pop sound fronted by Taiwan-born singer Min, has a new mini-album coming soon! Included is one of their trademark songs, "Giant Panda ni notte mitai", in a brand new version, plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 9, 2016 at 23:33. | Released on June 15, 2016
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Original Love "Golden Time"
Original Love has a brand new single out this week! Included are two other new songs, plus a remix by Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro). The release also comes with a DVD of the title song's music video plus live footage from...
Posted on May 31, 2016 at 23:23. | Released on June 1, 2016
Horie Mitsuko "New Moon ni koi shite" / Chibiusa (CV. Fukuen Misato) "otome no susume" (CD+DVD)
This single from latest Sailor Moon series "Sailor Moon Crystal 3rd Season" contains ending theme "otome no susume" that was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! Also, the opening theme "New Moon ni koi shite" was produced by...
Posted on May 26, 2016 at 00:17. | Released on May 25, 2016
Nanba Shiho "meets sparkjoy"
Nanba Shiho has released a new album recently. Included are two songs written and produced by Tore Johansson, one of which has lyrics by tofubeats, with other songs written by The Charm Park, sugar me, etc. This is the first...
Posted on May 5, 2016 at 11:29. | Released on April 6, 2016
No Lie-Sense "Japan's Period"
No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page), the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera, has released a 2nd album. Opening with a cover of the theme song from movie "kimi mo shusse ga dekiru", the album is filled with originals taking...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 23:25. | Released on April 20, 2016
Kaji Hideki "The Blue Boy"
Kaji Hideki celebrates this year the 20th anniversary since his solo debut in 1996. I've lost count, but "The Blue Boy" is said to be his 15th original album! His back-band on this album is formed of Furukawa Taichi and...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 21:44. | Released on May 25, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "Discotheque ni tsuretette (Single Version)" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new 7" and CD set coming this month! Included is a single version of song "Discotheque ni tsuretette" from latest album "You Love Me", and a cover of Yamashita Tatsurō's "zutto issho sa". The latter was...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 13:19. | Released on May 25, 2016
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers 2 ~ wakaba no koro"
Follow-up to last year's "Love Song Covers", here's a 2nd cover album from Harada Tomoyo. Whlie the previous was of foreign songs, this time the focus is on Japanese love songs. This time again the whole is produced by Itō...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 12:25. | Released on May 11, 2016
sotaiseiriron "tensei Jingle"
sōtaiseiriron have just released a brand new album, follow-up to "Town Age" (2013). The album is available not only on CD, but also on 180g vinyl, hi-res 96Khz/24bit audio media BDM (Blu-ray Disc Music), and cassette tape. sōtaiseiriron will play...
Posted on May 3, 2016 at 22:22. | Released on April 27, 2016
YeYe "ate a lemon" (7"+CD)
Singer-songwriter YeYe has a brand new 7" single out now on Rallye! Follow-up to album "Hue Circle" (2013), this is a cut from an upcoming 3rd album to be released early summer. Check out the catchy song's fun and brilliant...
Posted on April 23, 2016 at 14:32. | Released on April 23, 2016
Record Store Day 2016
This year again Record Store Day is being held in Japan, this time on Saturday April 16! A lot of special and limited vinyl editions are being released on that very day, and at first only available in physical shops....
Posted on April 14, 2016 at 23:15. | Released on April 16, 2016
Negicco "mujun, hajimemashita."
Negicco has a new single out now! The title song was written by singer-songwriter Sakai Yū, with lyrics by Toki Asako, and arranged by connie (Negicco's producer) and NEGiBAND. Check out the charming clip below that features many guests! The...
Posted on April 11, 2016 at 22:34. | Released on March 29, 2016
Perfume "Cosmic Explorer"
Perfume has a brand new 6th album out now! This is the follow-up to "LEVEL3" (2013) since which 2½ years have passed. Amidst brand new unheard songs, some of the previously released songs such as "Sweet Refrain", "Cling Cling" and...
Posted on April 7, 2016 at 22:24. | Released on April 6, 2016
The Scooters "Make You Mine" (CD+7")
The Scooters have a new 7" single out this week! Included are covers of Honey & The Bees' "Make You Mine" (Japanese title "nakitai kimochi") and Martha & The Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street", both with lyrics newly translated in...
Posted on April 6, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on April 6, 2016
Cutemen "Born To Love You / Gasoline Car" (Download)
Check out this brand new single by Cutemen, the unit of CMJK (ex-Denki Groove) and vocalist Picorin. Cutemen was formed 25 years ago. They once quit around 1994, and just got back together. The new single is out now...
Posted on April 1, 2016 at 23:36. | Released on March 23, 2016
Saoriiiii "Nostalgy"
Saoriiiii (previously known as Saori@destiny until 2012) is back with a first mini-album under the new monicker she has been using for the last few years. A release party will be held this Friday April 1st at Shibuya Star lounge...
Posted on March 31, 2016 at 22:59. | Released on March 23, 2016
FPM "Motions (Best Killer Remixes & Produce works by FPM)" (3CD)
FPM is still celebrating his 20th anniversary, and following greatest hits album "Moments" here comes a 3-CD set of tracks he has produced or remixed for other artists. Some rare and previously unreleased tracks are also included. The album's first...
Posted on March 12, 2016 at 00:56. | Released on March 16, 2016
Suzuki Saori "East River"
Suzuki Saori is the vocalist of New York-based band The Suzan. Here she makes a debut as a solo artist, releasing an album on Japanese label Niw! Records. The title song was produced by was produced by Suzuki Keiichi (Sunny...
Posted on March 6, 2016 at 22:50. | Released on March 9, 2016
unBORDE all stars "Feel + unBORDE Greatest Hits"
unBORDE, the Warner Music Japan sub-label that hosts Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, CAPSULE, tofubeats and lots more, is releasing a greatest hits nice-priced compilation that includes new song "Feel". The song is a collaboration featuring lots of the label's artists totaling...
Posted on March 6, 2016 at 14:33. | Released on March 9, 2016
Aoi "Girl"
And while Tarte Tatin release new album "re:10 tartetatin", Aoi (aka Ishikawa Aoi (Twitter)) took some distance by becoming a "honorary member", not further taking part in Tarte Tatin anymore. Instead she went solo and made a first mini-album with...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 12:46. | Released on March 2, 2016
Tarte Tatin "re:10 tartetatin"
Here's a brand new album by Tarte Tatin, duo currently formed of Yurie and Chiaki. This album is entirely written by Yamamoto Shō (ex-Phenotas) who had produced the previous full-length, "Tartetatin Are Allright!". By the way, the album title officially...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 10:21. | Released on March 2, 2016
Especia "Carta"
Osaka 80's style idol group Especia has a brand new album coming this month! Included are songs written by Fujii Naoyuki (ex-Checkers), Rillsoul, Schtein & Longer, PellyColo, with the rest mainly written by Hi-Fi City. The album is being released...
Posted on February 16, 2016 at 00:11. | Released on February 24, 2016
Julie Watai "Tokyo Future Classic" (112-page book)
Singer/photographer/model Julie Watai has created a new photo book that features girls and machines in futuristic and extraordinary settings. The book comes in A5 size with 112 pages. This succeeds her 2010 book "Hardware Girls" (Amazon). A special talk show...
Posted on February 11, 2016 at 20:20. | Released on February 5, 2016
Soviet Chance "Soviet Chance"
Soviet Chance is a funky party band led by saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa first founded 20 years ago in his school days. The ten members (former members and then some) still play music together and finally recorded this first mini-album. Included...
Posted on January 28, 2016 at 22:19. | Released on January 27, 2016
Sunny Day Service "ichigobatake de tsukamaete" (7"+CD)
Sunny Day Service, the Shibuya-kei roots band led by Sokabe Keiichi and that's been around since 1992, has a new 7" just out! This is their first release following album "Sunny" (2014, Amazon). The video clip features Kaede (Negicco), Un...
Posted on January 18, 2016 at 22:00. | Released on January 15, 2016
Kera "Brown, White & Black"
Kera (aka Keralino Sandorovich, of No Lie-Sense, Kera & The Synthesizers) has a new solo album coming, his first since 1988 ("genshoku"). This new album is said to be jazz, "fake jazz". Included are covers of jazz standards "Shine (That's...
Posted on January 10, 2016 at 12:13. | Released on January 20, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "My Tiny World (Duet with Matsuo Kiyonori)" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru's latest single is a duet with Matsuo Kiyonori, a member of 80's band Cinema. The song "My Tiny World" was also featured on Matsuo's new solo album "This Tiny World" (Amazon). The B-side is a cover of Matsuo's...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2015
tofubeats "Positive Remixes"
Here come remixes of tofubeats' latest album "Positive"! Featured remixers include Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), Sunahara Yoshinori, Cherryboy Function, okadada, Komuro Tetsuya, banvox, Pa's Lam System, PARKGOLF, tofubeats himself and more. tofubeats "POSITIVE Remixes" CD1 1. POSITIVE feat.Dream Ami -Nakata Yasutaka...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 21:45. | Released on January 20, 2016
Charan-Po-Rantan "onna no 46pun"
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a brand new album coming this week! "Taylor ni narenai yo" is an homage song to Taylor Swift, and its video was shot in New York where they went for a show at Japan Society last...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 12:42. | Released on January 6, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie? -The Music Selection-"
Denki Groove's official documentary movie "Denki Groove The Movie" is being screened in theaters throughout Japan since December 26 for a limited time. The movie is full of rare footage covering the band's history since it was founded in 1989....
Posted on December 31, 2015 at 21:51. | Released on December 23, 2015
Urbangarde "Showa 90nen"
Trauma techno-pop group Urbangarde has released a brand new 7th album earlier this month, "Showa 90nen" ("Year Showa 90"), which came 1½ year after the previous "utsukushii kuni". Check out the videos below and hear more samples at Amazon. The...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 21:13. | Released on December 9, 2015
Takanami Keitaro "Memorandum" (CD+7")
Takanami Keitarō (Playtime Rock, ex-Pizzicato Five) has a brand new single coming this week! A-side "Walk Don't Run" is a duet featuring Hoshino Michiru, while B-side "Mind Excursion?" features Ichiba Mina of Playtime Rock. This comes as a set of...
Posted on December 20, 2015 at 11:04. | Released on December 23, 2015
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders "Synthesizer Garage Punk Band"
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders has a first album out now! Ryoma Maeda (aka milch of source, producer for EeL) is joined by keyboardist Hajimetal (daredemo Esper) and drummer Shigeyuki Kimura (arakajime kimerareta koibitotachi e) for this unique synthesizer garage...
Posted on November 5, 2015 at 22:25. | Released on October 21, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "First Recital in Shibuya"
Reina & The Blue Valentines, who released their first album "Lady or Girl?" last February, now offer a live album that comes with both CD and DVD. This is of their first one-man show that was held on April 25,...
Posted on October 31, 2015 at 23:26. | Released on November 3, 2015
hitomitoi "The Memory Hotel"
hitomitoi has a brand new album out now! Producers and musicians include Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei), Dorian, Kashif (PPP, Jintana & Emeralds), LUVRAW (ImageCluv), Crystal ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) and mabanua. This is the follow-up to album "Snowbank Social Club" (2014)...
Posted on October 22, 2015 at 22:35. | Released on October 21, 2015
FPM "Moments"
FPM is celebrating the 20th anniversary since Fantastic Plastic Machine's debut, with this a trio of greatest hits albums that include tracks since the early days, including rare track "Mr. Salesman" (later to become "Dear Mr. Salesman" on the first...
Posted on September 29, 2015 at 23:04. | Released on September 30, 2015
Various Artists "G.I.R.L.S RAP"
As the title says, this is a compilation that will let you catch a glimpse of some of the best acts in Japan's constantly growing girl rap scene. Featured are Tokyo's Coolest Sound favorites such as Bakubaku Dokin, Noppal, idol...
Posted on September 20, 2015 at 15:53. | Released on September 16, 2015
tofubeats "Positive"
tofubeats has a brand new album out now! This includes two songs from his latest mini-album "Stakeholder", as well as a bunch of brand new songs. Featured vocalists include okadada, Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), Nakano Yoshie (Ego-Wrappin'), Komuro Tetsuya & more....
Posted on September 18, 2015 at 22:34. | Released on September 16, 2015
Yano Akiko "Welcome to Jupiter"
Yano Akiko has a brand new album out now! With a concept of "adult techno music", this time she has the support of young trackmakers such as tofubeats, Seiho (Sugar's Campaign), Azuma Hitomi, Tomita Keiichi (Tomita Lab), Fukasawa Hideyuki and...
Posted on September 17, 2015 at 23:55. | Released on September 16, 2015
Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo Galaxy"
Following EP "Teddy Bear and Password", here's a brand new full-length album by producer Bajune Tobeta! This features an impressive line-up of guests including Nomiya Maki, FPM, Sakamoto Miu, Shing02, Arto Lindsay and bo en among others. Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo...
Posted on September 13, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on September 16, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "You Love Me ~you love me more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow~"
This week comes a brand new album by singer Hoshino Michiru! This includes latest single "natsu nandashi" (written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu) and its B-side "sakamichi no tochū" (written by Takanami Keitarō), and a cover of the Doopees' "Through...
Posted on September 1, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on September 2, 2015
Bajune Tobeta "Teddy Bear and Password" (CD+DVD), "Space Loungin'" (12")
Producer Bajune Tobeta has a new EP out today! Three vocalists are featured: Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Bonjour Suzuki (a female singer who debuted earlier this year), and Vivian Sessoms (who has been featured many times on songs by Towa...
Posted on August 26, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on August 26, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "natsu nandashi" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new single out today, and the title track is written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! "natsu nandashi" is actually a hip-hop-ish answer song to Happy End's "natsu nan desu" (1971). The B-side is also a must,...
Posted on July 22, 2015 at 23:40. | Released on July 22, 2015
Negicco "Negicco First Tour 'Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow'" (DVD)
Niigata-based idol trio Negicco have a new DVD out now, of a show held on May 5 at the Niigata Prefectural Civic Center. This was the last show of their "Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow" tour. Included are many...
Posted on July 14, 2015 at 22:59. | Released on July 14, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayo 3 Non-stop DJ Mix -The Ondo- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Here's a 3rd mix of DJ Fukutake's popular "Yava-kayō" series! This time the theme is "ondō" (Wikipedia), which is the type of traditional music that people of all ages dance along to at summer festivals (matsuri) throughout Japan. Ondō is...
Posted on July 4, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on July 8, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 2014 Japan Arena Tour Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic Toy Box" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new DVD/Blu-ray coming this week. The 2-disc set contains a whole show held in Tokyo from last year's Japan Arena Tour, plus another show from London (part of the "Nanda Collection World Tour 2014") with...
Posted on June 7, 2015 at 13:44. | Released on June 10, 2015
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer Street"
Tokyo Killer is a girl-fronted surf rock instrumental band formed of guitarist Keme (Kinoco Hotel), bassist Akko (ex-GO!GO!7188), keyboardist Kei (Urbangarde) and drummer Kyōichi (ex-Urbangarde). This first album, released at the end of April, features some famous covers as well...
Posted on May 24, 2015 at 22:53. | Released on April 22, 2015
petit milady "cheri*cheri? milady!!"
Follow-up to last year's "petit miladear", here's a 2nd album by unit petit milady of voice actresses Yuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana. Once again most songs are produced by Satō Seiki (microstar). The album comes in 3 different editions. Limited...
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 17:31. | Released on May 13, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "koshinuke danshi ni I Love You" (CD+7")
Here's a first release this year from Hoshino Michiru! This new single is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar). The A-side is a danceable guitar pop tune while the B-side is a song with an oldies vibe....
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 16:37. | Released on May 27, 2015
Ichikawa Saya "yo ga aketara"
Model Ichikawa Saya has debuted as a singer with this jazz single produced by Konishi Yasuharu. The singer being a hardcore train fan, she is often featured on late night TV program Tamori Club for train-related topics. The train-themed...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 15:59. | Released on May 13, 2015
Pizzicato One "watakushi no nijuseiki"
2015 is looking like a good year for Pizzicato Five fans! Konishi Yasuharu has a second Pizzicato One album coming this June, follow-up to "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (2011). With a title that translates to "My 20th century",...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 12:34. | Released on June 24, 2015
Sunaga t experience "STE"
Next week will bring us a brand new 5th album by Sunaga t Experience, DJ Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running jazz solo project. This year marks Sunaga's 30th anniversary as a DJ! Featured musicians include Scha Dara Parr, YOU THE ROCK★, ECD,...
Posted on May 15, 2015 at 23:27. | Released on May 20, 2015
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Kit Cat "Wordy Rappinghood" (Download)
Kit Cat, the 3-girl (er, cat!) synth-dance-pop unit produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), finally had a first song released on iTunes worldwide! This is a cover of classic new wave track "Wordy Rappinghood", originally performed by Tom Tom Club in...
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 21:03. | Released on April 8, 2015
fox capture plan "Underground"
Instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan has a new mini-album coming this week. A cover of Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight Tonight" is included. The release comes with a bonus 40-minute DVD (Region 2 NTSC) of a show held on October 16,...
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:45. | Released on April 8, 2015
Negicco "LIVE & LIFE Negicco 2014-15 Winter" (DVD)
Negicco has a new DVD out this week, consisting of a full band-backed one man show held on January 25 at Ebisu Liquidroom in Tokyo. Plus, a documentary of the release event for single "hikari no Spur" is also included....
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:21. | Released on April 7, 2015
Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino "Condor"
Rapper duo Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino have a new album out now! The album features guests such as Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Zen-La-Rock among others. Various producers participated, with one track produced by Halfby. HMV gives away a...
Posted on April 4, 2015 at 00:00. | Released on April 1, 2015
kotringo "Edible melodies ~Gourmet Girl Graffiti Orignal Soundtrack~"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has done the soundtrack for cooking-themed anime "kōfuku Graffiti" (English title "Gourmet Girl Graffiti"). With instruments including piano, celesta, accordion, and also scat by the artist herself, this release is said to be just as enjoyable...
Posted on March 22, 2015 at 10:11. | Released on March 25, 2015
Various Artists "Piano Man Plays Disney" (2x12")
The latest Disney cover compilation is one full of pianists. Featured are artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, fox capture plan, Schroeder-Headz, →Pia-no-jaC← and more, playing various Disney hit tunes old and new. This was actually released on CD earlier this...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on March 27, 2015
Count Joke "itsuka dokoka de c/w yūrei no Ballad" (7"+CD)
This release completes Count Joke's "Air-Replay Series" trilogy of 7" singles. These two songs were being released on CD last December. This packaging includes both 7" and CD (with instrumentals). "itsuka dokokade" features Smooth Ace, and was written in memory...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 20:19. | Released on March 25, 2015
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 00:27. | Released on March 18, 2015
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers"
Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming this week, consisting of covers of foreign songs such as The Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face", Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender", Julie London's "Fly Me To The Moon", Burt Bacharach-written "The Look...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 15:37. | Released on March 18, 2015
Various Artists "Zher the Zoo Yoyogi 10th Anniversary Compilation Album 'Here Come The Girl'zoo'"
Zher the ZOO (a venue in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku) has been around for 10 years already. Here's a nice-priced compilation of various female vocal songs by artists familiar to the venue. Most of these are rare or brand new recordings. Featured...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 13:51. | Released on March 18, 2015
yamp kolt "chewing"
Producer yamp kolt has a new album coming, featuring a variety of female vocalists. Those include hitomitoi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sotaiseiriron), UA, Saya (Tenniscoats), etc. Many musicians also participate, such as U-zhaan (tabla) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) (Rovo, ex-Modern Choki Chokies)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:44. | Released on March 18, 2015
(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering. A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:00. | Released on March 18, 2015
Tomita Isao "Space Fantasy", "Tomita on NHK"
Two albums by synthesizer maestro Tomita Isao were released this month. The first, "Space Fantasy", is a 2-CD release of which the 1st CD is a collection of tracks from his "Planets" trilogy ("Cosmos", "Bermuda Triangle" and "Firebird") remastered in...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 16:07. | Released on March 4, 2015
Perfume "5th Tour 2014 Gurun Gurun" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's 5th tour, titled "Gurun Gurun" (official page) and held through August and September in 2014, has now been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The recording is of the tour's finale show held at Kokuritsu Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in Tokyo...
Posted on March 11, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on March 10, 2015
lyrical school "SPOT"
lyrical school has a new album out now! This is the follow-up to "date course" released 1½ year ago. The album includes tracks by tofubeats ("FRESH !!!" and "yume de aitai ne"), Illreme (of (((sssurrounddd)))) ("gekka bijin" and "waratte.net"), as...
Posted on March 10, 2015 at 23:13. | Released on March 10, 2015
Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see...
Posted on March 8, 2015 at 12:06. | Released on March 4, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a...
Posted on March 1, 2015 at 18:31. | Released on March 18, 2015
Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"
This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:46. | Released on February 25, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 22:43. | Released on February 25, 2015
Cupitron "Battery"
3-girl techno-pop idol group Cupitron has a 2nd single out this week, follow-up to "Unicorn Parade" and again produced by Tobeta Bajune. The group's latest costumes were designed by Shinohara Tomoe, in a style that reminds of her early days....
Posted on February 10, 2015 at 23:42. | Released on February 11, 2015
akiko "Rockin' jivin' swingin'"
Jazz singer akiko has a brand new album out now, of rockin', jivin' and swingin' songs (as the title says!) from the 40's and 50's. Featured musicians include Gentle Forest Jazz Band, Blue Moon Quartet, Fats & Fats, and also...
Posted on February 8, 2015 at 20:09. | Released on February 4, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Lady or Girl?"
After the release of two 7" singles, here's a first album by Reina & The Blue Valentines, girl band fronted by Nosa Reina (whose latest solo album "don't kiss, but yes" was produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five)) and formed...
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 21:56. | Released on February 11, 2015
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nameless God's Blue"
Yasuda Toshiyuki has a new solo album coming this week! 5 years after his previous, "Children's Songs 2050" (2009), this time he creates music using acoustic piano and clean vocals (mainly his own). Recorded in Tokyo, Okinawa and Milano, this...
Posted on February 2, 2015 at 21:59. | Released on February 4, 2015
Scha Dara Parr "1212"
It's been about 6 years since Scha Dara Parr's previous album, "11" (2009), and here comes a brand new one! This 12th album features 12 new songs including collaborations with girl rock band Chatmonchy, talent Shimizu Michiko and also longtime...
Posted on January 26, 2015 at 21:23. | Released on January 28, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
Various Artists "Women's Liberation"
This is an album of covers of Japanese songs from the 60's to the early 70's, here sung with translated English lyrics! Both the originals and the covers were performed by Japanese women, completing the theme of this compilation. Vocalists...
Posted on January 19, 2015 at 21:32. | Released on January 7, 2015
Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band no iyoru Jazz Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Let's start 2015 with this compilation of Crazy Ken Band's grooviest jazzy tracks, as compiled by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). This takes part of his long-going "yoru jazz" (Jazz Allnighters) series which started almost 10 years ago. Released on...
Posted on January 1, 2015 at 23:59. | Released on January 1, 2015
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
clammbon "Why not clammbon!? ~ clammbon Tribute"
This recently released clammbon tribute album features a great amount of like-minded artists, including Buffalo Daughter, salyu x salyu, Nona Reeves, Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, GREAT3, Hanaregumi, Rekishi and more. Check out the trailer clip below, and hear samples of...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:53. | Released on December 3, 2014
Sheena Ringo "hi izuru dokoro"
In November, Sheena Ringo released a brand new original album. It had been 5 years and a half since the previous, "sanmon Gossip" (2009) (Amazon, CDJapan). The limited edition comes with a bonus Blu-ray or DVD of 6 music videos....
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:27. | Released on November 5, 2014
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre Theatre"
Charan-Po-Rantan, the brilliant duo of sisters Momo (vocals) and Koharu (accordion), have a first major full-length album out now. A cover of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" is included. The limited edition comes with a DVD of 9 songs, two...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 00:28. | Released on December 3, 2014
Nona Reeves "Choice III"
The latest in Nona Reeves' "Choice" series is a cover album of Wham!, or an album of only Wham! covers, if you prefer. The artwork refers to the fact that Wham! songs "Bad Boys" and "Freedom" were used in TV...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 20:16. | Released on November 5, 2014
Hicksville "Welcome Back"
Hickville, a band with many Shibuya-kei ties and a neo-GS background, is back with a 4th album 15 years after the release of "Mileage" (1999). Full of new songs, this includes a first Christmas song by the band, as well...
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 12:58. | Released on December 10, 2014
