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
WHY@DOLL "Hey!"
WHY@DOLL is an idol duo from Sapporo (Hokkaido) that combines great songs (and singing) with elegant and charming dances. Their new ep "Hey!" brings four new songs, two of which are written by Yoshida Tetsuto (and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on February 4, 2019 at 23:36. | Released on February 12, 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
Ema Grace "FAKE" (Download)
Ema Grace (Facebook page, SoundCloud) is an imaginary idol made up with the help of Vocaloid and public domain images. It is the latest project of producer Ryoma Maeda (of Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders, and previously known as...
Posted on February 1, 2019 at 21:49. | Released on February 1, 2019
HALLCA "Wanna Dance!" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out today digitally! "Wanna Dance!", a new dancefloor-oriented track with music written by PellyColo, is the follow-up to "Apéritif e.p" released last summer. It has been announced that there will...
Posted on February 1, 2019 at 21:14. | Released on February 1, 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
Mint-Lee noka "bokura wa zutto ikiteiru / haenuki yorinuki ongakutai" (Picture 7")
Mint-Lee noka is the latest unit of Mayutan (of toy-pop unit ammakasie noka), Okamura Midori (aka Mint-Lee) and toy instrument percussionist Sayu Candy. Their first release comes as a stunningly beautiful 7" picture disc, of which the concept is...
Posted on January 27, 2019 at 13:04. | 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
Kamoda Jun featuring Yano Akiko "ii jikan" (12")
"ii jikan" is a song that first appeared on Evisbeats' 2nd album in 2012 (titled "hitotsu ni naru toki"). The song was co-written by Kamoda Jun (Twitter) (aka Illreme, of (((sssurrounddd)))), and here it is being released by himself as...
Posted on January 20, 2019 at 21:15. | Released on January 23, 2019
lyrical school "Tokyo Burning / Cookin' feat. Young Hastle" (7")
Following the release of "Pajama Party / Sharp Pencil feat. Sushiboys" last month, here comes another single from rap idol group lyrical school. A-side "Tokyo Burning" was written and produced by PES (Rip Slyme), and B-side "Cookin'" features hip-hop...
Posted on January 16, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on January 22, 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
Philosophy no Dance "Love Variation with Scoobie Do / Heuristic City"
Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new single out now! "Love Variation" is a new collaboration with band Scoobie Do, with who they shared the stage of Tokyo Kinema Club last October. The double-A-sider single also contains...
Posted on January 8, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on December 14, 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
lyrical school "Pajama Party / Sharp Pencil feat. Sushiboys"
lyrical school has a brand new single out now on CD and 7". The A-side was co-produced by Ōkubo Junya of band Ana. B-side "Sharp Pencil" features SUSHIBOYS. Check out videos for both songs below,. Another new single is planned...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 12:46. | Released on December 25, 2018
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
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
SOLEIL "Baby Boo / Gotta Pull Myself Together" (7")
Band SOLEIL's 15-year-old singer Soleil is currently taking a break to study hard until March, but meanwhile here comes a new 7" of "Baby Boo" from latest album "SOLEIL is Alright". The B-side is a new cover of The...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 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
Hime to Mahou "Princess & Magic"
Hime to Mahou is the unit of singer/idol Himeno Tama and DJ Mahoutsukai (aka manga artist Nishijima Daisuke), who are disbanding with the release of this first fill-length album. Most tracks were previously released as CD-R's sold exclusively from 2016...
Posted on December 4, 2018 at 23:34. | 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
Bank "Vivre / Number 3" (Download)
New wave band BANK has a new single out now digitally! Lovers rock song "Vivre" features vocals by Kunimi Tomoko (Wack Wack Rhythm Band, nimit & co.) and additional guitars by Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, ex-Bridge, an ex-member of...
Posted on November 28, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on November 28, 2018
Wakita Monari "I Love You Oh! Oh! from The Planet (Get Loose Mix)" (Download)
Just days ahead of Wakita Monari's new single "Just a 'Crush for Today'", a new remix of song "yūsei kara no I Love You oh! oh!" has been released digitally. The remix was done by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) who...
Posted on November 24, 2018 at 20:45. | Released on November 24, 2018
Wakita Monari "Just a 'Crush for Today'" (CD/7")
Wakita Monari has a new single about to be released! Both tracks have music written and arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and Monari wrote the lyrics of title track "Just a 'Crush for Today'". The A-side is said...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on November 28, 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 Pen Friend Club "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club, a band that takes inspiration from The Beach Boys and Phil Spector (etc.), has just released a "first and last" Christmas album! Included are 15 covers, of songs by Mariah Carey ("All I Want For Christmas...
Posted on November 14, 2018 at 23:27. | Released on November 14, 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
Haruko Tajima "Holy Holy Holy Holy"
Electro singer-songwriter Tajima Haruko, who is also active as duo Francis avec Haruko (see new mini-album "Zero Gravity Love"), has released a brand new album recently! Be sure to check out the cool videos she posts on YouTube, starting with...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on October 3, 2018
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
Denki Groove "Kraken Taka" (Blu-ray/DVD/2CD)
This Denki Groove show held in March 2018 at Zepp Tokyo was first released digitally (audio only) recently, but now here it comes on Blu-ray and DVD. Included is bonus commentary by the group's two members (Takkyu Ishino and Pierre...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 19:19. | Released on October 24, 2018
La Veuve Moustachue "Zettai Renai! Count Down!!" (7")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka Mustached Widow, Hige no Mibōjin) is back with a brand new single, its first release since the vinyl edition of brilliant album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016). This time the charming widow has...
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on October 30, 2018
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
Avandoned "Lemon Peels" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned has released a new single earlier this month! "Lemon Peels" was written and produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The B-side was written and performed by punk band SEVENTEEN AGAiN. There's...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:26. | Released on October 10, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Song Album"
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has released a brand new album titled "Song Album", of which all songs are vocal and sung by himself. "Skytree" and "From 3000 Feet The Sky Of Tokyo" have lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:06. | Released on October 10, 2018
Manon "2 Live In A Real World (Remix) feat. Normcore Boyz" (Download)
MANON (Instagram), whose first album "Teenage Diary" was released in July, has a new remix now available digitally! The track is a collaboration with Tokyo teen hip-hop crew Normcore Boyz (Twitter), who added their original rap in place of...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 10:23. | Released on October 19, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Easy Riding / I'll Close My Eyes" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band (official Facebook page) has a brand new 7" single out now! A-side "Easy Riding" is a brand new happy-sounding soft rock instrumental, while B-side is a vocal cover of jazz standard "I'll Close My Eyes"....
Posted on October 15, 2018 at 22:34. | Released on October 10, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Cheerio! c/w Racket Love" (7")
Girl vocal duo and "future tennis icons" Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive"), whose first album "Service Ace" was recently released, has a first 7" coming this week. Included are "Cheerio!" (music written by...
Posted on September 27, 2018 at 19:54. | Released on September 26, 2018
Saoriiiii "Tokyo Kunyan" (Download)
Saoriiiii has a new EP out now digitally! The new songs are produced by Seijaku In Tokyo. Check out the video below. A release party will be held on September 29 from 18:00 at Strobe Cafe in Harajuku, also featuring...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 21:39. | Released on September 19, 2018
Cutie Pai "megane myboy"
Cutie Pai has a new single being released! The title song is of course glasses-themed ("megane"). The single comes in two different versions, the Type A contains a remix of "This Is Megane" by CANDLES, while Type B instead has...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 11:50. | Released on September 25, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Japamyu"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 4th album about to be released! "Japamyu" comes over 4 years after "Pika Pika Fantajin" (2014). Included are the previously released songs "Harajuku Iyahoi", "Kimi No Mikata" and "Todoke Punch", as well as a new...
Posted on September 21, 2018 at 23:52. | Released on September 26, 2018
Cornelius "Ripple Waves"
Cornelius has a new album being released this week! This is actually an album that revolves around the latest, "Mellow Waves". Included are some remixes (two of which were previously released part of the Sound & Recording magazine), some tracks...
Posted on September 17, 2018 at 22:10. | Released on September 19, 2018
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright"
SOLEIL, the band fronted by now 15-year-old singer Soleil, has a 2nd album being released very soon! Following the excellent "My Name is SOLEIL" released last March, the new full-length also consists of all original songs with the exception of...
Posted on September 16, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on September 19, 2018
Mia Nascimento "Dance in the Moonlight" (Download)
Mia Nascimento (Milli Milli Bar, ex-Especia) (Twitter) has a new solo song out now on iTunes, Spotify, etc. It was written and produced by Yafune Tetsurō (Milli Milli Bar). The song has often been played in their shows and...
Posted on September 12, 2018 at 22:37. | Released on September 3, 2018
STUTS "Eutopia"
Trackmaker/producer STUTS has a 2nd album coming soon! "Eutopia" features guest vocalists such as Thai singer Phum Viphurit, hitomitoi, jazz singer Maya Hatch, and rappers Chinza Dopeness, Campanella, JJJ, Senninsho, Daichi Yamamoto and G Yamazawa. Some collaboration track with Nagaoka...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 22:40. | Released on September 5, 2018
fox capture plan "Capturism"
Piano-led jazz-rock instrumental trio fox capture plan has a 7th original album out now! Included is a self-cover of their theme song for drama series "The Confidenceman JP". Check out the album's special site. A tour will be held in...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 22:12. | Released on September 5, 2018
Learners "Learners High"
Chabe's rockabilly band Learners is back with a brand new mini album! This includes two new original songs, "Cassis Oolong" and "Take a Trip", as well as covers of The Bangles, Brigitte Bardot, The Looking Glass (in a cover featuring...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 21:31. | Released on September 12, 2018
P.O.P "Summer Back Again" (Download)
P.O.P, unit formed of twin rappers and trackmaker Saitō Ryōji, has a new digital single out now! "Summer Back Again" has a laid back feel with a rocking chorus. Check it out on iTunes, Spotify, etc. A release part...
Posted on August 22, 2018 at 23:08. | Released on August 22, 2018
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
The Natsuyasumi Band "shinkirou [TNB×mitsume]" (7")
The Natsuyasumi Band, formed of piano, bass, drums plus steel drum and trumpet, has a new 7" single being released this month. The song "shinkirō" is a collaboration with band mitsume, featuring two drums, two basses and three guitars,...
Posted on August 14, 2018 at 23:25. | Released on August 29, 2018
Jintana & Emeralds "Summer Begins" (7")
Jintana & Emeralds, neo-doo-wop group of Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (XTAL, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists including hitomitoi, has a new single out this week! The A-side is a brand...
Posted on August 13, 2018 at 23:18. | Released on August 18, 2018
Natsu Summer "Old School Surfer" (7")
This is a 7" single cut from Natsu Summer's latest mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" that was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei) and backed by a real band with drums and bass, organ, steel pan, etc. The B-side...
Posted on August 13, 2018 at 21:53. | Released on August 18, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have...
Posted on August 11, 2018 at 18:20. | Released on August 5, 2018
De De Mouse "be yourself"
Dé Dé Mouse has just released a 7th full-length album! This is the follow-up to album "dream you up" (2017), since which digital EP "via alpha centauri" was also released. Check out the two music videos below. Amazon gives away...
Posted on August 8, 2018 at 23:41. | Released on August 2, 2018
Perfume "Future Pop"
Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai",...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 22:55. | Released on August 15, 2018
chelmico "Power"
chelmico, girl rap unit formed of MC Rachel & MC Mamiko, have a first major album out this week! Tracks were made in collaboration with U-zhaan ("Date"), Parkgolf, Mikeneko Homeless, ryo takahashi and Toshiki Hayashi (%C). The first pressing comes...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 21:56. | Released on August 8, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
Ino Hidefumi "Skytree / Witchcraft" (7")
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has a new 7" single out now! Both vocal songs have music written by myself, and the A-side "Skytree" has lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu. It was pressed at Toyokasei in Japan and is...
Posted on August 3, 2018 at 22:09. | Released on August 1, 2018
Asa-Chang Emerson Kitamura "Debut"
Reggae meets tabla, with tabla-bongo musician Asa-chang and keyboardist Emerson Kitamura who have just released a first album together, appropriately titled "Debut". Included are several covers (see tracklist) plus an original that features singer Chieko Beauty. Tabla-bongo is an original...
Posted on July 28, 2018 at 16:36. | Released on July 27, 2018
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
"'Be My Baby' Shindo Mitsuo Retrospective" (Book)
Shindō Mitsuo has been active as a prolific art director since the 80's, creating countless CD, record and poster artworks for Japanese artists of all kinds including many of the Shibuya-kei scene such as Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Cornelius,...
Posted on July 22, 2018 at 20:10. | Released on July 24, 2018
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan "Apron Boy no sashisuseso"
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan has a new mini-album being released! Included is "Apron Boy", the theme song of anime "Emiya-san chi no kyō no gohan". Also there's a curry collaboration song with Negicco! HMV and Tower Records (and apparently...
Posted on July 18, 2018 at 23:43. | Released on July 25, 2018
Natsu Summer "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation"
City pop singer Natsu Summer has released earlier this month a new mini-album! Like her first album "Hello, future day" this is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), though this time the whole is backed by a real band with drums...
Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:46. | Released on July 4, 2018
Wakita Monari "Ahead!"
Wakita Monari has a 2nd album being released this month! This is the follow-up to the excellent "I am ONLY" (2017). Included are several songs produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and also ones produced by microstar, Illicit Tsuboi (co-written...
Posted on July 15, 2018 at 23:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
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
HALLCA "Aperitif e.p"
It's been a bit over a year since Especia disbanded, and it's now the turn of group leader Tominaga Haruka to come back as a solo singer! Under the new monicker HALLCA, here comes a first EP of which the...
Posted on July 8, 2018 at 00:22. | Released on July 25, 2018
Pizzicato Five "On Her Majesty's Request -Analog Edition-" (12")
Pizzicato Five's 3rd album, "On Her Majesty's Request" (1989), is being released on vinyl for the first time! This follows a 7" EP release of 3 songs earlier this year. Just for the record, back in the day a 4-song...
Posted on July 7, 2018 at 01:15. | Released on July 13, 2018
Negicco "MY COLOR"
Negicco has a brand new 4th album about to be released! The album opens with singles "ai, kamashitai no" and "Calypso musume ni hanataba o", after which follow 11 new songs! Check out the sampler clip below. This album is...
Posted on July 5, 2018 at 00:09. | Released on July 10, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go" (Download)
A third consecutive new song by Crazy Ken Band has just been released digitally. Check out the video below! "Soul Train", "yamabato Waltz" and "Going To A Go-Go" lead the way to a brand new album (also titled "Going...
Posted on July 4, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on July 4, 2018
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "3"
Towa Tei's side-project Sweet Robots Against The Machine is back with a 3rd album! Titled "3" (pronounced "san"), the unit now consists of three people: Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori and comedian Bakarhythm (Twitter). Also featured are actresses Kaho and Asō...
Posted on July 3, 2018 at 22:28. | Released on July 18, 2018
Wednesday Campanella "Galapagos"
Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) has a brand new album out now! "Galapagos" is available on both CD and limited edition LP, and on iTunes worldwide. Wednesday Campanella "Galapagos" 水曜日のカンパネラ 「ガラパゴス」 1. The Bamboo Princess 2. Minakata Kumagusu 3....
Posted on July 2, 2018 at 22:56. | Released on June 27, 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
WHY@DOLL "Sweet Vinegar"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL from Sapporo (Hokkaido) has a new single out now! A-side "Sweet Vinegar" was written and arranged by Awesome City Club, while B-side "Don't Ask Me Why" has music written by Yoshida Tetsuto and co-arranged with Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on June 27, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on June 26, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "The Spooky Obakeyashiki ~Pumpkins Strike Back~" (Blu-ray/DVD)
With a Halloween concept and a haunted mansion ("obakeyashiki")-themed stage, this special Kyary Pamyu Pamyu show was held on October 28 and 29, 2017 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Don't miss this Blu-ray/DVD of the musical-like show. The first pressing...
Posted on June 26, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on June 27, 2018
Manon "Teenage Diary"
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) finally has a full-length album coming! Just over a year since debut single "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (available on pink vinyl 7"), "Teenage Diary" contains all of her great singles so far plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 22, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on July 7, 2018
Nakano Aya "Double Game"
Nakano Aya has a new album coming this month! The album has imaginary "sides", the "Butterfly Side" (tracks 1 to 6) which has a jazzy big band style, and the "Glamour Side" (tracks 7 to 12) which is more rhythm...
Posted on June 13, 2018 at 23:42. | 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
lyrical school "World's End"
Idol rap group lyrical school has a brand new album being released this month! The song "toko Nuts Return" has music written & arranged by Shinco (Scha Dara Parr) and lyrics by Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Kaseki Cider. There...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 21:27. | Released on June 19, 2018
Charan-Po-Rantan "Page o mekutte" (Download)
Charan-Po-Rantan has released two new songs digitally. Both are featured in dumpling-themed movie "Kiss dekiru gyōza" to start in theaters from June 22. The video for "juu-juu" was filmed in Utsunomiya, a town of Tochigi prefecture famous for having...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 19:43. | Released on June 6, 2018
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
Crazy Ken Band "yamabato Waltz" (Download)
Crazy Ken Band has released a new digital single. "yamabato Waltz" is being featured on NHK's "minna no uta" from June to July. A bit of it can be seen here. A new album by Crazy Ken Band titled...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 12:16. | Released on June 6, 2018
