Full-text search results for iLL

  1. Ryoma Maeda "Fantastic Suicide"
    Ryoma Maeda aka milch of source (producer of EeL) is releasing a new album under his real name. With more pop melodies than before, the sound is said to be an upbeat chaos of rock, punk and techno. The odd...
    Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:09. | Released on November 10, 2012
  2. JiLL-Decoy association "Decade"
    Sunaga Tatsuo-acclaimed jazz band JiLL-Decoy association (aka "JiLL-Deco") has a new album out now, self-covering their best songs from a decade of activity, and re-recording them with a "dance music" concept and all English lyrics. Featured collaborators include Coldfeet, Jazzin'...
    Posted on November 3, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on October 10, 2012
  3. fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer"
    Techno-pop-punk unit fantaholic, formed of singer Satō Takako and machinist Takahashi Hiroki, has a first 5-song mini-album out now. fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer" 1. Welcome to Another World, Here You Are 2. Till the Party Ends 3. I'm Your Slave,...
    Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:23. | Released on October 24, 2012
  4. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans III"
    It's a busy year for Vanilla Beans! Not only have they released 3 singles, a DVD and a photo book so far, but here comes a brand new 3rd album! This one is said to have the particularity of being...
    Posted on November 2, 2012 at 00:55. | Released on November 7, 2012
  5. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
    October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
    Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
  6. Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Long Island Margarita / Ain't Got No, I Got Life" (7")
    Party big band Wack Wack Rhythm Band has a new 7" single out now! The A-side is a new version of their hit song "Wack Wack Rhythm Island" now featuring vocals by their newest member Lemon. The B-side is a...
    Posted on October 28, 2012 at 22:19. | Released on October 24, 2012
  7. Polysics "Everybody Say No"
    Polysics has a new single out now! Title track will be included in a full-length album coming on December 5. The limited edition contains a DVD (Region 2 NTSC) of a digest of 18 songs from their 15th anniversary show...
    Posted on October 28, 2012 at 12:23. | Released on October 24, 2012
  8. Ryuichi Sakamoto "Three"
    Sakamoto Ryuichi has a new album out now, together with his trio also featuring Jaques Morelenbaum (cello) and Judy Kang (violin). The album was recorded in Portugal following last year's European tour. It's his first album as a trio since...
    Posted on October 24, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
  9. De De Mouse "sky was dark"
    De De Mouse has a 4th album out now! This album is said to have a conceptual story tone based around the "time" keyword. HMV offers an extra CD of a non-album track (while supplies last). There's also a bonus...
    Posted on October 18, 2012 at 00:11. | Released on October 17, 2012
  10. quasimode "Soul Cookin'"
    Jazz quartet quasimode has a 6th original album coming. Featured are guests including Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) and Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition comes as a high fidelity HQCD (plays in normal CD players), and a bonus DVD...
    Posted on October 1, 2012 at 23:25. | Released on October 3, 2012
  11. Yashiro Aki "Songs Around Midnight"
    Yashiro Aki is a famous enka singer who has been around since the early 70's. This time she releases her first jazz album, and it's produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! Included are covers of well-known songs from the world...
    Posted on September 30, 2012 at 01:19. | Released on October 10, 2012
  12. Nosa Reina "don't kiss, but yes"
    "Pizzicato Five 2012 edition!?", "Post-Nomiya Maki?" dare official blurbs say! Nosa Reina is a new singer whose debut album is being produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five), who has also hired the two musicians from Portable Rock for the back...
    Posted on September 29, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 10, 2012
  13. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans One-Man Live DVD - Debut 5th Anniversary Live @ Shibuya WWW" (DVD)
    Vanilla Beans have been around for 5 years already, and here's their first ever live DVD. Included is a show from last June 21 (2012) held at Shibuya WWW, currently my favorite venue. You can get a taste of the...
    Posted on September 26, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 3, 2012
  14. hitomitoi "City Dive EP" (12")
    Here's a 6-track EP cut from hitomitoi's latest album "City Dive". The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi. Also included here are tracks in collaboration with Dorian and Stringsburn (Pan Pacific Playa). Jet Set ran out of stock in one...
    Posted on September 23, 2012 at 01:34. | Released on September 21, 2012
  15. J.A.M "Jazz Acoustic Machine"
    Instrumental jazz trio (piano/bass/drums) J.A.M (MySpace), a sub-unit of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, has a 3rd album out this week. All tracks can be sampled at the band's official site. J.A.M can be seen live at Billboard Live Tokyo on...
    Posted on September 18, 2012 at 23:38. | Released on September 19, 2012
  16. marino with Teapot Orchestra "Bathtub de chōshoku o"
    marino is back, 6 years after the release of hit album "Lollipop" (2009 reissue here), and now she's with a full brass band and going in a more jazzy direction, actually sounding very musical-like. The title translates to "breakfast in...
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on September 20, 2012
  17. Urbangarde "sayonara Subculture"
    Urbangarde have a new single coming. There's a video for title track "sayonara Subculture", watch it on YouTube. The band will be touring Japan in October and November, and the Tokyo stop is on November 11 at Akasaka Blitz (Pia...
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:53. | Released on September 19, 2012
  18. Gig report: frenesi "gendai" release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On September 15, 2012, was the release party for frenesi's album "gendai". It was held at Shibuya WWW, one of my favorite venues lately (it used to be a movie...
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 00:34.
  19. Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop"
    Rapper Kaseki Cider has a new album following last year's great "Sound Burger Planet", this time again with back-band the Hugtones! Featured are guests Illicit Tsuboi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji) and Epo. Covers of Denpa gumi inc's "kuchizuke Kibonnu" (a song...
    Posted on September 15, 2012 at 00:49. | Released on September 19, 2012
  20. Various Artists "Tokyo Crossover Night 2012"
    Here's a club-jazz/crossover compilation being released ahead of the 9th Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival to be held on September 29. This is compiled by Kyoto Jazz Massive's Okino Shūya, and artists featured also include DJ Kawasaki, Bembe Segue (UK) and more....
    Posted on September 13, 2012 at 23:54. | Released on September 12, 2012
  21. Tokumaru Shugo "Decorate"
    Tokumaru Shūgo's new single is titled "Decorate", and it's being released in 3 formats: CD, digital (maybe iTunes Japan only), and... sonosheet! The sonosheet plays at 33⅓ RPM and contains 2 of the 3 songs. A new album titled "In...
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 20:47. | Released on September 5, 2012
  22. Keiko "Journey" (Download)
    Keiko (pianist of Vanilla Mood) has a 2-song solo single out now on Delicatessen Lab, the digital label of Nakatsuka Takeshi. It's already climbing up iTunes Japan's jazz charts, and seems to be available worldwide. Keiko "Journey" 1. Journey 2....
    Posted on September 5, 2012 at 20:26. | Released on September 5, 2012
  23. Gig report: hitomitoi sings "City Dive"
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last June singer hitomitoi's new album "City Dive" was released on Billboard Japan Records. The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of city pops unit Ryūsenkei, with some tracks by Dorian and...
    Posted on September 3, 2012 at 00:20.
  24. Cornelius "CM4"
    Cornelius has a new collection of his remixes and mixes for other artists over the last few years. Titled "CM4", it contains tracks by Nomiya Maki, sōtaiseiriron, Yoko Ono, If By Yes (band formed of Yuka Honda, Petra Haden, Araki...
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 00:15. | Released on September 5, 2012
  25. Nanba Shiho "Choice"
    Another release from Billboard's "Choice" cover album series. This time it's the turn of singer Nanba Shiho, who changed her looks to short hair for her latest single (YouTube), to select and cover some of her favorite world pop standards....
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 12:25. | Released on July 25, 2012
  26. akiko "Dark Eyes"
    Jazz singer akiko has a new album being released this month. Recorded in New Orleans like previous mini-album "Swingy, Swingy", this one is produced by Ska Flames' Ōkawa Tsuyoshi, and features Dirty Dozen Brass Band's sousaphonist Kirk Joseph as well...
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on August 29, 2012
  27. frenesi "gendai"
    frenesi has a brand new album coming in September! Titled "gendai" ("modern times"), it contains the song from latest video of the same name, and also a track that appeared in game "taiko no tatsujin" last year, and a cover...
    Posted on August 20, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on September 5, 2012
  28. Perfume "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'"
    Perfume continues to do its best to appeal to a global audience, and here comes a first greatest hits album. No word on an actual overseas CD release, but this will hopefully be available worldwide on iTunes like their recent...
    Posted on August 18, 2012 at 17:42. | Released on September 12, 2012
  29. Recoride "Sasaki/SASAKI EP"
    New digital EP from the brilliant synth-punk band Recoride. Both songs are named "Sasaki", perhaps after the band's composer Sasaki Kissa (ex-Gekkan Pro-Bowler). One is spelled out in kanji and the other in rōmaji, and they sound very different too....
    Posted on August 15, 2012 at 21:38. | Released on August 15, 2012
  30. Various Artists "Who is the Star? WITS Compilation Vol.3 -20th anniversary edition-"
    WITS was a Shibuya-kei label that in its early years mainly focused on releases by L⇔R (a band of which Minekawa Takako was a member for some time), Spiral Life, and also Minekawa Takako's early solo career ("Chit Chat", "(A...
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 12:28. | Released on August 8, 2012
  31. Sawagi "Punch Games"
    Sawagi has a first full-length album coming. The band of guitar/bass/synths/drums has a concept of performing instrumental dance music entirely live, no programming involved, with hints of rock, jazz, funk and electro influences. This album follows the brilliant mini-album "hi...
    Posted on July 30, 2012 at 22:25. | Released on August 8, 2012
  32. Various Artists "Red Diamond ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~"
    This is a tribute album to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Takahashi Yukihiro who celebrated his 60th anniversary last June 6. Included are new covers of Takahashi's songs from his whole career. O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Sunahara Yoshinori and Towa Tei) offers...
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 13:37. | Released on August 8, 2012
  33. Sally Soul Stew "Blue Angel Deluxe"
    Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Phantom GIft), has released a deluxe CD edition of its latest 7", "anata ni maketa no" (2010). The band also features singers Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), Lemon, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro...
    Posted on July 15, 2012 at 10:22. | Released on June 27, 2012
  34. Various Artists "Puffy Covers"
    There's a new Puffy ("AmiYumi") tribute album, of their songs covered by Okamoto's, Guitar Wolf, LOW IQ 01, Okuda Tamio and many others. 10 of the tracks are brand new recordings. Audio samples of all songs at CDJapan. Various Artists...
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:04. | Released on July 4, 2012
  35. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei feat. Hatsune Miku"
    Virtual idol Hatsune Miku sings Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Kahimi Karie, Kaji Hideki, Original Love and Ozawa Kenji in this Shibuya-kei cover compilation put together by producers from the Vocaloid scene. Two original songs are also included as bonus tracks....
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 20:44. | Released on July 11, 2012
  36. Perfume "Perfume 3rd Tour 'JPN'" (DVD)
    Perfume have a new DVD coming of their latest tour for album "JPN". This DVD consists of the show in their hometown of Hiroshima held on April 1st this year. 21 songs are included! At this time, online shops are...
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:27. | Released on August 1, 2012
  37. Takkyu Ishino "WIRE TRAX 1999-2012"
    Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) has a new album out now, a collection of all his original contributions to the compilations for his annual WIRE arena techno party. A 2nd disc consists of rare related tracks that were used in commercials...
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 02:09. | Released on July 4, 2012
  38. Rocketman feat. Verbal (m-flo) "koi Romantic!!" (Download)
    Rocketman has a new dance track out now on iTunes Japan, featuring rapper Verbal from m-flo. The song is currently #1 in the dance chart. A new album has also just been announced for release on August 8. Stay tuned!...
    Posted on July 4, 2012 at 23:51. | Released on July 4, 2012
  39. Vanilla Beans "Non-Section"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out this week! "Non-Section" is a rocking catchy pop tune. The video for this song also gives life to a few scenes from their recently released photo book. This comes in 3 different...
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 22:51. | Released on July 4, 2012
  40. Open Reel Ensemble "Open Reel Ensemble" (CD+DVD)
    Open Reel Ensemble have been active on stage for several years, using USB-controlled open reel tape recorders to create a unique performance. Here's finally a first album, and it comes from Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. A bunch of unexpected guests...
    Posted on June 23, 2012 at 21:25. | Released on June 27, 2012
  41. Gig report: Vanilla Beans one-man live vol.4
    Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday June 17, I went to see Vanilla Beans who were holding their 4th one-man live. I had been to the first held in December 2009 (report), and have...
    Posted on June 21, 2012 at 23:35.
  42. Vanilla Beans "gekkan NEO Vanilla Beans" (Book)
    Vanilla Beans have a first ever photo book being released next week! The 104-page book is full of pop, sexy and cute photos of Rena and Lisa posing in various situations. A special edition comes with a hard cover and...
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 23:57. | Released on June 26, 2012
  43. World Order "2012" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)
    World Order, the Genki Sudō-led salaryman robot dance unit that got the world's attention with their impressive videos on YouTube, such as one of a performance held at a Microsoft event, has a 2nd album out now! This comes as...
    Posted on June 19, 2012 at 21:18. | Released on June 20, 2012
  44. hitomitoi "City Dive"
    Singer hitomitoi has a brand new album coming, produced by jazz DJ Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), in collaboration with Dorian and guitarist Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa). This album, being described as contemporary city music, is when summer starts! Coming...
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on June 20, 2012
  45. Negicco "anata to Pop With You!"
    Negicco have traded their green onions for blue wigs to bring us this new catchy pop tune! This new single is being released on Tower Records' idol-only T-Palette label. Don't miss the fun video below! Free in-store events will be...
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 23:22. | Released on June 20, 2012
  46. Gallantique Kazue "hitohada chūdoku" (Download)
    Drag queen Gallantique Kazue (also part of unit hoshikuzu Scat) has a new single available now for download on iTunes Japan. Music and words were written by Nishimura Ikuyo (ex-arcorhyme), and the arrangement is by Shirane Kenichi (Great 3). A...
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 22:36. | Released on June 13, 2012
  47. Nona Reeves "Choice II"
    Nona Reeves have a 2nd cover album out now on Billboard Records, this time featuring songs by Madonna, Blur, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Jackson, Elvis, Earth Wind & Fire, New Kids On The Block (...), and more. The first of...
    Posted on June 9, 2012 at 16:25. | Released on June 6, 2012
  48. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu TV JOHN!" (DVD)
    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu fans will be happy that her crazy and chaotic TV show aired only in Nagoya is now available on DVD. Contained are the two episodes so far, as well as bonus features and behind the scenes footage....
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 00:01. | Released on June 6, 2012
  49. Kirinji "inore norou na", "namida ni akireta" (Download, 7")
    Kirinji have a new song now available exclusively on iTunes Japan. Another one is set to be released digitally on June 27. Both will also later be released on 7" from Jet Set on July 7, which can already be...
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 23:49. | Released on May 30, 2012
  50. EA "Météo"
    Electro unit EA, formed of half-French half-Japanese singer Maika Leboutet and guitarist Shinya Saitō, has a first mini-album out now. The recording also features drummer Araki Yūko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group, If By Yes). EA "Météo" 1. Red block on...
    Posted on May 17, 2012 at 22:27. | Released on May 9, 2012
  51. Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
    Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo...
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 22:24. | Released on May 16, 2012
  52. Meg "La japonaise"
    This new album by Meg, who had escaped to France for a while, is mainly a collection of anime covers previously released on iTunes in France only. Included are tracks produced by Konishi Yasuharu, Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), 2 ANIMEny DJs...
    Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:51. | Released on April 25, 2012
  53. Various Artists "Girly Graffiti ~a letter from Paris~", "~from Liverpool with love~"
    Two releases of this new series of cover compilations (all new recordings) titled "Girly Graffiti", both of which are have ties with the Orange Records family. The first one, an album of French-pop covers (though somehow "Da Da Da" made...
    Posted on April 22, 2012 at 09:56. | Released on April 18, 2012
  54. Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer" (7")
    Tokyo Killer is the instrumental surf unit of Kinoco Hotel's super guitarist Keme (aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa), and here's a first release coming as a 7" EP of 4 songs. 3 of the songs had been sold last year on CD-R...
    Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:50. | Released on April 4, 2012
  55. Various Artists "Vanilla"
    Here's a charity compilation consisting of, it seems, all new recordings. Featured are various female vocalists, including DadaD, Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), Suzuki Momoko (ex-Cosa Nostra) and many more. Monsieur Kamayatsu (Spiders) also appears on 2 tracks. The album's jacket shows...
    Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:10. | Released on April 4, 2012
  56. Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
  57. Ram Rider "Audio Galaxy - Ram Rider vs Stars!!! -", "- Ram Rider Strikes Back!!! -"
    Ram Rider is back with a new album out just now. It features collaborations with various "stars", including Nomiya Maki, Meg, Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Fujioka Minami (Panda 1/2), and more. Out at the same time is...
    Posted on April 11, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
  58. Vanilla Beans "Choco Mint Flavor Time"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single coming! Title track "Choco Mint Flavor Time" is a catchy pop tune that can be heard in the cute videoclip below, which features more dancing than usual. The jacket even shows Rena and...
    Posted on April 4, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
  59. Nakamura Kazuyoshi "6 Remix'n Birds"
    Singer-songwriter Nakamura Kazuyoshi, leader of J-rock band 100s, has a remix mini-album out just now. The originals aren't something I'd recommend, but the impressive list of remixers here is sure to draw attention, with Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), FPM, Yakenohara,...
    Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:04. | Released on March 28, 2012
  60. Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
    Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
  61. Perfume "Spring of Life"
    Perfume have a new single titled "Spring of Life" coming next month! Details are still few at this time, but the title song is again a tie-up with Kirin's hyōketsu alcoholic drink, and a little bit can be heard in...
    Posted on March 13, 2012 at 00:01. | Released on April 11, 2012
  62. Emi Necozawa & Sphinx "Pyramidia"
    It's been 10 years since singer and percussionist Necozawa Emi's previous album ("café tu ronronnes" (2002)). This time she is backed by a jazzy band of 6 musicians making this her first band recording. Songs include covers of Serge Gainsbourg...
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 21:05. | Released on March 7, 2012
  63. Tokyo Girls' Style "Limited addiction"
    5-girl idol unit Tokyo Girls' Style has a 2nd album coming, and one song features their good friends Vanilla Beans. The album comes in 3 different editions: Type A includes a DVD of 5 live songs, Type B includes a...
    Posted on March 7, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on March 14, 2012
  64. kotringo "La mémoire de mon bandwagon"
    Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new mini-album in which she fronts a trio. She is accompanied by Murata Shige (Kuchiroro, Cubismo Grafico Five, Circle Darko) on bass and Kamiya Shunpei (akai kutsu) on drums. A full-length 4th album by kotringo...
    Posted on March 4, 2012 at 19:08. | Released on March 14, 2012
  65. (((sssurrounddd))) "(((sssurrounddd)))"
    (((sssurrounddd))) is the recently formed band of rapper Illreme (Kamoda Jun), Track Boys' K404 and Crystal (Crue-L Records). Described as a unique city pop album, this is the result of the three members' various backgrounds from the hip-hop, house and...
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 23:47. | Released on March 7, 2012
  66. Tommy february6 & Tommy heavenly6 "February & Heavenly"
    Kawase Tomoko (The Brilliant Green) is back with her two solo projects, Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6. Here's a joint album containing 7 songs by each persona. Two of the songs by Tommy heavenly6, "monochrome rainbow" and "I'm Your Devil...
    Posted on February 27, 2012 at 20:28. | Released on February 29, 2012
  67. Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Oh Yes Say LaLa*:-"
    Here's Shinohara Tomoe's 2nd album this year, following "-:*Better*:-" out on January 11. Again this is all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. The artwork for this album even contains photos of herself wearing self-designed costumes to go with...
    Posted on February 17, 2012 at 20:13. | Released on February 22, 2012
  68. Negicco "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-"
    Negicco, the 3-girl negi-promoting idol group from Niigata that was signed last year to Tower Records' T-Palette idol-specialized label, has a first full-length album coming. This comes as a greatest hits album covering their 8-year ongoing career, with many rare...
    Posted on February 16, 2012 at 21:04. | Released on February 22, 2012
  69. Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
    Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
  70. salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)
    salyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer...
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:10. | Released on February 1, 2012
  71. Nakata Yasutaka "Panoramic Experience" (Download)
    Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has a new track released exclusively for download on iTunes Japan. This is a theme song written especially for an exhibition about popular manga and anime One Piece to be held from March 20 to June 17...
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2012
  72. Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
    Led by Sakamoto Ryūichi, this charity single covers The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" in an electronic arrangement, and featuring some 30 big names participating on vocals and production. Profits are said to be donated for children victims of...
    Posted on February 1, 2012 at 22:59. | Released on March 7, 2012
  73. Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)
    Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
    Posted on January 21, 2012 at 00:23. | Released on January 25, 2012
  74. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"
    For a 4th month in a row here's another compilation selected by Sunaga Tatsuo, of songs from the catalog of Japanese jazz label Venus Records which releases works by foreign artists. Tracks of the previous installments can be sampled on...
    Posted on January 20, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on January 21, 2012
  75. Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
    Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
  76. Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
    Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
  77. Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
    Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
    Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 2012
  78. Various Artists "01:11"
    Japanese electro label PROGRESSIVE FOrM has a first label greatest hits compilation coming that covers from the label start in 2001, hence the title of "01:11" (reads "one eleven"). Included are tracks by MimiCof, Aoki Takamasa (one song featuring Tujiko...
    Posted on January 7, 2012 at 13:22. | Released on January 11, 2012
  79. Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Raves
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
    Posted on January 6, 2012 at 23:30.
  80. Nomiya Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"
    Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
    Posted on January 2, 2012 at 13:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
  81. Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"
    Vanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning...
    Posted on December 30, 2011 at 22:17. | Released on January 18, 2012
  82. Scott Goes For "Scott Goes For"
    Scott Goes For is a new band started in 2010, though you might already know its experienced members from their previous bands: Arai Hitoshi (from N.G.Three, Ron Ron Clou, The Automatics, Northern Bright) on vocals and guitar, Okii Reiji (from...
    Posted on December 30, 2011 at 21:19. | Released on January 18, 2012
  83. Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Better*:-"
    Shinohara Tomoe has not one but two new albums coming! Both are original, all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. It has been 13 years since her previous original album, "Dream & Machine". The 2nd new album, "-:*Oh Yes...
    Posted on December 29, 2011 at 23:58. | Released on January 11, 2012
  84. Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Do-Re-Mi no daikōkai Nagasaki yōgaku kotohajime"
    It took me this long to notice, but Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) has a new album that was released last month! Continuing the series with his "Nangasaki Five", this album still focuses on his home roots of Nagasaki while taking...
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2011
  85. groovin vox "the day i was born"
    Tokyo jazz band groovin vox has been around for 5 years already, and here's finally a long awaited first album. The band is fronted by multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Sasaki Tadashi, and supported by funky basslines, two saxophones and energetic drums. Several...
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 20:44. | Released on December 20, 2011
  86. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
    This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
  87. EeL "Bossa Nova" (Download)
    Here's a rare acoustic album by EeL featuring only acoustic guitar and her sweet voice. It had previously only been released on CD-R, but is now available digitally with a bonus new track that uses piano and toy instruments. This...
    Posted on December 13, 2011 at 19:50. | Released on December 11, 2011
  88. Moonriders "Ciao!"
    Veteran new wave band Moonriders has been around 35 years, but they have now announced that they will be going to retire indefinitely at the end of the year. They do have a last, 21st original album coming, appropriately titled...
    Posted on December 11, 2011 at 01:23. | Released on December 14, 2011
  89. Various Artists "The Chocolate Factory" (Download)
    Nakatsuka Takeshi, eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Small Circle of Friends and P.O.P Orchestra have all collaborated together to create this 5-song mini-album, out now on iTunes worldwide. A release party will be held at Daikanyama Loop on December 11. Details at...
    Posted on December 7, 2011 at 23:49. | Released on December 7, 2011
  90. Various Artists "Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1"
    This is a compilation of Hatsune Miku tracks remixed by various artists from the club and pico-pico scenes, including Rocketman, Sexy-Synthesizer, PandaBoY, Higedriver and many more. Closing the album is an original by Rocketman, recently released on iTunes. The official...
    Posted on December 4, 2011 at 19:17. | Released on December 7, 2011
  91. Sunaga t Experience "Choice"
    Sunaga t Experience (the jazz unit produced by Sunaga Tatsuo) is back with a new album, this time backed by Billboard Japan part of a series of cover albums on its recently started Billboard Records label. The album features collaborations...
    Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on December 7, 2011
  92. LAMA "New!"
    After singles "Spell" and "Cupid / Fantasy", here finally comes a first album from official site, the super-group of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). "New!" contains a total...
    Posted on November 25, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on November 30, 2011
  93. Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
    Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
  94. Toki Asako "sings the stories of 6 girls"
    Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new mini-album of 6 songs. Included is a new version of "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~", previously released as a single, now also featuring singer Epo. The limited edition contains a DVD of 6 live songs...
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on November 23, 2011
  95. Salon Music "Sleepless Sheep"
    Japanese new wave band Salon Music debuted 30 years ago, and had an important place in the 90's Shibuya-kei scene releasing many albums on Trattoria. Here they're back after 9 years since their previous album "New World Record" (2002, Amazon)....
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
  96. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus II"
    Here's a 2nd installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's selection of jazz gems from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records. The 3rd is coming on December 21. All tracks can be sampled on the official release page by clicking the track...
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 00:13. | Released on November 16, 2011
  97. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "tsukematsukeru"
    Here's a new single from Harajuku model turned singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, again produced by Nakata Yasutaka. This is to contain 2 new songs plus an extended version of "Cherry Bonbon" from "moshimoshi Harajuku". Little details are available so far,...
    Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:50. | Released on January 11, 2012
  98. coltemonikha "coltemonikha Best" (CD+DVD)
    coltemonikha, the unit of fashion designer Kate Sakai (blog) produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), has a new CD coming this December. This is actually a compilation of all songs from the two previously released great mini-albums (with the exception...
    Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on December 14, 2011
  99. Gig report: Dorian "studio vacation" release party, w/ Luvraw & BTB, (((sssurrounddd)))
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound We've been enjoying some cool autumn weather in Tokyo lately, but last Friday was a hot summer night at Shibuya WWW where was held the release party for Dorian's "studio...
    Posted on November 6, 2011 at 23:33.
  100. LAMA "Cupid / Fantasy"
    LAMA, the unit of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl), has a 2nd single out now. B-side "Fantasy" is being used as the ending theme of anime "UN-GO",...
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on October 26, 2011

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