DadaD "Ride Out" (Download)
Electro-acoustic duo DadaD have a new song available now on iTunes Japan. "Ride Out" comes a month ahead of 2nd album "mission passion" set for release on June 27. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more info. DadaD...
Posted on May 18, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on May 16, 2012
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
Logic System "RMXLOGIX Vol.2 (with Special Tracks)"
Following Vol.1 released just a year ago, here's a 2nd EP of Logic System remixes. This time are featured remixes by Luvraw & BTB, 8-bit artist Quarta330 and more, as well as previously unreleased track "Ruins". Logic System is the...
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 00:02. | Released on May 2, 2012
akiko "Swingy, Swingy with Chai-Chii Sisters"
akiko has a new EP in collaboration with 2-girl jazz chorus unit Chai-Chii Sisters. This contains covers of 4 jazz standards, and was recorded in New Orleans. This is self-produced just like her recent Beatles cover album "Across The Universe"....
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 00:06. | Released on May 2, 2012
Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi. The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also...
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 21:35. | Released on May 2, 2012
MoliquL "Forest" (Download)
MoliquL is the new Brooklyn-based unit of Takashi Tsugumi (PINE*am, Old Monk, Les Sewing Sisters) and Avery Brooks (Ravens & Chimes, Lost Children), taking inspiration from 70's and 80's synth pop/new wave to recent indies/alternative/club music. The EP includes remixes...
Posted on May 8, 2012 at 16:37. | Released on May 2, 2012
80kidz "Turbo Town"
Electro duo 80kidz have a 3rd album out now, and it features a line-up of vocalists from the world, including the likes of The Whip, Yes Giantess, Frankmusik and Ghostape. This follows album "Weekend Warrior" that was released 1½ year...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on April 18, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Roll of Love", "koi no tamashii" (Download)
Mishima Toyoaki (blog) has been a long-time programmer for Cornelius, and recently started his own unit called mishmash*! His first track features Julie Watai (JulieHally, model, photographer) on vocals, and it's now available in both Japanese and English on iTunes...
Posted on April 20, 2012 at 00:04. | Released on April 14, 2012
Various Artists "The Girl from Ipanema ~Antonio Carlos Jobim Tribute~"
Here's a tribute album to Tom Jobim featuring various young Japanese electronica artists. The whole is produced by Tobeta Bajune who has developed close ties with YMO and friends over the recent years. Sounds like a good way to revisit...
Posted on April 19, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on April 11, 2012
Recoride "MP3 no danmatsuma"
Formed 3 years ago, here's a first full-length album by Recoride, a synth-punk band led by Sasaki Kissa (ex-Gekkan Pro-Bowler) and fronted by a female singer. Check out the new-wave-y video clip below! Includes a PandaBoY remix. More audio samples...
Posted on April 13, 2012 at 22:16. | Released on April 4, 2012
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
Various Artists "Big Collabo Remix EP"
Here are remixes of tracks from concept collaboration album "Big Collabo" (Amazon) released in August 2011, matching Japanese and foreign artists. Featured are remixes by Dorian, tofubeats and Eccy, along with each original. This is also available worldwide on iTunes...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 22:38. | Released on March 23, 2012
Lo-Fi-Pnk "Tune Up!" (Download)
Lo-Fi-Pnk (read "Lo-Fi Punk") is a unit from Sendai, formed of DJs from regular electro-pop party Poptune. This first release is a single called "Tune Up!" that features vocals by Candles' Pepe. Also included are remixes by The Aprils' Imai...
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:14. | Released on February 29, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Candy Candy"
Here's another new single from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). Title song "Candy Candy" is a tie-up with Glico's mint candy Breo. Check out the full video below. The TV commercials can be watched here....
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 22:53. | Released on April 4, 2012
m-flo "Square One"
Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
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
erectricmole "sakura" (Download)
erectricmole, Japanese-taste electronic unit from label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records), has a 3-track digital EP out now! This follows first album "hōka no hirune" released last year. The 3 songs are old Japanese songs rearranged in erectricmole's style. erectricmole "sakura"...
Posted on February 29, 2012 at 19:33. | Released on February 29, 2012
(((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
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
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
Here's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X. 4 of the...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:37. | Released on February 8, 2012
Crazy Ken Band "furyō Club"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single, with a title that translates to "Bad guys club". The new video clip seen below stars actor Asano Tadanobu. The CD includes a B-side and the usual jingle and information. The jingle's seems...
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on February 1, 2012
capsule "STEREO WORXXX"
Here's a new album from capsule, follow-up to "World Of Fantasy" released May last year. With a title like "STEREO WORXXX", we're definitely in for some dancing material! The album is said to include the theme song from upcoming movie...
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on March 7, 2012
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
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
Prof. Sakamoto "Sakamoto kyōju no 8bit Juke Box"
Prof. Sakamoto (aka Sakamoto kyōju, a nickname that usually refers to Sakamoto Ryūichi but not in this case) is an 8-bit artist also known for being able to play just about any Famicom game theme on a synthesizer off the...
Posted on December 20, 2011 at 22:56. | Released on December 21, 2011
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
Sakura Gakuin "berishubi"
School-themed teenage idol group Sakura Gakuin have a new single coming, for which the B-side "sakura hyakunin isshu" is a rap track produced by Ram Rider with lyrics co-written by Bose of Scha Dara Parr. A limited edition comes with...
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on December 21, 2011
Echo Project "hoshimeguri no uta" (Download)
In a charity effort for the March 11 Tōhoku disaster, various female singers have united to sing on this track produced by Dr.Usui (Motocompo) and arranged by A-bee. Featured are Motocompo's Chiho, Nomoto Karia, Asahi Miho, Shishido Rumi and Moriwaka...
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 13:42. | Released on December 7, 2011
yanokami "toku wa chikai"
yanokami, the unit of Yano Akiko with rei harakami (the latter who passed out in July of a brain hemorrhage), has a last album coming. This consists of a few new original songs plus a selection of covers of Arai...
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 21:43. | Released on December 14, 2011
plusico Produced by Thomas O'hara "Hatsune Miku plays gekkōkakishidan (Moonriders)"
Along with their 21st album "Ciao!", the Moonriders also have this official album of covers sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku coming at the same time. ("gekkōkakishidan" in the title means Moonriders.) Miku sings The Moonriders' greatest hits, programmed by...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 13:36. | Released on December 14, 2011
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
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
Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
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
Love and Hates "L.A.H."
Love and Hates, the girl party unit of Yuppa (HNC) and Moe (Miila and the Geeks) has finally a first album coming, after several cassettes that all sold out almost instantly! 17 tracks are included, totaling 36 minutes (2:07 average)....
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 17:27. | Released on December 7, 2011
Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi"
Singer-songwriter Andō Yūko has a new single, for which the B-side is a new song remixed by Sunahara Yoshinori. Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi" 安藤裕子 「輝かしき日々」 1. kagayakashiki hibi 2. El Roy (Sunahara Yoshinori Remix) 3. kagayakashiki hibi (Instrumental) 4. El...
Posted on November 24, 2011 at 22:03. | Released on November 30, 2011
akiko "Across The Universe"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album out now, in which she covers The Beatles with a hint of jazz. The song "Lady Madonna" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A few tracks can be sampled at iTunes and akiko's official...
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on November 16, 2011
Various Artists "Ghibli Jazz Remix"
This latest Ghibli remix compilation features a lot of the best artists from the pico-pico scene. Check out what The Aprils, YMCK, The Lady Spade, Dr.Usui (Motocompo), milch of source (EeL's producer), Candles, Ram Rider, Boot Beat et al. have...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:36. | Released on November 16, 2011
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
FPM "Qlassix"
There's a new FPM album coming next week! Actually a compilation of all the classical music covers he did for Uniqlo Calendar, plus one brand new recording. The artwork was done by the same people who design Uniqlo Calendar. All...
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 13:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
Rocketman feat. Hatsune Miku "tonda Hattary Boy" (Download)
Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) has a new track now available for download, and featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku. Quite a good track, though some Miku fans have expressed disappointment of the fact that she only sings chorus while Rocketman sings...
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 13:55. | Released on November 9, 2011
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
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
Tucker "Tucker Plays 19 Post Cards"
The latest from Crue-L Records is a 3rd album by multi-player/keyboardist Tucker, who performed and recorded everything by himself. The genre-less instrumental album contains hints of soul, rock, rare groove, lounge, cosmic and soundtrack-like sounds, with a touch of Asian...
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on October 28, 2011
Urbangarde "Mental Hells"
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde have a new album just out. I think it's their 4th album though it's their first since their move to a major label. This contains a different version of latest single "tokimeki ni shisu" as well...
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 17:01. | Released on October 26, 2011
Harvard "Hahvahd"
Pop unit Harvard are officially back together, after disbanding once in 2007. Recently they had been performing some live shows now and then, and finally here's a brand new album! Check out the new video below, they're as catchy as...
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on November 2, 2011
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku sings New Wave"
Out this week is this new Hatsune Miku compilation of new wave covers sung by the virtual idol. Included are songs originally by Plastics, Nomiya Maki, Portable Rock, Juicy Fruits, Hikashu, P-Model, Halmens, Cosmic Invention and more. The compilation is...
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 00:24. | Released on October 26, 2011
Lullatone "Soundtracks for Everyday Adventures"
Nagoya dreamy toy pop unit Lullatone have a new album coming this week! The Japanese edition CD comes with a bookmark that allows you to 3 downloadable bonus tracks. Order it directly from the band via Bandcamp, or at the...
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 22:41. | Released on October 20, 2011
Luvraw & BTB "Hotel Pacifica"
Yokohama-based mellow talkbox duo Luvraw & BTB (MySpace) have a 2nd album coming. Their previous album was "Yokohama City Blues" released in summer 2010. This time they aim at making a soundtrack for fall evenings. Included is a cover of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:50. | Released on October 19, 2011
Rocketman x Kawashima Ai "soredemo bokutachi wa ikiteyuku ~ go a long way together" (Download)
Rocketman's latest track features singer Kawashima Ai, and is coming to you as a worldwide iTunes release (23 countries). This song was first released freely as an instrumental after the March disaster, along with efforts by Fukawa Ryō and his...
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on October 12, 2011
Matsunagota Rhythm Section "Groovy Situation Dub"
Bassist Matsunaga Takayoshi and drummer Yashiki Gōta, both former members of Japan's first dub band Mute Beat (mainly active in the 80's), are now back as a new unit appropriately named Matsunagota Rhythm Section. Their first album is out now,...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 10:24. | Released on October 5, 2011
Hatakeyama Miyuki "waga utsukushiki furusato yo"
Singer-songwriter Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) celebrates her 10th anniversary since her solo debut with a 5th original album. Included are mainly new original songs, and also covers of standards "What A Wonderful World", "Moon River" and "Over The Rainbow"....
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:59. | Released on December 7, 2011
Takagi Masakatsu "Tama Tama", "Niyodo" (Download)
Takagi Masakatsu has not one but two new soundtracks now available on iTunes Japan. The first, "Tama Tama" is for a road movie featuring actress Aoi Yū travelling around Ireland, to start in theaters from October 15. The second, titled...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:51. | Released on October 5, 2011
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions "Magnetic Soil"
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, a jazzy band that mixes in sounds of rock, punk, electro and funk, have a new (7th!) album out just now, their first in 2 years. This includes the title track from single "Movin'" released earlier...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:28. | Released on October 5, 2011
Urbangarde "tokimeki ni shisu"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a new single out just recently, their 2nd major single. There's also news of a first major album coming on November 26, on which this single's title track will be included in a different mix....
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 20:36. | Released on September 28, 2011
Sakai Masaaki & Crazy Ken Band "sonna koto iwanai de"
Crazy Ken Band's latest single is a duet with Sakai Masaaki, who used to sing in GS band The Spiders, lately better known as a TV personality. Included is a cover of "Mack the Knife", a song from The Threepenny...
Posted on October 7, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on September 14, 2011
Chloe "Norwegian Wood"
Singer dahlia sings all songs on this new cover album by Irma Records Japan-based producer unit Chloe. This is a concept album featuring only covers of songs mentioned in books by writer Murakami Haruki ("1Q84", "Norwegian Wood", "Kafka on the...
Posted on October 3, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on October 5, 2011
Maezono Naoki Group "tabun modotte mairimasu / itoshi no Macks" (7")
After 2 albums of only covers, here's a first original song from Maezono Naoki Group, coming as a 7" and a few days later for download. The title track has music written by Kirinji's Horigome Takaki and lyrics by the...
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 23:50. | Released on October 2, 2011
Perfume "JPN"
And here's a 4th album by Perfume! The title is "JPN". Has it already been over 2 years since "⊿"? Included are all 8 songs from the 4 singles released since ("fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite", "VOICE",...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:43. | Released on November 30, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
Panda 1/2 "natsu o buttobase ~Wild Summer 2012~" (Download)
Neo-Shibuya-kei unit Panda 1/2 has another fun release out just now, on iTunes only again. There's not only a brand new pop'n'roll summer song, but also a Plus-Tech Squeeze Box remix of "chūkagai ukiuki dori"! Panda 1/2 "natsu o buttobase...
Posted on August 24, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on August 24, 2011
Omodaka "Sanosa"
Omodaka, solo unit of Terada Sōichi (aka Far East Recording) that mixes chiptune and Japanese traditional singing, has a full-length album out now. This contains remastered versions of all songs from maxi-singles released since 2001, plus 5 brand new songs....
Posted on August 21, 2011 at 11:25. | Released on August 14, 2011
EeL "fuwafuwa pink jellyfishes floating in the sky" (Download)
EeL has a new single available right now! "fuwafuwa pink jellyfishes floating in the sky" is a 2-track digital that might give an idea of what might be to expect on EeL's next album. Also check out this "EeL Mix...
Posted on August 20, 2011 at 11:29. | Released on August 18, 2011
Jimi Shijimi "Shijimi no onna"
New-comer female singer Jimi Shijimi has a debut single out now, produced by multi-talent artist Lily Franky. The single includes remixes by FPM and Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, InK), and the limited edition comes with the music...
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on August 17, 2011
salyu x salyu "hanashitai anata to" (Download)
A new song by salyu x salyu again produced by Cornelius (who produced her recent album salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams") is now available for download on iTunes Japan. The song, of which the title translates to "I want to talk...
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 00:29. | Released on August 10, 2011
Magic Party "2 tai 5"
Boy-girl unit Magic Party has a new mini-album with a concept of inviting 5 different artists to produce each track, hence the title that translates to "2 vs 5". Those producers are Konishi Yasuharu, Kaji Hideki, Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on August 17, 2011
yanokami "Bamboo Music" (Download)
yanokami, the unit of rei harakami and Yano Akiko, has a new song available for download. This is a cover of "Bamboo Music", a song from 1982 by Sakamoto Ryūichi and David Sylvian (hear the original on YouTube). rei harakami...
Posted on August 4, 2011 at 23:53. | Released on August 3, 2011
OCTET Sunaga t "Kiev no sora feat. Jukka Eskola-TRI4TH" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new song available exclusively on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Japanese 80's dub band Mute Beat's "Kiev no sora" (hear the original), an anti-nuclear song first recorded after the Chernobyl nuclear...
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 20:28. | Released on July 27, 2011
Pyokn "Be Yourself" (Download)
Label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records) has a new digital release available now for female vocal unit Pyokn. The 3 main tracks have been selected from previously released on album "Colorful Vibration" (2004, Amazon), and remastered to suit the label's direction....
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on July 27, 2011
Original Love "hakunetsu"
Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five), has a new album coming this week! For this album Tajima says having played all instruments and done everything by himself down to mixing and mastering. It also includes a...
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 19:52. | Released on July 27, 2011
Rocketman feat. Treindle Reina "Love Disco" (Download)
Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) has a new disco-ish track out digitally, featuring fashion model Treindle Reina (half-Austrian half-Japanese) on vocals. This is available on iTunes Japan as either just audio or a music video. Watch the preview clip below....
Posted on July 20, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on July 20, 2011
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "moshimoshi Harajuku"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, aka teenage fashion magazine model Kyary, has a first mini-album coming next month and it's produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! Of course it's right to expect more of his electro-pop sound. Check out the first video below...
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on August 17, 2011
Captain Funk "Versions 2011" (Download)
Captain Funk aka Tatsuya Ōe has a new digital EP of remixes, including ones of tracks originally released on albums "Sunshine" (2009, Amazon) and "Heavy Mellow" (2007). French artist Bestrack also contributes a remix. Samples of all 4 tracks can...
Posted on July 12, 2011 at 23:02. | Released on July 11, 2011
Nomiya Maki "Looker" (Download)
Nomiya Maki has a new 2-song single available on HearJapan and iTunes Japan from today! These two songs have been the theme of her on-going "Looker" tour. Maki's site says that Looker is actually the name of her new solo...
Posted on July 6, 2011 at 00:33. | Released on July 6, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Black Screen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new club track available on iTunes (Japan) only. The song was made especially for a TV commercial for DoCoMo's SH-12C phone, which can be viewed here. A music video is planned to be made available...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 19:11. | Released on June 22, 2011
Kaseki Cider "Sound Burger Planet"
Kaseki Cider is a rapper who debuted in the mid-90's with ties to the Shibuya-kei scene but then went into a long hiatus, 13 years later he's now back with a 3rd album that promises a lot of fun! This...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 01:21. | Released on June 29, 2011
Various Artists "kirakira Ghibli -Returns-"
Here's another release from the "Kirakira Ghibli" series, this time featuring covers and remixes by various young artists from the club, chip-tune and electronic scenes such as Tofubeats, Novoiski, Idiot Pop, and many more. Check out the sampler clip below....
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 00:56. | Released on June 22, 2011
DadaD "Go Around"
DadaD (pronounced "da da da") is making a major debut with this new maxi-single. The girl-boy duo makes guitar-driven pop songs with non-intrusive beats and an amount of synths. Singer Kate, who is half-Taiwanese and half-Japanese, sings in English and...
Posted on June 18, 2011 at 11:05. | Released on June 22, 2011
spoon+ "birth"
Fun indies techno-pop/electro-pop unit spoon+ (MySpace) has a first album coming next week. They have been quite active performing many shows, in which singer-songwriter aco dances and sings in front of a large screen of synchronized video. Before this album...
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 22:29. | Released on June 21, 2011
Yellow Magic Orchestra "YMO"
Here's yet another greatest hits album from Yellow Magic Orchestra selected by the 3 members. Worth of mention are the inclusions of HASYMO's "Tokyo Town Pages" (2008) and some tracks from live albums (tracks 4, 5 from "Faker Holic" and...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on June 15, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
Tokyo Girls' Style "kodō no himitsu / sayonara, arigatō."
5-girl teenage idol group Tokyo Girls' Style, in Japan better known as Tokyo joshiryū, have a new single coming this week for which YMCK contributed not only a remix but also a video clip! Even the single's jacket seems to...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 00:22. | Released on May 18, 2011
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#1"
Following the popularity of "suggested function EP#2" released last January, here comes Cherryboy Function's rare "#1" that was released on 12" only in 2006 and sold out almost instantly. Added are two remixes that were previously only available on the...
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on May 18, 2011
mito "Dawns"
mito, bassist of band clammbon, has a solo album coming next week. Featured are many guests including electronic artist agraph, pianist kotringo, and members of bands toe and Rovo. Plus, the album is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! Released at the...
Posted on May 15, 2011 at 01:26. | Released on May 18, 2011
Logic System "RMXLOGIX (with Special Tracks)"
This remix EP of Logic System's track "Clash" (1980) features remixes by 80kidz, JxJx (Your Song Is Good), Dub Master X and DJ Harvey. Also included are two previously unreleased tracks! Logic System is the project of Matsutake Hideki, often...
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 00:36. | Released on May 18, 2011
Various Artists "Jazzy GAGA"
As the title says, here's a compilation of jazzy covers of songs from Lady Gaga's albums "The Fame" and "The Monster". This Japan-only release consists of studio recordings produced by club-jazz artists Miura Makoto and DJ Niche, and featuring Saigenji,...
Posted on May 11, 2011 at 21:30. | Released on May 18, 2011
Macdonald Duck Eclair "kono tokimeki imasugu"
Pico-pico rock band Macdonald Duck Eclair are back with a 3rd album! It's been 5 years since "The Genesis Songbook" (2005, Usagi-chang Records), and this time they're back to their roots on K.O.G.A Records which released their debut maxi-single "Many...
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 01:43. | Released on May 11, 2011
Towa Tei "Sunny"
Towa Tei is back with a brand new, 6th album! "Sunny" is the 3rd of a trilogy started with "Flash" and "Big Fun". Featured guests include Hatori Miho (Cibo Matto), Takahashi Yukihiro, Hosono Haruomi (both YMO), Yasuda Toshiyuki, Natural Calamity,...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on May 11, 2011
Sakura gakuin "Sakura gakuin 2010nendo ~message~"
Here's the first album from idol group Sakura Gakuin. I'm bringing it up because the song "Dear Mr.Socrates", sung by sub-group Twinklestars (the "baton" section) is produced by ex-Cymbals' Okii Reiji, and despite the clear idol direction with the many...
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 27, 2011
sōtaiseiriron "tadashii sōtaiseiriron"
sōtaiseiriron have been around for 4 years and have released 3 albums. This new one features songs from the previous albums along with some brand new recordings, all revamped by many famous artists: Cornelius, Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Ōtomo Yoshihide,...
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on April 27, 2011
April Set "Fairground"
April Set, the solo project of DJ Suzuki Masanori, has a new full-length album coming this week, containing both covers and original songs with bossa, house, jazz and disco sounds. Featured are vocalists Necozawa Emi, Okawara Izumi (Qypthone), Pecombo, Suzuki...
Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:39. | Released on April 27, 2011
Various Artists "Love Motown"
In the same line as the popular "Soul Source" series, here comes a Motown remix album that can't be ignored. Featured are remixes by Plus-Tech Squeeze Box, Dorian, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tofubeats and more! Check out a sample audio digest at the...
Posted on April 2, 2011 at 10:41. | Released on April 6, 2011
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kōkotsu", "Monzetsu!! namakinoko zuroku" (Book)
Kinoco Hotel has a brand new original album coming up, being announced as their first full-length album. The title translates to "Marianne's ecstasy", and the CD will include a video clip as CD-Extra content in a "not suitable for children"...
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 22:10. | Released on April 6, 2011
Panda 1/2 "Panda! Panda! Panda!" (Download)
Panda 1/2 have a new pop track available for download. The title, "Panda! Panda! Panda!" The sound breathes Shibuya-kei! Watch a trailer of the video below, showing producer James Panda Jr. visiting the pandas of the world. Today March 21,...
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:08. | Released on March 16, 2011
Chabe "Me."
Cubismo Grafico aka Matsuda Gakuji is back with a new album, his first under his popular nickname, Chabe. This includes songs from last December's now sold out debut 10" EP that marked the opening of his KIT Gallery, and contains...
Posted on March 7, 2011 at 21:24. | Released on March 16, 2011
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams"
Singer Salyu has a new album coming this month under the name "salyu x salyu" ("salyu by salyu"), and music is written and produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) who she says made her discover new things about her voice. This...
Posted on March 5, 2011 at 14:52. | Released on April 13, 2011
Sloppy Joe "The Boy Who Talks About Someone" (Download)
Going hand-in-hand with the upcoming Sloppy Joe album "With Kisses Four" (out March 9) is this iTunes-only EP of lead track "The Boy Who Talks About Someone" including remixes by HNC and The Pegasuss. Sloppy Joe "The Boy Who Talks...
Posted on March 3, 2011 at 23:40. | Released on March 2, 2011
Sloppy Joe "With Kisses Four"
The next offering from HNC's White Lily Records is this 1st full-length album by Sloppy Joe, guitar-pop band of five that debuted with a mini-album and 7" in 2006. Artwork is by Yuppa (HNC). A few audio samples at White...
Posted on February 26, 2011 at 00:21. | Released on March 9, 2011
If By Yes "Salt On Sea Glass"
If By Yes is a new all-star band led of Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) with Petra Haden (that dog., The Rentals), Araki Yuko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group) and Shimizu Hirotaka (also of The Cornelius Group)! This first album also features...
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 22:27. | Released on March 2, 2011
Bakubaku Dokin "guppy" (Download)
First released last December on Towa Tei's Mach Beat digital label (which unfortunately only sells within Japan so far), here comes a first song by Bakubaku Dokin on iTunes! The wacky 2-girl unit formed of Naoko and Yui is produced...
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on February 16, 2011
