Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza),...
Posted on June 5, 2019 at 00:04. | Released on June 5, 2019
xiangyu "The First ○○ Picture Book"
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) is a newcomer solo female artist who debuted last year. Her music is produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). Following a few digital releases since October 2018, here comes her first physical mini-album! You can also enjoy...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 22:27. | Released on May 22, 2019
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "kimi ga iine kuretara" (Download)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single out now digitally! "kimi ga iine kuretara" translates to "If you gave me a 'Like'". It's the theme song of TV drama "mukai no Buzz-ru kazoku". As always, it's written and produced...
Posted on May 10, 2019 at 22:15. | Released on May 10, 2019
HALLCA "Show the Night" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has just released a new track digitally! "Show the Night" is a brand new song written by herself and arranged by PellyColo. HALLCA's next show will be her self-organized event "Tipsy Bar Vol.4" on...
Posted on May 6, 2019 at 23:22. | Released on May 6, 2019
Mom "Detox"
21-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a new 2nd album being released this month! Check out his cool tracks & smooth vocals that are quite irresistible. This album follows "Playground" released in November 2018 (CDJapan, Spotify, ). HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on May 22, 2019
Magic, Drums & Love "Hurricane Upsetter"
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a brand new album coming this month! The whole was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico). With a base sound of soul/disco, there are felt influences of exotica, city pop...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 20:25. | Released on May 15, 2019
HALLCA "Moisture Milk" (Download)
Today HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out now digitally! This one was produced by PellyColo, and it concludes a series of three monthly releases (see also "Wanna Dance!" and "burning in blue"). HALLCA's next live...
Posted on April 1, 2019 at 22:22. | Released on April 1, 2019
HALLCA "burning in blue" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out now digitally! "burning in blue" is a track arranged by Rillsoul, who also produced "guilty pleasure" on "Apéritif e.p". One more song is to follow on April 1st. Stay...
Posted on March 1, 2019 at 23:24. | Released on March 1, 2019
MANON "Winter Lil Life feat. Sleet Mage" (Download)
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) who just turned 17 recently has a brand new song out today digitally! "Winter Lil Life" is as usual produced by Yuppa (HNC), and it features young Hokkaido rapper Sleet Mage (YouTube...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 20:53. | Released on February 22, 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
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.
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
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
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
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
Neil and Iraiza "Timeless Melodies" (10")
Neil and Iraiza, the band of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico) and Horie Hirohisa (The Cornelius Group, etc.), released last December a new album titled "Timeless Melodies". It is now being released on 10" vinyl! Neil and Iraiza "Timeless...
Posted on July 18, 2018 at 22:56. | Released on August 22, 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
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
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
Avandoned "After School c/w bakuhatsu suru Romance" (CD+7")
Idol duo Avandoned have a new single out this week! Like previous single "Donut Friends", this is produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The A-side was written by members of Koncos, and the B-side by...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on May 23, 2018
Sawagi "Kabo Wabo"
Sawagi, a band that gives an energetic show of dance music played with live instruments, has a new album coming and it's co-produced by Chabe (Learners, cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza)! A remix by Chabe as cbsmgrfc is also included....
Posted on May 21, 2018 at 22:49. | Released on May 23, 2018
Non "Super Heroes", "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~" (DVD)
Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival. With five songs written by...
Posted on May 2, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on May 9, 2018
YMCK "Magical Galaxy Tour EP" (Download)
YMCK is releasing a new EP, and on the same day doing a rare one-man show in Ebisu! The EP consists of 4 songs including collaborations with Robotprins (Sweden), Mega Ran (U.S.), and a mysterious rapper named MC8bit, and also...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 23:44. | Released on April 14, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kimi No Mikata" (Download)
Out now digitally worldwide is a brand new single by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu! "Kimi No Mikata" is her first new song since last year's "Easta" single. Check out the video below which consists of just one tricky scene! Kyary...
Posted on April 11, 2018 at 21:46. | Released on April 11, 2018
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 2018
Shonen Knife "Alive! in Osaka"
Shonen Knife has just released a new live album, recorded at Fandango in Osaka on December 22, 2017. This show was performed by Naoko, Atsuko and Risa. It seems that an overseas edition is also to be released on May...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:41. | Released on March 14, 2018
Bakubaku Dokin "Darara / tasogare no Catherine" (7")
Following a great single titled "Good Night Baby" released just last month, here's a 2nd 7" from Bakubaku Dokin. The A-side "Darara" is said to be a mellow tune that sounds best at night, while B-side "tasogare no Catherine"...
Posted on February 20, 2018 at 22:21. | Released on February 28, 2018
lyrical school "'Take Me Out' on Dec 16"
Rap idol group lyrical school has a first live album being released, of a show held on December 16, 2017, at Liquidroom in Ebisu, Tokyo. Included are live opening song "debayashi" as well as previously unreleased live favorites "(Get Around!)...
Posted on February 5, 2018 at 23:06. | Released on February 14, 2018
Tentenko "kiken na anata"
The 2nd EP of Tentenko (ex-BiS) is being released on CD. This was first released on iTunes on December 6. Included is a cover of classic techno-kayō song "Robot" (originally sung by Sakakibara Ikue). "nantonaku abunai" was written by Sakamoto...
Posted on January 14, 2018 at 13:09. | Released on January 17, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "ACID TEKNO DISKO BEATz"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has released a new solo album for his 50th birthday, December 26, 2017. This comes 1½ year after "LUNATIQUE" (2016). All tracks can be sampled at CDJapan, etc. An anthology box set and a new Denki...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 14:15. | Released on December 27, 2017
Neil and Iraiza "Timeless Melodies"
Neil and Iraiza, the band of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico) and Horie Hirohisa (The Cornelius Group, etc.), is back with a brand new album! This comes 15 years after "New School" (2002)! "Timeless Melodies" is packed with warm...
Posted on December 18, 2017 at 23:58. | Released on December 20, 2017
Various Artists "Ace 2", "Ace ep" (7"x2)
Konishi Yasuharu compiles another CD from Sony's J-Pop hit catalog, consisting of songs that have not been released on 7". This follows the release of "Ace" last February that was the starting point to the release of several 7" singles...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 23:20. | Released on September 13, 2017
Manon "Beat The Bad Luck" (Download)
Half-Japanese half-French 15-year-old model Manon has a 2nd track out now! This time the song has an indie-pop flavor, and it's again written & produced by Yuppa (HNC)! Hear it on YouTube below, and you can also find it...
Posted on July 29, 2017 at 00:53. | Released on July 28, 2017
Manon "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (Download)
Manon is a 15-year-old model, and here comes a debut single written & produced by Yuppa (HNC)! Check it out on YouTube below, as well as on iTunes, Spotify, etc. This is released on new label Caticorn Records. Manon...
Posted on July 8, 2017 at 00:10. | Released on July 7, 2017
Cornelius "anata ga iru nara" (7")
Cornelius has a brand new 7" single out today! Grab it now at Jet Set while you can. Another 7" is due for May 26, after which a new album will follow on June 28! Shows will be held...
Posted on April 26, 2017 at 21:48. | Released on April 26, 2017
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Easta", "KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Nippon Budokan" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming in time for Easter, and it's called "Easta"! Both new songs were produced by Nakata Yasutaka, and are used respectively in commercials for Aeon's Easter campaign and Glico's "Ice no mi"....
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 19:19. | Released on April 5, 2017
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
Steve Nakamura "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Artworks 2011-2016" (Book)
Here's a first Kyary Pamyu Pamyu art book highlighting visual works by art director and designer Steve Nakamura. Approximately 300 works are included, covering her entire discography so far, as well as commentary by Steve and an interview of...
Posted on December 16, 2016 at 23:56. | Released on December 8, 2016
Halmens X "35 seiki"
Halmens X is a limited time project led by two original members of new wave band Halmens (formed in 1979), Saeki Kenzo and Sensui Toshiro. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the release of album "Halmens no 20 seiki" (1981),...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 11:49. | Released on September 21, 2016
Izumi Ookawara "Friendly Ghost" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has two new songs about to be released on iTunes! Both were written by herself, and co-arranged by guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (Qypthone) and pianist Mami Oonishi. Both tracks also feature Suzuki Kaoru on drums among others....
Posted on September 27, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on September 28, 2016
Predawn "Absence"
Female singer-songwriter and guitarist Predawn has a 2nd full-length album out now, follow-up to "A Golden Wheel" (2013)! Check out the special page here. HMV offers a special set including a tote bag. A tour will be held through December,...
Posted on September 22, 2016 at 12:25. | Released on September 21, 2016
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP Best"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a greatest hits album coming this month! The album consists of 2 CDs full of KPP's best songs so far. Also included are previously unreleased songs "5iVE YEARS MONSTER", "kanzen keitai" and "KPP ON STAGE". You...
Posted on May 2, 2016 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Sai & Co"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single out this week! "Sai & Co" is a song that's being used in a Coca Cola commercial in which she appears. The theme song of her original ride at Universal Studio Japan, "Cosmetic...
Posted on April 19, 2016 at 23:30. | Released on April 20, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie?" (Blu-ray/DVD), "tofunsai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Denki Groove has released two Blu-ray/DVDs just recently! The first is "Denki Groove The Movie", a documentary of the group's 25 years so far that was shown on big screens throughout Japan at the end of 2015. This features a...
Posted on April 13, 2016 at 00:27. | Released on March 30, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie? -The Music Selection-"
Denki Groove's official documentary movie "Denki Groove The Movie" is being screened in theaters throughout Japan since December 26 for a limited time. The movie is full of rare footage covering the band's history since it was founded in 1989....
Posted on December 31, 2015 at 21:51. | Released on December 23, 2015
Hamada Bamyu Bamyu "Nandeya Nen Nen"
Here's a funny one. Popular comedian Hamada Masatoshi (of comedy unit Downtown) parodies Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in this single released as Hamada Bamyu Bamyu. This gets interesting as the track is produced by none other than Nakata Yasutaka, and...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 22:37. | Released on December 16, 2015
De De Mouse "farewell holiday!"
De De Mouse has released this month a 5th album, follow-up to "sky was dark" (2012). This album features many acoustic instruments. Included is a download card that gives access to bonus remixes, to which one song is being added...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 19:18. | Released on December 2, 2015
Learners "Learners"
Learners is the newest band of Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico Five), together fronted by model/singer Sara Mary (half-American half-Japanese). Following the release of three 7" singles, here comes their first full-length album, consisting of mainly covers. They have a...
Posted on December 23, 2015 at 13:57. | Released on December 16, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP MV01" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Here's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's first collection of video clips! All of her videos since her debut in 2011 are included, plus 24 minutes of previously unreleased bonus footage. The limited edition comes in a special package with a deluxe booklet...
Posted on September 27, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on September 30, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Crazy Party Night ~Pumpkin no gyakushū~"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single out today! "Crazy Party Night" is a Halloween-themed dance track. Included are also 3 more new songs of which bits have been heard in TV commercials recently. As always, all are written...
Posted on September 2, 2015 at 22:21. | Released on September 2, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu album vinyl reissues
This one is for KPP's hardcore fans, DJs and vinyl collectors. All of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's albums (and debut mini-album) to date are being released on vinyl. Full-length albums come as a set of two records, keeping the songs in...
Posted on August 16, 2015 at 12:29. | Released on August 19, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 2014 Japan Arena Tour Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic Toy Box" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new DVD/Blu-ray coming this week. The 2-disc set contains a whole show held in Tokyo from last year's Japan Arena Tour, plus another show from London (part of the "Nanda Collection World Tour 2014") with...
Posted on June 7, 2015 at 13:44. | Released on June 10, 2015
Negicco "LIVE & LIFE Negicco 2014-15 Winter" (DVD)
Negicco has a new DVD out this week, consisting of a full band-backed one man show held on January 25 at Ebisu Liquidroom in Tokyo. Plus, a documentary of the release event for single "hikari no Spur" is also included....
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:21. | Released on April 7, 2015
(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering. A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:00. | Released on March 18, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a...
Posted on March 1, 2015 at 18:31. | Released on March 18, 2015
akiko "Rockin' jivin' swingin'"
Jazz singer akiko has a brand new album out now, of rockin', jivin' and swingin' songs (as the title says!) from the 40's and 50's. Featured musicians include Gentle Forest Jazz Band, Blue Moon Quartet, Fats & Fats, and also...
Posted on February 8, 2015 at 20:09. | Released on February 4, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
Kojima Mayumi "On the Road"
Kojima Mayumi has a 9th album out now! Her back-band features Kaji Hideki on bass, with guest appearances by Asa-chang and others. All songs are originals. Her "last show of the year" is to be held on December 18 at...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 14:47. | Released on December 3, 2014
Vanilla Beans "uchōten Girl"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new powerful single! The song "uchōten Girl" has music that was originally written in the 80's for idol group Wink (by hit songwriter Inoue Daisuke), though it ended up unused until Vanilla Beans' staff...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 22:20. | Released on November 11, 2014
Yun*chi "Wonderful Wonder World*"
Here's a new single by Yun*chi, follow-up to mini-album "Starlight*" released earlier this year. This includes tracks produced by Missile Chewbacca ("Fairy*") and London artist bo en ("Dancing*"). The title track is being used as the ending theme of TV...
Posted on October 27, 2014 at 22:12. | Released on October 22, 2014
Kushibiki Sayaka "koi suru unmei"
Follow-up to cover album "Day & Midnight", here's a new original album by singer-songwriter Kushibiki Sayaka, backed by arrangers such as Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico), Koncos, The Keys, and more artists from the Niw! Records family. A 7" cut...
Posted on September 15, 2014 at 22:47. | Released on September 24, 2014
Frontier Backyard "Gladness"
Frontier Backyard is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and they have a new remix album out now featuring remixes by Cubismo Grafico, Halfby, Dorian, Avec Avec, YOSUKEKOTANI (Harvard), TA-1 (Furuta Taichi of Koncos), Yasei Collective, and more. The band will be...
Posted on September 7, 2014 at 20:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
Kaji Hideki "Ice Cream Man"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album coming this week! "Ice Cream Man" takes inspiration of Jonathan Richman's song of the same name. All songs are originals, and feature guest vocalists such as Nomiya Maki, Kojima Mayumi, Sakamoto Miu, Shoko,...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 14:22. | Released on August 6, 2014
COR!S "Across Time & Space"
COR!S is a young electro singer-songwriter from Osaka who has the skills to entirely self-produce her music down to mastering (formula that reminds of Nakata Yasutaka). She has previously produced tracks for Yun*chi (among others) and remixes for mishmash*Julie Watai...
Posted on July 13, 2014 at 23:00. | Released on June 15, 2014
Yun*chi "Starlight*"
This is a new mini-album by singer Yun*chi, from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Title track "Starlight*" is produced by Jazzin'park, while other producers include TeddyLoid, Aoki Taka (metro trip) and more. Also included is a remix by...
Posted on July 3, 2014 at 21:56. | Released on July 2, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pika Pika Fantajin"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 3rd full-length album coming very soon! "Pika Pika Fantajin" includes singles "Kira Kira Killer", "Family Party" (new album mix), "Yume No Hajima RIng Ring" (new album mix), "Mottai-Nightland" and its B-side "sungoi Aura" (new album...
Posted on June 28, 2014 at 23:45. | Released on July 9, 2014
Bakubaku Dokin "Bakubaku Dokin"
Bakubaku Dokin, the wacky and mysterious 2-girl unit formed of Yui and Naoko, finally has a debut mini-album out now! Previously they have released a 3-song EP on Towa Tei's digital label Machbeat, and also appeared on his albums "MACH2012"...
Posted on June 21, 2014 at 17:14. | Released on June 20, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Magical Wonder Castle" (DVD/Blu-ray)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a live DVD/Blu-ray coming, of footage from two shows held at Yokohama Arena on January 18 and 19, 2014. These shows were her first solo shows at an arena, and had audiences totaling 24,000 people. The...
Posted on June 6, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on June 11, 2014
Charisma.com "DIStopping"
Charisma.com is a hip-hop group of two girls from Yokohama and Kawasaki (Kanagawa prefecture), one MC (Itsuka) and one DJ (Gonchi). This is their first full-length album, released on the same day as compilation "Women in Music selected by Cibo...
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 4, 2014
Sunaga t Experience "Inugami Jazz EP" (12")
Sunaga t Experience has a new 12" EP coming! Two brand new jazzy covers up to the usual standards. Both can be heard in full at SoundCloud. Sunaga Tatsuo goes far with this release, also putting together a premium set...
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 23:16. | Released in May 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kira Kira Killer" (CD+Goods)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single with the theme of "luck", coming as a limited edition of 7777. The package contains not only a CD, but also some goodies: a signed mini-poster, a sticker, and the enclosing vinyl pouch....
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 11:48. | Released on June 11, 2014
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no jubaku"
Group sounds girl band Kinoco Hotel have a new original album out this month, follow-up to "Marianne no yūwaku" (2012). This is also their first original album since new bassist Julietta Kirishima was recruited. A deluxe edition limited to 1000...
Posted on May 5, 2014 at 11:29. | Released on May 14, 2014
Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Family Party"
Here's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's new single! "Family Party" was written especially for upcoming animated movie "Crayon Shin-chan: Serious Battle! Robot Dad Strikes Back" (Wikipedia) to open in theaters in Japan on April 19. Check out the video clip below! Both...
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 22:05. | Released on April 16, 2014
Tempura Kidz "minna no Dance uta"
Kids dance crew Tempura Kidz (which comes from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) has a new mini-album coming. Included are covers of popular kids songs produced by various artists, such as "Computer obaachan" by YMCK, "sakura sakura" by...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 21:10. | Released on March 12, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Yume No Hajima Ring Ring"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming this week! In addition to the new song, another new song ("Slow-mo") which has been featured in a TV commercial for eyewear brand ALOOK. Also an extended version of previous single "Mottai-Nightland"....
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 21:31. | Released on February 26, 2014
Yun*chi "Asterisk*"
Yun*chi is from agency Asobisystem (the same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu), and this is her first full-length album. Half of the songs are brand new ones, while the rest have been previously released on mini-albums "Yun*chi" and "Shake you*", as...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:03. | Released on February 5, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "100% KPP World Tour 2013 Official Documentary" (DVD/Blu-ray)
This is a new DVD from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, a 90-minute documentary that follows her through last year's world tour that took her to 8 countries. A new world tour is about to start in February, taking KPP to the...
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on January 29, 2014
Various Artists "Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power!"
This new Disney cover compilation features girls only, from idol groups (such as Dempagumi.inc, BiS, Tokyo Girls' Style, hy4_4yh) to bands (akai kōen) and solo artists (Ōta Emiri, Maika Leboutet), and even Minnie Mouse. In terms of producers, Dempagumi.inc's track...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 00:45. | Released on January 22, 2014
80KIDZ "80:XX-01020304", Una "True of Lights / Danse Danse"
Indie dance unit 80KIDZ have released 4 EP of the "80" series ("80:01" to "80:04"), and this compilation album contains all tracks from these. All 4 EPs are also available on iTunes worldwide. Released at the same time is an...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:31. | Released on December 18, 2013
Sheena Ringo "ukina", "mitsugetsushō"
Sheena Ringo has two new albums out now. "ukina" consists of collaborations with other artists, including a new one with Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), and the previously unreleased "It Was You" written by Burt Bacharach. "mitsugetsushō" is a collection of her...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 11:28. | Released on November 13, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mottai-Nightland"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single on the way! This one is a tie-up with mobile carrier au, and the song is featured in the commercial. Needless to say, this is produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). The limited edition...
Posted on October 28, 2013 at 21:31. | Released on November 6, 2013
Horie Hirohisa "At Grand Gallery"
This is a first solo album by Horie Hirohisa (SoundCloud), better known as half of band Neil & Iraiza (together with Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji aka cubismo grafico) and as keyboardist for The Cornelius Group and pupa (band of Takahashi Yukihiro...
Posted on October 24, 2013 at 04:28. | Released on October 30, 2013
J.J. Abrams, Charles Scott, Nakata Yasutaka "Into Darkness (Digital Edit)" (Download)
Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) co-produced a song for the movie "Star Trek: Into Darkness", featuring vocals by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The song "Into Darkness" is said to be used in a futuristic club scene, in the Japanese edition of the movie....
Posted on August 18, 2013 at 15:24. | Released on July 10, 2013
BiS kaidan "BiS kaidan"
"Alternative" idol group BiS unites forces with veteran noise band hijōkaidan (founded in 1979), together forming the first ever noise-idol band: BiS kaidan. This album self-covers several of BiS' songs, and also brings a new cover of Togawa Jun's "suki...
Posted on August 18, 2013 at 00:37. | Released on August 7, 2013
Various Artists "ASOBITUNES"
This is a compilation from Harajuku-based agency Asobisystem, home of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and also behind parties "Asobinite!!!" and "Takenoko!!!". Featured are songs by many artists who have participated in these events. capsule's new track "Rainbow" is included, as well...
Posted on July 30, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on July 31, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "nanda Collection"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, currently very popular in Japan, has a new album dropping next week! "nanda Collection" (which I'd roughly translate to "What the...? collection") contains single hits "Fashion Monster", "kimi ni 100 Percent", "furisodeshon", "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", "Invader...
Posted on June 22, 2013 at 11:00. | Released on June 26, 2013
Koshi Miharu "Madame Crooner"
Koshi Miharu has a new album out now, said to be a collection of covers mainly of standards from the 30's and 40's, in arrangements that focus on piano and vocals. All songs can be sampled at the official release...
Posted on June 16, 2013 at 01:44. | Released on May 22, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Invader Invader"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming, for the song "Invader Invader" that's being heard in TV commercials for the GU fashion brand (by Uniqlo). She has already been performing the song on stage starting her 2nd world tour....
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 10:44. | Released on May 15, 2013
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no gyakushū"
Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album, actually a maniac selection of GS-oriented covers. Included are Tokyo Bravo's "Eleki de Swim" (1980, original on YouTube), Carmen Maki's "Noisy Baby" (1969, watch Kinoco Hotel's version below), Izumi Mishuko's "konya wa tottemo ikenai...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 10:33. | Released on May 1, 2013
tofubeats "Lost Decade", "university of remix", "college of remix"
1990-born young genius DJ tofubeats has a first full-length album out now! This features hit song "suisei" (feat. rapper Onomatope Daijin), as well as a lot of new tracks, including songs featuring vocalists Nanba Shiho, PUNPEE, G.RINA, Kariya Seira and...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:31. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninjya Re Bang Bang"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's next single is titled "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", song that's already being performed on stage in her ongoing world tour that dropped by Belgium, France and U.K. in February. The song is also used in a TV...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 16:58. | Released on March 20, 2013
Various Artists "NHK CD dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 17th"
This latest soundtrack for NHK kids program "dai! tensai terebi-kun" (aka "TV-kun") has tracks produced by Takanami Keitarō ("sora to umi no hikari"), Kamomiya Ryō ("bokuntoko koi Blues") (both ex-Pizzicato Five), The Aprils ("High Flying Girl"), Omodaka, Okii Reiji (Scott...
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 23:35. | Released on March 6, 2013
