Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Madras Express / Stay-Pressed" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band has another new 7" single out now! This time the band brings us two new groovy original instrumentals. A-sider "Madras Express" has over 5 minutes and spotlights the brass section in an afro-funk tune, while...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 10:38. | Released on November 11, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Easy Riding / I'll Close My Eyes" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band (official Facebook page) has a brand new 7" single out now! A-side "Easy Riding" is a brand new happy-sounding soft rock instrumental, while B-side is a vocal cover of jazz standard "I'll Close My Eyes"....
Posted on October 15, 2018 at 22:34. | Released on October 10, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
Sato Chiaki "SickSickSickSick"
Satō Chiaki (singer of Kinoko Teikoku) has a first solo mini-album out now! The whole is co-produced by Sunahara Yoshinori. Check out the video for "Summer Gate" below. Satō Chiaki "SickSickSickSick" 佐藤千亜妃 「SickSickSickSick」 1. SickSickSickSick 2. Summer Gate 3. Signal...
Posted on July 26, 2018 at 21:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
Wakita Monari "Ahead!"
Wakita Monari has a 2nd album being released this month! This is the follow-up to the excellent "I am ONLY" (2017). Included are several songs produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and also ones produced by microstar, Illicit Tsuboi (co-written...
Posted on July 15, 2018 at 23:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
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
Hello, Wendy! "No.9", "The First Encounter with Hello, Wendy!"
Hello, Wendy! (Facebook Page) is a unit of four synthesizer musicians led by Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) and also featuring Maika Loubté, Azuma Hitomi and Niitsu Yui (previously known as Neat's), with no use of computer programming. Following the release...
Posted on May 31, 2018 at 21:55. | Released on May 30, 2018
The Geno London "Geno London EP"
The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The...
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 00:16. | Released on April 11, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
YeYe "Mottainai"
Singer-songwriter YeYe has just released a 4th album earlier this month! Otherwise full of new songs, the album includes a self-cover of "TWIST", a song previously heard in a collaboration with Takano Hiroshi on "We Are Here" (2014). "yurayura" is...
Posted on November 26, 2017 at 13:34. | Released on November 8, 2017
The Lady Spade "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!"
The Lady Spade's first album, "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!", was released in 2009 and featured former vocalist Ruby aka Nosa Reina. It is now being released again in a remastered edition! The Lady Spade fans and also anyone...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:13. | Released on September 20, 2017
PARKGOLF "Reo"
Parkgolf (Twitter), a beatmaker/producer based in Hokkaidō whose debut album was released on Seiho's Day Tripper Records, has a 2nd album out now! "hyakunen" (feat. hitomitoi) and "Dance no aizu" (feat. Okamoto Emi) were also released on 7", find details...
Posted on August 14, 2017 at 23:03. | Released on August 9, 2017
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 3 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a 3rd compilation by Sunaga Tatsuo of the "yoru Jazz gaiden" series, part of his larger ongoing "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") series, which features many up-and-coming young Japanese jazz bands. Included is a brand new song by Sunaga t...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on August 2, 2017
Shibata Satoko "Do You Need a Rest From Love?"
Singer-songwriter Shibata Satoko has a 4th album out today! This is the follow-up to her eponymous album released in 2015. Two songs were arranged by Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), and one by Yamamoto Seiichi (Boredoms). In June she will tour Japan,...
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 23:05. | Released on May 17, 2017
Various Artists "Best of Pied Piper Days Vol.2"
Pied Piper House (official Twitter) was an influential record shop in Tokyo from 1975 to 1989. It has been revived for a limited time on the 5th floor of Tower Records Shibuya since last summer, first for an expected 6...
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 15:36. | Released on January 25, 2017
Crazy Ken Band "Hong Kong Taxi"
Crazy Ken Band's new album "Hong Kong Taxi" consists mainly of self-covers of songs first written for other artists. Included are songs first sung by Nagisa Yōko, Wada Akiko, SMAP, and many others. Also included are a few rare songs...
Posted on August 3, 2016 at 00:01. | Released on August 3, 2016
Various Artists "Bossa Brasilia 2016"
This compilation of samba/bossa nova songs was selected by DJ Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage), mainly from the vast repertory of UK label Far Out Recordings. Included is an original by Akakage taken from his "Fighissima" album (2006). Various Artists "Bossa...
Posted on July 18, 2016 at 01:08. | Released on July 20, 2016
YeYe "hito"
Singer-songwriter YeYe has a 3rd album out this week, follow-up to the brilliant "Hue Circle" (2013, CDJapan)! This includes latest single "ate a lemon". Check out its video below and also the sampler clip of all songs from the new...
Posted on July 12, 2016 at 20:41. | Released on July 13, 2016
YeYe "ate a lemon" (7"+CD)
Singer-songwriter YeYe has a brand new 7" single out now on Rallye! Follow-up to album "Hue Circle" (2013), this is a cut from an upcoming 3rd album to be released early summer. Check out the catchy song's fun and brilliant...
Posted on April 23, 2016 at 14:32. | Released on April 23, 2016
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
Re:Served "Chypre" (Download)
Re:Served, the electro unit of Momokomotion (ex-Futon) and Noemi, has released a first mini-album which is now available on iTunes. Cool, fun and catchy! You can read about each song on their official site. Re:Served "Chypre" (Download) 1. MIGOTO 2....
Posted on April 7, 2016 at 23:40. | Released on March 23, 2016
Nakatsuka Takeshi "EYE"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a brand new album coming! It has already been 3 years since "Lyrics". We're told to expect aggressive and thrilling new jazzy sounds. A release party will be held on April 21 at Daikanyama Unit (details)....
Posted on March 10, 2016 at 00:03. | Released on March 16, 2016
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Japanese Boy / Valentine Kiss" (7")
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new 7" out now! "Japanese Boy" is a cut from upcoming album "EYE" (to be released on March 16), while the B-side is a non-album track, a cover of Kokusho Sayuri's "Valentine Kiss" (1986)....
Posted on February 11, 2016 at 19:06. | Released on February 10, 2016
Nomoto Karia "Karia Nomoto F" (Book)
Nomoto Karia has created a self-produced photo book of herself as captured by five photographers: Leona Tamura, Ani Watanabe, Takanori Fujishiro, Shigeo Shidara and Rowland Kirishima. All photographers adopted distinctive themes and techniques giving the splendid full-color 80-page book a...
Posted on October 19, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on October 15, 2015
FPM "Moments"
FPM is celebrating the 20th anniversary since Fantastic Plastic Machine's debut, with this a trio of greatest hits albums that include tracks since the early days, including rare track "Mr. Salesman" (later to become "Dear Mr. Salesman" on the first...
Posted on September 29, 2015 at 23:04. | Released on September 30, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band no iyoru Jazz Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Let's start 2015 with this compilation of Crazy Ken Band's grooviest jazzy tracks, as compiled by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). This takes part of his long-going "yoru jazz" (Jazz Allnighters) series which started almost 10 years ago. Released on...
Posted on January 1, 2015 at 23:59. | Released on January 1, 2015
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
The Lady Spade "Reverse Shaped Black Heart"
The Lady Spade (sono na wa Spade) have a 2nd album coming! This is their first with current singer ATG (aka AliceToGizelle). Also their sound is now electro and danceable with an amount of rap. Songs range from happy sweets...
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 10:18. | Released on November 26, 2014
tofubeats "First Album"
tofubeats has a first major album out now. Titled "First Album", it actually follows indies album "Lost Decade" (2013). Included are collaborations with 9 guest artists, including previously released songs with Fujii Takashi ("Disco no kamisama", Moritaka Chisato ("Don't Stop...
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:57. | Released on October 2, 2014
Takano Hiroshi to subarashiki Rallye no nakamatachi "We are Here"
Takano Hiroshi (pupa, etc.) has released this month a collaboration album featuring various artists from the Rallye label. Included are songs with Miyauchi Yuri, little moa, YeYe, Concert, sugar me and milk. Audio samples of all songs can be heard...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 20:43. | Released on September 10, 2014
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | Released on September 3, 2014
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Ska Me Forever"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra have a new original album out now, marking their 25th anniversary. Included is a collaboration with FPM, and also ones with bands Asian Kung-Fu Generation, 10-Feet and Mongol800. FPM had previously collaborated with the band on...
Posted on August 17, 2014 at 13:49. | Released on August 13, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
quasimode "My Favorite Songs"
Jazz band quasimode have a new cover album out now, including covers of Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Boys Town Gang, Nat King Cole and more. The limited edition comes as a higher quality SHM-CD (plays in normal CD players) and a...
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 11:22. | Released on April 23, 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
Concert "Headache and Heartburn"
Kanazawa label Rallye brings this new vocal mini-album by pop duo Concert. Label-mates YeYe and milk are also featured. Concert "Headache and Heartburn" 1. aimaisa kaihi 2. Party and Cookie 3. dakishimetai 4. Modren Sandpaper 5. Eat 6. Goodbye Flatlander...
Posted on March 7, 2014 at 23:12. | Released on March 5, 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
Various Artists "yaba-kayō Super Nonstop Mix ~Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake (aka Fukuta Takeshi) is one of the selectors who brought us the hit "Techno kayō" compilation series under the name "8-bits" in the late 90's. This new mix CD brings various Japanese rare groove from the 60's to...
Posted on February 9, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on February 19, 2014
Various Artists "Nameko no CD 2"
Popular character Nameko inspired this compilation that features new tracks by the likes of YMCK, Kaseki Cider and YeYe, and many others. The first pressing comes with a bonus CD and Nameko handkerchief towel, so you might be lucky if...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 17:21. | Released on December 18, 2013
Various Artists "Couleur Cafe Presents JAZZ ME UP! with 21 jazz standard selected by akiko"
This jazz standards compilation was selected by jazz singer akiko with a focus on lyrics. Included is a previously unreleased song by akiko. The package comes as a 72-page book with a CD. Some tracks can be sampled on this...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 18:58. | Released on November 19, 2013
Maki Rinka with her Sweet Hollywaiians "The Peanut Vendor"
The latest from Orange Records is this new (mini-)album by singer Maki Rinka, backed by tropical strings band Sweet Hollywaiians. This acoustic album of swing jazz/latin covers was recorded using vintage microphones from the 20's to 60's. Maki Rinka with...
Posted on November 9, 2013 at 13:24. | Released on November 6, 2013
Dorian "midori"
MC-909 maestro Dorian, aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a brand new full-length original album out this week! On "midori" he explores more exotic and lounge themes, while expanding his world to sampling techniques. Guest musicians include Kashif (aka StringsBurn) and...
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 17:06. | Released on November 6, 2013
Tarte Tatin "The Gutenberg Galaxy"
Indie-pop duo Tarte Tatin have a 2nd album out now! The unit has actually changed both singers since the previous album, as the previous two quit to focus on their studies, and two new girls were selected by audition. This...
Posted on October 27, 2013 at 22:31. | Released on October 23, 2013
Cornelius "Design Ah" (10"), "The Cat that lived a Million times" (10")
Two 10" vinyl works by Cornelius are being released at the same time! The first is a cut of 6 tracks from the "NHK 'Design Ah'" soundtrack released on CD last year, including the vocal songs featuring Chocolat, Minekawa Takako,...
Posted on September 1, 2013 at 00:52. | Released on September 13, 2013
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
Idiot Pop "Toy Pop."
Idiot Pop is a mysterious techno-pop artist who debuted in 2009 with a self-titled album. After the release of two mini-albums ("Idiography E.P" and "Idiography, Vol.2") came 2nd album "EXWORLD" in 2012. Now here's a first remix album "TOY POP"...
Posted on June 15, 2013 at 13:33. | Released on May 16, 2013
Crazy Ken Band "ma, iiya"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single out now! Title song "ma, iiya" (translates to "oh well") is the theme song for movie "Tsuya no yoru" to start in theaters on January 26. Crazy Ken Band "ma, iiya" クレイジーケンバンド 「ま、いいや」...
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 22:45. | Released on January 23, 2013
CANDLES "Fantastic parallel world"
Indies electro unit Candles has a new mini-album coming on January 30. This is their 2nd physical release, following "Evolutional Form" released last May. On December 5th was also released 3-song digital single "Parallel world" on iTunes worldwide, from which...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 22:09. | Released on January 30, 2013
Tomoki Kanda "Interstellar Interlude"
Kanda Tomoki (Being Borings) has a new solo album out now. Included are "Ride A Watersmooth Silver Stallion" previously released on the "Crue-L Café" compilation, and a cover of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World", for a...
Posted on January 3, 2013 at 00:00. | Released on December 21, 2012
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
mi-gu "Choose The Light"
mi-gu, the unit of drummer Araki Yuko and Shimizu Hirotaka (both also of part of The Cornelius Group, If By Yes, and Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band), has a 3rd album out now on Chimera Music in the U.S. The...
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 00:26. | Released on October 2, 2012
Yapani! "Yapani!Lab." (Download)
This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Lab are two original funky tunes by instrumental brass rock band Yapani!. This single has already made it to #1 on iTunes Japan's jazz chart! Yapani! can be caught live on October...
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 20:27. | Released on October 3, 2012
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
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
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
Gotye "Eyes Wide Open (Remix Bundle)" (Download)
Cornelius has contributed a track to the remix EP for Belgian-Australian artist Gotye's hit track "Eyes Wide Open" (original on YouTube) from latest album "Making Mirrors". This is available on iTunes worldwide, and also Amazon MP3 U.S. at least. Gotye...
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on August 22, 2012
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
Yucca "our journey (to anywhere we want)"
Wonderful post-rock band Yucca from Tokyo has a 3rd album out now, 6 years after the previous that was titled "the orange sun in my room". The hiatus had much to do with their drummer who broke a bone in...
Posted on June 9, 2012 at 21:31. | Released on June 9, 2012
Crazy Ken Band "Italian Garden"
Crazy Ken Band has a new album coming next week. This follows single "furyō Club" released earlier this month, included here along other recent singles "Wild de ikō!!!", "sonna koto iwanai de" and Crazy Ken Band "ippai ippai". The limited...
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 21:33. | Released on February 29, 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
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.
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.
Aira Mitsuki X Saori@destiny "X ~ Park of the Safari"
I'm a big fan of Aira Mitsuki, and have keeping an eye on her label-mate Saori@destiny as they're both produced by Terukado. It seems they've also been guesting at each other's shows lately, and now here's a collaboration album of...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:14. | Released on December 7, 2011
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
Crazy Ken Band "Wild de ikō!!!"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming, including 2 songs recently featured in TV commercials. Title track "Wild de iko!!!" was used in men's scalp care product "Rigaos", and "ikinokore!!!" for a pachinko CM (yes..!). This comes with a...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on November 23, 2011
Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah"
Here's what looks like a pretty good mix CD on the Shibuya-kei perspective, mixed by DJ Souljah. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah" 1. WISE × underslowjams / City Lights 2. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / utsukushiku...
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 14:32. | Released on June 22, 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
Cutie Pai "oningyō to mahō no Restaurant"
Techno-pop idol unit Cutie Pai (MySpace) has a 2nd album out now, with the theme of a full course at a restaurant. The title translates to "The dolls and the magical restaurant". Featured "dolls" are Mayu-chan, eye-taso (aka Julie Watai),...
Posted on January 1, 2011 at 20:35. | Released on December 22, 2010
Meg "Best Flight"
Meg has a first greatest hits album coming at the end of the month! Titled "Best Flight", it contains 17 of her best previously released tracks, most of which are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), but also contributions...
Posted on September 25, 2010 at 22:23. | Released on September 29, 2010
Various Artists "Love Songs from Marunouchi -The Lounge-"
This compilation is themed around "adult love songs to be played in a large city's lounge". Selected by Nakatsuka Takeshi, it contains mainly previously released tracks, mostly by Japanese jazz/lounge/club artists. A previously unreleased long version of Nakatsuka's cover of...
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 22:35. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
Crazy Ken Band "Mint Condition"
Crazy Ken Band has a brand new album out this week! Included is an album version of title track from single "1107" released last month, and a cover of Korean singer Park Sang Chul's "mujōken" (original at YouTube), for a...
Posted on August 12, 2010 at 22:41. | Released on August 11, 2010
Clémentine "Animentine ~ Bossa du animé", Meja "AniMeja ~ Ghibli songs"
Clémentine's latest is a cover album of popular anime songs, arranged in a bossa nova style. Themes from "Sazae-san", "chibi Maruko-chan", "Doraemon" are included amongst many others. Released at the same time is also a cover album by Swedish singer...
Posted on July 18, 2010 at 19:50. | Released on July 21, 2010
Gig report: Shinohara Tomoe's Ultra Relax Day 2010
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Wednesday, July 14, was a show celebrating the 15th anniversary of Shinohara Tomoe's debut album "Super Model". The album was reissued just recently with bonus tracks and an added DVD of...
Posted on July 17, 2010 at 21:07.
Crazy Ken Band "Best tsuru", "Best kame"
Crazy Ken Band's leader Yokoyama Ken will celebrate his 50th birthday this year on July 7. Fans are treated to two all-time greatest hits albums, each containing 15 tracks. This covers their whole career, and comes from two different labels,...
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 23:16. | Released on February 24, 2010
Various Artists "Attractions! Konishi Yasuharu Remixes 1996~2010"
Konishi Yasuharu has started a new label called Readymade V.I.C., hosted under major label Victor. This first release is a 2-CD collection of his best remixes from 1997 until now. Included are 6 brand new remixes using Victor's catalog (marked...
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 19:14. | Released on March 3, 2010
XXX Residents "Attack of Killer Black Eye Ball!!!!" (CD+DVD)
Spin-off from visual artist Ukawa Naohiro's Ukawanimation! project, XXX Residents is a mysterious multimedia cosplay unit paying tribute to of The Residents. Inside of the eyeballs, it is rumored that Ukawa himself is joined by musicians from iLL, Cicada... Also...
Posted on November 14, 2009 at 19:31. | Released on November 18, 2009
Crazy Ken Band "Girls! Girls! Girls!"
Crazy Ken Band is back with a new 11th album! It's their first on a major label. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD with live performances from the "Zero Tour". Crazy Ken Band "Girls! Girls! Girls!" クレイジーケンバンド 「ガール! ガール!...
Posted on August 15, 2009 at 16:02. | Released on August 12, 2009
Crazy Ken Band "Girl Friend"
Crazy Ken Band has moved to major label Universal (they were always indies until now!), and here comes a 1st major single. An album titled "Girls! Girls! Girls!" is on the way on August 12, stay tuned! This comes in...
Posted on July 21, 2009 at 22:51. | Released on July 22, 2009
Various Artists "Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers"
Out now is this jazzy hip-hop compilation selected by Hashimoto Tōru (Après-midi), featuring Ino Hidefumi, rei harakami, Takagi Masakatsu, chari chari (Inoue Kaoru) and many more. Various Artists "Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers" 1. Kiss Of Life / Nujabes with...
Posted on June 16, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on June 10, 2009
quasimode "Golden Works -remixed by quasimode-"
Tokyo jazz quartet quasimode (MySpace) has a collection of remix works out just now. This includes ones for akiko and Agawa Yasuko, the latter which was released on remix album "Re-Mode" (2007) produced by Sunaga Tatsuo. Some brand new recordings...
Posted on April 8, 2009 at 22:58. | Released on April 8, 2009
Cornelius "Ultimate Sensuous Synchronized Show" (DVD)
This 2-DVD set containing The Cornelius Group's "Ultimate Sensuous Synchronized Show" held at the Tokyo International Forum a year ago (March 30, 2008) part of the tour for album "Sensuous". The 2nd disc contains some rare Cornelius documentaries and live...
Posted on March 5, 2009 at 21:43. | Released on May 13, 2009
"kimagure Robot" (DVD+CD)
Cornelius made the music for this movie called "kimagure Robot" that's now out on DVD and comes in a special package containing the soundtrack CD. "kimagure Robot" ("The Capricious Robot") is a 40-minute short film in black & white, about...
Posted on March 1, 2009 at 11:54. | Released on February 25, 2009
Various Artists "Akatsuka Fujio Tribute ~41sai no haru dakara~"
Famous manga artist Akatsuka Fujio passed away this summer. He was famous for works like "Tensai Bakabon", "Osomatsu-kun" and "Himitsu no Akko-chan". Here, musical artists related to the club scene pay him tribute with covers of theme songs. Featured are...
Posted on October 13, 2008 at 23:57. | Released on September 24, 2008
DaiKiKiTen ~KiKi inc. Exhibition 2008~
Creative management agengy KiKi inc., which represents Tanaka Tomoyuki (Fantastic Plastic Machine), is having a first group exhibition of its artists. FPM is said to have contributed works too! Exhibition official blog DaiKiKiTen ~KiKi inc. Exhibition 2008~ 大喜喜展～KiKi inc.Exhibition2008～ From...
Posted on April 15, 2008 at 17:28. | Released on April 9, 2008
IDF "Live @ FIL"
Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi's next CD release is of his acoustic session unit IDF with Kojima Daisuke (DSK, Port of Notes) and Fujiwara Hiroshi. The songs are covers of 80's hits. The last 2 tracks are studio recordings while...
Posted on April 7, 2008 at 13:29. | Released on May 2, 2008
Music Jacket Gallery 2008 + Shindō Mitsuo "fukuwauchi" exhibition
Entertainment Package Award presents a free exhibition of record jackets, currently touring other cities and stopping by Tokyo from April 9. Only in Tokyo is also shown a calligraphy exhibition by graphic designer Shindō Mitsuo (C.T.P.P), part of which will...
Posted on April 2, 2008 at 13:37. | Released on April 9, 2008
Yumin Horibe "First Chic"
Horibe Yūmin is a young DJ and organizer of Tokyo regular party "Joke". He recently contributed tracks to the vinyl compilations "Christmas Will Be Just Another Lovely Day" and "Joke Collection 01", and now he's offering us a first mix...
Posted on February 5, 2008 at 10:58. | Released on January 30, 2008
Crazy Ken Band "ano kane o narasu no wa anata" (Download)
Crazy Ken Band has done a cover of Wada Akiko's hit song "ano kane o narasu no wa anata"! However for the time being it's only released via download, and there's no planned CD release. The song can also be...
Posted on January 16, 2008 at 16:22. | Released on January 16, 2008
columbia*readymade jazz-rock re-issues
DiscID: 7a088909,ae090a0c,9309480c,8109510c,b5088f0c,a708b60c,8707a10c,8c08220c,9e08770c
Posted on January 15, 2008 at 17:18. | Released on April 16, 2008
SymmetryS "SymmetryS"
DiscID: cc0af70f
Posted on December 25, 2007 at 15:11. | Released on February 13, 2008
