Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko. The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including...
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 21:15. | Released on February 15, 2017
Negicco "We Are VR Friends" (Download)
Negicco have just released a new digital single! "We Are VR Friends" is the opening theme song of Tokyo MX "Pakkun & Kawakita Mayuko no atsumare! VR Friends", a kids educational TV show that focuses on virtual reality. How...
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 10:36. | Released on February 3, 2017
Emerson Kitamura "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha"
Synth and keyboard lovers should find it hard to resist to Emerson Kitamura! This new album of 6 songs is the follow up to "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)" (2014), and consists of more delectable instrumental pieces, mostly originals but...
Posted on December 16, 2016 at 00:36. | Released on December 14, 2016
Record Day 2016
Record Day (not the same as "Record Store Day") has been set to coincide with Japan's "Culture Day" public holiday on November 3 since 1957. Since last year, Japan's only record press Tōyō Kasei takes the lead inviting Japanese artists...
Posted on November 6, 2016 at 23:02. | Released on November 3, 2016
(M)otocompo x Kit Cat "POPLOT TIMES 2016"
(M)otocompo, the ska-electro unit led by Dr.Usui, unites with synth-pop idol group Kit Cat for this split album. Included is collaboration song "FLASHBACK50" for which a music video has been shot. Check it out below! "FLASHBACK50" has been available for...
Posted on September 12, 2016 at 00:12. | Released on September 21, 2016
Kit Cat "Scratch You!" (CD+DVD)
Previously sold exclusively at shows, synth dance pop unit Kit Cat's first mini-album "Scratch You!" has been officially released, including a bonus DVD of a show held at Chelsea Hotel in Shibuya on August 19. The album includes a cover...
Posted on October 29, 2015 at 23:57. | Released on October 14, 2015
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Kit Cat "Wordy Rappinghood" (Download)
Kit Cat, the 3-girl (er, cat!) synth-dance-pop unit produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), finally had a first song released on iTunes worldwide! This is a cover of classic new wave track "Wordy Rappinghood", originally performed by Tom Tom Club in...
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 21:03. | Released on April 8, 2015
kotringo "Edible melodies ~Gourmet Girl Graffiti Orignal Soundtrack~"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has done the soundtrack for cooking-themed anime "kōfuku Graffiti" (English title "Gourmet Girl Graffiti"). With instruments including piano, celesta, accordion, and also scat by the artist herself, this release is said to be just as enjoyable...
Posted on March 22, 2015 at 10:11. | Released on March 25, 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
CAPSULE "Wave Runner"
(Updates have been slow lately, but it's now the end of the year and it's catch-up time!) CAPSULE have a new album coming early 2015! Follow-up to "CAPS LOCK" (2013), this is their second album as the uppercase CAPSULE. The...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 13:47. | Released on February 18, 2015
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
Various Artists "Snow Monkey Beer Live!"
"Snow Monkey Beer Live!" is a music and beer festival that's been held every year since 2012. This genre-less compilation CD contains tracks by related artists including Kaji Hideki, Kushibiki Sayaka Trio (feat. Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and Furukawa Taichi), Predawn,...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 01:04. | Released on March 5, 2014
Gig report: The Scooters, Juicy Fruits, Kotaro & The Bizarremen at Shibuya WWW
Text and photos Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 5 was a show featuring The Scooters, and it was held at my favorite venue, WWW in Shibuya. Since their official come-back last year, after some 30 years, The...
Posted on December 14, 2013 at 23:51.
kaku P-Model "Gipnoza"
Former P-Model member Hirasawa Susumu's solo unit, kaku P-Model, has a new album out now. This comes 9 years after previous album "Vistoron" (Amazon). The new album features guest musicians Tanaka Yasumi (keyboards, ex-P-Model) and PEVO #1 (guitar, from PEVO)....
Posted on November 17, 2013 at 12:27. | Released on November 6, 2013
Kaseki Cider "Kaseki Cider no Ani-song!! Vacation!"
Rapper Kaseki Cider's new album is a collection of anime song covers, arranged in his own style. Guests include Kaji Hideki, Kojima Mayumi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), EPO, Yumemi Nemu (Dempa Gumi.inc) and Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville). HMV gives away a 20-minute...
Posted on August 7, 2013 at 00:22. | Released on August 7, 2013
Gig report: Playtime Rock, BANK live at Saravah Tokyo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday July 12 was a show of Playtime Rock, the Nagasaki-based band of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog). Nagasaki being part of the Kyūshū island in the south of...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 00:59.
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
Hanazawa Kana "claire"
This is the first album by anime voice actress Hanazawa Kana. This seems to have a good dose of Shibuya-kei, as the whole is sound produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), with some songs written by Kaji Hideki ("Library de...
Posted on February 20, 2013 at 23:25. | Released on February 20, 2013
Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
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
Ryoma Takemasa "Catalyst"
This is the debut album by newcomer instrumental electro artist Ryoma Takemasa (Soundcloud) who takes his roots from various dance music scenes, and has been making himself known internationally with tracks played by the likes of Laurent Garnier and James...
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 22:44. | Released on October 17, 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
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
Gig report: Yellow Magic Orchestra U.S. shows, with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter, Towa Tei
Text, photos and videos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two reports of Yellow Magic Orchestra shows held in California last month (June 26 at Hollywood Bowl, L.A., with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and Towa...
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 20:13.
Gig report: Maezono Naoki Group in-store at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday July 11 was held an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku with Maezono Naoki Group in promotion of 2nd album "tooku e." (translates to "To far away") released...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 22:37.
Maezono Naoki Group "tooku e. Maezono Naoki Group dai2shu"
Maezono Naoki Group, the band in which Konishi Yasuharu plays piano, has a 2nd album coming this month! It's already been almost 2 years since their first. This time the trio (vocals, bass and piano) are joined by drums and...
Posted on May 5, 2011 at 01:54. | Released on May 13, 2011
Various Artists "Velvet Songs"
This cover compilation from Grand Gallery consists of new recordings of songs from the repertory of Alfa label. Featured artists include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Cubismo Grafico feat. Kushibiki Sayaka, Sokabe Keiichi, Nanao Tavito, Shimazaki Hitomi with Nanase feat. Kinbara Chieko, Chocolat...
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 21:36. | Released on April 20, 2011
Various Artists "mahō no tenshi Creamy Mami kōshiki Tribute Album"
In the same line as last year's "Kirakira Majocco Cluv", here's another cover compilation this time focusing on amine series "Creamy Mami" (title translates to "Magical Angel Creamy Mami Official Tribute Album). This again features Shinohara Tomoe and many various...
Posted on February 11, 2011 at 13:28. | Released on February 9, 2011
Gig report: Harajuku Performance+: Nomiya Maki, Open Reel Ensemble
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week on Tuesday December 22 was the first of two days of a performance-themed event at La Foret Museum, Harajuku, titled "Harajuku Performance+". On that day were two artists that I...
Posted on December 30, 2010 at 21:37.
Gig report: Electronic World Cup 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound It's been a month already since I went to this really fun event titled "Electronic World Cup 2010". Organized by Kishino Yūichi (hige no mibōjin aka La veuve moustachue aka...
Posted on December 18, 2010 at 14:08.
Original Soundtrack "Cheburashka and the Circus ~ Circus ga yatte kita ~"
There's a new Cheburashka movie around the corner, starting in theaters here on December 18 (movie official site)! Made mainly by Japanese staff, the movie consists of a remake of "Gena The Crocodile" (original 1969), plus two brand new episodes...
Posted on December 14, 2010 at 23:04. | Released on December 18, 2010
Chabe "6 Songs For Kit Gallery" (10")
Chabe (aka Cubismo Grafico), has a first release going by his nickname. This is his first solo release since "Nuit" (2007). This is a 10" including 3 brand new songs, and on the B-side 3 cover songs featuring various female...
Posted on December 9, 2010 at 22:28. | Released on December 15, 2010
The Suzan "Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat"
Tokyo girl band The Suzan keeps going back and forth the Pacific Ocean of late, they've been signed by US label Fool's Gold on which they've already released a 7" this summer. Now here comes their first international album! The...
Posted on October 24, 2010 at 01:39. | Released on October 25, 2010
Ino Hidefumi "Kaleidoscopic"
Ino Hidefumi (MySpace) has a live album coming next week, of the final show of his tour for album "Inocology". Held at Shibuya Club Quattro on April 10, the show featured his songs in different arrangements, and also some new...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 22:01. | Released on October 15, 2010
Vanilla Beans "VaniBest"
Vanilla Beans have a new release that comes as a greatest hits album, although over half of it is actually previously unreleased tracks. Most notably there's a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" ("the night is still...
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 14:47. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: Rocketman Summer Fes 2010 - thank you for the music!!
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday August 22, I went to Liquidroom in Ebisu for "Rocketman Summer Fes 2010", an event celebrating the 10 years since the debut of Rocketman, Fukawa Ryō's music unit....
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 22:47.
Gig report: Rehabilitation: yes, mama ok? & Yume to Cosme
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday August 6, I went to mona records in Shimokitazawa for an event called "Rehabilitation", featuring a show by mid-90's indies band "yes, mama ok?". 5 years ago leader...
Posted on August 15, 2010 at 20:09.
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
Cubismo Grafico Five "Double Dozen"
Cubismo Grafico Five has a new album coming. Having recently sized down to 4 members, and feeling like a brand new band, they call this a "first album", and it comes with no less than 24 tracks, hence the title...
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 22:05. | Released on July 7, 2010
Gig report: Rogue Wave vol.1
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was...
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 23:00.
Roman Porsche. "nusunda Bike de amagigoe"
Comical new wave (?) two-guy unit Roman Porsche (MySpace) have a new album coming, after about 6 years. Member Okite Porsche, who is an active figure in the idol world, has recently been supporting Vanilla Beans who find themselves here...
Posted on April 17, 2010 at 00:52. | Released on April 21, 2010
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no yūutsu"
Kinoco Hotel is a band of 4 girls that take inspiration from the GS (group sounds) scene that occurred in the 60's in Japan in response to the Beatles. Actually, they're pure GS complete with the matching outfits, the attitude...
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 01:28. | Released on February 3, 2010
HNC "CULT"
Hazel Nuts Chocolate is back with a 3rd album as HNC! Yuppa said somewhere that you can call her "H.N.C." or any old names you got used to. As heard on some demo tracks at MySpace, she continues doing fun...
Posted on November 9, 2009 at 22:12. | Released on December 2, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki Special Live '090319' in LIQUIDROOM" (DVD)
A first DVD from Aira Mitsuki (MySpace), of a show recorded at Liquid Room just 2 months before release! With 19 songs, 5 different costumes, this was a really great show! Read my report of the show. You bet that...
Posted on April 28, 2009 at 23:49. | Released on May 20, 2009
kayōkyoku bangaichi ~ Live & DJ event: arcorhyme live
arcorhyme, the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and singer Nishimura Ikuyo, will take the lead at this kayōkyoku live event organized by Hotwax, celebrating the release of a related book sub-titled "Queen of Japanese Pops" . Also featured will...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 14:43. | Released on July 25, 2008
Various Artists "P-K-P-K"
This compilation focusing on the "picopico" indies scene will include songs by Aprils ("Cosmo '80s" previously released on "Space Dream Bathroom"), Sweet Vacation, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tongari Kids, tofubeats and more. It will be sold only at Tower Records. Various Artists "P-K-P-K"...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 13:42. | Released on May 15, 2008
Neo-Shibuya-kei web site and free download compilations
April 28 is Shibuya day (4=shi, 2=bu, 8=ya), and to celebrate, a neo-Shibuya-kei information web site has opened! The content is all in Japanese, but still you can find lots of links to artists who fall under the category. That's...
Posted on April 30, 2008 at 10:52. | Released on April 28, 2008
Various Artists "issho ni utaō! NHK minna no uta ~otona Ver.~", "~kodomo Ver.~"
Released in February, this is a various artists cover album of songs that were featured on NHK's long-running program "minna no uta", performed by many artists. Included is a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Message Song", Ōnuki Taeko's "Metropolitan bijutsukan" ("Metropolitan...
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 16:56. | Released on February 6, 2008
Shibuya Organic vol.6
This event of the Shibuya Organic series sounds like a great opportunity to catch vibraphone-led jazz unit the fascinations, and also Round Table's leader, flexlife and one note. All of that for a rather good price! Event official page Shiubya...
Posted on April 8, 2008 at 14:45. | Released on April 13, 2008
Various Artists "mōshiwake nai to From Akasaka Urban Mix" / "Idol Mix"
Regular club party Mōshiwake Night's DJ team has put together these two mix CDs, under "Urban" and "Idol" themes, totaling 100 songs! Each CD features two DJs selecting a dozen tracks in turn. Those selectors are DJ Mitsy, Uta Maru...
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 17:21. | Released on April 16, 2008
Various Artists "Wall of Sound Japan"
Like Sudō Kaoru's "Tender Love" (1989), produced by Konishi Yasuharu, quite a bit of J-pop took inspiration from Phil Spector's "wall of sound" technique. This compilation offers us a selection featuring many essential artists such as Matsuda Seiko, Watanabe Marina,...
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 14:20. | Released on March 19, 2008
Anime Soundtrack "hakaba Kitarō"
The original soundtrack for anime "hakaba Kitarō" (Graveyard Kitarō), featuring characters of "gegege no Kitarō", is coming out. It contains TV versions of the Denki Groove songs "Mononoke Dance" and "Yūrakuchō de tokemashō", both out recently on a single of...
Posted on February 18, 2008 at 14:38. | Released on March 19, 2008
Various Artists "Diva"
Ide Yasushi's label Grand Gallery brings us a new compilation focusing on Japanese female vocalists of the dance/club scene. Various Artists "Diva" 1. Monday Michiru / You Make Me 2. bird / Beats 3. AK / say that you love...
Posted on February 7, 2008 at 12:10. | Released on February 6, 2008
"Oh! Mikey Fever" (DVD)
This is a brand new collection of Oh! Mikey episodes, first shown in theaters in December. We're promised a moving, even dancing Mikey! I have yet to see this, except for about a 1-second bit in a TV commercial that...
Posted on January 21, 2008 at 11:29. | Released on February 22, 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
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Strange Song Book - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono 2" (2 CDs+DVD)
Following the "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album" out last year, comes a second one! This one is a 2-CD set featuring Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Sakamoto Miu, Ōnuki Taeko, Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Sheena & The Rokkets, Kicell, and overseas artists such...
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 10:40. | Released on January 23, 2008
"standard of 90's" re-issue series part 2
After Original Love and Spank Happy, here come re-issues of Scha Dara Parr, Great 3 (unit of Katayose Akito, husband of Chocolat) and Tokyo No.1 Soul Set (unit of Kawanabe Hiroshi now member of InK). These are also all remastered...
Posted on October 22, 2007 at 22:23. | Released on November 28, 2007
Various Artists "Rock For Baby"
Following "Lingkaran for Baby", here comes a rock cover compilation also targeted at babies, and their parents. I'm especially interested in Sakai Shūko's "Computer obaachan" (see "Yellow Magic Kayōkyoku") performed by Polysics, and also Noko Inoko's "Yasetan to Korontan" (see...
Posted on October 22, 2007 at 22:15. | Released on October 17, 2007
Original soundtrack "Silk (Soie)", "Tony Takitani"
Sakamoto Ryūichi has two new soundtracks coming up this December! First, he did the music for the film "Silk (Soie)" (2007), a collaboration between Canada, Japan and Italy directed by Canadian François Girard. This is his first movie since the...
Posted on October 17, 2007 at 15:24. | Released on December 12, 2007
Various Artists "oyasumi nasai: Reaching Series No.3"
Labels 333DISCS and commons offer us a 3rd of the youngster-oriented "Reaching Series". This time, we get brand new recordings of original bedtime lullabies by artists including Minekawa Takako, Harada Ikuko (clammbon) and Hanaregumi (Super Butter Dog). Label official release...
Posted on October 4, 2007 at 17:01. | Released on December 12, 2007
Various Artists "Jobiniana ~ai to hohoemi to hana"
This tribute album to Antonio Carlos Jobim will feature artists from the club-jazz scene, and then some. Interpretations by Cubismo Grafico, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, akiko, Minami Yoshitaka, bird, Monday Michiru, ... should make this a must for bossa nova...
Posted on August 30, 2007 at 20:03. | Released on October 10, 2007
Various Artists "Lingkaran For Baby"
LOHAS magazine Lingkaran has put together a collection of nursury rhymes sung by a bunch of like-minded artists. The line-up includes Nomiya Maki, Toki Asako, Chocolat & Akito, Furukawa Miki, Yano Akiko & Sakamoto Miu, Cano Caoli, Yukawa Shione, and...
Posted on August 21, 2007 at 17:30. | Released on September 26, 2007
Nagisa Yōko "novella d'amore"
Nagisa Yōko has a new album, no wait, a first original full album, coming out on Teichiku this month! This includes songs by Ai Satteaux (Hair), Ennio Morricone (w/ original Japanese lyrics) and Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band). The whole's...
Posted on August 8, 2007 at 13:25. | Released on August 22, 2007
Various Artists "AKSB ~kore ga Akishibu-kei da!~"
There's a relatively new genre called Akishibu-kei, a mix of Shibuya-kei and Akiba-kei (the latter referring to cosplay idols singing in high-pitched voices over electro-pop), which is getting acknowledged by this compilation of anime songs from Victor's discography. Featured producers...
Posted on July 31, 2007 at 15:35. | Released on September 21, 2007
Port of Notes "Joint Adventure 2"
Port of Notes has a new remix album coming soon. Included are remixes by Sunaga t̀ Experience, Lindstrom and Prins Thomas, and DJ Kawasaki, along with the Crue-L regulars, and also a new track produced by Kanda Tomoki. Important info...
Posted on June 21, 2007 at 15:55. | Released on June 30, 2007
Crazy Ken Band "Soul denpa"
Super-productive Crazy Ken Band have a 9th album coming up, not even a year after the previous, "Galaxy". ("denpa" in the title means "electro-magnetic wave".) Crazy Ken Band "Soul denpa" クレイジーケン バンド "Soul電波" 1. Intro: Soul denpa 2. Playboy kakumei...
Posted on June 13, 2007 at 15:16. | Released on August 8, 2007
Cubismo Grafico "Nuit"
DiscID: 8908080a
Posted on March 28, 2007 at 13:49. | Released on May 30, 2007
Momoi Haruko "Famison 8-bit"
Voice actress and singer Momoi Haruko has an album coming up on which she covers popular anime theme songs with 8-bit Famicon picopico arrangements. The CD also includes short instrumental/karaoke versions of all songs. Release official site Momoi Haruko "Famison...
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 14:53. | Released on March 21, 2007
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono"
Here comes a very interesting tribute album to Hosono Haruomi (Sketch Show, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Happy End). The 2-CD set will include appearances and many surprising collaborations, such as Sakamoto Ryūichi + Minekawa Takako (a return!), Yano Akiko + Rei...
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 11:47. | Released on April 25, 2007
Chara "Union"
Chara has a new album titled "Union" out just today, it's her first original album in 4 years! Included are her three latest singles, of which "Crazy for you" was produced by Fantastic Plastic Machine. There's a limited edition containing...
Posted on February 28, 2007 at 17:44. | Released on February 28, 2007
Caede "The Queen Of..."
DiscID: 92083b0a
Posted on February 27, 2007 at 10:41. | Released on April 25, 2007
Various Artists "Prescription ~The other side of classic music~"
Here's one with a few months of delay. I hadn't heard about this compilation of "covers" of classical music by rock and pop artists, featuring Kahimi Karie, Kanda Tomoki (producer for Kahimi Karie, Clémentine), Shimizu Hirotaka (formerly guitarist of Bridge,...
Posted on January 29, 2007 at 11:25. | Released on November 15, 2006
Suzuki Ami "Connetta"
Shortly after the release of her three collaboration singles (one with Buffalo Daughter), Suzuki Ami also has a new album planned. The three collaboration singles' title tracks should be included, as well as more collaborations with the likes of Kaji...
Posted on January 23, 2007 at 10:15. | Released on March 21, 2007
Anzai Hajime "hoyahoyara-"
Wacky illustrator/designer/actor/personality Anzai Hajime, seen weekly on late-night TV show "Tamori Club", has a first solo single coming up. No clue what to expect, but it will be worth checking. The song is being featured on NHK's "minna no uta"...
Posted on December 28, 2006 at 16:38. | Released on January 24, 2007
Chocolat & Akito "Tropical"
Following their first self-titled album released in 2005, Chocolat & Akito will be back with a new album in February. The album will feature Shimizu Hirotaka (Little Creatures, ex-Bridge), and also John McEntire who mixed the whole album. Chocolat &...
Posted on December 28, 2006 at 16:25. | Released on February 15, 2007
"otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai" (DVD)
-->Shindō Mitsuo's film immortalizing Shimokitazawa, "otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai", is being released on DVD in a deluxe edition. Aside from the movie, the DVD will also contain 40 minutes of bonus features. "otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai"...
Posted on December 22, 2006 at 16:11. | Released on March 9, 2007
Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple"
DJ team Sindbad has a new project together with woodbassist/rapper Takatsuki, and a 10-song album is coming at us before the end of the year on highcontrast. Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple" 1. Enter the Funniest Temple 2....
Posted on December 4, 2006 at 13:31. | Released on December 20, 2006
orange pekoe "Best Remixes & Clips" (CD+DVD)
This week is a bit calm on the release front, so I thought I'd liven things up with this orange pekoe remix collection that comes with a DVD of nine videoclips. Included are three remixes by Sunaga t̀ Experience, and...
Posted on November 20, 2006 at 12:25. | Released on November 22, 2006
Various Artists "Garage Bandits"
KIT, a new sub-label of Escalator Records produced by Cubismo Grafico, has a new compilation coming up that will probably feature new GarageBand works by its artists like on the previously released "Garage Land". Featured artists will be Cubismo Grafico,...
Posted on September 4, 2006 at 14:21. | Released on October 25, 2006
Various Artists "bakuretsu! New Wave 1980"
With contents similar to the recently released "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler" comes a 2-CD compilation on the same theme. Once again this is a good introduction to Japanese 80's new wave/punk, and seems to contain more essentials...
Posted on August 22, 2006 at 16:07. | Released on September 21, 2006
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Girls & Boys"
Qypthone leader Nakatsuka Takeshi has a new solo album coming up. The album is to feature Toki Asako and will include some of his works for TV commercials. Nakatsuka Takeshi "Girls & Boys" 1. Girls & Boys 2. Your Voice...
Posted on August 8, 2006 at 17:15. | Released on October 25, 2006
Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers "Singers Limited"
Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers' next album will be a collection of vocal covers, original songs and remixes featuring many collaborators such as Nomiya Maki ("Luna Cruise" first released on her album "Lady Miss Warp"), Wada Akiko, Matsudaira Ken, Takahashi...
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 16:09. | Released on September 13, 2006
"minna wa kore o 'kōkai made' gaman dekinai ~The Making of 'otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai~" (DVD)
After having seen Shimokitazawa comedy "otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai", the new film by art director Shindō Mitsuo, I definitely need to get this making-of DVD! "minna wa kore o 'kōkai made' gaman dekinai ~The Making of 'otoko wa...
Posted on July 7, 2006 at 11:26. | Released on July 28, 2006
Various Artists "'otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai' Original Soundtrack" (CD+DVD)
A few weeks after the "konya wa Boogie Back" maxi single will be released the full soundtrack of Shindō Matsuo film "otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai - The Playboy Don't Cry". The soundtrack will include songs by Kojima Mayumi,...
Posted on June 1, 2006 at 13:21. | Released on July 26, 2006
"otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai -Un homme ne peut endurer ça-"
There's a new film by Shindō Mitsuo (C.T.P.P.) coming out this year, titled 「男はソレを我慢できない -Un homme ne peut endurer ça-」 ("otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai"). The film is shot in Shimokitazawa and one of its goals is to archive...
Posted on May 7, 2006 at 12:06. | Released on July 29, 2006
Pizzicato Five "pizzicato five we dig you"
This Pizzicato Five mix album will feature 5 minutes anything-goes P5 cut-up mixes by Sunaga Tatsuo, Tokiwa Hibiki, cubismo grafico, Yoshida Tetsuto, Handsomeboy Technique (who made his track's length 5:24!), Halfby, Boot Beat, Kawanishi Suguru... No need to mark your...
Posted on March 16, 2006 at 11:32. | Released on May 24, 2006
Cityboys "20th Century Cityboys" (2CD)
Almost missed this one... This is a 2CD selection of songs from various City Boys soundtracks from 1992 until 2000 (covering at least "Toilet Without Key", "i messaggeri degli imbecilli vanno all'ovest", "Love's Rubber Brain", "Building on a Strong Foundation",...
Posted on March 16, 2005 at 12:01. | Released on March 9, 2005
Tei Towa "Flash"
Tei Towa's new album will be here in April! The album will feature a bunch of guest artists such as Sakamoto Ryūichi, Nomiya Maki, Tycoon To$h (Nakanishi Toshio (Plastics, [Water] Melon,...)), Buffalo Daughter, Arto Lindsay, Moritaka Chisato, Kylie Minogue, Byron...
Posted on January 14, 2005 at 13:15. | Released on April 2, 2005
