Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.15
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on March 25, 2021 at 00:36.
Shoko Suzuki "So Help Me, GOD!" (7")
Shōko Suzuki, singer-songwriter who debuted in 1988, is back with a brand new song which was sound produced by Emiri Kanou! It had been 10 years since Shōko released a new song. The mix was done by Emiri and...
Posted on March 20, 2021 at 12:59. | Released on March 21, 2021
Various Artists "a young person's guide to blue-very"
Here's a brand new compilation from Koenji record shop disques blue-very. Having taken some economical damage from the pandemic's 2nd state of emergency (which started in January), the label prepared this compilation of rare and new songs by artists of...
Posted on March 13, 2021 at 21:13. | Released on March 13, 2021
Various Artists "Lake Of Illusions Vol.3"
Here comes a 3rd compilation of the "Lake of Illusions" (aka "maboroshi no mizuumi") series, this time consisting of all newly written songs by the featured artists, with a common theme of "jazz" in various perspectives. Artists include Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 13, 2021 at 13:57. | Released on March 12, 2021
Interview: BJ Rubin
Interview of BJ Rubin by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound)--> BJ Rubin is the New Yorker who is behind the eclectic TV show titled "The BJ Rubin Show" that's currently being aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN). The show...
Posted on February 27, 2021 at 22:00.
Live Empower Children "My Hero ~A Song Of Miracle~" (Download)
Ryuichi Sakamoto wrote the music and Tsunku♂ the lyrics of a charity song titled "My Hero ~kiseki no uta~" in support of the International Childhood Cancer Day. Featuring vocals by some 21 artists, all profits will be given to...
Posted on February 20, 2021 at 22:53. | Released on February 15, 2021
Posted on February 12, 2021 at 22:34. | Event held on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 18:00 (JST)
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 02 'neko mo shakushi mo Twist'" (CD+Book)
Started in January, here's the 2nd of the "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") monthly CD+Book series supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time the CD is an updated edition of a limited edition mix tape of twist tunes, while...
Posted on February 5, 2021 at 20:29. | Released on February 26, 2021
Jintana & Emeralds "Oh! Southern Wind" (Download)
Jintana & Emeralds are back with a brand new ambient doo-wop song that has just suddenly been released digitally! Jintana & Emeralds is a group formed of Jintana and Kashif (both of Pacific Pan Playa), XTAL, and three female...
Posted on January 29, 2021 at 23:56. | Released on January 27, 2021
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 01 'yoasobi ni tsukarete shimatta'" (CD+Book)
Following the series of 12 monthly 7"'s of the "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") which ended last August, here comes another fun series of collectibles supervised by Konishi Yasuharu! This time the format is a CD and book...
Posted on January 21, 2021 at 11:09. | Released on January 29, 2021
Posted on December 30, 2020 at 11:21. | Event held on Sunday January 17, 2021 at 13:00 (JST)
Haruko Tajima "Galnia feat. Marukido, valknee" (Download)
Haruko Tajima has just released this week a new song which is a collaboration with fellow gal rappers Marukido and valknee, both also part of unit Zoomgals. Check out the music video below! If you haven't yet, check out...
Posted on December 26, 2020 at 16:25. | Released on December 23, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.12
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on December 24, 2020 at 00:34.
Iris Bevy "Endeavor feat. Emiri Kanou" (Download)
Indonesian band Iris Bevy (Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp), previously known as Ping Pong Club, has just released a brand new song digitally that features Emiri Kanou! Emiri sings and also did translation of the lyrics. Check it out on your...
Posted on November 28, 2020 at 20:48. | Released on November 27, 2020
Posted on November 27, 2020 at 00:07. | Event held on Friday November 27, 2020 at 19:00 (JST)
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.11
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on November 25, 2020 at 23:58.
Emiri Kanou "Asaninare" (7")
Emiri Kanou's latest single "Asaninare" (Spotify, ) is being released on vinyl! The B-side is a new mix of "Because Of You", a non-album track that previously appeared on limited CD single "1988". The single's design was done by...
Posted on November 23, 2020 at 23:28. | Released on November 25, 2020
Posted on October 28, 2020 at 22:08. | Event held on Saturday October 31, 2020 at 21:00 (JST)
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.10
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on October 28, 2020 at 21:52.
RSD Drops Day 3: Elekibass, bjons, SAKA-SAMA, marble≠marble
This Saturday October 24 is Record Store Day's third and last "RSD Drops Day", which this year gave a chance buying the exclusive items online on the day of release in addition to physical shops. Online sales will start from...
Posted on October 23, 2020 at 13:31. | Released on October 24, 2020
Cassette Store Day 2020: Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura, Learners
Today is a rainy Cassette Store Day in Tokyo. Luckily the items are available online too, at a few of the participating shops at least! Here are just a few picks that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers might not want to...
Posted on October 17, 2020 at 12:51. | Released on October 17, 2020
Emiri Kanou "Asaninare" (Download)
Emiri Kanou is back from the hiatus she had annnounced last April, and she has just released a brand new song today! This time she takes a bit of a new approach by adding some real instruments, in contrast...
Posted on September 25, 2020 at 20:56. | Released on September 25, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
Posted on September 10, 2020 at 19:17. | Event held on Tuesday October 6, 2020 at 19:30 (JST)
Perfume "Time Warp"
Perfume continues to celebrate their 20th anniversary, as well as the 15th since their major debut. Following the live Blu-ray/DVD that has just been released, here comes a brand new single! The B-side was previously released digitally at the end...
Posted on September 8, 2020 at 22:10. | Released on September 16, 2020
Perfume "Perfume 8th Tour 2020 'P Cubed' in Dome" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume are now celebrating their 20th anniversary, and the 15th since their major debut. This Blu-ray/DVD release is of the Tokyo Dome show of their latest tour, titled "Perfume 8th Tour 2020 'P Cubed' in Dome", which followed the release...
Posted on September 1, 2020 at 21:46. | Released on September 2, 2020
Posted on August 28, 2020 at 23:11. | Event held on Sunday August 30, 2020 at 20:00 (JST)
Little Anthony & The Imperials / The Dells "a man and a woman / jeepers creepers" (7")
This is the twelfth and last of this year-long monthly series of 7", named "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") and consisting of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This time Konishi chose two covers of movie hit songs,...
Posted on August 26, 2020 at 23:55. | Released on August 29, 2020
Mukaju Dan "Madoromu"
7 years since blue marble's "full color", the songwriting/production duo formed of Shock Tarō and Ton-chan is back with a first full album as Mukaju Dan. Their sound is self-described as "Hyper Technology Pops", a blend of techno-pop and city...
Posted on August 5, 2020 at 13:17. | Released on August 7, 2020
The Kirby Stone Four / The Anita Kerr Singers "I could have danced all night / one note samba" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the eleventh installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on July 28, 2020 at 20:53. | Released on July 29, 2020
City Pop on Vinyl 2020
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold...
Posted on July 27, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on August 8, 2020
Mom "21st Century Cultboi Ride a Sk8board"
23-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a brand new 3rd album being released this week! This is the follow-up to last year's "Detox". Included are a few songs that were available in advance digitally (of which the music videos you can watch...
Posted on July 6, 2020 at 21:04. | Released on July 8, 2020
Nick Palmer / Frank Ifield "it's not unusual / I've got you under my skin" (7")
At the end of every month comes another of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the tenth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first...
Posted on June 30, 2020 at 20:00. | Released on June 29, 2020
Peter & Gordon / Gerry & The Pacemakers "black brown and gold / stranger in the night" (7")
Another month, another edition of the great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics! This is the ninth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time Konishi...
Posted on May 29, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on May 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on May 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Emiri Kanou "Koiseyo Otome" (12")
Neo ele-pop girl Emiri Kanou has a new 12" vinyl about to be released! Included are "Koiseyo Otome", the lead track from her album "GREENPOP", as well as a new remix by "new music unit" Lemmon, plus two versions of...
Posted on May 17, 2020 at 01:19. | Released on May 20, 2020
○△□ (Marusankakushikaku) "Hoshi Ga Furu" (Download)
○△□ (read "Maru-sankaku-shikaku") is a piano trio led by singer-songwriter Mira Parameter, with bassist Mutō Masataka (of band Cherry's) and drummer Yu-ki Nakamura, and also featuring violinist Akie Doi. This first album was released digitally just recently, and contains some...
Posted on May 15, 2020 at 21:08. | Released on March 21, 2020
Philosophy no Dance "Side Dish" (Download)
Funky idol group Philosophy no Dance (aka Dance for Philosophy) has a new digital EP out now, which consists of single B-sides which were versions sung solo by one of the members. This is a limited streaming-only release available until...
Posted on May 2, 2020 at 21:27. | Released on May 1, 2020
Luiz Carlos com conjunto CBS / Johnny (Guitar) Watson "samba na palma da Mao / I'll remember April" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the eighth installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) Two Brazilian tracks this...
Posted on April 29, 2020 at 11:16. | Released on April 29, 2020
Suzuki Masayuki "All Time Rock'n'Roll"
Singer Suzuki Masayuki (aka Martin) is celebrating this year his 40th anniversary since his debut in February 1980 part of chorus group Chanels (later to become Rats & Star). This new album celebrates that with self-covers of Chanels and Rats...
Posted on April 11, 2020 at 15:24. | Released on April 15, 2020
Gallantique Kazue "yume miru gogatsu ningyo" (7")
Singer Gallantique Kazue has just released a new 7"! The title song "yume miru gogatsu ningyō" is one that was released digitally in May 2019. It was written by manmancers, the project of drummer Shirane Kenichi (GREAT3), and co-arranged...
Posted on April 5, 2020 at 00:03. | Released on April 4, 2020
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires / The Foundations "fat back / call me" (7")
Here's another edition of this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. This is the 7th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) The A side is...
Posted on March 28, 2020 at 20:56. | Released on March 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.3
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on March 26, 2020 at 08:00.
Charan-Po-Rantan "Ko Russia"
Charan-Po-Rantan has a new single out now! The title track has a Russia theme, and its music video (watch it below) was shot in Vladivostok. Other tracks include a cover of the theme song from anime "Sally the Witch", a...
Posted on March 18, 2020 at 23:34. | Released on March 18, 2020
Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter), band that using only toy instruments, has a new single featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) about to be released! This time they cover Jane Birkin's "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (1978) and The Spiders' "Nati Bati...
Posted on March 16, 2020 at 00:52. | Released on March 25, 2020
The Pen Friend Club "Along Comes Mary / Love Can Go The Distance"
The Pen Friend Club, a band of eight that takes inspiration from 60's west coast rock, has a brand new single to be released this week! This is actually their last release featuring Fujimoto Yuka who had been the...
Posted on March 8, 2020 at 12:14. | Released on March 11, 2020
The Ventures / The 4 Instants "what now my love / bogattini" (7")
We're already halfway through this great monthly 7" series of Konishi Yasuharu's all-time DJ classics. Here comes the 6th installment of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays"). (Find all details in the first post.) This time we get...
Posted on March 1, 2020 at 01:13. | Released on February 29, 2020
Pollyanna "pantomime"
Pollyanna, a band described as rocking Shibuya-kei, has a first full-length album out now! Formed in 2014, they previously released two mini-albums. The song "Life" was arranged by Tsujibayashi Miho. Check out the music video for title song "pantomime" below...
Posted on January 29, 2020 at 22:53. | Released on January 29, 2020
Keith / The Arbors "you'll come running back to me / so nice (summer samba)" (7")
This is the 5th of the series of twelve monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") 7"s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on January 28, 2020 at 22:19. | Released on January 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.2
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on January 22, 2020 at 23:55.
Mira Parameter "Phantasmagoria" (Download)
Here's one that slipped through from the end of 2019. Singer-songwriter Mira Parameter released a brand new song titled "Phantasmagoria". Song description (from Facebook): One spring day, there was an exceptionally awesome cherry blossom tree in the graveyard. I'm...
Posted on January 15, 2020 at 01:03. | Released on December 3, 2019
Katori Shingo "20200101"
Out on the first day of 2020 is a first solo album by Katori Shingo (atarashii chizu, ex-SMAP). The title "20200101" is to be read "niwaniwa waiwai". Included are several collaborations such as ones with Scha Dara Parr, BiSH,...
Posted on January 1, 2020 at 21:45. | Released on January 1, 2020
Way Wave "Soul Punch"
Way Wave, the funky duo unit of soulful-voiced sisters Anna and Yuna, has a brand new mini-album that has just been released! Follow-up to the excellent "Show Time", this time they have teamed up with songwriters such as Sokabe Keiichi...
Posted on December 31, 2019 at 15:36. | Released on December 18, 2019
George Cates "12th street rag / stardust / tea for two / frenesi" (7")
This is the 4th of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on December 31, 2019 at 00:12. | Released on December 29, 2019
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
The Sunrays / The Turtles "have to be myself / too young to be the one" (7")
This is the 3rd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on November 30, 2019 at 13:38. | Released on November 29, 2019
Emiri Kanou "GREENPOP"
Self-produced singer-songwriter and "neo electro-pop girl" Emiri Kanou has finally a full-length album being released! This follows the excellent singles "gomen ne" (7"), "Friday Night" and "1988", all released this year. The lead tracks from those singles are included, as...
Posted on November 14, 2019 at 22:10. | Released on November 20, 2019
Omodaka "Gujoh Bushi"
Omodaka, the chiptune-meets-minyō solo project of Sōichi Terada (also well known for his house music and DJing), has a 3rd full-length album out now! Always with vocals by enka/minyō singer Kanazawa Akiko, this is the follow-up to album "Bridge Song...
Posted on November 6, 2019 at 22:53. | Released on November 6, 2019
Towa Tei "Arbeit" (2CD), "Future Listening!" (2x12")
Towa Tei is celebrating the 25th anniversary since his solo debut (album "Future Listening!" released in October 1994). Taking part in the celebrations are the releases of 2CD album "Arbeit", a collection of mainly production or remix works for other...
Posted on November 4, 2019 at 15:16. | Released on November 6, 2019
WHY@DOLL "＠LBUM ~Selection 2014-2019~"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL, who has announced in July that they will be ending their activities because of a member's health condition, is releasing a final album. Along with a selection of their best songs are some new mixes, a new...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on November 5, 2019
Billy Strange / Frank Chacksfield "adios / Route 66 (Readymade mirai no ongaku Series)" (7")
This is the 2nd of the monthly "Readymade mirai no ongaku" (aka "Readymade Oldays") series of twelve 7"'s of songs selected by Konishi Yasuharu, in which he shares all-time classics from his DJ sets. (Find all details in the...
Posted on October 29, 2019 at 22:59. | Released on October 29, 2019
Yoshida Tetsuto "hitomeguri / hikari no naka e" (7")
Yoshida Tetsuto (Twitter), known in the recent years for his songwriting and arrangements for various idol groups such as WHY@DOLL, Kai and Team Syachihoko (to name a few), is now releasing his own solo debut 7" single as a...
Posted on October 27, 2019 at 11:35. | Released on October 30, 2019
Polysics "In The Sync", The Vocoders "1st V"
Polysics have a brand new album that has just been released! Also, out at the same time is a first album by The Vocoders, a "café techno group" formed of the same members as Polysics. Each containing 13 songs, included...
Posted on October 12, 2019 at 22:07. | Released on October 9, 2019
Perfume "Perfume The Best 'P Cubed'"
Perfume, who did their major debut 14 years ago this month, has a new greatest hits album about to be released! Included are 52 songs on three CDs, included are two brand new songs, "nananananairo" and "Challenger". Nakata Yasutaka himself...
Posted on September 12, 2019 at 22:55. | Released on September 18, 2019
Ultra-Vybe Japanese hit release re-issues
Long-running indie label and distributor Ultra-Vybe has just made available many of the acclaimed releases from its catalog, and priced them down to only ¥1000 (+tax) each! This includes many rarities. Below is a small selection from their Japanese re-issues....
Posted on July 12, 2019 at 23:18. | Released on July 10, 2019
WHY@DOLL "futari de ikite yukereba / Love Story wa shumatsu ni" (7")
Girl duo WHY@DOLL have a new 7" single being released. A-side "futari de ikite yukereba" is taken from their latest EP "Hey!", while the B-side is a new 2019 mix of a song from a previous single ("kimi wa...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 16:18. | Released on June 26, 2019
Enoshima Bakusou Gals "surume Boy" (7")
Self-produced new wave idol Kanou Emiri joins forces with soulful voiced sisters Way Wave in this new collaboration unit called Enoshima Bakusō Gals. Their first 7" single is titled "surume Boy" (surume = dried squid), a super catchy track...
Posted on June 23, 2019 at 12:21. | Released on June 26, 2019
Maika Loubté "Mountaintop" (Download)
Maika Loubté has a new song available digitally. "Mountaintop" has been a live favorite for about two years I believe, and it's finally here for all ears. It has also been announced that a new album titled "Closer" will...
Posted on June 8, 2019 at 21:05. | Released on June 7, 2019
Himeno Tama "Panorama kaidou masshigura"
Multi-talent singer/artist, also freelance idol and model, and known as the singer of band Je et Georges, Himeno Tama is back with a major debut album! Featured musicians include Hasegawa Hakushi, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), Torii Masamichi (Triple Fire), Kawabe Moro...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on April 24, 2019
Kanou Emiri "Friday Night", "gomenne" (Download)
Self-produced singer-songwriter Kanou Emiri (Twitter), who takes a lot of her inspiration from 80's new wave, has a brand new song titled "Friday Night" now available on iTunes, Spotify, etc.! A CD edition was also just released, containing other new...
Posted on March 18, 2019 at 19:03. | Released on March 18, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
Various Artists "chansoiree"
Live venue Saravah in Shibuya opened in December 2010 with the supervision of French artist Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016) and taking its name from his record label. The unique venue will close its doors on February 17,...
Posted on February 9, 2019 at 21:33. | Released on February 17, 2019
Kanou Emiri "gomenne c/w Been With You" (7")
Even though she has only released a CD-R so far, Kanou Emiri (Twitter) has been gaining a lot of attention lately for her songs that take straight inspiration from 80's new wave (despite her young age) while having a...
Posted on February 3, 2019 at 22:57. | Released on February 13, 2019
Orangeade "Broccoli is Here"
Orangeade is a trio unit of Satō Nozomu (aka M. Lemon, of caméra-stylo, Fujin Club, Madame Croissant), Kurosawa Yōsuke (Portraits) and Osawa Kentarō (aka Kitasono Minami). This mini-album is their first official CD release. They make beautiful clity pop-like...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 15:49. | Released on December 26, 2018
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.
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara"
Chikada Haruo, a singer-songwriter famous for his "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu" album (1980) which was turned into a cult rock opera movie in the mid-80's, but also for many hits he wrote for other artists, has a brand new solo...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 00:10. | Released on October 31, 2018
Vacation Three "One"
Vacation Three is the band of Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK, ex-Arch), saxophonist Nakamoto Kōichiro (Wack Wack Rhythm Band) and percussionist Okyon. After having performed many shows since they got together about 2 years ago, here comes a first album of...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on November 7, 2018
Haruko Tajima "Holy Holy Holy Holy"
Electro singer-songwriter Tajima Haruko, who is also active as duo Francis avec Haruko (see new mini-album "Zero Gravity Love"), has released a brand new album recently! Be sure to check out the cool videos she posts on YouTube, starting with...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on October 3, 2018
Learners "Learners High" (10")
Learners' latest mini album "Learners High" has been released on 10" vinyl. It's limited to 1000 copies. Fans and rockabilly DJs, get it while you can! Hear some audio samples at Jet Set. LEARNERS "LEARNERS HIGH" (10") A1. Cassis Oolong...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 21:05. | Released on October 31, 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
Ino Hidefumi "Song Album"
Fender Rhodes musician Ino Hidefumi has released a brand new album titled "Song Album", of which all songs are vocal and sung by himself. "Skytree" and "From 3000 Feet The Sky Of Tokyo" have lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:06. | Released on October 10, 2018
Learners "Learners High"
Chabe's rockabilly band Learners is back with a brand new mini album! This includes two new original songs, "Cassis Oolong" and "Take a Trip", as well as covers of The Bangles, Brigitte Bardot, The Looking Glass (in a cover featuring...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 21:31. | Released on September 12, 2018
Perfume "Future Pop"
Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai",...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 22:55. | Released on August 15, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 3"
A 3rd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) has just been released. As usual all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai (Metafive),...
Posted on July 25, 2018 at 23:04. | Released on July 18, 2018
BTB tokko "Sweet Machine"
Talkbox musician BTB (Pan Pacific Playa, ex-Luvraw & BTB) is back as "BTB tokkō" (tokkō = 特効 = special effects) with a new album titled "Sweet Machine". Expect mellow urban summer sounds! This follows recent single "I'll Be Around" (2018)...
Posted on July 10, 2018 at 21:30. | Released on July 11, 2018
Blue Peppers "Retroactive" (12")
Blue Peppers' first album "Retroactive", released on CD in November 2017, is being released on vinyl. The album features guest vocalists Hoshino Michiru and Sasaki Shiori. Blue Peppers "Retroactive" (12") A1. 8gatsu no kagebōshi A2. akikaze no Regret A3. futari...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 12:28. | Released on June 13, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 23:26. | Released on May 23, 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
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 2", "Design Ah" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Out now is a 2nd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) for which all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Aoba Ichiko, Harada Ikuko (clammbon), Hanaregumi, KAKATO (Tamaki ROY x Chinza...
Posted on March 27, 2018 at 22:42. | Released on March 21, 2018
Perfume "mugen mirai"
Perfume has a brand new single out now. "mugen mirai" is the theme song of movie "Chihayafuru -musubi-", the last part of live-action movie trilogy based on manga "Chihayafuru". Check out the music video below. The single is available in...
Posted on March 21, 2018 at 23:20. | Released on March 14, 2018
Scooters "The Scooters Comes Alive! (The Basement Tape)" (Cassette+CD+T-shirt)
The Scooters are releasing a first live album, recorded at Shimokitazawa Basement Bar on November 1st, 2017. The show also featured guest vocalist (and labelmate) Nakano Aya. This limited release comes as a cassette tape with a CD of the...
Posted on February 15, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on March 7, 2018
Nakajima Megumi "Curiosity"
A 4th album by singer and voice actress Nakajima Megumi is about to be released. Included are songs written by Maedayama Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Avec Avec (Sugar's Campaign), CMJK (Cutemen) (with lyrics by Kai Minori and Twisty aka Takashi Tsugumi),...
Posted on February 11, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on February 14, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
