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.
EeL "Kung-Fu People Etcetera"
Have you missed EeL's early albums? Here's a new release that contains the best tracks from both "Kung-Fu Master" and "people people", now both pretty rare, as well as 2 new tracks and a new arrangement! A free MP3 if...
Posted on December 15, 2010 at 22:56. | Released on December 21, 2010
Kimura Kaela "A winter fairy is melting a snowman"
Following the big hit "Ring a Ding Dong", here comes another new catchy song from Kimura Kaela. Written and produced by the same person as the previous ( Watanabe Shinobu of band Asparagus), this one is a winter track that...
Posted on December 15, 2010 at 00:22. | Released on December 8, 2010
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
Various Artists "MemorieS ~Songs for the Season of White~"
Here's a winter-themed tribute album to 80's super-idol Matsuda Seiko, coordinated by talent and singer Chiaki. Featured are various young artists including Frenesi. All songs can be sampled over at MySpace. Also watch the trailer clip below. Various Artists "MemorieS...
Posted on December 9, 2010 at 21:46. | Released on December 15, 2010
Makoto Miura "Je suis snob"
After several great mix CDs and various tracks here and there, here's a first original album by Miura Makoto (aka Monsieur Mieurax)! Necozawa Emi and others are featured. Check out the trailer clip below, and then go hear samples of...
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 20:55. | Released on November 3, 2010
miila and the geeks "6 Songs" (7")
miila and the geeks, the unit of Moe (Love and Hates, Twee Grrrls Club) with her geeky friends on sax and drums, has a first release coming as a 7" (CD-R included). 6 songs no less! miila and the geeks...
Posted on November 24, 2010 at 22:29. | Released on December 3, 2010
Panda 1/2 "chūkagai ukiuki dōri" (Download)
Panda 1/2 have a new single available now on iTunes! The title takes from Ozawa Kenji's song "tsukai ukiuki dōri". Watch the teaser clip below in which singer M!nam! eats way too much Chinese food *filmed in just two days?!)!...
Posted on November 24, 2010 at 00:15. | Released on November 24, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Cosmos vs Alien"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (of Sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single, of which title song "Cosmos vs Alien" is being used for the opening of anime series "Arakawa Under The Bridge 2". The single comes with 2 more new songs, all written...
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 23:21. | Released on November 17, 2010
Aira Mitsuki "??? (Three Question)"
Aira Mitsuki's 3rd full-length album is coming this month! Aside from being full of brand new tracks expected to be produced by Terukado, there's said to be a song collaborating with a trio of Korean songwriters of KARA fame (mainstream...
Posted on November 4, 2010 at 22:55. | Released on November 17, 2010
Kaji Hideki to Riddim Saunter "Teens Film"
Kaji Hideki's new album is fully backed by band Riddim Saunter. All songs are written by Kaji-kun except for a cover of Captain Sensible "Happy Talk" (1982). Kaji Hideki to Riddim Saunter "Teens Film" カジヒテキとリディム・サウンタ－ 「TEENS FILM」 1. akogare 2....
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 16:16. | Released on November 3, 2010
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Goldfingers"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra's new mini-album is full of goodies! Collaborations with saxophonist Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, Spank Happy) and New York-based pianist Uehara Hiromi, remixes by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and Sunaga Tatsuo, and covers of Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus....
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 01:23. | Released on October 27, 2010
Rocketman "Happy End of the World" (Download)
Rocketman (Fukawa Ryō) has a new track now available for download on iTunes Japan. The title is surely a wink to Pizzicato Five who he greatly respects. Rocketman "Happy End of the World" (Download) Victor VE2ML-15400 Out now (10/27), ¥200...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 01:08. | Released on October 27, 2010
yes, mama ok? "CEO -10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition-"
yes, mama ok? re-issues its now rare album "CEO" (2000), which wasn't included on the "Incomplete Questions" box set released in 2008. Added is a bonus CD full of rarities and live recordings. yes, mama ok? "CEO -10th Anniversary Deluxe...
Posted on October 24, 2010 at 13:45. | Released on October 30, 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
Gig report: WOWOW "Music Ltd." 17th public live recording
Text by Patrick for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On October 12 I went to a public live recording for pay TV channel WOWOW's "Music Ltd." show. The recording isn't done in a TV studio but at a regular live house, and...
Posted on October 17, 2010 at 22:50.
JiLL-Decoy association "JiLL-Deco 4 ~ugly beauty~"
"Shibuya-kei funk pop" unit (as I saw them described somewhere) JiLL-Decoy association is a trio of guitar, drums and female vocals. Having debuted in 2007 they're already at their 4th album. While mostly original tunes, this one contains two Sunaga...
Posted on October 17, 2010 at 22:01. | Released on October 20, 2010
Saeki Kenzo & Boogie The Machmotors "21seiki-san Sings Halmens"
Out at the same time as "Pink no kokoro + 2" is this tribute album to early 80's new wave band Halmens (Techno-Pop Academy). Produced by original member Saeki Kenzō, this features guest appearances by Nomiya Maki and Urbangarde's Hamasaki...
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 13:19. | Released on October 20, 2010
Nomiya Maki "Pink no kokoro + 2" (SHM-CD)
First released in 1981 (almost 30 years ago!), Nomiya Maki's debut album as a new wave idol, "Pink no kokoro", is being reissued (again), this time with 2 rare live tracks as a bonus. This is a great album produced...
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:19. | Released on October 20, 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
Perfume "nee"
Perfume has a new single coming this November, titled "nee". It can already be heard in a TV commercial for Natural Beauty Basic (the same brand for which they sang "Natural ni koi shite" earlier this year). The commercial, seen...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 21:13. | Released on November 10, 2010
Urbangarde "shōjo no shōmei"
A 3rd album from trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde is out now! The first pressing comes with 3D artwork. Check out the videos below. Urbangarde "shōjo no shōmei" アーバンギャルド 「少女の証明」 1. Print Club 2. kizudarake no Maria (proof mix) 3. maegami...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 11:20. | Released on October 8, 2010
Dorian "Melodies Memories"
New-comer artist Dorian (aka Mr. Tropical Disco) from the club scene, brings us this first album out now on felicity. The album is mostly instrumental, though it features guest vocals on a few songs by G.Rina, and Tavito Nanao &...
Posted on September 30, 2010 at 22:53. | Released on September 15, 2010
Jazztronik feat. Yuki "Bedtime Story"
Here's a new EP by Jazztronik, featuring singer Yuki (ex-Judy and Mary). Title song is being used in the movie "shikeidai Elevator" (a remake of "Ascenseur pour I'Echafaud" / "Elevator to the Gallows"). Watch video below. Jazztronik feat. Yuki "Bedtime...
Posted on September 29, 2010 at 00:25. | Released on September 29, 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
Kaji Hideki to Riddim Saunter "anettai Girl / Happy Talk" (7")
Kaji Hideki has a new album coming on November 3rd, with music performed by band Riddim Saunter. Meanwhile here's a 7" with 2 cuts. The B-side is a cover of "Happy Talk" (1982) by U.K.'s Captain Sensible (The Damned). Audio...
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 22:51. | Released on September 8, 2010
Towa Tei with Yurico "Marvelous" (Download)
Towa Tei has a new track available now on iTunes! The EP contains 4 versions of the song featuring singer (model?) Yurico on vocals. The song can also be heard in a TV commercial for Mobage (watch below). Towa Tei...
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 00:29. | Released on September 8, 2010
frenesi "Märchen"
frenesi (MySpace) is back again this year with a new album titled "Märchen" (in Japanese "Meruhen"), follow-up to last year's wonderful "Cupra"! This new album, subtitled "Computer no namida." ("Computer tears"), contains a cover of Cosmic Invention's "Computer obaachan" (1981),...
Posted on September 5, 2010 at 21:10. | Released on September 15, 2010
Halcali "Roman hikō"
Halcali's next single is a cover of Kome Kome Club's "Roman hikō" (1987), featuring Your Song Is Good. I love Halcali, but where did the rap go this time...? The song can be heard in a TV commercial for Sony's...
Posted on September 4, 2010 at 01:02. | Released on September 15, 2010
Gig report: Club Aloe
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two weeks ago, on August 10, I had the chance to see what I believe was the first show by Club Aloe, a new band by 5 ex-members of Modern...
Posted on August 28, 2010 at 02:00.
Various Artists "Speedking Vol.3", "Speedking Vol.1 Remastered and Separated"
J-death techno label Speedking Productions brings a 3rd compilation of original tracks. The 2-CD release features Yoshida Tetsuto, Bubble-B, Cherryboy Function, Leopaldon, Hally (VORC Records) , omoshiro Sangokushi and many others. Out at the same time is a re-issue of...
Posted on August 26, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on August 24, 2010
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.
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
Perfume "VOICE"
Next week brings a brand new single by Perfume, again of course produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! Check out the teaser video clip below. There is (was?) a limited edition too, including a bonus DVD with the title track's video...
Posted on August 5, 2010 at 21:18. | Released on August 11, 2010
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kyūjitsu"
Girl neo-G.S. band Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album just around the corner. The title means "Marianne's holiday", and it consists of 6 covers of cult Showa kayō songs. Definitely hard to resist! The release is already available in advance...
Posted on August 1, 2010 at 20:50. | Released on August 4, 2010
pupa "dreaming pupa", "floating 6 pupas ~Live in Tokyo 2008~" (DVD)
All-star band pupa (*), that was believed by many to be a one-time thing, is back with a 2nd album out now! Released at the same time is a live DVD containing a full show held in November 2008. Also...
Posted on July 28, 2010 at 22:50. | Released on July 28, 2010
Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Ryōma no hanauta (akaban)"
Where did Takanami K-tarō go? He's doing fine, back to his hometown of Nagasaki since last year. And it seems like he fell in love with the roots he found there, as he offers this surprising new album consisting of...
Posted on July 24, 2010 at 00:49. | Released on June 16, 2010
KOR=GIRL "KOR=GIRL I"
A first mini-album from KOR=GIRL (MySpace) is coming this week! KOR=GIRL is a new unit of 2 girls who sing while banging Korg Wavedrums. It's produced by Terukado (Aira Mitsuki, Saori@destiny). It seems that the release had to face some...
Posted on July 18, 2010 at 11:57. | Released on July 21, 2010
CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"
There's a new techno-pop unit called CTO LAB., formed of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). "CTO" standing for "Compact Techno Organization", the concept is to use small synthesizers and electronic instruments for making their music....
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 00:11. | Released on July 28, 2010
pal@pop "feat. PLUS"
pal@pop (aka Takano Kenichi) has a new album out imminently, a collection of collaborations with various female singers. Featured are Halcali, Inagaki Saki (aka Sakura), Makino Yui, comedians Morisanchū and more. Note that the previously released Halcali track comes in...
Posted on July 13, 2010 at 00:08. | Released on July 14, 2010
Hosokawa Fumie "The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'Hosokawa Fumie' Best Collection"
Big-chested gravure idol Hosokawa Fumie was only active musically for 2 years in the early 90's, but she had some great songs including ones produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) and Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). Greatest hits album "Hit &...
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 22:18. | Released on July 14, 2010
Rocketman feat. Cosmetics "Love Is All II ~korekara hajimaru Story~" (Download)
Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) is back with the 3-girl unit he produces, Cosmetics, that he had just disbanded last year stating for reason that their first CD (a limited release at Tower Records) failed to make the charts, even...
Posted on July 8, 2010 at 00:13. | Released on July 7, 2010
Hasegawa Akiko "Sunrise!"
Voice actress Hasegawa Akiko (aka VCF of DG-10, also appearing in IDOLM@STER) has a solo single coming. Notably included is B-side "Stay Tuned!" produced by Elektel. Hasegawa Akiko "Sunrise!" 長谷川明子 「Sunrise!」 1. Sunrise! 2. 2100 nen no Tokyo Tower 3....
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 21:52. | Released on July 7, 2010
Gig report: "E*P=10Y" Elektel and Pyokn's 10th anniversary
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last weekend, on Sunday June 13, was held an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of two bands, Elektel and Pyokn, incidentally formed around the same time. The event was...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 18:21.
Pour Lui "minna no Pour Lui"
Pour Lui (MySpace) is a recent unit with girl vocals, techno-pop with a rocking sound. Here comes a promising first album. Two songs that previously gained popularity on iTunes are included. Audio samples at HMV Pour Lui "minna no Pour...
Posted on June 17, 2010 at 00:08. | Released on June 23, 2010
Kimura Kaela "Ring a Ding Dong"
Kimura Kaela's new single is for the super cute & catchy song heard in the recent DoCoMo commercials (watch below). As a bonus the CD contains no less than 8 live songs from her show at Budōkan held last March....
Posted on June 7, 2010 at 21:46. | Released on June 9, 2010
Meg "Maverick"
Techno-pop idol Meg has a 4th album coming this month, again entirely produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). Included are two tracks from latest single "Secret Adventure". This comes a year since album "Beautiful". The limited edition contains a bonus 24-page...
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 23:53. | Released on June 23, 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.
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Venus to Jesus"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single out now. Title song "Venus to Jesus" ("Venus and Jesus") is the opening theme of anime "Arakawa Under The Bridge". HMV offers a sticker sheet while supplies last. Audio samples at HMV...
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 23:38. | Released on May 26, 2010
pal@pop feat. Inagaki Saki "hatsukoi" (Download)
pal@pop (aka producer Takano Kenichi) is known for having produced songs like Halcali's "Re: yasashii kimochi" and Chappie's "Welcoming Morning" as well as many others. He now has a new song available now on iTunes Japan, featuring Inagaki Saki (comedian...
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 23:31. | Released on May 26, 2010
Clammbon "2010"
Just out is an 8th album from Clammbon, it had been 3 years since the previous "Musical". The title "2010" is read "nisenjū". Audio samples at HMV Clammbon "2010" 1. serendipity 2. KANADE Dance 3. NOW!!! (2010 ver.) 4. SUPER☆STAR...
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 23:19. | Released on May 19, 2010
Gig report: Japanino Night
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday I went to Japanino Night, an event held at Nifty's Tokyo Culture Culture café in Odaiba, promoting build-your-own 8-bit computer Japanino , the latest from popular magazine Otona...
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 22:07.
Atom™ & Masaki Sakamoto "Alien Symphony"
Atom™ (aka Atom Heart) joins pianist/neurologist Masaki Sakamoto for a first original album titled "Alien Symphony" out now in Japan. Guest vocalists include Koshi Miharu. Also available on iTunes is a special album of remixed tracks from the album: Atom™...
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 22:01. | Released on May 19, 2010
Shinohara Tomoe "Super Model 15th Anniversary Edition" (CD+DVD)
Celebrating the 15th years of Shinohara Tomoe's debut album "Super Model" comes this limited anniversary edition. Produced by Denki Groove's Ishino Takkyū with Sunahara Yoshinori, Pierre Taki, CMJK, and also Chikada Haruo, Nakahara Masaya, Surf Coasters and more, this is...
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 21:31. | Released on June 30, 2010
Various Artists "Tribute to Ajiwai kaitenzushi Zen"
J-death techno label Speedking Productions offers us a brand new kind of tribute album, inspired by conveyor belt sushi restaurant "Zen" in Odawara (Kanagawa prefecture). The nice-priced mini-album features tracks by Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G, Tofubeats, and more. Check out the...
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 20:31. | Released on May 5, 2010
Halcali "Tokyo Groove"
Halcali is finally back this month with a new album! The previous was "Cyborg oretachi" 3 years ago. This time we are treated to 2 CDs of 8 songs each. The first contains original songs, and the other all covers....
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 23:24. | Released on May 26, 2010
Como-Lee "Roboghibli Talk Box by Como-Lee"
Talk box artist Como-Lee has an album out where he covers Ghibli theme songs. Various vocalists are also featured (no talk box for them though). Audio samples at Amazon Como-Lee "Roboghibli Talk Box by Como-Lee" Como-Lee 「ロボジブリ トークボックス by Como-Lee」...
Posted on May 9, 2010 at 11:14. | Released on March 17, 2010
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki one-man live at Liquidroom
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Aira Mitsuki keeps taking techno-pop to a higher level, always in a way that I like. Yesterday she performed a one-man show at Liquidroom in Ebisu, backed from start to finish by...
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 00:12.
Halfby "The Island of Curiosity"
3 years since album "Side Farmers", Halfby is now back on label Second Royal with a brand new album. Again this is a summer party album, being described as "resort dance music". Featured are members of foreign indies bands Skibunny,...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 13:47. | Released on May 19, 2010
Original Love "Volare! The Best Selections of Original Love"
A new greatest hits album is coming from Original Love, containing songs from 1995 to 2006. Included is title track "Volare", a Japanese lyrics version of popular Italian song "Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu". Original Love's version was used in...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 12:25. | Released on May 19, 2010
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
Vanilla Beans "Def & Def"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new mini-album titled "Def & Def", after the song they sing in a commercial for unisex deodorant "D&D" (this one stands for "Deo & Dry"). The song is included here in two different versions,...
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 23:08. | Released on May 19, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko to d.v.d. "Blu Day"
Yakushimaru Etsuko, singer of sōtaiseiriron, joins band d.v.d. ("drums video drums") for this album. d.v.d. is known for performing live using two drum sets to trigger game-like video. The album comes with a DVD. Out at the same time is...
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 00:06. | Released on April 7, 2010
sōtaiseiriron "Synchroniciteen"
Girl-fronted rock band sōtaiseiriron has a 2nd album coming. Last year saw the release of a solo single by singer Yakushimaru Etsuko, who has also been performing with band d.v.d. (drums video drums) with which album "Blu Day" is being...
Posted on March 31, 2010 at 23:50. | Released on April 7, 2010
Perfume "fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite"
Here's a long-awaited new single from Perfume, their first since 3rd album "⊿" out last summer. The title song "Natural ni koi shite" is a tie-up with fashion brand Natural Beauty Basic, and can be heard in the brand's new...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:45. | Released on April 14, 2010
Kojima Mayumi "Blue Rondo"
Singer-songwriter Kojima Mayumi has a new album, her 8th, out earlier this month. Hear sound samples at HearJapan. Kojima Mayumi "Blue Rondo" 1. nemurenai yoru 2. Paper Moon 3. Suspiria! 4. kuroneko no Cha Cha Cha 5. Arabesque 6. usotsuki...
Posted on February 24, 2010 at 00:14. | Released on February 3, 2010
capsule "PLAYER", Nakata Yasutaka "Liar Game 2"
Finally!! Here's a new album from capsule, over a year since their previous original album "MORE! MORE! MORE!". A limited edition contains a video clip for song "Hello" used in promotion for AU mobile phone iida (see the commercial below)....
Posted on February 20, 2010 at 00:18. | Released on March 3, 2010
Original Soundtrack "ryūsen no kanata"
Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Sally Soul Stew) has went back to studio with two former band mates from The Phantom Gift, his 80's neo-GS band, to make music for the soundtrack of this full-length documentary about the Toyota 2000GT sports...
Posted on February 10, 2010 at 00:28. | Released on February 17, 2010
Full Swing "Our Song"
Indies instrumental band Full Swing (MySpace), led by two musicians who play Hammond organ and bass, has a 3rd album just out. Their groovy songs are catchy and sound like they're party classics, although they're all original. Check out the...
Posted on January 26, 2010 at 00:14. | Released on January 14, 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
dorlis "swingin' street 4"
Here's a new album from singer dorlis, whose releases are all called "swingin' street". Always collaborating with interesting artists, this time there are songs featuring Sunaga Tatsuo, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, quasimode, kotringo, paris match and more. A video for...
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 01:06. | Released on January 27, 2010
Various Artists "Second Royal Vol.5"
A year since "Second Royal Vol.4", here comes a 5th compilation from the Kyoto label! Again this includes brand new tracks by label artists Halfby, Fredo, Rufus, Satoru Ono, a few remixes involving Handsomeboy Technique, and also tracks by new...
Posted on January 17, 2010 at 23:19. | Released on January 27, 2010
Halcali "Endless Night"
Finally a new single by Halcali! Title track "Endless Night" is produced by Ram Rider and features Bose (Scha Dara Parr), while the B-side "Yes" is produced by m-flo's Verbal. The single is being described as dance music. Hear a...
Posted on January 10, 2010 at 12:11. | Released on January 27, 2010
The Aprils "Back To The Future Music", "Space Dream Bathroom"
First thing to look forward to in 2010 is The Aprils' new 4th album, titled "Back To The Future Music"! We can expect again more of that great band-style future-pop sound. The album's first pressing comes with a bonus CD...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 15:15. | Released on January 6, 2010
DG-10 "Golden Synthesizer!"
A new mini-album from DG-10, the 3-girl unit featuring music made with the Korg DS-10. This one contains covers of Ghibli's "kaze no tani no Nausicaa", "Ghostbusters" and Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", plus one new original song. The CD contains...
Posted on December 22, 2009 at 23:39. | Released on December 23, 2009
Aprils feat. Hatsune Miku "Miku-Ro Adventure!"
The Aprils are back after a long wait, over 4 years since album "Space Dream Bathroom". First we are treated to this self-cover album featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku. It seems that the whole is programmed by artists Penguins Project,...
Posted on December 20, 2009 at 01:25. | Released on December 23, 2009
Erieza Royal & AsamixJuice "Vacuum"
This is a new 2-girl techno-pop unit with an adult twist, featuring SM queen and punk band Ecodamned drummer Erieza Royal with performer and "doll" maker AsamixJuice. Their first album is produced by Nagata Kazunao and features remixes by Yoshida...
Posted on December 13, 2009 at 01:42. | Released on December 11, 2009
Maezono Naoki Group "hi o tsukeru. Maezono Naoki Group dai1shū."
Maezono Naoki Group, band featuring Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) on piano, released its first album on vinyl only last June and sold out quickly. Finally this is also coming on CD, and that in a mini-LP sleeve! The CD will...
Posted on December 6, 2009 at 01:43. | Released on December 9, 2009
Cosmetics "Love Is All"
Rocketman-produced idol trio Cosmetics have a first CD being released! This contains their two first singles, released for download earlier this year, as well as two remixes of each. One of the tracks hadn't yet been released in digital form....
Posted on November 24, 2009 at 23:13. | Released on December 2, 2009
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
Suzuki Ami "Kiss Kiss Kiss"
Suzuki Ami's brand new single has a B-side ("aishiteru...") produced by Fantastic Plastic Machine! Title track "Kiss Kiss Kiss" is a Japanese lyrics cover of Ananda Project's hit song. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD with a video for...
Posted on October 31, 2009 at 23:21. | Released on October 28, 2009
Budo Grape "himitsu Gallery"
New wave/techno-pop band Budo Grape from Nagoya bring us a 5th album, titled "himitsu Gallery" ("Secret Gallery")! Check out the two videos below. Budo Grape "himitsu Gallery" ぶどう÷グレープ 「秘密ギャラリー」 1. himitsu Gallery 2. Goodbye 17 3. kamazu ni nome 4....
Posted on October 27, 2009 at 22:31. | Released on November 11, 2009
BUBBLE-B "BUBBLE-B no Big Bang" (CD+DVD)
Indies techno artist and video remixer BUBBLE-B, who keeps the J-death techno scene alive with his label Speedking, has a brand new album out! Follow-up to the "BUBBLE-B no Good Evening" DVD (2004), this new release actually contains both CD...
Posted on October 20, 2009 at 20:23. | Released on October 21, 2009
Kaji Hideki "Strawberries and Cream"
One year since "Lollipop", here's a brand new album from Kaji Hideki (MySpace)! This includes the song "Passion Fruits" (see video below) which was released on a "Blue Boys Don't Cry e.p." earlier this year. Guest musicians include Hidaka Tōru...
Posted on October 18, 2009 at 23:41. | Released on October 21, 2009
"komadori eiga: Komaneko no Christmas ~maigo ni natta Present~" (DVD)
A sequel to the popular cute stop-animation movie "Komaneko" (2006), featuring a cat who in turn created stop-animation, is coming in time for Christmas! The title translates to "Komaneko's Christmas: The Lost Present". The previous movie had no dialog, except...
Posted on October 18, 2009 at 11:51. | Released on December 2, 2009
Various Artists "Speedking presents: 8bit Rave"
From Japan's first "death techno" label SPEEDKING comes this 8-bit Famicom/Gameboy chip-tune compilation featuring Yoshida Tetsuto, BUBBLE-B, KPLECRAFT, Cherryboy Function, Bokusatsu Shoujo Koubou and many more. See the promo sampler clip at YouTube below. This comes out at the same...
Posted on October 8, 2009 at 21:40. | Released on October 21, 2009
DG-10 "DG-10" (Download)
Out at the same time as DG-10's "Love Synthesizer!" was another 3-song self-titled EP sold as a limited edition only at online shop (Tora no ana). Now this one is available on iTunes Japan too! This contains a cover of...
Posted on October 4, 2009 at 00:59. | Released on September 18, 2009
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set + Halcali "konya wa Boogie Back"
The latest from Halcali is this cover of Scha Dara Parr with Ozawa Kenji's hit song "konya wa Boogie Back", here produced by Tokyo No.1 Soul Set. The song was heard a lot on TV in a commercial for Nissan...
Posted on September 27, 2009 at 13:22. | Released on September 23, 2009
YMCK "hateshinai sekai" (Download)
After first being heard as anime series "Arado senki"'s ending theme, and released for download on mobile phone only last May, finally here comes this great YMCK song to a more consumer-friendly form through iTunes Japan! This is the full-length...
Posted on September 3, 2009 at 19:43. | Released on August 26, 2009
Asia Engineer "MOMI MOMI Fantastic feat. Haruna Ai"
"4-MC positive rap group" Asia Engineer's new single is a song for a Fanta TV commercial featuring sex-changed comedian Haruna Ai, and the CD contains a Konishi Yasuharu remix. A limited edition contains a DVD with the music video plus...
Posted on August 15, 2009 at 23:26. | Released on August 19, 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
Various Artists "PANIC Level.01"
Excellent magazine Marquee, always keeping the post-Shibuya-kei scene happy, brings us a compilation featuring some of the best Japan has to offer recently, and that at a nice price. Included are songs by Urbangarde (MySpace), Dr.USUI (Motocompo), Sweet Vacation (MySpace),...
Posted on August 11, 2009 at 23:54. | Released on August 5, 2009
Ryō-san "kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari-kōenmae Hashutsujo"
The latest by Konishi Yasuharu is this ska-ish track sung by Katori Shingo of superstar boy group SMAP. It's a return of the duo of super-hit "oha Rock" (sung by Shingo Mama), probably one of Konishi's works that sold the...
Posted on August 3, 2009 at 23:35. | Released on August 5, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "PLASTIC"
This week, Aira Mitsuki is back with a 2nd album, not even a year since "Copy". I count 7 tracks taken from the three latest singles: "Robot Honey", "sayonara Technopolis", and "BARBiE BARBiE", leaving us with 7 brand new tracks...
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 22:25. | Released on July 22, 2009
Perfume "⊿"
Perfume's 3rd album is coming next week, with a strange title that reads "Triangle". Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this follow-up to best-selling "Game" comes with very high expectations! Included are the 3 latest singles "One Room Disco", "love...
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 22:35. | Released on July 8, 2009
Cosmetics "tomorrow" (Download)
Cosmetics, the 3-girl unit produced by Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō), has a new EP available for download on iTunes Japan. This contains new catchy vocoder track "tomorrow", that can be heard in full in the YouTube clip below, plus new...
Posted on June 17, 2009 at 22:25. | Released on June 17, 2009
Maezono Naoki Group "hi o tsukeru. Maezono Naoki Group dai1shū." (12")
Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) is a pianist! Maezono Naoki Group started performing late 2008 and has been releasing small-sized magazines irregularly. Finally here's a first album, but be aware that it's vinyl only (no CD anyway). If you're interested at...
Posted on June 12, 2009 at 00:42. | Released on June 24, 2009
Vanilla Beans "koi no Theory" (Download)
More good post-Shibuya-kei pop from Vanilla Beans with their latest single "koi no Theory", now available for download only. The song is the theme of movie "fujoshi kanojo". There's some remix contest going on, grab the files by going here...
Posted on June 10, 2009 at 23:59. | Released on April 28, 2009
