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: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Fashion Monster"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming in October! Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this time the title track is a rocking tune. An extended version of "tsukema tsukeru" is included, as well as a B-side that's used...
Posted on September 23, 2012 at 15:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
Various Artists "Red Diamond ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~"
This is a tribute album to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Takahashi Yukihiro who celebrated his 60th anniversary last June 6. Included are new covers of Takahashi's songs from his whole career. O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Sunahara Yoshinori and Towa Tei) offers...
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 13:37. | Released on August 8, 2012
Gig report: Portable Rock
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 2, I went to see Portable Rock at small venue Club Crawl in Shibuya. It was the first of two "one-man" shows (no opening band) the band played. This...
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 21:57.
Various Artists "Vanilla"
Here's a charity compilation consisting of, it seems, all new recordings. Featured are various female vocalists, including DadaD, Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), Suzuki Momoko (ex-Cosa Nostra) and many more. Monsieur Kamayatsu (Spiders) also appears on 2 tracks. The album's jacket shows...
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:10. | Released on April 4, 2012
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)
salyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:10. | Released on February 1, 2012
Nomiya Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"
Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 13:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
plusico Produced by Thomas O'hara "Hatsune Miku plays gekkōkakishidan (Moonriders)"
Along with their 21st album "Ciao!", the Moonriders also have this official album of covers sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku coming at the same time. ("gekkōkakishidan" in the title means Moonriders.) Miku sings The Moonriders' greatest hits, programmed by...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 13:36. | Released on December 14, 2011
Portable Rock "Beginnings + 5"
Portable Rock was an 80's techno-pop band featuring Nomiya Maki (later of Pizzicato Five) with Suzuki Tomofumi (guitar) and Nakahara Nobuo (bass). First released in 1990, "Beginnings" is a collection of early recordings, now being reissued with 5 rare bonus...
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on October 26, 2011
Kirinji "~Connoisseur Series~ Kirinji 'Songbook'"
Kirinji have often composed songs for other artists. In this 2-CD album they self-cover some of those songs on the 1st CD, while the 2nd CD is a compilation of 10 songs they wrote performed by others. Audio samples of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 00:39. | Released on October 19, 2011
The Beatniks "Last Train To Exitown"
The Beatniks is the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), started 30 years ago. After a 10 year hiatus here comes a 4th album. Included are all original songs except for a cover of Lovin' Spoonful's...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 18:04. | Released on October 12, 2011
sōtaiseiriron "tadashii sōtaiseiriron"
sōtaiseiriron have been around for 4 years and have released 3 albums. This new one features songs from the previous albums along with some brand new recordings, all revamped by many famous artists: Cornelius, Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Ōtomo Yoshihide,...
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on April 27, 2011
April Set "Fairground"
April Set, the solo project of DJ Suzuki Masanori, has a new full-length album coming this week, containing both covers and original songs with bossa, house, jazz and disco sounds. Featured are vocalists Necozawa Emi, Okawara Izumi (Qypthone), Pecombo, Suzuki...
Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:39. | Released on April 27, 2011
Moonriders "Caméra Égal Stylo Special Edition"
The Moonriders has a reissue coming of "Caméra Égal Stylo", their 5th album first released in 1980. This edition contains a special bonus CD with remixes of all songs by the likes of CTO LAB., Kishino Yūichi (La veuve moustache...
Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:14. | Released on April 27, 2011
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams"
Singer Salyu has a new album coming this month under the name "salyu x salyu" ("salyu by salyu"), and music is written and produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) who she says made her discover new things about her voice. This...
Posted on March 5, 2011 at 14:52. | Released on April 13, 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
Clémentine "Covermentine"
Following last year's popular "Animentine", French bossa nova singer Clémentine has a new cover album coming this week. This time she covers both Japanese and French famous songs. Included are Yamazaki Masayoshi's "futari de Paris ni ikō" (feat. daughter Solita),...
Posted on January 10, 2011 at 15:25. | Released on January 12, 2011
erectricmole "hōka no hirune"
Usagi-chang Records fans rejoice! The label's boss Suzuki Akira has started a new label, named flawless world. Now that's something exciting to look for in 2011 already! The first release is by new electro-pop unit erectricmole (MySpace). The unit is...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 21:33. | Released on January 12, 2011
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
Various Artists "VerSus 'Japanese Rock VS FPM' selected and non-stop mixed by FPM"
FPM starts a new series of mix CDs, titled "VerSus". In the first he has his take on J-rock, mixing rocking tracks while keeping a club attitude. The first pressing comes in a specially printed jewel case, like it was...
Posted on August 3, 2010 at 21:41. | Released on August 4, 2010
Rocketman "thank you for the music!"
Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) has a greatest hits album coming soon. Aside from 7 songs from his two solo albums ("Love, sea & music" (2006) and "The Sound of Musique" (2007)), included are 3 songs he produced by Cosmetics,...
Posted on July 29, 2010 at 23:05. | Released on August 4, 2010
DJ Mami "First Chic", Yū Suzuki "First Chic"
Here continues a series of mix CDs started by Horibe Yūmin (resident DJ of party "Joke"). All titled "First Chic", these are the first mix CDs by DJ Mami and Yū Suzuki (also of "Joke"). DJ Mami is introduced a...
Posted on June 12, 2010 at 09:45. | Released on March 22, 2010
Various Artists "Kirakira Majocco Cluv"
This looks like it might be a real gem of a compilation! The concept is of idols singing theme songs of anime series about magical girls, and tracks are produced by various club-oriented artists. Featured singers include Shinohara Tomoe and...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on February 10, 2010
Various Artists "Tokio Electro Lovers"
Following "Electro Girl Lovers" released last year, here comes another electro compilation of the same series. This one contains mainly previously released tracks, featuring FPM, m-flo, Suzuki Ami joins Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Ōsawa Shinichi, immi, Mademoiselle Yulia and many others...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 20:29. | Released on February 10, 2010
Various Artists "for winter music lovers ~ Technopop Xmas"
This new compilation of both recent and classic Christmas-themed techno-pop songs features Nomiya Maki (with a song from her first 1980 album), Aira Mitsuki, Denki Groove, Hosono Haruomi, Takahashi Yukihiro, Logic System, and much more. Various Artists "for winter music...
Posted on November 6, 2009 at 23:52. | Released on November 11, 2009
Various Artists "House Nation - Ruby"
This new compilation of Avex' House Nation series includes two Fantastic Plastic Machine appearances: a ravex track and also a remix he did of The BPA (aka Norman Cook) feat. Iggy Pop. Also included is a version of Ayuse Kozue's...
Posted on April 17, 2009 at 00:11. | Released on April 8, 2009
Various Artists "incense"
DiscID: 2b114513
Posted on September 27, 2008 at 23:15. | Released on September 24, 2008
Switched On! #5: Hazel Nuts Chocolate and Motocompo live
Hazel Nuts Chocolate and Motocompo will perform at the 5th edition of the Switched On! new-wave-dance-pop party series. Switched On! official MySpace Switched On! #5 on 6/29 (Sun.) at Kichijōji Bar Drop Live: Hazel Nuts Chocolate Motocompo V/order DJs: Dr.Usui...
Posted on June 24, 2008 at 17:42. | Released on June 29, 2008
World Happiness
Takahashi Yukihiro (Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sketch Show) and art director Shindō Mitsuo (Contemporary Production) present this summer festival where can be caught pupa (Takahashi's new all-star unit), HASYMO, Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Bonnie Pink, NRT320 (Shindō Mitsuo's...
Posted on May 8, 2008 at 13:56. | Released on August 10, 2008
Latin Panic! Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys live
Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, back this year with new releases "Mambo Imperial" and "Mambo Deco" (with more to come), are also back tonight with their legendary club event. Also known as "Latin Panic!", the event hosted at Shinjuku Oto will...
Posted on February 29, 2008 at 11:55. | Released on February 29, 2008
Suzuki Keiichi, Higuchi Yasuo "CM Works On Associates Years"
These two collections of rare TV commercial music are of interest! Suzuki Keiichi of the Moonriders has 2 jingles sung by Nomiya Maki (Shiseidō "Shower Cologne III" and Fujix "kimi wa Best Scene") and one by Harada Tomoyo (JA chokin...
Posted on December 20, 2007 at 22:16. | Released on December 22, 2007
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
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
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
Various Artists "10Girls' Voice"
A compilation of electronic tracks with female vocal will be released by label Elegant Disc. Including songs by both pro and amateur singers, the compilation features Yoshimi (Sonicberry Favour), Anna Yamada (singer praised by Sakamoto Ryūichi), Takahashi Yūki (Paradigm), Urara...
Posted on May 16, 2007 at 14:22. | Released on May 23, 2007
Strawberry Machine "zero zero five", "crazy kilt"
Nagoya girl solo unit Strawberry Machine is having its two albums re-released by label abcdefg*record. "zero zero five" was first released in 2000 and then re-released in 2004 to coincide with the release of "crazy kilt". Both albums feature an...
Posted on April 1, 2007 at 18:40. | Released on April 11, 2007
Various Artists "Blue Cafe"
DJs of Organ b.'s "Blue Cafe", regular event, led by Suzuki Masanori (April Set / Premium Cuts), have put down their best tracks for a compilation of the same name. The event recently celebrated its 7th anniversary. Sunaga Tatsuo, former...
Posted on October 23, 2006 at 17:43. | Released on October 25, 2006
Coco d'Or "Coco d'Or 2"
DiscID: b30e710e
Posted on June 28, 2006 at 10:29. | Released on July 26, 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
densetsu no Hero-tachi
Update (2005/7/19 12:09): Delayed 2 months (8/30)!! The included chewing gum's ingredients were written in a font too small on the package..! I wish they'd stop including candy, it's not like anyone really cares. Though not including candy could perhaps...
Posted on May 30, 2005 at 14:26. | Released on August 30, 2005
New year's eve in Tokyo
It's now time to plug some interesting new year's eve events going on in Tokyo. So here we go! Countdown Suite 2004-2005 at Organ b. (Shibuya) Readymade and Organ b. crew Sunaga Tatsuo, Konishi Yasuharu, Ikeda Masanori, Kobayashi Kei, Fukutomi...
Posted on December 19, 2004 at 13:50. | Released on December 31, 2004
Nomoto Karia "Karly"
Nomoto Karia's first full album "Karly" has been officially announced at Readymade International. The 17-track album, produced by Konishi Yasuharu, comes with a hard cover 64-page photo book and will cost 3800yen. Update (2004/7/19 07:58): Sound samples can be heard...
Posted on June 11, 2004 at 14:44. | Released on July 28, 2004
