Towa Tei feat. UA "Sound of Music" (12")
Towa Tei has a new 12" single out now! "Sound of Music" is a cut from latest album "CUTE", and it features singer UA. Included is also a remix by Goh Hotoda and an instrumental of the same song, as...
Posted on August 30, 2015 at 22:41. | Released on August 26, 2015
Bajune Tobeta "Teddy Bear and Password" (CD+DVD), "Space Loungin'" (12")
Producer Bajune Tobeta has a new EP out today! Three vocalists are featured: Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Bonjour Suzuki (a female singer who debuted earlier this year), and Vivian Sessoms (who has been featured many times on songs by Towa...
Posted on August 26, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on August 26, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu album vinyl reissues
This one is for KPP's hardcore fans, DJs and vinyl collectors. All of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's albums (and debut mini-album) to date are being released on vinyl. Full-length albums come as a set of two records, keeping the songs in...
Posted on August 16, 2015 at 12:29. | Released on August 19, 2015
the oto factory "Cocktail Party"
Young 4-piece 5-synth band the oto factory has a first mini-album out now on Rallye Label. Included is "Skyscraper" which involved tofubeats as an engineer, as well as remixes by Dorian and BlackglassG. Hear samples of all songs at CDJapan....
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 23:35. | Released on August 5, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
Negicco "nee Vardia"
This week a brand new single from Negicco has been released! "nee Vardia" is a song written and produced by Ikeda Takafumi (aka Rekishi). B-side "oyasumi" was written by Negicco's usual producer connie, with lyrics by MEG and arrangements by...
Posted on August 13, 2015 at 22:24. | Released on August 11, 2015
Yapani! "Salvia feat. P.O.P"
Instrumental brass rock band Yapani! has a new digital single out now, featuring rapper twins P.O.P! This is available on iTunes worldwide. No live info for Yapani! at this time, but P.O.P have a one-man live featuring Nakatsuka Takeshi...
Posted on August 2, 2015 at 13:42. | Released on August 2, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Especia "Aviator / Boogie Aroma"
Osaka 80's-inspired idol group Especia have a new single out now! This double-A-sider is actually their first one on a major label, and it has songs produced by Schtein&Longer and PellyColo respectively. Check out the sampler clip below which give...
Posted on July 28, 2015 at 21:10. | Released on July 22, 2015
Towa Tei "Cute"
This week brings us Towa Tei's 8th solo album, "Cute", the follow-up to "Lucky" (2013)! The album features members of METAFIVE (Tei's all-star band with Takahashi Yukihiro, Oyamada Keigo, Sunahara Yoshinori et al.), and also Hosono Haruomi, Ino Hidefumi, Yasuda...
Posted on July 27, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on July 29, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "natsu nandashi" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new single out today, and the title track is written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! "natsu nandashi" is actually a hip-hop-ish answer song to Happy End's "natsu nan desu" (1971). The B-side is also a must,...
Posted on July 22, 2015 at 23:40. | Released on July 22, 2015
Recoride "Freshless"
Brilliant synth-punk band Recoride has a brand new full-length album out now! Check out the clip below to give you a perfect idea. A double release party of Recoride and KOTO will be held tomorrow Friday July 17 at Disk...
Posted on July 16, 2015 at 21:38. | Released on July 15, 2015
Negicco "Negicco First Tour 'Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow'" (DVD)
Niigata-based idol trio Negicco have a new DVD out now, of a show held on May 5 at the Niigata Prefectural Civic Center. This was the last show of their "Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow" tour. Included are many...
Posted on July 14, 2015 at 22:59. | Released on July 14, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayo 3 Non-stop DJ Mix -The Ondo- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Here's a 3rd mix of DJ Fukutake's popular "Yava-kayō" series! This time the theme is "ondō" (Wikipedia), which is the type of traditional music that people of all ages dance along to at summer festivals (matsuri) throughout Japan. Ondō is...
Posted on July 4, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on July 8, 2015
The Scooters "The Scooters NOW !" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this week! This consists of two covers, the A-side of the Jackson Sisters' hit single "I Believe In Miracles", and the B-side of David Bowie's "Young Americans". Both are sung in Japanese,...
Posted on July 3, 2015 at 22:20. | Released on July 7, 2015
Sally Soul Stew "Joy To The World / Black Coffee" (7"+CD)
Sally Soul Stew, the band led by Sally Kubota (ex-The Phantom Gift, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1), has a brand new single out this week! A-side "Joy To The World" is a new song with music written by Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five)...
Posted on June 29, 2015 at 21:58. | Released on July 1, 2015
YMCK "Family Dancing"
YMCK are back this month with a 6th album, and this time the theme is "Family Dancing"! Of course this lets us hope for some of the best 8-bit dance music ever! This comes a year and a half after...
Posted on June 11, 2015 at 23:30. | Released on June 24, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 2014 Japan Arena Tour Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic Toy Box" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new DVD/Blu-ray coming this week. The 2-disc set contains a whole show held in Tokyo from last year's Japan Arena Tour, plus another show from London (part of the "Nanda Collection World Tour 2014") with...
Posted on June 7, 2015 at 13:44. | Released on June 10, 2015
Original Love "Lover Man"
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! Tajima has said that after contributing "Sunshine Nihonkai" to Negicco he's been feeling like making more pop music again, and this can be felt throughout this album....
Posted on June 3, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on June 10, 2015
Hanazawa Kana "Blue Avenue"
Voice actress Hanazawa Kana's recent 3rd album "Blue Avenue" has an all-star lineup of songwriters and producers including Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), Nakatsuka Takeshi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), mito (clammbon), Studio Apartment, Okuda Kensuke with Nishidera Gōta (Nona...
Posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:57. | Released on April 22, 2015
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer Street"
Tokyo Killer is a girl-fronted surf rock instrumental band formed of guitarist Keme (Kinoco Hotel), bassist Akko (ex-GO!GO!7188), keyboardist Kei (Urbangarde) and drummer Kyōichi (ex-Urbangarde). This first album, released at the end of April, features some famous covers as well...
Posted on May 24, 2015 at 22:53. | Released on April 22, 2015
petit milady "cheri*cheri? milady!!"
Follow-up to last year's "petit miladear", here's a 2nd album by unit petit milady of voice actresses Yuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana. Once again most songs are produced by Satō Seiki (microstar). The album comes in 3 different editions. Limited...
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 17:31. | Released on May 13, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "koshinuke danshi ni I Love You" (CD+7")
Here's a first release this year from Hoshino Michiru! This new single is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar). The A-side is a danceable guitar pop tune while the B-side is a song with an oldies vibe....
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 16:37. | Released on May 27, 2015
Ichikawa Saya "yo ga aketara"
Model Ichikawa Saya has debuted as a singer with this jazz single produced by Konishi Yasuharu. The singer being a hardcore train fan, she is often featured on late night TV program Tamori Club for train-related topics. The train-themed...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 15:59. | Released on May 13, 2015
Pizzicato One "watakushi no nijuseiki"
2015 is looking like a good year for Pizzicato Five fans! Konishi Yasuharu has a second Pizzicato One album coming this June, follow-up to "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (2011). With a title that translates to "My 20th century",...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 12:34. | Released on June 24, 2015
Sunaga t experience "STE"
Next week will bring us a brand new 5th album by Sunaga t Experience, DJ Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running jazz solo project. This year marks Sunaga's 30th anniversary as a DJ! Featured musicians include Scha Dara Parr, YOU THE ROCK★, ECD,...
Posted on May 15, 2015 at 23:27. | Released on May 20, 2015
Various Artists "Idol bakari Pizzicato -Konishi Yasuharu x T-Palette Records-"
What's new Pizzicato? Well here's an exciting album coming this week! Various groups from Tower Records' idol-only label T-Palette Records cover nothing but Pizzicato Five songs! Featured are Vanilla Beans, Negicco, lyrical school, Idol Renaissance and onelittlekiss. The whole was...
Posted on April 20, 2015 at 22:00. | Released on April 22, 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
fox capture plan "Underground"
Instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan has a new mini-album coming this week. A cover of Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight Tonight" is included. The release comes with a bonus 40-minute DVD (Region 2 NTSC) of a show held on October 16,...
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:45. | Released on April 8, 2015
Negicco "LIVE & LIFE Negicco 2014-15 Winter" (DVD)
Negicco has a new DVD out this week, consisting of a full band-backed one man show held on January 25 at Ebisu Liquidroom in Tokyo. Plus, a documentary of the release event for single "hikari no Spur" is also included....
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:21. | Released on April 7, 2015
Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino "Condor"
Rapper duo Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino have a new album out now! The album features guests such as Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Zen-La-Rock among others. Various producers participated, with one track produced by Halfby. HMV gives away a...
Posted on April 4, 2015 at 00:00. | Released on April 1, 2015
Perfume "Relax In The City / Pick Me Up"
Perfume's next single will be a double A-side. "Relax In The City" is being used in a commercial for Sapporo drink "Green Aroma", while "Pick Me Up" is a tie-up with the world famous Isetan department store located in Shinjuku,...
Posted on April 1, 2015 at 23:54. | Released on April 29, 2015
tofubeats "Stakeholder"
tofubeats has a brand new release coming up as a dance-oriented EP. This includes title track "Stakeholder" sung by himself, and also a collaboration with pal okadada. The CD comes with a 20-page photo booklet, and Amazon apparently gives away...
Posted on March 27, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on April 1, 2015
Saigenji "hikari mebuku toki" (Download)
Guitarist & singer-songwriter Saigenji has a new mini-album. With an acoustic theme, the recording also features cello, violin, viola and piano. Check out the digest clip below! Saigenji "hikari mebuku toki" (Download) Saigenji 「光芽吹くとき」 1. hikari mebuku toki 2015...
Posted on March 26, 2015 at 20:13. | Released on March 25, 2015
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre no zanzō" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a first live DVD (and also Blu-ray) out this week. This is made up of recordings from shows held at Tokyo Globe-za (May 25, 2014), Tokyo Kinema Club (Nov. 23, 2014) and Shibuya O-East (Feb. 11,...
Posted on March 24, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on March 25, 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
Various Artists "Piano Man Plays Disney" (2x12")
The latest Disney cover compilation is one full of pianists. Featured are artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, fox capture plan, Schroeder-Headz, →Pia-no-jaC← and more, playing various Disney hit tunes old and new. This was actually released on CD earlier this...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on March 27, 2015
Count Joke "itsuka dokoka de c/w yūrei no Ballad" (7"+CD)
This release completes Count Joke's "Air-Replay Series" trilogy of 7" singles. These two songs were being released on CD last December. This packaging includes both 7" and CD (with instrumentals). "itsuka dokokade" features Smooth Ace, and was written in memory...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 20:19. | Released on March 25, 2015
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 00:27. | Released on March 18, 2015
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers"
Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming this week, consisting of covers of foreign songs such as The Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face", Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender", Julie London's "Fly Me To The Moon", Burt Bacharach-written "The Look...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 15:37. | Released on March 18, 2015
Various Artists "Zher the Zoo Yoyogi 10th Anniversary Compilation Album 'Here Come The Girl'zoo'"
Zher the ZOO (a venue in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku) has been around for 10 years already. Here's a nice-priced compilation of various female vocal songs by artists familiar to the venue. Most of these are rare or brand new recordings. Featured...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 13:51. | Released on March 18, 2015
Tweedees "The Sound Sounds."
Tweedees is a brand new band formed of Okii Reiji (Scott Goes For, Frog, ex-Cymbals) with 24-year-old singer/actress Kiyoura Natsumi. Check out the video below, and hear other audio samples at CDJapan. The song "KLING! KLANG!!" is available in advance...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 13:16. | Released on March 18, 2015
LLLL "Faithful"
Electro unit LLLL (Facebook page, Soundcloud) has a brand new album out imminently! "Faithful" is the follow-up to "Paradice" (2014). The new album features various female vocalists, including Shinobu of Her Ghost Friend, Metoronori, Kanako of kindan no tasūketsu and...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 18:59. | Released on March 15, 2015
Fujioka Minami & The Morones "Hajiki"
Fujioka Minami, previously half of Panda 1/2, has lately been active as the singer of a 3-piece pop-oriented band (official site, and finally here comes a first release in the form of a 5-song mini-album. HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 18:14. | Released on March 18, 2015
yamp kolt "chewing"
Producer yamp kolt has a new album coming, featuring a variety of female vocalists. Those include hitomitoi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sotaiseiriron), UA, Saya (Tenniscoats), etc. Many musicians also participate, such as U-zhaan (tabla) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) (Rovo, ex-Modern Choki Chokies)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:44. | Released on March 18, 2015
(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering. A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:00. | Released on March 18, 2015
Budo Grape "4321 hi o tsukero", "zankoku na yasashisa" (Download)
Nagoya-based new wave band Budo Grape has released 2 new songs digitally, now available on iTunes worldwide! Budo Grape can be seen in Tokyo on April 18 at Shibuya Last Waltz with Boogie the Machmotors (details). Budo Grape "4321...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 16:40. | Released on March 5, 2015
Tomita Isao "Space Fantasy", "Tomita on NHK"
Two albums by synthesizer maestro Tomita Isao were released this month. The first, "Space Fantasy", is a 2-CD release of which the 1st CD is a collection of tracks from his "Planets" trilogy ("Cosmos", "Bermuda Triangle" and "Firebird") remastered in...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 16:07. | Released on March 4, 2015
Perfume "5th Tour 2014 Gurun Gurun" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's 5th tour, titled "Gurun Gurun" (official page) and held through August and September in 2014, has now been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The recording is of the tour's finale show held at Kokuritsu Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in Tokyo...
Posted on March 11, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on March 10, 2015
lyrical school "SPOT"
lyrical school has a new album out now! This is the follow-up to "date course" released 1½ year ago. The album includes tracks by tofubeats ("FRESH !!!" and "yume de aitai ne"), Illreme (of (((sssurrounddd)))) ("gekka bijin" and "waratte.net"), as...
Posted on March 10, 2015 at 23:13. | Released on March 10, 2015
Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see...
Posted on March 8, 2015 at 12:06. | Released on March 4, 2015
Nomiya Maki "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji / aru hi totsuzen" (7")
Out this week is a 7" cut from Nomiya Maki's latest live album, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards". Included is a self-cover of Pizzicato Five's most famous song, "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (aka "The night is still...
Posted on March 5, 2015 at 22:39. | Released on March 6, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a...
Posted on March 1, 2015 at 18:31. | Released on March 18, 2015
Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"
This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:46. | Released on February 25, 2015
Hideki Kaji x Yakenohara feat. Takagi Masakatsu "Sound of Felicity" (7"+Download)
This is a collaboration single of Kaji Hideki and rapper Yakenohara with Takagi Masakatsu. All three are on label felicity, and the song first appeared on compilation "Clear Cut 200" (Amazon) released last November. Here it comes on a 7"...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:24. | Released on February 24, 2015
Count Joke "LED c/w nagisa" (7"+CD)
A 2nd 7" from this trilogy by Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page), unit of Maezono Naoki & Arai Toshiya, was released this week! Also check out the January-released "bird man c/w ameagari". The next will be released on...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 22:38. | Released on February 25, 2015
Sugar's Campaign "Holiday" (7"), "tonari Town" (7")
Two new 7"'s from Sugar's Campaign, of songs from their excellent first album "Friends". Included on the "Holiday" single is an exclusive extended mix of "Big Wave". Both come on white vinyl! The album's release party is to be held...
Posted on February 25, 2015 at 22:42. | Released on February 21, 2015
Especia "Primera"
Osaka-based 80's style idol group Especia have made a move to a major label, and their first major release comes as a mini-album (still clocking over 38 minutes). This includes songs written by Meserati Nagisa (LUVRAW (Image Cluv) & PellyColo),...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 23:25. | Released on February 18, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 22:43. | Released on February 25, 2015
Denki Groove "Fallin' Down"
Denki Groove have a brand new single out this week! "Fallin' Down" is the ending theme of monster-themed TV series "kaiki renai sakusen" (by director Keralino Sandrovich). Included are remixes by (((sssurrounddd))) and Hoshina Anniversary. The limited edition comes with...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 21:57. | Released on February 25, 2015
Noppal "I Luv MaryJane / Lazy Sun Day" (7")
Laid-back female rapper Noppal has a 7" cut coming, of two songs from excellent mini-album "Summer EP 2015" (ironically released in 2014). "I Luv MaryJane" was produced by Mr.Melody (PPP) and features LUVRAW on talkbox, while "Lazy Sun Day"...
Posted on February 11, 2015 at 13:30. | Released on February 20, 2015
Towa Tei "Heaven" (Download)
Towa Tei has a brand new single out today! "Heaven" is a song made for Valentine's Day, and it's also released as a special package with delicious rusk from Gateau Festa Harada. At digital music shop Mach Beat, the...
Posted on February 11, 2015 at 11:18. | Released on February 11, 2015
Cupitron "Battery"
3-girl techno-pop idol group Cupitron has a 2nd single out this week, follow-up to "Unicorn Parade" and again produced by Tobeta Bajune. The group's latest costumes were designed by Shinohara Tomoe, in a style that reminds of her early days....
Posted on February 10, 2015 at 23:42. | Released on February 11, 2015
Tarte Tatin "Pro Ducer"
Here's a 4-song EP by Tarte Tatin, this time produced by Tanaka Takashi (of indie bands shinkou-houkou and koto no yūbe). Tarte Tatin is currently formed of Aoi and Yurie, after member Yuki quit early this year for health reasons....
Posted on February 8, 2015 at 22:38. | Released on February 4, 2015
akiko "Rockin' jivin' swingin'"
Jazz singer akiko has a brand new album out now, of rockin', jivin' and swingin' songs (as the title says!) from the 40's and 50's. Featured musicians include Gentle Forest Jazz Band, Blue Moon Quartet, Fats & Fats, and also...
Posted on February 8, 2015 at 20:09. | Released on February 4, 2015
Count Joke "bird man c/w ameagari" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) is the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya. Starting this January they are releasing a series of 7"'s (coming with a bonus CD) of songs limitedly released on CD throughout last year....
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on January 28, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Lady or Girl?"
After the release of two 7" singles, here's a first album by Reina & The Blue Valentines, girl band fronted by Nosa Reina (whose latest solo album "don't kiss, but yes" was produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five)) and formed...
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 21:56. | Released on February 11, 2015
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nameless God's Blue"
Yasuda Toshiyuki has a new solo album coming this week! 5 years after his previous, "Children's Songs 2050" (2009), this time he creates music using acoustic piano and clean vocals (mainly his own). Recorded in Tokyo, Okinawa and Milano, this...
Posted on February 2, 2015 at 21:59. | Released on February 4, 2015
Scha Dara Parr "1212"
It's been about 6 years since Scha Dara Parr's previous album, "11" (2009), and here comes a brand new one! This 12th album features 12 new songs including collaborations with girl rock band Chatmonchy, talent Shimizu Michiko and also longtime...
Posted on January 26, 2015 at 21:23. | Released on January 28, 2015
dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
Various Artists "Women's Liberation"
This is an album of covers of Japanese songs from the 60's to the early 70's, here sung with translated English lyrics! Both the originals and the covers were performed by Japanese women, completing the theme of this compilation. Vocalists...
Posted on January 19, 2015 at 21:32. | Released on January 7, 2015
Sugar's Campaign "Friends"
Sugar's Campaign, the unit of producers Avec Avec (aka Takuma Hosokawa) and Seiho (aka Seiho Hayakawa), finally has a full-length album coming! This includes latest single "Holiday" as well as an album version of previous hit track "Netokano". A must!...
Posted on January 5, 2015 at 23:07. | Released on January 21, 2015
Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band no iyoru Jazz Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Let's start 2015 with this compilation of Crazy Ken Band's grooviest jazzy tracks, as compiled by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). This takes part of his long-going "yoru jazz" (Jazz Allnighters) series which started almost 10 years ago. Released on...
Posted on January 1, 2015 at 23:59. | Released on January 1, 2015
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
clammbon "Why not clammbon!? ~ clammbon Tribute"
This recently released clammbon tribute album features a great amount of like-minded artists, including Buffalo Daughter, salyu x salyu, Nona Reeves, Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, GREAT3, Hanaregumi, Rekishi and more. Check out the trailer clip below, and hear samples of...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:53. | Released on December 3, 2014
Sheena Ringo "hi izuru dokoro"
In November, Sheena Ringo released a brand new original album. It had been 5 years and a half since the previous, "sanmon Gossip" (2009) (Amazon, CDJapan). The limited edition comes with a bonus Blu-ray or DVD of 6 music videos....
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 17:27. | Released on November 5, 2014
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Various Artists "Yokocho Rising"
"Yokochō Rising" is an event that has been held 5 times so far in the rebuilt food stall area of Kesennuma Yokochō in Sendai. This compilation of artists who took part in the event, including several songs written/arranged by BUBBLE-B,...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 16:24. | Released on June 27, 2014
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre Theatre"
Charan-Po-Rantan, the brilliant duo of sisters Momo (vocals) and Koharu (accordion), have a first major full-length album out now. A cover of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" is included. The limited edition comes with a DVD of 9 songs, two...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 00:28. | Released on December 3, 2014
Nona Reeves "Choice III"
The latest in Nona Reeves' "Choice" series is a cover album of Wham!, or an album of only Wham! covers, if you prefer. The artwork refers to the fact that Wham! songs "Bad Boys" and "Freedom" were used in TV...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 20:16. | Released on November 5, 2014
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
Hicksville "Welcome Back"
Hickville, a band with many Shibuya-kei ties and a neo-GS background, is back with a 4th album 15 years after the release of "Mileage" (1999). Full of new songs, this includes a first Christmas song by the band, as well...
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 12:58. | Released on December 10, 2014
Okada Tohru presents Ukulenica "Phases of the moon ~ Ukulenica meets Moonriders"
Ukulenica is a new project of Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), and consists of 4 ukulele players including himself, Natsuaki Fumihisa (Jack-tati), Yoshida Takashi (Rose-Unlimited, 5th Garden) and Kuroda Hideaki (plusico). This first album is of covers of the Moonriders....
Posted on December 10, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on December 10, 2014
hitomitoi "Pacific High / Aleutian Low"
hitomitoi has a new mini-album out this week! With a title that refers to summer and winter, it contains three summer songs previously released digitally, then three new winter-themed songs, plus a cover of Yuming's "A Happy New Year". Producers...
Posted on December 9, 2014 at 20:32. | Released on December 10, 2014
NyoROBOtics "3 micron no neji"
Osaka-based "idol robot group" NyoROBOtics has a first original album out now on Orange Records. The songwriters behind this include Jean-Paul Takahashi and Rinda, both of group Chupi*Chupi on the same label. Audio samples of all songs at HMV. NyoROBOtics...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 21:11. | Released on November 26, 2014
Kojima Mayumi "On the Road"
Kojima Mayumi has a 9th album out now! Her back-band features Kaji Hideki on bass, with guest appearances by Asa-chang and others. All songs are originals. Her "last show of the year" is to be held on December 18 at...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 14:47. | Released on December 3, 2014
jōdan hakushaku "yūrei no Ballad / itsuka dokokade"
jōdan hakushaku (Maezono Naoki & Arai Toshiya) (Facebook page) have a new single out now! "yūrei no Ballad" features accordionist Tanooka Saburō and a kids chorus group. B-side "itsuka dokokade" features Smooth Ace, and was written in memory of...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 14:14. | Released on December 2, 2014
Negicco "hikari no Spur"
Negicco have a new single out now, featuring two new songs. While both were produced by Negicco's main producer connie, the winter-themed title track is arranged by Tajima Takao (Original Love) who also produced previous single "Sunshine Nihonkai". Two limited...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on December 2, 2014
P.O.P "fuyuzora to utagoe wa kirei na hou ga ii" (Download)
Spend groovy holidays with rappers P.O.P's new winter-themed EP. This contains brand new collaborations with Nakatsuka Takeshi and others. And leave it to YMCK to take a good rap tune into retro game world with their remix of hit song...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on December 3, 2014
Maika Leboutet "100 (momo)"
Half-French half-Japanese singer-songwriter Maika Leboutet (of band EA) has a first solo album out now, the result of a crowd-funding project started last June. The album features several guest musicians such as Matsue Jun (daredemo Esper, Spoozys), Araki Yūko (mi-gu,...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 00:19. | Released on December 3, 2014
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Space Camera" (7"+CD-R+DVD)
Nosa Reina's band has a 2nd 7" out now. Both songs are brand new originals. Included is a CD-R (probably of the same content) autographed by Reina, and a DVD of herself playing unreleased song "Star Ocean" on ukulele. A...
Posted on December 4, 2014 at 21:21. | Released on November 19, 2014
