Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful - selected by Shachō"
Here's a compilation of Japanese jazz, selected under the theme keyword "beautiful" by Soil & "Pimp" Sessions' agitator, Shachō. Featured artists include Ino Hidefumi, Calmera, Jazztronik, quasimode, PE'Z, of course Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and more. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful...
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 23:35. | Released on March 28, 2012
2NE1 "Collection"
K-pop 4-girl unit 2NE1 (officially reads "'twenty-one' or 'to anyone'") has a first full-length album being released in Japan, consisting of Japanese versions of their songs. Our main interest here is the cover of Madonna's "Like A Virgin", produced by...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:30. | Released on March 28, 2012
Nakamura Kazuyoshi "6 Remix'n Birds"
Singer-songwriter Nakamura Kazuyoshi, leader of J-rock band 100s, has a remix mini-album out just now. The originals aren't something I'd recommend, but the impressive list of remixers here is sure to draw attention, with Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), FPM, Yakenohara,...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:04. | Released on March 28, 2012
"Bell to issho." (DVD)
This is the image DVD of Kobe pro baseball team Orix Buffaloes's official female mascot, Bell. The Aprils and friends have contributed all over this, and claim it can even be enjoyed by non-baseball fans. The Aprils contributed the mascot's...
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 12:17. | Released on March 21, 2012
Lo-Fi-Pnk "Tune Up!" (Download)
Lo-Fi-Pnk (read "Lo-Fi Punk") is a unit from Sendai, formed of DJs from regular electro-pop party Poptune. This first release is a single called "Tune Up!" that features vocals by Candles' Pepe. Also included are remixes by The Aprils' Imai...
Posted on March 24, 2012 at 11:14. | Released on February 29, 2012
Various Artists "Crue-L Café"
From Crue-L Records comes this new compilation titled "Crue-L Café", full of songs that are either brand new, previously unreleased or available for the first time on CD! (All except for Tucker's track which is from his latest album.) The...
Posted on March 17, 2012 at 19:20. | Released on March 19, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Candy Candy"
Here's another new single from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). Title song "Candy Candy" is a tie-up with Glico's mint candy Breo. Check out the full video below. The TV commercials can be watched here....
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 22:53. | Released on April 4, 2012
m-flo "Square One"
Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
Perfume "Spring of Life"
Perfume have a new single titled "Spring of Life" coming next month! Details are still few at this time, but the title song is again a tie-up with Kirin's hyōketsu alcoholic drink, and a little bit can be heard in...
Posted on March 13, 2012 at 00:01. | Released on April 11, 2012
Tokyo Girls' Style "Limited addiction"
5-girl idol unit Tokyo Girls' Style has a 2nd album coming, and one song features their good friends Vanilla Beans. The album comes in 3 different editions: Type A includes a DVD of 5 live songs, Type B includes a...
Posted on March 7, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on March 14, 2012
kotringo "La mémoire de mon bandwagon"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new mini-album in which she fronts a trio. She is accompanied by Murata Shige (Kuchiroro, Cubismo Grafico Five, Circle Darko) on bass and Kamiya Shunpei (akai kutsu) on drums. A full-length 4th album by kotringo...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 19:08. | Released on March 14, 2012
Portable Rock "Lost & Found"
Portable Rock, the 80's band fronted by Nomiya Maki, has a new CD coming! This contains 2 songs that had remained unreleased back in the day, one of which surfaced on Maki's 30th anniversary album "30". Both songs have lyrics...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 18:39. | Released on March 14, 2012
erectricmole "sakura" (Download)
erectricmole, Japanese-taste electronic unit from label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records), has a 3-track digital EP out now! This follows first album "hōka no hirune" released last year. The 3 songs are old Japanese songs rearranged in erectricmole's style. erectricmole "sakura"...
Posted on February 29, 2012 at 19:33. | Released on February 29, 2012
(((sssurrounddd))) "(((sssurrounddd)))"
(((sssurrounddd))) is the recently formed band of rapper Illreme (Kamoda Jun), Track Boys' K404 and Crystal (Crue-L Records). Described as a unique city pop album, this is the result of the three members' various backgrounds from the hip-hop, house and...
Posted on February 28, 2012 at 23:47. | Released on March 7, 2012
Nakata Yasutaka "Liar Game - saisei (Reborn) - Original Soundtrack"
Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has produced a 3rd soundtrack for the a new movie of the Liar Game series. Along with many new songs is a remastered version of theme "Liar Game". The soundtrack is said to be mainly upbeat electro,...
Posted on February 28, 2012 at 23:24. | Released on March 2, 2012
Tommy february6 & Tommy heavenly6 "February & Heavenly"
Kawase Tomoko (The Brilliant Green) is back with her two solo projects, Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6. Here's a joint album containing 7 songs by each persona. Two of the songs by Tommy heavenly6, "monochrome rainbow" and "I'm Your Devil...
Posted on February 27, 2012 at 20:28. | Released on February 29, 2012
Crazy Ken Band "Italian Garden"
Crazy Ken Band has a new album coming next week. This follows single "furyō Club" released earlier this month, included here along other recent singles "Wild de ikō!!!", "sonna koto iwanai de" and Crazy Ken Band "ippai ippai". The limited...
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 21:33. | Released on February 29, 2012
Polysics "15th P"
Polysics have a new album coming next week, celebrating their 15th anniversary! The album features many guests, including Kojima Mayumi, Yuu (ex-GO!GO!7188, chirinuruwowaka), and even Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo). A special tracks featuring "tomodachi" (friends) has 67 people contributing to the...
Posted on February 22, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on February 29, 2012
Calmera "Mix Modern Covers!", "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie feat. akiko" (7")
Osaka instrumental jazz band Calmera has a 3rd album out now on Orange Records. This is a cover album, including covers of well known jazz, latin and rock songs rearranged in their style. "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" features jazz singer akiko,...
Posted on February 18, 2012 at 11:35. | Released on February 8, 2012
Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Oh Yes Say LaLa*:-"
Here's Shinohara Tomoe's 2nd album this year, following "-:*Better*:-" out on January 11. Again this is all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. The artwork for this album even contains photos of herself wearing self-designed costumes to go with...
Posted on February 17, 2012 at 20:13. | Released on February 22, 2012
Negicco "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-"
Negicco, the 3-girl negi-promoting idol group from Niigata that was signed last year to Tower Records' T-Palette idol-specialized label, has a first full-length album coming. This comes as a greatest hits album covering their 8-year ongoing career, with many rare...
Posted on February 16, 2012 at 21:04. | Released on February 22, 2012
Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
Here's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X. 4 of the...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:37. | Released on February 8, 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
Takanami Keitarō to Playtime Rock meets Shibata Kenichi "Evening Primrose"
Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog) seems to put aside his Nangasaki Five project to work on this new unit called Playtime Rock, which features vocalist and flutist Ichiba Mina. This first album is a collaboration with Nagasaki trombonist Shibata Kenichi,...
Posted on February 9, 2012 at 23:39. | Released on February 10, 2012
Crazy Ken Band "furyō Club"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single, with a title that translates to "Bad guys club". The new video clip seen below stars actor Asano Tadanobu. The CD includes a B-side and the usual jingle and information. The jingle's seems...
Posted on February 8, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on February 1, 2012
capsule "STEREO WORXXX"
Here's a new album from capsule, follow-up to "World Of Fantasy" released May last year. With a title like "STEREO WORXXX", we're definitely in for some dancing material! The album is said to include the theme song from upcoming movie...
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on March 7, 2012
Nakata Yasutaka "Panoramic Experience" (Download)
Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has a new track released exclusively for download on iTunes Japan. This is a theme song written especially for an exhibition about popular manga and anime One Piece to be held from March 20 to June 17...
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2012
Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
Led by Sakamoto Ryūichi, this charity single covers The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" in an electronic arrangement, and featuring some 30 big names participating on vocals and production. Profits are said to be donated for children victims of...
Posted on February 1, 2012 at 22:59. | Released on March 7, 2012
Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo Hall 2011.05.05 'hi no tama Boy Concert'"
The Moonriders have officially retired indefinitely at the end of 2011. Here's a 2-CD live album of a special concert held in Tokyo on May 5 last year to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary. Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo...
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 00:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 00:23. | Released on January 25, 2012
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"
For a 4th month in a row here's another compilation selected by Sunaga Tatsuo, of songs from the catalog of Japanese jazz label Venus Records which releases works by foreign artists. Tracks of the previous installments can be sampled on...
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on January 21, 2012
Various Artists "Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute"
Here's a tribute album to Sakamoto Ryūichi, produced by Tobeta Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features Ōnuki Taeko. The album is released on Sakamoto's...
Posted on January 15, 2012 at 01:13. | Released on January 17, 2012
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 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
Scott Goes For "Scott Goes For"
Scott Goes For is a new band started in 2010, though you might already know its experienced members from their previous bands: Arai Hitoshi (from N.G.Three, Ron Ron Clou, The Automatics, Northern Bright) on vocals and guitar, Okii Reiji (from...
Posted on December 30, 2011 at 21:19. | Released on January 18, 2012
Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Better*:-"
Shinohara Tomoe has not one but two new albums coming! Both are original, all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. It has been 13 years since her previous original album, "Dream & Machine". The 2nd new album, "-:*Oh Yes...
Posted on December 29, 2011 at 23:58. | Released on January 11, 2012
The Aprils "Magical Girls"
Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Do-Re-Mi no daikōkai Nagasaki yōgaku kotohajime"
It took me this long to notice, but Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) has a new album that was released last month! Continuing the series with his "Nangasaki Five", this album still focuses on his home roots of Nagasaki while taking...
Posted on December 21, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2011
Prof. Sakamoto "Sakamoto kyōju no 8bit Juke Box"
Prof. Sakamoto (aka Sakamoto kyōju, a nickname that usually refers to Sakamoto Ryūichi but not in this case) is an 8-bit artist also known for being able to play just about any Famicom game theme on a synthesizer off the...
Posted on December 20, 2011 at 22:56. | Released on December 21, 2011
groovin vox "the day i was born"
Tokyo jazz band groovin vox has been around for 5 years already, and here's finally a long awaited first album. The band is fronted by multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Sasaki Tadashi, and supported by funky basslines, two saxophones and energetic drums. Several...
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 20:44. | Released on December 20, 2011
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
Sakura Gakuin "berishubi"
School-themed teenage idol group Sakura Gakuin have a new single coming, for which the B-side "sakura hyakunin isshu" is a rap track produced by Ram Rider with lyrics co-written by Bose of Scha Dara Parr. A limited edition comes with...
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on December 21, 2011
Echo Project "hoshimeguri no uta" (Download)
In a charity effort for the March 11 Tōhoku disaster, various female singers have united to sing on this track produced by Dr.Usui (Motocompo) and arranged by A-bee. Featured are Motocompo's Chiho, Nomoto Karia, Asahi Miho, Shishido Rumi and Moriwaka...
Posted on December 17, 2011 at 13:42. | Released on December 7, 2011
yanokami "toku wa chikai"
yanokami, the unit of Yano Akiko with rei harakami (the latter who passed out in July of a brain hemorrhage), has a last album coming. This consists of a few new original songs plus a selection of covers of Arai...
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 21:43. | Released on December 14, 2011
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no hihō" (DVD)
Neo-GS all-girl band Kinoko Hotel have a first major DVD coming, with a title that translates to "Marianne's hidden treasures", consisting of a collection of their videoclips since their move to a major label. Of the 7 clips included, 3...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 21:26. | Released on December 14, 2011
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
Moonriders "Ciao!"
Veteran new wave band Moonriders has been around 35 years, but they have now announced that they will be going to retire indefinitely at the end of the year. They do have a last, 21st original album coming, appropriately titled...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 01:23. | Released on December 14, 2011
Various Artists "The Chocolate Factory" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi, eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Small Circle of Friends and P.O.P Orchestra have all collaborated together to create this 5-song mini-album, out now on iTunes worldwide. A release party will be held at Daikanyama Loop on December 11. Details at...
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 23:49. | Released on December 7, 2011
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1"
This is a compilation of Hatsune Miku tracks remixed by various artists from the club and pico-pico scenes, including Rocketman, Sexy-Synthesizer, PandaBoY, Higedriver and many more. Closing the album is an original by Rocketman, recently released on iTunes. The official...
Posted on December 4, 2011 at 19:17. | Released on December 7, 2011
Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.7 - Candido Telefun - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
Here's a 4th release in this series of CD reissues of Sunaga Tatsuo's jazzy live mix tapes. Once again this was remastered from the DAT master tape, and is said to contain several Organ b. classics. Various Artists "Organ b....
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 21:32. | Released on November 25, 2011
Sunaga t Experience "Choice"
Sunaga t Experience (the jazz unit produced by Sunaga Tatsuo) is back with a new album, this time backed by Billboard Japan part of a series of cover albums on its recently started Billboard Records label. The album features collaborations...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on December 7, 2011
Love and Hates "L.A.H."
Love and Hates, the girl party unit of Yuppa (HNC) and Moe (Miila and the Geeks) has finally a first album coming, after several cassettes that all sold out almost instantly! 17 tracks are included, totaling 36 minutes (2:07 average)....
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 17:27. | Released on December 7, 2011
Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas"
Singer Hirose Kohmi has a Christmas album on which Nakatsuka Takeshi produced covers of "Last Christmas", "White Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride". Audio samples on the official site (click the links, not the headphones). Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas" 広瀬香美 「Love X'mas」...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 13:16. | Released on November 23, 2011
LAMA "New!"
After singles "Spell" and "Cupid / Fantasy", here finally comes a first album from official site, the super-group of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). "New!" contains a total...
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on November 30, 2011
Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi"
Singer-songwriter Andō Yūko has a new single, for which the B-side is a new song remixed by Sunahara Yoshinori. Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi" 安藤裕子 「輝かしき日々」 1. kagayakashiki hibi 2. El Roy (Sunahara Yoshinori Remix) 3. kagayakashiki hibi (Instrumental) 4. El...
Posted on November 24, 2011 at 22:03. | Released on November 30, 2011
Toki Asako "sings the stories of 6 girls"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new mini-album of 6 songs. Included is a new version of "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~", previously released as a single, now also featuring singer Epo. The limited edition contains a DVD of 6 live songs...
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on November 23, 2011
Dorian "Studio Vacation EP" (12")
4 great tracks from Mr. Tropical Disco Dorian (MySpace)'s 2nd album "Studio Vacation" have been released on 12". DJ's with a weak spot for 80's taste tracks don't miss this! Check out the video below, and also our report of...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:38. | Released on November 18, 2011
YMO "Technodon Live In Tokyo Dome" (DVD)
A YMO show held at Tokyo Dome in 1993 is being released for the first time on DVD. It had been available before on VHS back in the day. This show had a huge screen on which was projected CG...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:34. | Released on November 30, 2011
Crazy Ken Band "Wild de ikō!!!"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming, including 2 songs recently featured in TV commercials. Title track "Wild de iko!!!" was used in men's scalp care product "Rigaos", and "ikinokore!!!" for a pachinko CM (yes..!). This comes with a...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on November 23, 2011
akiko "Across The Universe"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album out now, in which she covers The Beatles with a hint of jazz. The song "Lady Madonna" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A few tracks can be sampled at iTunes and akiko's official...
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on November 16, 2011
Original Soundtrack "Salaryman NEO gekijoban (wara)"
The soundtrack for movie "Salaryman NEO gekijoban (wara)" (aka "Japanese Salaryman NEO") was produced by Gary Ashiya, an artist mostly working as a producer behind the scenes but also well know for the beautiful sounds of hige no mibōjin (The...
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 22:56. | Released on November 16, 2011
Various Artists "Ghibli Jazz Remix"
This latest Ghibli remix compilation features a lot of the best artists from the pico-pico scene. Check out what The Aprils, YMCK, The Lady Spade, Dr.Usui (Motocompo), milch of source (EeL's producer), Candles, Ram Rider, Boot Beat et al. have...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:36. | Released on November 16, 2011
Salon Music "Sleepless Sheep"
Japanese new wave band Salon Music debuted 30 years ago, and had an important place in the 90's Shibuya-kei scene releasing many albums on Trattoria. Here they're back after 9 years since their previous album "New World Record" (2002, Amazon)....
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus II"
Here's a 2nd installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's selection of jazz gems from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records. The 3rd is coming on December 21. All tracks can be sampled on the official release page by clicking the track...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 00:13. | Released on November 16, 2011
FPM "Qlassix"
There's a new FPM album coming next week! Actually a compilation of all the classical music covers he did for Uniqlo Calendar, plus one brand new recording. The artwork was done by the same people who design Uniqlo Calendar. All...
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 13:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
Asa-Chang "Asa-Chang & shūshū"
Asa-Chang, now the only member remaining of Asa-Chang & Junray, has a compilation out now of his works as a producer, spanning over his whole career. Asa-Chang used to be the leader of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and has a...
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 14:27. | Released on November 9, 2011
Rocketman feat. Hatsune Miku "tonda Hattary Boy" (Download)
Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) has a new track now available for download, and featuring virtual idol Hatsune Miku. Quite a good track, though some Miku fans have expressed disappointment of the fact that she only sings chorus while Rocketman sings...
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 13:55. | Released on November 9, 2011
Halfby "Leaders Of The New School"
Halfby has a new album coming next week on Second Royal. This follows "The Island of Curiosity" released in May last year, and also marks 10 years of Halfby! Check out the video below, and also the track "Tommy Boy"...
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 22:53. | Released on November 16, 2011
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "tsukematsukeru"
Here's a new single from Harajuku model turned singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, again produced by Nakata Yasutaka. This is to contain 2 new songs plus an extended version of "Cherry Bonbon" from "moshimoshi Harajuku". Little details are available so far,...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:50. | Released on January 11, 2012
coltemonikha "coltemonikha Best" (CD+DVD)
coltemonikha, the unit of fashion designer Kate Sakai (blog) produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), has a new CD coming this December. This is actually a compilation of all songs from the two previously released great mini-albums (with the exception...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on December 14, 2011
Negicco "koi no Express Train"
Negicco, the green onion-loving idol group from Niigata, have a 2nd release out now on Tower Records' T-Palette Records. This contains 2 brand new pop tracks and their karaoke versions. Negicco "koi no Express Train" Negicco 「恋のEXPRESS TRAIN」 1. koi...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 21:44. | Released on November 2, 2011
Tucker "Tucker Plays 19 Post Cards"
The latest from Crue-L Records is a 3rd album by multi-player/keyboardist Tucker, who performed and recorded everything by himself. The genre-less instrumental album contains hints of soul, rock, rare groove, lounge, cosmic and soundtrack-like sounds, with a touch of Asian...
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on October 28, 2011
Various Artists "Fami-Compi"
Here's a compilation of new cover and remixes of themes from popular Famicom (NES) game themes, reworked into drum'n'bass, dub-step, house and electro styles. The producers include TeddyLoid, Koshihikari and Hello Stupid People, who appear to have a following in...
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 19:58. | Released on October 26, 2011
Urbangarde "Mental Hells"
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde have a new album just out. I think it's their 4th album though it's their first since their move to a major label. This contains a different version of latest single "tokimeki ni shisu" as well...
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 17:01. | Released on October 26, 2011
Harvard "Hahvahd"
Pop unit Harvard are officially back together, after disbanding once in 2007. Recently they had been performing some live shows now and then, and finally here's a brand new album! Check out the new video below, they're as catchy as...
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on November 2, 2011
LAMA "Cupid / Fantasy"
LAMA, the unit of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl), has a 2nd single out now. B-side "Fantasy" is being used as the ending theme of anime "UN-GO",...
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on October 26, 2011
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku sings New Wave"
Out this week is this new Hatsune Miku compilation of new wave covers sung by the virtual idol. Included are songs originally by Plastics, Nomiya Maki, Portable Rock, Juicy Fruits, Hikashu, P-Model, Halmens, Cosmic Invention and more. The compilation is...
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 00:24. | Released on October 26, 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
Luvraw & BTB "Hotel Pacifica"
Yokohama-based mellow talkbox duo Luvraw & BTB (MySpace) have a 2nd album coming. Their previous album was "Yokohama City Blues" released in summer 2010. This time they aim at making a soundtrack for fall evenings. Included is a cover of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:50. | Released on October 19, 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
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus 1"
Sunaga Tatsuo begins a new sub-series of jazz compilations, part of his ongoing "yoru jazz" ("Jazz All-Nighters") series. This time he selects from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records, which since 1992 has brought many releases from worldwide artists...
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on October 19, 2011
Rocketman x Kawashima Ai "soredemo bokutachi wa ikiteyuku ~ go a long way together" (Download)
Rocketman's latest track features singer Kawashima Ai, and is coming to you as a worldwide iTunes release (23 countries). This song was first released freely as an instrumental after the March disaster, along with efforts by Fukawa Ryō and his...
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on October 12, 2011
Sakamoto Ryuichi "Original Sound Track 'ichimei' Harakiri - death of a samurai"
Sakamoto Ryuichi has made a new soundtrack for upcoming samurai movie "ichimei" (director Miike Takashi) about to start in theaters on October 15. It had been about 4 years since his previous soundtrack, "Silk" (2007). Out at the same time...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 19:41. | Released on October 12, 2011
Matsunagota Rhythm Section "Groovy Situation Dub"
Bassist Matsunaga Takayoshi and drummer Yashiki Gōta, both former members of Japan's first dub band Mute Beat (mainly active in the 80's), are now back as a new unit appropriately named Matsunagota Rhythm Section. Their first album is out now,...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 10:24. | Released on October 5, 2011
Hatakeyama Miyuki "waga utsukushiki furusato yo"
Singer-songwriter Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) celebrates her 10th anniversary since her solo debut with a 5th original album. Included are mainly new original songs, and also covers of standards "What A Wonderful World", "Moon River" and "Over The Rainbow"....
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:59. | Released on December 7, 2011
Takagi Masakatsu "Tama Tama", "Niyodo" (Download)
Takagi Masakatsu has not one but two new soundtracks now available on iTunes Japan. The first, "Tama Tama" is for a road movie featuring actress Aoi Yū travelling around Ireland, to start in theaters from October 15. The second, titled...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:51. | Released on October 5, 2011
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions "Magnetic Soil"
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, a jazzy band that mixes in sounds of rock, punk, electro and funk, have a new (7th!) album out just now, their first in 2 years. This includes the title track from single "Movin'" released earlier...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:28. | Released on October 5, 2011
Various Artists "I Love Tokyo ~For Anime Music Lovers~"
Shibuya meets Akihabara in this concept anime song cover compilation. Featured are various producers, such as Tofubeats, Ram Rider, Takizawa Kentarō, Jazzin' park, etc., in collaboration with various female singers including Nomoto Karia, Julie Watai (JulieHally), BiS and more. Audio...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:09. | Released on October 5, 2011
Urbangarde "tokimeki ni shisu"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a new single out just recently, their 2nd major single. There's also news of a first major album coming on November 26, on which this single's title track will be included in a different mix....
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 20:36. | Released on September 28, 2011
Sakai Masaaki & Crazy Ken Band "sonna koto iwanai de"
Crazy Ken Band's latest single is a duet with Sakai Masaaki, who used to sing in GS band The Spiders, lately better known as a TV personality. Included is a cover of "Mack the Knife", a song from The Threepenny...
Posted on October 7, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on September 14, 2011
Chloe "Norwegian Wood"
Singer dahlia sings all songs on this new cover album by Irma Records Japan-based producer unit Chloe. This is a concept album featuring only covers of songs mentioned in books by writer Murakami Haruki ("1Q84", "Norwegian Wood", "Kafka on the...
Posted on October 3, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on October 5, 2011
Maezono Naoki Group "tabun modotte mairimasu / itoshi no Macks" (7")
After 2 albums of only covers, here's a first original song from Maezono Naoki Group, coming as a 7" and a few days later for download. The title track has music written by Kirinji's Horigome Takaki and lyrics by the...
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 23:50. | Released on October 2, 2011
Perfume "JPN"
And here's a 4th album by Perfume! The title is "JPN". Has it already been over 2 years since "⊿"? Included are all 8 songs from the 4 singles released since ("fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite", "VOICE",...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:43. | Released on November 30, 2011
Applecider "Star Black"
Osaka indies electro-punk girl-boy double-vocal unit Applecider has a 2nd album coming, and The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has done mixing and arrangement for all tracks! Check out video below for song "wear dischord", and then go hear more samples over...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 20:21. | Released on September 7, 2011
DadaD "Touch Touch Touch"
Following their fun debut single "Go Around" release in June, girl-boy duo DadaD (pronounced "Da da da") finally has a full-length album coming this week! DadaD makes guitar-driven pop songs with soft beats and a slight touch of electro. "Go...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:50. | Released on September 7, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
Panda 1/2 "natsu o buttobase ~Wild Summer 2012~" (Download)
Neo-Shibuya-kei unit Panda 1/2 has another fun release out just now, on iTunes only again. There's not only a brand new pop'n'roll summer song, but also a Plus-Tech Squeeze Box remix of "chūkagai ukiuki dori"! Panda 1/2 "natsu o buttobase...
Posted on August 24, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on August 24, 2011
