miila and the geeks "New Age"
After two limited 7" releases that sold out very quickly, girl-led indie punk unit miila and the geeks finally have a CD album coming this week! This is said to contain 14 songs, despite which it clocks in below 40...
Posted on August 21, 2011 at 20:56. | Released on August 24, 2011
Omodaka "Sanosa"
Omodaka, solo unit of Terada Sōichi (aka Far East Recording) that mixes chiptune and Japanese traditional singing, has a full-length album out now. This contains remastered versions of all songs from maxi-singles released since 2001, plus 5 brand new songs....
Posted on August 21, 2011 at 11:25. | Released on August 14, 2011
EeL "fuwafuwa pink jellyfishes floating in the sky" (Download)
EeL has a new single available right now! "fuwafuwa pink jellyfishes floating in the sky" is a 2-track digital that might give an idea of what might be to expect on EeL's next album. Also check out this "EeL Mix...
Posted on August 20, 2011 at 11:29. | Released on August 18, 2011
Jimi Shijimi "Shijimi no onna"
New-comer female singer Jimi Shijimi has a debut single out now, produced by multi-talent artist Lily Franky. The single includes remixes by FPM and Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, InK), and the limited edition comes with the music...
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on August 17, 2011
salyu x salyu "hanashitai anata to" (Download)
A new song by salyu x salyu again produced by Cornelius (who produced her recent album salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams") is now available for download on iTunes Japan. The song, of which the title translates to "I want to talk...
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 00:29. | Released on August 10, 2011
Magic Party "2 tai 5"
Boy-girl unit Magic Party has a new mini-album with a concept of inviting 5 different artists to produce each track, hence the title that translates to "2 vs 5". Those producers are Konishi Yasuharu, Kaji Hideki, Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on August 17, 2011
globe "house of globe"
Late 90's mainstream dance unit globe, produced by Komuro Tetsuya, has a remix album coming that attempts to appeal to fans of the current club scene. Remixers include Konishi Yasuharu, FPM, Osawa Shinichi, Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:02. | Released on August 10, 2011
Dorian "studio vacation"
Dorian (MySpace), keyboardist and MC-909 master aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a new album coming to help us survive the rest of this hot summer. The song "summer rich" features singer hitomitoi. The album's title leaves us wondering whether Dorian...
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:32. | Released on August 10, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (12")
Konishi Yasuharu's first solo album as Pizzicato One has just been released on vinyl. You'll find all songs from the CD released last May. Be sure to check out the different artwork made especially to be better appreciated in its...
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:01. | Released on August 3, 2011
yanokami "Bamboo Music" (Download)
yanokami, the unit of rei harakami and Yano Akiko, has a new song available for download. This is a cover of "Bamboo Music", a song from 1982 by Sakamoto Ryūichi and David Sylvian (hear the original on YouTube). rei harakami...
Posted on August 4, 2011 at 23:53. | Released on August 3, 2011
Clémentine "Varientine"
After various anime covers, now you can hear Clémentine singing Imokin Trio's "High School Lullaby", Epo's "Downtown", The Drifters, and even "Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori" in her usual bossa nova style. Check out her charming cover of Crazy Cats' "sūdara bushi" (in French...
Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on August 3, 2011
LAMA "Spell"
LAMA is a new all-star band featuring Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). This is their first single, a song used as the opening theme of TV anime series...
Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:00. | Released on August 3, 2011
OCTET Sunaga t "Kiev no sora feat. Jukka Eskola-TRI4TH" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new song available exclusively on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Japanese 80's dub band Mute Beat's "Kiev no sora" (hear the original), an anti-nuclear song first recorded after the Chernobyl nuclear...
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 20:28. | Released on July 27, 2011
Pyokn "Be Yourself" (Download)
Label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records) has a new digital release available now for female vocal unit Pyokn. The 3 main tracks have been selected from previously released on album "Colorful Vibration" (2004, Amazon), and remastered to suit the label's direction....
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on July 27, 2011
Original Love "hakunetsu"
Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five), has a new album coming this week! For this album Tajima says having played all instruments and done everything by himself down to mixing and mastering. It also includes a...
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 19:52. | Released on July 27, 2011
Rhymester "Flashback, natsu."
Hip-hop unit Rhymester has a new mini-album that comes as a collection of summer-themed tracks. Included are collaborations with Crazy Ken Band's guitarist Onose Masao and pianist singer-songwriter Sakai Yū (the latter who appeared on compilation "utau Piano danshi"), and...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:59. | Released on July 27, 2011
Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco release day in-store event
Text by Patrick for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Vanilla Beans' 2nd full-length original album "Vanilla Beans II"! They are now touring several record stores around the Kantō area in a promotion rush, but it all...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:00.
Rocketman feat. Treindle Reina "Love Disco" (Download)
Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) has a new disco-ish track out digitally, featuring fashion model Treindle Reina (half-Austrian half-Japanese) on vocals. This is available on iTunes Japan as either just audio or a music video. Watch the preview clip below....
Posted on July 20, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on July 20, 2011
Negicco "Get It On!"
Brought by Tower Records' new idol label T-Palette and out at the same time as "Vanilla Beans II", is this new mini-album by idol group Negicco. This trio comes from Niigata, and while being serious about their singing and dancing...
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:58. | Released on July 20, 2011
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "moshimoshi Harajuku"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, aka teenage fashion magazine model Kyary, has a first mini-album coming next month and it's produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! Of course it's right to expect more of his electro-pop sound. Check out the first video below...
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on August 17, 2011
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans II"
Idol duo Vanilla Beans comes back to us on their Nordic winds with a brand new album full of yet unheard tracks! This includes new catchy pop track "älskar dig" (watch a live performance on YouTube) that's an answer song...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on July 20, 2011
Captain Funk "Versions 2011" (Download)
Captain Funk aka Tatsuya Ōe has a new digital EP of remixes, including ones of tracks originally released on albums "Sunshine" (2009, Amazon) and "Heavy Mellow" (2007). French artist Bestrack also contributes a remix. Samples of all 4 tracks can...
Posted on July 12, 2011 at 23:02. | Released on July 11, 2011
naomi & goro & Kikuchi Naruyoshi "calendula"
Bossa nova duo naomi & goro have a new collaboration going with Kikuchi Naruyoshi (saxophone - Spank Happy, DCPRG, etc.). This brings us a new album of mainly covers but also with a new song from each party. Watch the...
Posted on July 10, 2011 at 12:24. | Released on July 13, 2011
Nomiya Maki "Looker" (Download)
Nomiya Maki has a new 2-song single available on HearJapan and iTunes Japan from today! These two songs have been the theme of her on-going "Looker" tour. Maki's site says that Looker is actually the name of her new solo...
Posted on July 6, 2011 at 00:33. | Released on July 6, 2011
Crazy Ken Band "ippai ippai"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single out this week. Title song "ippai ippai" talks about everyone having so many things to do everyday, and it's being used in a commercial for Seiyū department stores (owned by Wal-Mart). The limited...
Posted on July 5, 2011 at 00:08. | Released on July 6, 2011
Boot Beat "Hodgepodge"
Here's the latest all-genre party mix CD by Boot Beat (MySpace), aka DJ Kamiya Naoaki. No tracklist is to be found, but check out the sampler clip below, and then proceed at Jet Set if you will! Boot Beat "Hodgepodge"...
Posted on July 3, 2011 at 00:08. | Released on June 24, 2011
Twinklestars "Please! Please! Please!"
Twinklestars, 7 young girls idol sub-unit of Sakura Gakuin, has a new single just around the corner. This contains 2 new songs again written and produced by Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals). The single comes in 3 different editions, two limited editions...
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 02:53. | Released on July 6, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Black Screen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new club track available on iTunes (Japan) only. The song was made especially for a TV commercial for DoCoMo's SH-12C phone, which can be viewed here. A music video is planned to be made available...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 19:11. | Released on June 22, 2011
Kaseki Cider "Sound Burger Planet"
Kaseki Cider is a rapper who debuted in the mid-90's with ties to the Shibuya-kei scene but then went into a long hiatus, 13 years later he's now back with a 3rd album that promises a lot of fun! This...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 01:21. | Released on June 29, 2011
Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah"
Here's what looks like a pretty good mix CD on the Shibuya-kei perspective, mixed by DJ Souljah. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah" 1. WISE × underslowjams / City Lights 2. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / utsukushiku...
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 14:32. | Released on June 22, 2011
Various Artists "kirakira Ghibli -Returns-"
Here's another release from the "Kirakira Ghibli" series, this time featuring covers and remixes by various young artists from the club, chip-tune and electronic scenes such as Tofubeats, Novoiski, Idiot Pop, and many more. Check out the sampler clip below....
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 00:56. | Released on June 22, 2011
DadaD "Go Around"
DadaD (pronounced "da da da") is making a major debut with this new maxi-single. The girl-boy duo makes guitar-driven pop songs with non-intrusive beats and an amount of synths. Singer Kate, who is half-Taiwanese and half-Japanese, sings in English and...
Posted on June 18, 2011 at 11:05. | Released on June 22, 2011
spoon+ "birth"
Fun indies techno-pop/electro-pop unit spoon+ (MySpace) has a first album coming next week. They have been quite active performing many shows, in which singer-songwriter aco dances and sings in front of a large screen of synchronized video. Before this album...
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 22:29. | Released on June 21, 2011
Merpeoples "Metropolis"
This is the 2nd mini-album from Merpeoples, is an indie-pop band of 4 girls in their 20's formed in 2008. This release contains a cover of "i-ke-na-i Rouge Magic", a classic techno-kayō track by Imawano Kiyoshirō and Sakamoto Ryūichi. Watch...
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on April 13, 2011
Furukawa Honpo "Alice in wonderword"
Furukawa Honpo, the solo unit of Vocaloid-style producer Furukawa P, has a first album coming that will feature various vocalists. While most seems to have a standard J-pop tone, there are tracks sung by Nomiya Maki and Kahimi Karie (both...
Posted on June 12, 2011 at 13:43. | Released on June 15, 2011
Saori@destiny "Domestic domain"
Terukado-produced techno-pop singer Saori@destiny has a new mini-album coming this month. The song "Klaxon" is produced by singer-songwriter G.Rina. Check out the samples below. More are expected as long as people keep retweeting from Saori's Twitter account (the posts with...
Posted on June 5, 2011 at 14:01. | Released on June 15, 2011
MimiCof "RundSkipper"
Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano has a new solo project going under the name MimiCof in which she says she focuses more on electronic textures and beat-oriented music. Here's a first album coming on Japanese label Progressive Form. Check out...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:55. | Released on June 15, 2011
Supercar "RE:SUPERCAR 2 ~redesigned by nakamura koji~"
Following the release of "RE:SUPERCAR 1", here's a 2nd album of "redesigned" tracks by Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō aka iLL). This time the album focuses on the later Supercar releases. Some audio samples can be heard at this special site...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:27. | Released on June 15, 2011
Yellow Magic Orchestra "YMO"
Here's yet another greatest hits album from Yellow Magic Orchestra selected by the 3 members. Worth of mention are the inclusions of HASYMO's "Tokyo Town Pages" (2008) and some tracks from live albums (tracks 4, 5 from "Faker Holic" and...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on June 15, 2011
Jazztronik "Dig Dig Dig"
Jazztronik, the solo unit of Nozaki Ryōta, has a new album coming next week with a theme of "dancing" and sounds of funk, disco, acid-jazz, techno and hip-hop. This features guests such as Swedish-Japanese singer Maia Hirasawa, and also the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on June 8, 2011
EmiLy "tear drop"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy (Hashimoto Emiri) has a 2nd album out now, with songs arranged by the likes of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils) and Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme). Also the wonderful video clip for title song was directed by Nakama Norihisa...
Posted on May 29, 2011 at 01:48. | Released on May 25, 2011
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Ruru / tokimeki Hacker"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (singer of sōtaiseiriron) has a new single from which the song "Ruru" is the ending theme of TV anime series "denpa onna to seishun otoko". A video for this song was filmed in real time using a robotic...
Posted on May 24, 2011 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2011
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.6 - 92.7 Organ b. FM - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
Following No.4 and No.5 last year, here's a re-issue of Sunaga Tatsuo's 6th of his famous live mix tape series, available for the first time on CD remastered from the master DAT source. With a concept of a nonexistent FM...
Posted on May 19, 2011 at 23:30. | Released on May 25, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
Tokyo Girls' Style "kodō no himitsu / sayonara, arigatō."
5-girl teenage idol group Tokyo Girls' Style, in Japan better known as Tokyo joshiryū, have a new single coming this week for which YMCK contributed not only a remix but also a video clip! Even the single's jacket seems to...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 00:22. | Released on May 18, 2011
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#1"
Following the popularity of "suggested function EP#2" released last January, here comes Cherryboy Function's rare "#1" that was released on 12" only in 2006 and sold out almost instantly. Added are two remixes that were previously only available on the...
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on May 18, 2011
mito "Dawns"
mito, bassist of band clammbon, has a solo album coming next week. Featured are many guests including electronic artist agraph, pianist kotringo, and members of bands toe and Rovo. Plus, the album is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! Released at the...
Posted on May 15, 2011 at 01:26. | Released on May 18, 2011
Logic System "RMXLOGIX (with Special Tracks)"
This remix EP of Logic System's track "Clash" (1980) features remixes by 80kidz, JxJx (Your Song Is Good), Dub Master X and DJ Harvey. Also included are two previously unreleased tracks! Logic System is the project of Matsutake Hideki, often...
Posted on May 13, 2011 at 00:36. | Released on May 18, 2011
Various Artists "Jazzy GAGA"
As the title says, here's a compilation of jazzy covers of songs from Lady Gaga's albums "The Fame" and "The Monster". This Japan-only release consists of studio recordings produced by club-jazz artists Miura Makoto and DJ Niche, and featuring Saigenji,...
Posted on May 11, 2011 at 21:30. | Released on May 18, 2011
Macdonald Duck Eclair "kono tokimeki imasugu"
Pico-pico rock band Macdonald Duck Eclair are back with a 3rd album! It's been 5 years since "The Genesis Songbook" (2005, Usagi-chang Records), and this time they're back to their roots on K.O.G.A Records which released their debut maxi-single "Many...
Posted on May 4, 2011 at 01:43. | Released on May 11, 2011
Towa Tei "Sunny"
Towa Tei is back with a brand new, 6th album! "Sunny" is the 3rd of a trilogy started with "Flash" and "Big Fun". Featured guests include Hatori Miho (Cibo Matto), Takahashi Yukihiro, Hosono Haruomi (both YMO), Yasuda Toshiyuki, Natural Calamity,...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on May 11, 2011
Sakura gakuin "Sakura gakuin 2010nendo ~message~"
Here's the first album from idol group Sakura Gakuin. I'm bringing it up because the song "Dear Mr.Socrates", sung by sub-group Twinklestars (the "baton" section) is produced by ex-Cymbals' Okii Reiji, and despite the clear idol direction with the many...
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 27, 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
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "Aliginment EP"
Towa Tei, who has a new album coming in May (stay tuned for details!), has a new EP under the Sweet Robots Against The Machine moniker available at his Mach Beat digital store. It has been 9 years since SRATM's...
Posted on April 23, 2011 at 13:34. | Released on April 21, 2011
Supercar "RE:SUPERCAR 1 ~redesigned by nakamura koji~"
Supercar (disbanded in 2005) has a new release coming, that's of previously released songs "redesigned" by former member Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō aka iLL). The songs are mainly taken from early albums "Three Out Change", "Jump Up", "OOYeah!" and "OOKeah!"....
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 00:34. | Released on April 20, 2011
Various Artists "Velvet Songs"
This cover compilation from Grand Gallery consists of new recordings of songs from the repertory of Alfa label. Featured artists include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Cubismo Grafico feat. Kushibiki Sayaka, Sokabe Keiichi, Nanao Tavito, Shimazaki Hitomi with Nanase feat. Kinbara Chieko, Chocolat...
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 21:36. | Released on April 20, 2011
Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki LiVE TOUR 2011 '???' in LIQUIDROOM" (DVD+CD)
Aira Mitsuki has a 2nd live DVD coming up, this time of the awesome final show of her latest tour for 3rd album "???". This show was held last January 30 at Liquidroom in Ebisu, Tokyo. I had the great...
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 20, 2011
Beastie Boys "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (Japanese edition)"
The Japanese edition of the Beastie Boys' new album comes with a bonus remix by... Cornelius! It will also be out a week early on April 27. The remix is of "Make Some Noise" of which the original can currently...
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 23:12. | Released on April 27, 2011
"Norageki!" (DVD, Blu-ray)
"Norageki!" is an anime film directed by Andō Hiroaki (storyboard artist for "Tekkonkincreet"), with original music by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and a new song by Meg. So far there are no plans of the music being released on CD. Plot...
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on April 7, 2011
Various Artists "Love Motown"
In the same line as the popular "Soul Source" series, here comes a Motown remix album that can't be ignored. Featured are remixes by Plus-Tech Squeeze Box, Dorian, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tofubeats and more! Check out a sample audio digest at the...
Posted on April 2, 2011 at 10:41. | Released on April 6, 2011
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kōkotsu", "Monzetsu!! namakinoko zuroku" (Book)
Kinoco Hotel has a brand new original album coming up, being announced as their first full-length album. The title translates to "Marianne's ecstasy", and the CD will include a video clip as CD-Extra content in a "not suitable for children"...
Posted on March 31, 2011 at 22:10. | Released on April 6, 2011
Tequila Production "Rockin' Jazz"
Here's a rocking club-jazz album that consists of tracks by Tequila Production, a trio of DJs Takehana Eiji, Nakamura Yūsuke and Kanno Katsuya who together form various units: Rockin' Jazz Society, Spiritual Unity and tg.electronics. Aside for a cover of...
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:05. | Released on March 2, 2011
Various Artists "Nagisa ongaku-sai presents In The Mix mixed by Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka FPM has a new mix CD out today, put together for beach rave event Nagisa Music Festival where he will be DJing. The event is to be held in Tokyo on April 10 and in Osaka on...
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 22:42. | Released on March 23, 2011
Panda 1/2 "Panda! Panda! Panda!" (Download)
Panda 1/2 have a new pop track available for download. The title, "Panda! Panda! Panda!" The sound breathes Shibuya-kei! Watch a trailer of the video below, showing producer James Panda Jr. visiting the pandas of the world. Today March 21,...
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:08. | Released on March 16, 2011
Chabe "Me."
Cubismo Grafico aka Matsuda Gakuji is back with a new album, his first under his popular nickname, Chabe. This includes songs from last December's now sold out debut 10" EP that marked the opening of his KIT Gallery, and contains...
Posted on March 7, 2011 at 21:24. | Released on March 16, 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
Sloppy Joe "The Boy Who Talks About Someone" (Download)
Going hand-in-hand with the upcoming Sloppy Joe album "With Kisses Four" (out March 9) is this iTunes-only EP of lead track "The Boy Who Talks About Someone" including remixes by HNC and The Pegasuss. Sloppy Joe "The Boy Who Talks...
Posted on March 3, 2011 at 23:40. | Released on March 2, 2011
Various Artists "GO!GO!7188 Tribute - GO!GO! A GO!GO!"
Rocking trio GO!GO!7188 really impressed me when I saw them live last year. Now they have a tribute album where various artists cover their songs. Featured are Polysics, Shonen Knife and more. Various Artists "GO!GO!7188 Tribute - GO!GO! A GO!GO!"...
Posted on March 3, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on March 16, 2011
Dorian "Melodies Memories EP.2" (12")
Dorian's 2nd 12" EP from album "Melodies Memories" is now out! This one contains one of my favorites, "Nasty Ice Cream", as well as other great tracks such as the dreamy "Crystal Girl". Audio samples at Jet Set Dorian "Melodies...
Posted on March 3, 2011 at 22:13. | Released on March 4, 2011
Sunahara Yoshinori "liminal"
That's it! Finally a 5th album by Sunahara Yoshinori! Following last year's EP "subliminal", this one is called... "liminal"! Can you believe it's been 10 years since his previous full-length album, "Lovebeat"? The limited edition comes with a DVD with...
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 23:19. | Released on April 6, 2011
Sloppy Joe "With Kisses Four"
The next offering from HNC's White Lily Records is this 1st full-length album by Sloppy Joe, guitar-pop band of five that debuted with a mini-album and 7" in 2006. Artwork is by Yuppa (HNC). A few audio samples at White...
Posted on February 26, 2011 at 00:21. | Released on March 9, 2011
Polysics "Oh! No! It's Heavy Polysick!!!"
Polysics has a new album coming, their first since they became a band of three last year! The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD with live footage from the finale of their tour last November. Check out the brand...
Posted on February 24, 2011 at 21:01. | Released on March 9, 2011
If By Yes "Salt On Sea Glass"
If By Yes is a new all-star band led of Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) with Petra Haden (that dog., The Rentals), Araki Yuko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group) and Shimizu Hirotaka (also of The Cornelius Group)! This first album also features...
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 22:27. | Released on March 2, 2011
Original Love "Red Curtain ~Original Love early days~"
Before Original Love, there was The Red Curtain, which released an album titled "Original Love" in 1986. Here all 8 songs are re-issued for the first time, together with 9 songs from a live show of the same year, plus...
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 21:52. | Released on March 2, 2011
Original Soundtrack "Dekawanko"
Konishi Yasuharu has produced the soundtrack for manga-based TV comedy series "Dekawanko", story that features a goth-lolita detective (actress Tabe Mikako) who has a nose better than a dog's. The soundtrack consists of remixes of the theme from classic detective...
Posted on February 19, 2011 at 23:57. | Released on February 23, 2011
Bakubaku Dokin "guppy" (Download)
First released last December on Towa Tei's Mach Beat digital label (which unfortunately only sells within Japan so far), here comes a first song by Bakubaku Dokin on iTunes! The wacky 2-girl unit formed of Naoko and Yui is produced...
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on February 16, 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
capsule "World Of Fantasy"
capsule has a brand new album coming this March May! The album is said to be at a constant 128 BPM. I've heard that this time there will be no stock vocals, and that it's the first time singer Koshijima...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 22:33. | Released on May 25, 2011
capsule "World of Fantasy" (Download)
Yes, capsule is back with more! This new song is released today on iTunes, ahead of upcoming new album "Killer Wave" to be released on March 23. Stay tuned regarding the album. capsule "World of Fantasy" (Download) Yamaha Out now...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 22:09. | Released on February 9, 2011
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set "subete hikari"
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary with this album of covers featuring various female singers such as Halcali, Kojima Mayumi, Toki Asako, Harada Ikuko (clammbon) and more. Covers include ones of Original Love, Scha Dara Parr,...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 21:58. | Released on February 9, 2011
"Tokyo Idol Festival 2010" (DVD)
Here is a live DVD set (2 discs) of event Tokyo Idol Festival 2010 ("TIF") held last August 7-8, which featured some 45 up-and-coming idol groups. Included are 6 or 7 songs with Vanilla Beans, making this much worth of...
Posted on February 7, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on February 9, 2011
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "???" tour final
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday I had the chance to catch Aira Mitsuki's last stop of her tour for the release of latest album "???". The show was held at Ebisu LiquidRoom on January 30....
Posted on February 6, 2011 at 22:56.
Various Artists "Second Royal vol.6"
Label Second Royal brings a new compilation full of brand new previously unreleased tracks by its artists (and then some)! Check out the sampler clip below. Various Artists "Second Royal vol.6" 1. New House / Small World 2. Turntable Films...
Posted on February 5, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on February 9, 2011
YO!HEY!! "Cult Club Manners Vol.1: Fantazy Mix"
Out this Friday on HNC's White Lily Records is the first of a mix album series, on which YO!HEY!! shows how hip-hop and indie rock go together. YO!HEY!! is one of the three members of Threepee Boys who contributed a...
Posted on February 2, 2011 at 23:29. | Released on February 4, 2011
Misswonda "In Flawless"
Misswonda has a 2nd album coming on new label flawless world (post-Usagi-chang Records)! It's already been 5 years since "Wonderful Tangent" (2005). The album takes inspiration from UK new wave and various rock/pop/dance influences from the 80's and 90's, and...
Posted on January 29, 2011 at 01:11. | Released on February 9, 2011
The Suzan "iTunes Live" (Download)
The Suzan played an acoustic show last January 9 at Apple Store Ginza, and it's now available on iTunes Japan at a nice price! All tracks are from their album "Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat" which has just...
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 23:53. | Released on January 26, 2011
Perfume "Perfume Live @ Tokyo Dome '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11'" (DVD)
Perfume has a new DVD coming of their concert held at Tokyo Dome on November 3 last year. Their biggest yet show for an audience of 50000 fans marked their 10th anniversary (and also the 5th of moving to a...
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 22:16. | Released on February 9, 2011
HNC "Witches' Party EP" (7"+CD)
HNC (aka Hazel Nuts Chocolate)'s new offering is a 7" of "Witches' Party", a track from album "CULT" (2009). The B-side is a remix by Threepee Boys, said to be borrowing a sample from a well-known witch. This actually comes...
Posted on January 22, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on February 4, 2011
Toki Asako "Toki Asako Light! ~CM & Cover Songs~", "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming, a collection of cover songs plus some recent songs for TV commercials (for Shiseidō, Uniqlo, Nissan and DoCoMo). Lead song "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~" has been released as a "one coin" ¥500...
Posted on January 22, 2011 at 01:20. | Released on February 2, 2011
nAo "Strawberry Heart"
This first album by singer-songwriter and model nAo is produced by Moonriders' Okada Tōru, who is recently also active as CTO LAB. Included are two songs involving The Aprils' Imai Kentarō (also of CTO LAB.), "My Sunshine" in which he...
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 20:52. | Released on January 26, 2011
The Suzan "Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat (Japan edition)" (CD+DVD)
The Suzan (MySpace) have been enjoying a lot of success and good word-of-mouth since the release of this album last year on A-Trak's Fool's Gold (U.S. edition this way), and now here comes an overdue Japanese release. This includes 4...
Posted on January 16, 2011 at 23:04. | Released on January 26, 2011
EeL "for common people"
Osaka cute-electro-punk-future-pop indies artist EeL has a new album on the way, full of brand new songs! This comes on post-Vroom Sound label Stubbie Records. Check out the new video and sampler clip below. Also if you missed it, last...
Posted on January 14, 2011 at 22:27. | Released on January 26, 2011
kotringo "picnic album 2"
A sequel to her cover album of Japanese songs, "picnic album 1", here pianist kotringo interprets favorite foreign songs! Features are songs originally by Björk, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, The Jackson 5, The Buggles and more. kotringo "picnic album 2" 1....
Posted on January 11, 2011 at 23:55. | Released on January 19, 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
Nakano Aya "zurui hito"
Trying to move on to 2011 but here's something I had failed noticing from last year. 25-year-old hostess Nakano Aya has a debut album released at the end of November that was produced by Hase Hajimu, consisting of various covers...
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 21:30. | Released on November 24, 2010
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
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#2"
2011's first release is from indies electronic artist Cherryboy Function, a new 5-song EP coming 3½ years after 1st album "Something Electronic". Since the album release Cherryboy Function has been acclaimed for his DJ and live performances as well as...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 15:26. | Released on January 5, 2011
