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
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
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
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
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
Various Artists "Zen in the House"
"Zen" is a spinning sushi restaurant in Odawara, and this is a 2nd tribute compilation coming from J-death-techno label Speedking Productions. Again at a very nice price, this time we're offered a more dance-y selection of brand new tracks by...
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on November 11, 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
Gig report: Dorian "studio vacation" release party, w/ Luvraw & BTB, (((sssurrounddd)))
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound We've been enjoying some cool autumn weather in Tokyo lately, but last Friday was a hot summer night at Shibuya WWW where was held the release party for Dorian's "studio...
Posted on November 6, 2011 at 23:33.
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
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
Lullatone "Soundtracks for Everyday Adventures"
Nagoya dreamy toy pop unit Lullatone have a new album coming this week! The Japanese edition CD comes with a bookmark that allows you to 3 downloadable bonus tracks. Order it directly from the band via Bandcamp, or at the...
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 22:41. | Released on October 20, 2011
milch of source "Outsider Musics In My Life" (Download)
Electronic artist Maeda Ryoma aka milch of source (blog, MySpace), also known as the producer of EeL's recent albums ("for common people", "Little Prince"), has a new album available digitally starting tonight, apparently exclusively at the great HearJapan. The album...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 22:53. | Released on October 17, 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
Kimura Kaela "8EIGHT8"
Singer Kimura Kaela is back with a new album, especially noteworthy because it's entirely produced by Asparagus' Watanabe Shinobu, responsible for her recent catchy singles "Ring a Ding Dong" and "A winter fairy is melting a snowman". Kimura Kaela "8EIGHT8"...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 18:31. | Released on October 12, 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
Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra "noruniru / shōnen yo ware ni kaere"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single out now as Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra. Both songs are featured in anime series "mawaru Penguindrum". Below are two different versions of opening title song "noruniru", both are said to be shown for...
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 21:44. | 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
Perfume "Spice"
It's a Perfume release rush! New album "JPN" is dropping at the end of November, but first comes this single of two tie-ups. Title track "Spice" is the theme song for new TV drama series "sengyō shufu tantei ~ watashi...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on November 2, 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
La Casa Azul "Cerca de Shibuya"
Shibuya-kei-friendly Spanish band La Casa Azul has what I believe is a first Japanese release out just last week. The title translating to "Somewhere near Shibuya", this comes as a greatest hits album of songs from their previous Spanish releases...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:39. | Released on August 31, 2011
Various Artists "YMO Rewake"
Here's a tribute album to YMO featuring their most famous songs in brand new covers by various electro artists including Riow Arai, Calm, Tobeta Bajune as Macho Robot, etc. Coming this week on mysterious young label electric sheep. Check out...
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 23:10. | Released on September 1, 2011
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
Hotei with Fellows "All Time Super Guest"
Guitarist Hotei Tomoyasu, now celebrating his 30 years of music, has a greatest hits album coming this week under the form of collaborations featuring various guest artists, hence the title "Super Guest" (vs "Best"). The songs are from his solo...
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 00:02. | 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.
Gig report: Yellow Magic Orchestra U.S. shows, with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter, Towa Tei
Text, photos and videos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two reports of Yellow Magic Orchestra shows held in California last month (June 26 at Hollywood Bowl, L.A., with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and Towa...
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 20:13.
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
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
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions "Movin'"
Jazz band Soil & "Pimp" Sessions has a new single, featuring singer Maia Hirasawa who has recently been heard on Pizzicato One and Jazztronik albums. This release also comes in a limited edition of 6666 numbered copies including a bonus...
Posted on July 14, 2011 at 23:10. | Released on July 20, 2011
Gig report: Maezono Naoki Group in-store at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday July 11 was held an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku with Maezono Naoki Group in promotion of 2nd album "tooku e." (translates to "To far away") released...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 22:37.
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
miila and the geeks "3 songs" (7")
miila and the geeks has a new 3-song 7" coming on July 20. This is limited to 100 copies, you know what to do! An album will follow on August 24, stay tuned for details. miila and the geeks "3...
Posted on July 6, 2011 at 22:31. | Released on July 20, 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
Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
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
Calmera "Knack Is The Ketchup"
Here's a 2nd album by Osaka instrumental jazz-rock band Calmera (MySpace) on Orange Records, coming a year after debut album "Hello!! Worldwide". This one contains a cover of "Everybody Loves My Baby" feat. Maki Rinka, released on 7" earlier this...
Posted on June 30, 2011 at 21:16. | Released on July 2, 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
Gig report: Saori@destiny "Domestic domain" release event
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Saori@destiny's new mini-album "Domestic domain", and she is doing a series of mini live shows at Shosen Book Tower, a book and entertainment store...
Posted on June 17, 2011 at 00:12.
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
Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco press conference
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight was a special press conference for idol groups Vanilla Beans and Negicco, held at Tower Records Shibuya's Stage One venue downstairs. It was in a way open to the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 23:58.
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
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
Gig report: Hikashu & Shinohara Tomoe at The Japan Society, NYC
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Back in late 2009 Tomoe asked to let her listen to some Hikashu (MySpace) tracks, specifically "Biro Biro", a classic 1980 released track of theirs because...
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 23:22.
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
Gig report: mōretsu kara Beautiful Concert 2011: Sally Soul Stew and Keme
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday May 8 was a show of Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), held at Shinjuku rock venue Red Cloth. Sally...
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 11:55.
