Sunaga t experience "STE"
Next week will bring us a brand new 5th album by Sunaga t Experience, DJ Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running jazz solo project. This year marks Sunaga's 30th anniversary as a DJ! Featured musicians include Scha Dara Parr, YOU THE ROCK★, ECD,...
Posted on May 15, 2015 at 23:27. | Released on May 20, 2015
Kit Cat "Wordy Rappinghood" (Download)
Kit Cat, the 3-girl (er, cat!) synth-dance-pop unit produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), finally had a first song released on iTunes worldwide! This is a cover of classic new wave track "Wordy Rappinghood", originally performed by Tom Tom Club in...
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 21:03. | Released on April 8, 2015
dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
hitomitoi "Pacific High / Aleutian Low"
hitomitoi has a new mini-album out this week! With a title that refers to summer and winter, it contains three summer songs previously released digitally, then three new winter-themed songs, plus a cover of Yuming's "A Happy New Year". Producers...
Posted on December 9, 2014 at 20:32. | Released on December 10, 2014
P.O.P "fuyuzora to utagoe wa kirei na hou ga ii" (Download)
Spend groovy holidays with rappers P.O.P's new winter-themed EP. This contains brand new collaborations with Nakatsuka Takeshi and others. And leave it to YMCK to take a good rap tune into retro game world with their remix of hit song...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 20:56. | Released on December 3, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "A/W Collection ~anata to watashi no Collection~"
Singer-songwriter idol Hoshino Michiru has a new mini-album out now! This includes both songs from the recently released "Planetarium de mattete ne" 7", one of which features Wack Wack Rhythm Band, and also non-album track "mo ichido déjà vu" (from...
Posted on November 16, 2014 at 13:37. | Released on November 12, 2014
Game Soundtrack "taiko no tatsujin Original Soundtrack 'Girls Pop Mania'"
This new mini-compilation soundtrack for long-running hit game "taiko no tatsujin" brings four new songs under the theme "girls pop mania". Featured artists are blue marble, Her Ghost Friend, Phenotas (band of which guitarist/composer Yamamoto Shō has produced songs for...
Posted on August 14, 2014 at 23:59. | Released on August 13, 2014
NeoBallad "03 ~enishi~"
Here's a 3rd album by NeoBallad, unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley), who together perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with a techno twist. A one-man event will be held at Koenji High on August...
Posted on August 7, 2014 at 23:44. | Released on August 8, 2014
Kirinji "11"
After the Horigome brothers split-up Kirinji last year after the release of "Ten", the younger brother (Yasuyuki) went to start a solo career, but the older one (Takaki) recruited new members to continue Kirinji. Here's their first album of the...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 18:14. | Released on August 6, 2014
Teen Runnings "Now"
Having debuted with "Let's Get Together Again" in 2012 (on Kyoto label Second Royal), here's the 2nd album from Tokyo-based 3-piece band Teen Runnings. This one is being released on Sauna Cool, label that popped up at the end of...
Posted on July 31, 2014 at 23:40. | Released on July 23, 2014
Emerson Kitamura "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)"
Emerson Kitamura is an organ/keyboard player who can often be seen on stage playing in support of other artists. Lately he's also a regular member of The Scooters since their comeback in 2012. Not sticking to a particular genre, this...
Posted on July 12, 2014 at 16:33. | Released on July 16, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "E-I-E-N Voyage"
After 7" singles being released every month, here finally comes a full-length album from Hoshino Michiru. The whole is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar), which promises a groovy pop journey with touches of spacey synths. Four...
Posted on July 10, 2014 at 21:29. | Released on July 16, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pika Pika Fantajin"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 3rd full-length album coming very soon! "Pika Pika Fantajin" includes singles "Kira Kira Killer", "Family Party" (new album mix), "Yume No Hajima RIng Ring" (new album mix), "Mottai-Nightland" and its B-side "sungoi Aura" (new album...
Posted on June 28, 2014 at 23:45. | Released on July 9, 2014
quasimode "My Favorite Songs"
Jazz band quasimode have a new cover album out now, including covers of Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Boys Town Gang, Nat King Cole and more. The limited edition comes as a higher quality SHM-CD (plays in normal CD players) and a...
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 11:22. | Released on April 23, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "rakuen to kisetsufū" (7"+CD)
Yet another 7" from Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48), the 2nd of a monthly series of 4. A-side "rakuen to kisetsufū" is described as "samba kayō", while B-side is said to be "Savannah Band-style city pop". Both are written and produced by...
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on April 16, 2014
Gig report: Takako Minekawa solo live at Tensai Sansūjuku
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 19, Minekawa Takako played a solo show part of a cassette-themed exhibition. Held at Asakusabashi Tensai Sansūjuku, a multipurpose venue, the exhibition showed various artworks made using audio...
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 22:37.
Yakenohara "Self-Portrait"
This is an album of various remix works by rapper, DJ and trackmaker Yakenohara. Also included are original tracks he previously contributed to compilations "White Album" and "Pan Pacific Playa Presents 'Old Fashion Vol.1'", including previously unreleased remixes. Check out...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 22:41. | Released on March 19, 2014
Omodaka "Bridge Song"
Omodaka, the solo project of Terada Sōichi that mixes up chip-tune with Japanese traditional minyō, has a new album out now! That's 12 new tracks available on iTunes worldwide, Amazon MP3 (U.S. & Japan), and also on CD through Amazon...
Posted on March 12, 2014 at 00:00. | Released on March 12, 2014
Various Artists "Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power!"
This new Disney cover compilation features girls only, from idol groups (such as Dempagumi.inc, BiS, Tokyo Girls' Style, hy4_4yh) to bands (akai kōen) and solo artists (Ōta Emiri, Maika Leboutet), and even Minnie Mouse. In terms of producers, Dempagumi.inc's track...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 00:45. | Released on January 22, 2014
the fascinations "Green In Blue"
Recently I had been wondering what the fascinations are up to, and here's a new album! This is the follow-up to "latona" (2009). "Green In Blue" contains plenty of new originals by the vibraphone-led jazz band, as well as covers...
Posted on January 10, 2014 at 00:15. | Released on December 11, 2013
YMCK "Tokyo Upside Down" (Download)
YMCK released a new song, now available on iTunes worldwide. It was made especially for the Short Shorts Film Festival, to be used by video creators who want to participate in the music category. Details can be found here. The...
Posted on January 5, 2014 at 21:14. | Released on December 9, 2013
Especia "YA-ME-TE! / Aventure wa giniro ni"
Osaka-based idol group Especia has a new single coming, and track "Aventure wa giniro ni" was produced by Maserati Nagisa, unit of LUVRAW (LUVRAW & BTB) and PellyColo (SoundCloud). Especia are one of those few idol groups that are likely...
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 13:12. | Released on January 8, 2014
Various Artists "Couleur Cafe Presents JAZZ ME UP! with 21 jazz standard selected by akiko"
This jazz standards compilation was selected by jazz singer akiko with a focus on lyrics. Included is a previously unreleased song by akiko. The package comes as a 72-page book with a CD. Some tracks can be sampled on this...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 18:58. | Released on November 19, 2013
Nyantora "High Strangeness" (Download)
Nyantora, the solo project of Nakamura Kōji aka Nakakō (LAMA, iLL, ex-Supercar), has a new album out now that explores ambient sounds. It is available for download through Bandcamp and DIY Stars. Audio samples at label Sound of Romance Nyantora...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 23:21. | Released on September 9, 2013
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band "Take Me To The Land Of Hell"
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band has a new album coming in September. The all-star band features Sean Lennon, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and Honda Yuka (Cibo Matto)! Guest musicians include Lenny Kravitz, Nels Cline (Wilco), tUnE-yArDs, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow) and...
Posted on August 25, 2013 at 14:18. | Released on September 12, 2013
Ōta Emiri "Renaissance"
20-year-old pianist singer-songwriter Ōta Emiri has a new mini-album coming, and it contains 2 songs produced by Konishi Yasuharu ("fune no hito" and "ude no ke"). In 2007 he was judge at a contest where she won the grand prix....
Posted on August 21, 2013 at 23:15. | Released on August 28, 2013
Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New Quad' 2x2=4 / very well L.P."
Dots+Borders, the legendary unit of Kaji Hideki and Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group, pupa), has teamed up with young rock band Sister Jet for a new album full of British-influenced upbeat tracks. Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New...
Posted on August 11, 2013 at 12:26. | Released on August 7, 2013
The Aprils "High-Flying Girl"
This is a brand new EP from The Aprils! "High-Flying Girl" is a song that first appeared on NHK show "dai! tensai TV-kun" (official soundtrack info), but here it is presented in a self-cover version. Also included is short introduction...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 20:17. | Released on July 3, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
Vanilla Beans "Muscat Slope Love"
Vanilla Beans have a new single coming, this time a new song produced by Kaji Hideki who Rena and Lisa like to call "Mr. Sweden". This release follows album "Vanilla Beans III" released in November 2012, while the previous single...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 14:17. | Released on May 8, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Isao Tomita "Symphony Ihatov"
Composer and synthesizer artist Tomita Isao meets Hatsune Miku, put in the middle of an orchestra of over 300 (including choir) for this symphony performed on stage. This album was recorded live on November 23, 2012 at Tokyo Opera City,...
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 00:13. | Released on January 23, 2013
Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
Sekitova "premature moon and the shooting star"
Sekitova is a high school student DJ and deep-house artist who debuted last year on acclaimed net label Maltine Records. He has now started his own label, Zamstak, of which the first release is his own album. Definitely worth a...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 23:48. | Released on December 5, 2012
Polysics "Weeeeeeeeee!!!"
Polysics have a new album out now! 14 songs including recent singles "Lucky Star" and "Everybody Say No". The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with these two videos as well as a documentary about how they decide of a...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on December 5, 2012
Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5"
J-death-techno label Speedking Productions brings a 5th edition of its popular "Speedking" compilation series! This 2-CD release features the latest tracks by Bubble-B, Yoshida Tetsuto, m2dy (aka m1dy), Missile Chewbacca and many more. Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5" Disc 1 (Title...
Posted on November 20, 2012 at 21:56. | Released on November 21, 2012
Ryuichi Sakamoto "Three"
Sakamoto Ryuichi has a new album out now, together with his trio also featuring Jaques Morelenbaum (cello) and Judy Kang (violin). The album was recorded in Portugal following last year's European tour. It's his first album as a trio since...
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
quasimode "Soul Cookin'"
Jazz quartet quasimode has a 6th original album coming. Featured are guests including Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) and Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition comes as a high fidelity HQCD (plays in normal CD players), and a bonus DVD...
Posted on October 1, 2012 at 23:25. | Released on October 3, 2012
Yashiro Aki "Songs Around Midnight"
Yashiro Aki is a famous enka singer who has been around since the early 70's. This time she releases her first jazz album, and it's produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! Included are covers of well-known songs from the world...
Posted on September 30, 2012 at 01:19. | Released on October 10, 2012
MEG "Wear I Am"
Meg's new album has songs produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) ("REPLICA"), Konishi Yasuharu ("natsu ga owaru"), Taku Takahashi (m-flo) ("SOUTHPAW"), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro) ("WEAR I AM"), Furukawa Yutaka (Doping Panda) ("LOVE EMOTION"), Osawa Shinichi ("TRAP") and more. A limited edition...
Posted on September 27, 2012 at 23:48. | Released on October 3, 2012
Various Artists "Tokyo Crossover Night 2012"
Here's a club-jazz/crossover compilation being released ahead of the 9th Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival to be held on September 29. This is compiled by Kyoto Jazz Massive's Okino Shūya, and artists featured also include DJ Kawasaki, Bembe Segue (UK) and more....
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 23:54. | Released on September 12, 2012
akiko "Dark Eyes"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album being released this month. Recorded in New Orleans like previous mini-album "Swingy, Swingy", this one is produced by Ska Flames' Ōkawa Tsuyoshi, and features Dirty Dozen Brass Band's sousaphonist Kirk Joseph as well...
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on August 29, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (Download)
Here's a 3rd digital single from mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai. Same formula as before, with the song released in both Japanese and English. The sexy video (seen below) was directed...
Posted on July 17, 2012 at 22:30. | Released on July 15, 2012
Teams "Teams X White Lily Remixes"
Coming next from HNC's White Lily Records is a release of LA-based electro unit Teams (funnily borrowed from label White Iris Records). Included are 4 original tracks plus 5 remixes by White Lily's current roaster and friends. Featured are HNC,...
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on June 25, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Veiled by Reverb" (Download)
Following "Roll of Love" released in April, here's a 2nd song from mishmash*, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog), feat. Julie Watai. Like last time, the song has being released in both Japanese and English versions. The full-length music...
Posted on June 14, 2012 at 22:14. | Released on June 13, 2012
Meg "La japonaise"
This new album by Meg, who had escaped to France for a while, is mainly a collection of anime covers previously released on iTunes in France only. Included are tracks produced by Konishi Yasuharu, Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), 2 ANIMEny DJs...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:51. | Released on April 25, 2012
Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
Gig report: Love And Hates "L.A.H." release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday, February 5, was the release party for Love And Hates' 1st album "L.A.H." The event was held at Shinjuku Marz, starting at 5pm and to finish around 10!...
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 21:41.
Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
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.
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.
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
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: 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.
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
"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
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
Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.
Various Artists "Christmas Songs"
Here's another Christmas compilation, coming from commmons, made up of all previously unreleased Christmas tracks by a fascinating line-up of artists. Featured are all three of YMO, Minekawa Takako, Tokumaru Shūgo, Harada Tomoyo, kotringo, naomi & goro, Sean O'Hagan (The...
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 22:55. | Released on November 17, 2010
Cornelius "Fantasma" (2CD+DVD)
It's been 13 years since the release of "Fantasma", Cornelius' masterpiece that won him worldwide recognition. Here it is reissued entirely remastered, by none other than Sunahara Yoshinori! The limited edition comes with a bonus CD of rare tracks, remixes...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 15:57. | Released on November 3, 2010
Gig report: Fantastic Explosion "Sounds In Space" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week, on Friday October 22, was Fantastic Explosion's release party for new mini-album "Sounds In Space". The event was held at heavysick ZERO, a small-sized 2-floor club in Nakano,...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 11:39.
Nomiya Maki "Pink no kokoro + 2" (SHM-CD)
First released in 1981 (almost 30 years ago!), Nomiya Maki's debut album as a new wave idol, "Pink no kokoro", is being reissued (again), this time with 2 rare live tracks as a bonus. This is a great album produced...
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:19. | Released on October 20, 2010
Tropico Q "Hard Rock PAFE"
What's hidden behind this strange name? It's the new unit of Plus-tech Squeeze Box' Hayashibe Tomonori, together with Maeda Ryōma. This album is all covers of hard rock songs you've heard before, but redone in electro-dance fashion, all featuring vocals...
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 21:10. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: It's a Sunny Day
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last weekend, on Sunday September 12, I had the chance to go to this very special event. Wack Wack Rhythm Band recently lost one of their important members 6 months...
Posted on September 18, 2010 at 13:29.
Gig report: Rogue Wave vol.1
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was...
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 23:00.
Various Artists "Tokyo Auto-Reverse ~ Neo-Shibuya-kei x 80's ~" (Download)
Here's an interesting compilation of 80's Japanese hit song covers by young bands of the post-Shibuya-kei scene! Featured are The Aprils, Yume to Cosme (previously known as solange et delphine), Mr.COCKROBIN, roly poly ragbear, Sucrette, the Caraway and more. This...
Posted on May 27, 2010 at 23:58. | Released on May 26, 2010
Roman Porsche. "nusunda Bike de amagigoe"
Comical new wave (?) two-guy unit Roman Porsche (MySpace) have a new album coming, after about 6 years. Member Okite Porsche, who is an active figure in the idol world, has recently been supporting Vanilla Beans who find themselves here...
Posted on April 17, 2010 at 00:52. | Released on April 21, 2010
DG-10 "DG-10" (Download)
Out at the same time as DG-10's "Love Synthesizer!" was another 3-song self-titled EP sold as a limited edition only at online shop (Tora no ana). Now this one is available on iTunes Japan too! This contains a cover of...
Posted on October 4, 2009 at 00:59. | Released on September 18, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Copy"
DiscID: ad0d230c
Posted on July 16, 2008 at 00:35. | Released on September 3, 2008
Eco-Beauty Style: Nomiya Maki special talk
Part of an Eco-Beauty Style exhibition, Nomiya Maki will give a talk about her ways to be "eco" all while wearing high-heels. It's a good opportunity to get a close look and learn a few eco-friendly tips. Entrance is free,...
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 17:04. | Released on May 21, 2008
The Hello Works "Payday"
Super-group The Hello Works, a collaboration of rap unit Scha Dara Parr and instrumental band Sly Mongoose, has a debut album coming up that's worth looking out for. Included will be a cover of SDP's hit song "konya wa Boogie...
Posted on October 11, 2007 at 11:07. | Released on December 5, 2007
Various Artists "Lingkaran For Baby"
LOHAS magazine Lingkaran has put together a collection of nursury rhymes sung by a bunch of like-minded artists. The line-up includes Nomiya Maki, Toki Asako, Chocolat & Akito, Furukawa Miki, Yano Akiko & Sakamoto Miu, Cano Caoli, Yukawa Shione, and...
Posted on August 21, 2007 at 17:30. | Released on September 26, 2007
Momoi Haruko "Famison 8-bit Stage 2"
Voice actress/singer Momoi Haruko has a second album just out, once again covering popular anime theme songs in 8-bit Famicom picopico style. The CD includes short instrumental/karaoke versions of all songs. Release official site with audio samples Momoi Haruko "Famison...
Posted on June 13, 2007 at 21:39. | Released on June 8, 2007
Pecombo "Serendipity"
Tokyo scat chorus group Pecombo has a 2nd album just out, featuring a long list of guests that includes (of those I know) The Fascinations and accordionist Tanooka Saburō (of sabou et mamie). Pecombo will perform for free at Tower...
Posted on March 22, 2007 at 17:42. | Released on March 21, 2007
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono"
Here comes a very interesting tribute album to Hosono Haruomi (Sketch Show, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Happy End). The 2-CD set will include appearances and many surprising collaborations, such as Sakamoto Ryūichi + Minekawa Takako (a return!), Yano Akiko + Rei...
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 11:47. | Released on April 25, 2007
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Rydeen 79/07" (Download)
YMO fans rejoice! The band is back together, at least for the time of a song, and a beer commercial. After reuniting Sadistic Mica Band last year, Kirin Lager did another tour de force by bringing back together all three...
Posted on February 1, 2007 at 15:47. | Released on February 3, 2007
dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir" Release Party
dahlia will play a live show in Tokyo for the first time in 3 years, celebrating the release of her new album "Beautiful, But Noir". Also performing will be vibes unit the fascinations. dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir" Release Party on...
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 11:40. | Released on January 12, 2007
dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir"
DiscID: 7f081609
Posted on December 19, 2006 at 15:34. | Released on November 22, 2006
Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple"
DJ team Sindbad has a new project together with woodbassist/rapper Takatsuki, and a 10-song album is coming at us before the end of the year on highcontrast. Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple" 1. Enter the Funniest Temple 2....
Posted on December 4, 2006 at 13:31. | Released on December 20, 2006
Sadistic Mikaela Band "Narkissos"
17 years after their 1989 return, Sadistic Mika Band (also "Sadistic Mica Band") are back with a brand new album, on which popular singer and youth icon Kimura Kaela is their guest singer! Original band members Katō Kazuhiko, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on August 25, 2006 at 10:35. | Released on October 25, 2006
Crazy Ken Band "Galaxy"
Barely a year after "Soul Punch", Crazy Ken Band will release a full-length album again this year. This new album will include the just-out single "merimeri" and also feature collaborations with artists such as Fire Ball, Papa B, and Q...
Posted on July 26, 2006 at 14:15. | Released on September 20, 2006
Ino Hidefumi "Satisfaction"
After three sold out 7" singles and a contribution to "Readymade digs Classics", Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi finally has a first album coming out. Included are 4 songs from the now rare 7"'s, and a bunch of new recordings....
Posted on May 27, 2006 at 18:59. | Released on June 9, 2006
Peter Acco "Monday Morning"
Lengendary neo-mods/psychedelic rock band Hair's leader Ai Satteaux's Aquarius label is starting a series of "one coin CD-R singles", at the nice price of ¥500 each! They relate the concept to 80's punk sonosheets. I've been very pleased with Aquarius'...
Posted on December 15, 2005 at 11:29. | Released in December 2005
Fantastic Plastic Machine "Sound Concierge #502"
A new mix CD in FPM's Sound Concierge series is coming out in August. The mix CD will contain a new FPM song, "Tell Me", from his forthcoming album expected in October! As usual, there will be a limited edition...
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 10:54. | Released on August 31, 2005
Hase Hajimu "Camp"
Hase Hajimu has a second album out soon, follow-up to the great "Radio" (2003). There will also be a 7" cut for the cover of Meredith Willson's "Till There Was You" (also covered by the Beatles), featuring Petty Booka! Details...
Posted on June 1, 2005 at 17:14. | Released on July 6, 2005
Sindbad "Sindbad"
Sindbad has a first full-length album coming. Expect happy breakbeats and club sounds. Guests include Your Song Is Good and Torikabuto, and also a Halfby remix. Just in time for summer. Sindbad "Sindbad" 1. Gage 2. Dumb Found 3. Gauche...
Posted on May 23, 2005 at 18:21. | Released on June 15, 2005
Ino Hidefumi "Spartacus / Blood is thicker than water" (7")
Second 7" single by Ebisu Tenement's owner Ino Hidefumi, artist highly recommended by the likes of Konishi Yasuharu and Sunaga Tatsuo. His first single, released in January, featured two Michael Jackson covers, "Never can say goodbye" and "Billie Jean". This...
Posted on May 18, 2005 at 17:23. | Released on May 20, 2005
"Fugō Keiji" (5 DVDs)
Aired earlier this year, the fun detective TV series "Fugō Keiji" featuring Fukada Kyōko is being released on DVD. The series will be available both as a boxed set and as 5 separate DVDs containing 2 one-hour episode each. Unfortunately...
Posted on May 9, 2005 at 16:58. | Released on August 5, 2005
Halfby "Rodeo Machine" (12")
Halfby (pronounced "half bee", don't be fooled) has a new 12" coming out on Second Royal. It will include 3 new songs and a remix by Kakubarhythm's Mu-Stars. Halfby "Rodeo Machine" (12") A1. Rodeo Machine A2. Daddy Is High B1....
Posted on April 27, 2005 at 10:49. | Released on April 30, 2005
Various Artists "Yellow Magic kayōkyoku" & "Techno Magic kayōkyoku"
Two interesting compilations of 80's techno-pop/kayō, certainly containing a lot of gems, will be released in February at a relatively low price. The first compilation has 3 CDs and consists of only songs written/produced by Yellow Magic Orchestra members (Sakamoto...
Posted on December 7, 2004 at 17:54. | Released on February 23, 2005
Jon the Dog double-release
Jon, the singing and organ-playing dog (really a girl in a fantastic costume), has two interesting CDs coming out soon. The first, "Jon (inu) e, takkomu Disk deko" (「ジョン（犬）へ、たっこむディスク凸」), is a tribute album where no less than 18 artists cover...
Posted on December 3, 2004 at 11:33. | Released on December 10, 2004
Various Artists "Monster remix -Octopus-"
A remix album of songs from the TV animation series Monster is planned to be released, and will feature Sunaga t̀ Experience, Jazztronik, Toshiyuki GOTŌ, FreeTEMPO, Reggae Disco Rockers and more. Various Artists "Monster remix -Octopus-" Track list 1. GRAIN...
Posted on September 17, 2004 at 16:09. | Released on October 21, 2004
P&art Sasanoooha "panda to sasanoha"
High-energy breakbeats club unit P&art Sasanoooha from Osaka, who have remixed Pizzicato Five, Lupin the 3rd and Astro Boy, have a new full album coming out soon! Page announcing new album Homemade Records official site P&art Sasanoooha "panda to sasanoha"...
Posted on August 7, 2004 at 16:35. | Released on August 25, 2004
Nomoto Karia update
More info today about Nomoto Karia's upcoming album. First, the correct rōmaji spelling for the title has been revealed, "Karly". There's a new popup window at Readymade International showing pictures from the photo book (quite sexy!), which will be a...
Posted on June 12, 2004 at 13:30.
