SOLEIL "Mellotron Girl c/w High School Lullaby" (7")
SOLEIL, whose next album "Lollipop Sixteen" is expected for July, has a new 7" single being released in advance! The A-side is a new original song that reminds of mid-career Beatles, with music written by Okada Yumi (the band's...
Posted on May 24, 2019 at 23:00. | Released on May 29, 2019
Magic, Drums & Love "Hurricane Upsetter"
Tokyo rock'n'roll band Magic, Drums & Love has a brand new album coming this month! The whole was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Cubismo Grafico). With a base sound of soul/disco, there are felt influences of exotica, city pop...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 20:25. | Released on May 15, 2019
Popuri "Popuri to fuwafuwa monogatari"
Popuri (also spelt Pot-Pourri) is a unit formed of Reina and Sasaki Atsushi (SoundCloud) (also of Melting Holidays). Both compose and perform the music, with Reina singing lead vocals. While their visuals consist of cute illustrations of a girl and...
Posted on April 29, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on April 24, 2019
Himeno Tama "Panorama kaidou masshigura"
Multi-talent singer/artist, also freelance idol and model, and known as the singer of band Je et Georges, Himeno Tama is back with a major debut album! Featured musicians include Hasegawa Hakushi, Naoe Masahiro (Carnation), Torii Masamichi (Triple Fire), Kawabe Moro...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 23:14. | Released on April 24, 2019
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY" (12")
Wakita Monari's excellent 1st album "I am ONLY" (2017) is finally being released on vinyl! Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme), ikkubaru (from...
Posted on April 23, 2019 at 21:28. | Released on April 24, 2019
Various Artists "Sazanami Label 15th Anniversary Sampler Vol.1", "Vol.2"
Sazanami Label, an independant label known for introducing many bands of genres such as garage rock and neo-GS among lots more of variety. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, here are two new very nice priced compilations that cover respectively years...
Posted on April 13, 2019 at 01:05. | Released on April 24, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
Chimidoro "nanokana?"
Techno rap group Chimidoro has just released a 2nd album this month! This is their first in 12 years, the follow-up to debut album "minna no uta" (2007). Check out this special release page, and also the sampler clip below....
Posted on March 23, 2019 at 13:27. | Released on March 15, 2019
Yackle "Frank Throw"
18-year-old DJ/trackmaker Yackle has just released a 1st full-length physical album. Every track features various singers and collaborators that he chose, and those include DÉ DÉ MOUSE, MANON and many more. Check out the video for "Feel Me" (with Dé...
Posted on March 22, 2019 at 08:58. | Released on March 20, 2019
SOLEIL "SOLEIL is Alright" (12")
SOLEIL's 2nd album "SOLEIL is Alright" is being released on vinyl! As it has been with all their recordings and releases so far, this vinyl edition will also be in mono. All of the 12 songs from the album are...
Posted on February 21, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on March 20, 2019
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace -kaitei ban-"
Future tennis icon unit Her Serves & Receive's excellent first album "Service Ace" is being re-released as a "revised" edition. Included is the entire original album plus new track "One" that was contributed by Kobe pop group Sappy. The jacket...
Posted on February 14, 2019 at 23:08. | Released on February 23, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
SOLEIL "Baby Boo / Gotta Pull Myself Together" (7")
Band SOLEIL's 15-year-old singer Soleil is currently taking a break to study hard until March, but meanwhile here comes a new 7" of "Baby Boo" from latest album "SOLEIL is Alright". The B-side is a new cover of The...
Posted on December 6, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 2018
(M)otocompo "Yokoshima Borderline ep", Motocompo "Chiptop Lips"
Dr.Usui's ska-electro band (M)otocompo (read "otocompo") has a brand new EP about to be released! "Yokoshima Borderline ep" includes brand new track "Tao", and also popular song often heard in their live shows "kono yo ni tada hitori", and more....
Posted on December 3, 2018 at 22:45. | Released on December 5, 2018
Wakita Monari "Just a 'Crush for Today'" (CD/7")
Wakita Monari has a new single about to be released! Both tracks have music written and arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and Monari wrote the lyrics of title track "Just a 'Crush for Today'". The A-side is said...
Posted on November 23, 2018 at 22:13. | Released on November 28, 2018
SOLEIL "Pinky Fluffy" (7") (Re-issue)
SOLEIL's debut 7" "Pinky Fluffy" (2017) which had sold out long ago is being released once again with a different jacket! Recorded when singer Soleil was still 13, both songs have remained non-album tracks. Note that this release doesn't...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 19:16. | Released on November 14, 2018
Haruko Tajima "Holy Holy Holy Holy"
Electro singer-songwriter Tajima Haruko, who is also active as duo Francis avec Haruko (see new mini-album "Zero Gravity Love"), has released a brand new album recently! Be sure to check out the cool videos she posts on YouTube, starting with...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 22:46. | Released on October 3, 2018
La Veuve Moustachue "Zettai Renai! Count Down!!" (7")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka Mustached Widow, Hige no Mibōjin) is back with a brand new single, its first release since the vinyl edition of brilliant album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016). This time the charming widow has...
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on October 30, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Avandoned "Lemon Peels" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned has released a new single earlier this month! "Lemon Peels" was written and produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The B-side was written and performed by punk band SEVENTEEN AGAiN. There's...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:26. | Released on October 10, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Japamyu"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 4th album about to be released! "Japamyu" comes over 4 years after "Pika Pika Fantajin" (2014). Included are the previously released songs "Harajuku Iyahoi", "Kimi No Mikata" and "Todoke Punch", as well as a new...
Posted on September 21, 2018 at 23:52. | Released on September 26, 2018
Learners "Learners High"
Chabe's rockabilly band Learners is back with a brand new mini album! This includes two new original songs, "Cassis Oolong" and "Take a Trip", as well as covers of The Bangles, Brigitte Bardot, The Looking Glass (in a cover featuring...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 21:31. | Released on September 12, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have...
Posted on August 11, 2018 at 18:20. | Released on August 5, 2018
chelmico "Power"
chelmico, girl rap unit formed of MC Rachel & MC Mamiko, have a first major album out this week! Tracks were made in collaboration with U-zhaan ("Date"), Parkgolf, Mikeneko Homeless, ryo takahashi and Toshiki Hayashi (%C). The first pressing comes...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 21:56. | Released on August 8, 2018
Wakita Monari "Ahead!"
Wakita Monari has a 2nd album being released this month! This is the follow-up to the excellent "I am ONLY" (2017). Included are several songs produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and also ones produced by microstar, Illicit Tsuboi (co-written...
Posted on July 15, 2018 at 23:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
The Scooters "Be My Baby" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single that has just been released! "Be My Baby" is a new original song that was made as the theme of leader Shindō Mitsuo's exhibition held a few months ago sharing the same title....
Posted on July 14, 2018 at 22:58. | Released on November 14, 2018
Soleil "My Name is SOLEIL" (12")
The first album of 60's sound band SOLEIL (official Twitter) is being released on vinyl! SOLEIL is the band of 14-year-old singer Soleil (who will soon turn 15!), bassist and producer Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-The Phantom Gift, Les...
Posted on July 1, 2018 at 19:58. | Released on July 4, 2018
Nakano Aya "Double Game"
Nakano Aya has a new album coming this month! The album has imaginary "sides", the "Butterfly Side" (tracks 1 to 6) which has a jazzy big band style, and the "Glamour Side" (tracks 7 to 12) which is more rhythm...
Posted on June 13, 2018 at 23:42. | Released on June 20, 2018
lyrical school "World's End"
Idol rap group lyrical school has a brand new album being released this month! The song "toko Nuts Return" has music written & arranged by Shinco (Scha Dara Parr) and lyrics by Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Kaseki Cider. There...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 21:27. | Released on June 19, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Avandoned "After School c/w bakuhatsu suru Romance" (CD+7")
Idol duo Avandoned have a new single out this week! Like previous single "Donut Friends", this is produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The A-side was written by members of Koncos, and the B-side by...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on May 23, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
Tentenko "kiken na anata"
The 2nd EP of Tentenko (ex-BiS) is being released on CD. This was first released on iTunes on December 6. Included is a cover of classic techno-kayō song "Robot" (originally sung by Sakakibara Ikue). "nantonaku abunai" was written by Sakamoto...
Posted on January 14, 2018 at 13:09. | Released on January 17, 2018
Avandoned "Donut Friends" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned have recently released a single that was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza) and features Learners as the back-band! The B-side is a cover of Learners' "Shampoo Planet". Avandoned "Donut Friends" (7"+CD) あヴぁんだんど 「ドーナツふれんど」...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 23:31. | Released on November 8, 2017
Nakano Aya "girigiri no kankei" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya's latest single was released on 7"+CD! Both are new songs, with a danceable 16-beat soul A-side, and a track with an old soul sound for B-side. The CD includes bonus instrumentals. On January 9 will be held...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 22:08. | Released on October 25, 2017
Wakita Monari "Wingscape / LED" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari has a new single out this week! Her new funky jazz tune "Wingscape" was written and produced by COUNTJOKE (aka jōdan hakushaku, unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya) (Facebook page) and features Smooth Ace on chorus! The...
Posted on November 20, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 22, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Yashiro Aki "yoru no tsuzuki"
Enka singer Yashiro Aki has a 2nd jazz album being released, this time again produced by Konishi Yasuharu! It's been five years since the first, "Songs Around Midnight" (2012). The media is a high-fidelity SHM-CD which plays in regular CD...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 22:29. | Released on October 11, 2017
Meet The Hopes "uwasa ni naritai / Jasmine High" (7")
Self-described as a "southern Shimokita soul band", Meet The Hopes has just released a 7" of two new funky songs. It had been 3 years since their first album "Jamboree" (2014, CDJapan). Meet The Hopes holds regular party "Jinriki...
Posted on September 19, 2017 at 22:52. | Released on September 15, 2017
Soleil "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song...
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 11:48. | Released on September 20, 2017
Wednesday Campanella "Nippon Budokan kouen ~hakkaku uchuu~" (Blu-ray)
It's hard to believe that this is the first video release by Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyoubi no Campanella), known for their high-energy shows that have a good dose of surprise! This Blu-ray is of a live show held at famous...
Posted on July 31, 2017 at 23:16. | Released on July 26, 2017
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | Released on July 26, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "12 signs of the zodiac"
Hoshino Michiru has a new album out now! "12 signs of the zodiac" contains three new songs from singles "kagami no naka no watashi" and "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (with also B-side "kyōkaisenjō no futari") released just last month, plus 9 brand...
Posted on June 20, 2017 at 22:46. | Released on June 21, 2017
Wakita Monari "I'm with you" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 3rd single being released this week, ahead of a 1st solo album to come later on July 26! The new single's title song is a house tune written and produced by Fukutomi Yukihiro! Mellow jazz...
Posted on June 17, 2017 at 10:57. | Released on June 21, 2017
Nakano Aya "Asami no Blues" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya has a new single out this week! Produced by Mutō Shōhei (drummer, vocalist and leader of jazz band Katteni-Shiyagare), the music is also performed by Kathmandu, a unit formed mainly of his band's members. The title song...
Posted on June 5, 2017 at 21:06. | Released on June 7, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "kagami no naka no watashi" (CD+7"), "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has not one but two new singles out this week! The first, "kagami no naka no watashi" is a new song written by Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals), with lyrics by Kiyoura Natsumi (Tweedees). Its B-side is "kare no...
Posted on May 30, 2017 at 21:45. | Released on May 31, 2017
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
microstar "She Got the Blues" (12")
microstar's latest album "She Got the Blues" (2016) is being released on vinyl. microstar "She Got the Blues" A1. Chocolate Baby A2. Tiny Spark A3. tsuki no Palace A4. tomodachi ni narō A5. My Baby B1. yūgure Girl (Album Mix)...
Posted on May 5, 2017 at 22:34. | Released on May 24, 2017
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Shinohara Tomoe "Tomoe Shinohara ☆All Time Best☆"
This is a compilation of Shinohara Tomoe's greatest hits, going beyond label boundaries to include songs from her whole solo career, with of course many from her major releases but also from her self-produced albums "-:*Better*:-" and "-:*Oh Yes Say...
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 00:13. | Released on March 8, 2017
Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko. The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including...
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 21:15. | Released on February 15, 2017
Wednesday Campanella "Superman"
Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyoubi no Campanella) has a new album coming this week! "Superman" is the follow-up to album "UMA" (June 2016), and includes two songs from digital EP "Superkid" released last November. The physical album comes in CD and...
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 11:19. | Released on February 8, 2017
The Scooters "Kaiso-Rasputin" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this month! The title track is a cover of German disco band Boney-M's "Rasputin" (Japanese title "kaisō Rasputin") completely rearranged into a "strange polka rock" in The Scooters' manner. B-side "Hang On...
Posted on January 24, 2017 at 23:27. | Released on January 25, 2017
Various Artists "Best of Pied Piper Days Vol.2"
Pied Piper House (official Twitter) was an influential record shop in Tokyo from 1975 to 1989. It has been revived for a limited time on the 5th floor of Tower Records Shibuya since last summer, first for an expected 6...
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 15:36. | Released on January 25, 2017
Steve Nakamura "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Artworks 2011-2016" (Book)
Here's a first Kyary Pamyu Pamyu art book highlighting visual works by art director and designer Steve Nakamura. Approximately 300 works are included, covering her entire discography so far, as well as commentary by Steve and an interview of...
Posted on December 16, 2016 at 23:56. | Released on December 8, 2016
Nakano Aya "Mambo Alc.0.00% feat. Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys" (CD+7")
Nakano Aya's new single is a song featuring Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys! The song was written by Comoesta Yaegashi and Fukuhara Mari with lyrics by Paradise Yamamoto. The B-side is a cover of Etta James' "Seven Day Fool", and features...
Posted on December 10, 2016 at 16:51. | Released on December 14, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "suteki ni X'mas Night" (7"+CD)
Yes it's getting time for Christmas music! Hoshino Michiru has a new single out this week, including new song "suteki ni X'mas Night" which is arranged by Gary Ashiya (of La veuve moustachue)! The B-side, also Christmas-themed, is taken from...
Posted on November 29, 2016 at 21:54. | Released on November 30, 2016
La Veuve Moustachue "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (12")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka "hige no mibōjin" in Japanese) is releasing an album on vinyl! This unit of Kishino You-ichi and composer/pianist Gary Ashiya first released a 5-song mini-album of the same title in 2002. All of those 5 songs...
Posted on November 15, 2016 at 23:49. | Released on November 16, 2016
Wakita Monari "In The City / anone,,," (CD+7")
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) is back as a solo artist! She now shows up on the great Vivid Sound label with a first solo single. Both songs are originals, with the A-side "In The City" arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke),...
Posted on November 14, 2016 at 23:56. | Released on November 16, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "watashi ga obasan ni nattemo" (7"+CD)
Hoshino Michiru has released a single cut (7" with CD) of two songs from her new cover album "My Favorite Songs". Title song "watashi ga obasan ni nattemo" is a cover of Moritaka Chisato (1992), co-arranged by Arai Toshiya (Count...
Posted on October 31, 2016 at 22:39. | Released on October 19, 2016
Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen' Original Soundtrack"
Konishi Yasuharu didn't only produce the excellent ending theme (performed by Dorusen from TPD) of drama "Debusen", but also all of its BGM! Here's the original soundtrack. Most tracks can be sampled at CDJapan. Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen'...
Posted on September 29, 2016 at 23:06. | Released on September 28, 2016
TRI4TH "Defying"
"Dance jazz quintet" TRI4TH has a 5th album coming, their 2nd on jazz label Playwright, follow-up to last year's "Awakening" (CDJapan). All songs are originals. A Japan tour will be starting in September, with the final show on January 9,...
Posted on September 7, 2016 at 21:15. | Released on September 14, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "My Favorite Songs"
Hoshino Michiru has a cover album coming! Selected by herself and producer Hase Hajimu, this includes many new recordings and a few songs from recent singles, such as "koi suru Fortune Cookie feat. The Scooters" that is sold at live...
Posted on September 4, 2016 at 12:30. | Released on September 7, 2016
Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki has a brand new album just about to be released! This album has a theme of "French Shibuya-kei", highlighting bits of the French culture that influenced the Shibuya-kei scene. This is a 2-CD release of both a studio...
Posted on August 29, 2016 at 23:22. | Released on August 31, 2016
Pizzicato Five "Couples", "Bellissima!"
The two first albums of Pizzicato Five, "Couples" (1987) and "Bellissima!" (1988), are being re-issued! Both were newly remastered from the original master tapes under the supervision of Konishi Yasuharu himself, and are pressed as high-quality Blu-spec CD2 (they play...
Posted on August 23, 2016 at 21:59. | Released on August 24, 2016
microstar "She Got the Blues"
microstar, the unit of Satō Seiki (a producer of Hoshino Michiru) and singer Iizumi Yūko, has a brand new album about to be released! It's been 8 years since the previous, "microstar album" (2008). This includes latest single "Tiny Spark"...
Posted on July 17, 2016 at 10:47. | Released on July 20, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "Love Me Again feat. ikkubaru" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new single coming, the A-side is a Japanese cover of Indonesian 4-piece band ikkubaru's "Love Me Again" and features the band itself (recent live version by ikkubaru). By the way, ikkubaru is also known for writing...
Posted on July 2, 2016 at 14:08. | Released on July 6, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "Discotheque ni tsuretette (Single Version)" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new 7" and CD set coming this month! Included is a single version of song "Discotheque ni tsuretette" from latest album "You Love Me", and a cover of Yamashita Tatsurō's "zutto issho sa". The latter was...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 13:19. | Released on May 25, 2016
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP Best"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a greatest hits album coming this month! The album consists of 2 CDs full of KPP's best songs so far. Also included are previously unreleased songs "5iVE YEARS MONSTER", "kanzen keitai" and "KPP ON STAGE". You...
Posted on May 2, 2016 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie?" (Blu-ray/DVD), "tofunsai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Denki Groove has released two Blu-ray/DVDs just recently! The first is "Denki Groove The Movie", a documentary of the group's 25 years so far that was shown on big screens throughout Japan at the end of 2015. This features a...
Posted on April 13, 2016 at 00:27. | Released on March 30, 2016
The Scooters "Make You Mine" (CD+7")
The Scooters have a new 7" single out this week! Included are covers of Honey & The Bees' "Make You Mine" (Japanese title "nakitai kimochi") and Martha & The Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street", both with lyrics newly translated in...
Posted on April 6, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on April 6, 2016
FPM "Motions (Best Killer Remixes & Produce works by FPM)" (3CD)
FPM is still celebrating his 20th anniversary, and following greatest hits album "Moments" here comes a 3-CD set of tracks he has produced or remixed for other artists. Some rare and previously unreleased tracks are also included. The album's first...
Posted on March 12, 2016 at 00:56. | Released on March 16, 2016
Perfume "Perfume Complete 'LP' BOX" (12"x6)
For Perfume collectors, vinyl fans and DJs, here comes a set of five LPs! This includes albums "Perfume ~Complete Best~", "GAME", "Triangle", "JPN" and "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'" (a 2-LP set). All are pressed on high quality 180g...
Posted on February 15, 2016 at 23:23. | Released on February 17, 2016
Kera "Brown, White & Black"
Kera (aka Keralino Sandorovich, of No Lie-Sense, Kera & The Synthesizers) has a new solo album coming, his first since 1988 ("genshoku"). This new album is said to be jazz, "fake jazz". Included are covers of jazz standards "Shine (That's...
Posted on January 10, 2016 at 12:13. | Released on January 20, 2016
Hoshino Michiru "My Tiny World (Duet with Matsuo Kiyonori)" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru's latest single is a duet with Matsuo Kiyonori, a member of 80's band Cinema. The song "My Tiny World" was also featured on Matsuo's new solo album "This Tiny World" (Amazon). The B-side is a cover of Matsuo's...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2015
Sexy-Synthesizer "Space"
Sexy-Synthesizer is back with brand new album "Space"! It had been 8 years since previous album "Rock" (2007) which was released in several forms meanwhile. "Space" has a concept of shooting game music, and comes as a mini-LP package of...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 22:22. | Released on December 9, 2015
Count Joke "nikyu tenshi no Theme / ame ni hohoemi o" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) have released yet another 7" single this month! "nikyū tenshi no Theme" is a brand new original, while "ame ni hohoemi o" is a Japanese lyrics disco cover of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 21:53. | Released on December 9, 2015
Vanilla Beans "onna wa sore o gaman shinai / Beanius / lonesome X"
Vanilla Beans have a new single coming this month, the follow-up to album "Vanilla Beans IV" released last February. Included are three brand new songs! This comes with big news, as they have moved from Tower Records' T-Palette label to...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 00:45. | Released on November 18, 2015
hitomitoi "The Memory Hotel"
hitomitoi has a brand new album out now! Producers and musicians include Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryusenkei), Dorian, Kashif (PPP, Jintana & Emeralds), LUVRAW (ImageCluv), Crystal ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) and mabanua. This is the follow-up to album "Snowbank Social Club" (2014)...
Posted on October 22, 2015 at 22:35. | Released on October 21, 2015
Count Joke "Pink Shadow / tamago" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) have a brand new 7" out now! The A-side is a cover of Bread & Butter's "Pink Shadow" (1974), while the B-side is a brand new original written by singer Maezono Naoki. Like...
Posted on September 3, 2015 at 23:05. | Released on August 26, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "You Love Me ~you love me more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow~"
This week comes a brand new album by singer Hoshino Michiru! This includes latest single "natsu nandashi" (written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu) and its B-side "sakamichi no tochū" (written by Takanami Keitarō), and a cover of the Doopees' "Through...
Posted on September 1, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on September 2, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu album vinyl reissues
This one is for KPP's hardcore fans, DJs and vinyl collectors. All of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's albums (and debut mini-album) to date are being released on vinyl. Full-length albums come as a set of two records, keeping the songs in...
Posted on August 16, 2015 at 12:29. | Released on August 19, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "natsu nandashi" (CD+7")
Hoshino Michiru has a new single out today, and the title track is written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! "natsu nandashi" is actually a hip-hop-ish answer song to Happy End's "natsu nan desu" (1971). The B-side is also a must,...
Posted on July 22, 2015 at 23:40. | Released on July 22, 2015
The Scooters "The Scooters NOW !" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this week! This consists of two covers, the A-side of the Jackson Sisters' hit single "I Believe In Miracles", and the B-side of David Bowie's "Young Americans". Both are sung in Japanese,...
Posted on July 3, 2015 at 22:20. | Released on July 7, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 2014 Japan Arena Tour Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic Toy Box" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new DVD/Blu-ray coming this week. The 2-disc set contains a whole show held in Tokyo from last year's Japan Arena Tour, plus another show from London (part of the "Nanda Collection World Tour 2014") with...
Posted on June 7, 2015 at 13:44. | Released on June 10, 2015
Hoshino Michiru "koshinuke danshi ni I Love You" (CD+7")
Here's a first release this year from Hoshino Michiru! This new single is again produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar). The A-side is a danceable guitar pop tune while the B-side is a song with an oldies vibe....
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 16:37. | Released on May 27, 2015
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
Count Joke "itsuka dokoka de c/w yūrei no Ballad" (7"+CD)
This release completes Count Joke's "Air-Replay Series" trilogy of 7" singles. These two songs were being released on CD last December. This packaging includes both 7" and CD (with instrumentals). "itsuka dokokade" features Smooth Ace, and was written in memory...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 20:19. | Released on March 25, 2015
Count Joke "LED c/w nagisa" (7"+CD)
A 2nd 7" from this trilogy by Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page), unit of Maezono Naoki & Arai Toshiya, was released this week! Also check out the January-released "bird man c/w ameagari". The next will be released on...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 22:38. | Released on February 25, 2015
Count Joke "bird man c/w ameagari" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) is the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya. Starting this January they are releasing a series of 7"'s (coming with a bonus CD) of songs limitedly released on CD throughout last year....
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on January 28, 2015
