Isao Tomita "Missing Link of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia shoki sakuhinshuu 1953-1974~"
This album is a collection of 21 early rare pieces by composer and synthesizer pioneer Isao Tomita (1932-2016) taken from Columbia's archives. The artwork was done by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune). Isao Tomita "Missing Link Of Tomita ~Tomita Isao Nippon Columbia...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on May 23, 2018
JiLL-Decoy association "JiLL-Decoy DUO ~ Zinger ~"
Jazz unit JiLL-Decoy association's vocalist chihiRo and guitarist kubota have been also recently active as JiLL-Decoy DUO, and here comes a first mini-album. The title "Zinger" is said to be a mix of "Ginger" and "Zine". Included are collaborations with...
Posted on May 13, 2018 at 15:38. | Released on May 2, 2018
The Beatniks "Exitentialist A Xie Xie"
The Beatniks, the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), is about to release a 5th album! "Exitentialist A Xie Xie" is the follow-up to "Last Train To Exitown". Included are 10 songs with sounds that...
Posted on April 30, 2018 at 20:37. | Released on May 9, 2018
Pearl Brothers "uma no you ni"
Pearl Brothers (Japanese name "Pearl kyōdai"), a famous rock/new wave band formed in the early 80's, has recently been active with five of its original members, and now here comes a new mini-album! In addition to two new songs and...
Posted on April 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on April 25, 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
Nosa Reina "Endless Party ~Cover Album~"
Nosa Reina is releasing a first cover album this month, of various charming Japanese songs from her memories arranged with a new wave touch. Featured are songs originally by EPO, Sakakibara Ikue (Techno-kayō classic "Robot"!), Sawada Kenji, Ōtaki Eiichi, Suzuki...
Posted on April 14, 2018 at 00:15. | Released on April 18, 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
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 2", "Design Ah" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Out now is a 2nd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) for which all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Aoba Ichiko, Harada Ikuko (clammbon), Hanaregumi, KAKATO (Tamaki ROY x Chinza...
Posted on March 27, 2018 at 22:42. | Released on March 21, 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
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
Kashif "BlueSongs" (12")
Guitarist Kashif's brilliant first solo album was recently released on vinyl! Great city pop songs sung by himself, with also guest hitomitoi. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the cover artwork is by famous illustrator Nagai Hiroshi. The...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 13:17. | Released on November 29, 2017
Takkyu Ishino "ACID TEKNO DISKO BEATz"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has released a new solo album for his 50th birthday, December 26, 2017. This comes 1½ year after "LUNATIQUE" (2016). All tracks can be sampled at CDJapan, etc. An anthology box set and a new Denki...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 14:15. | Released on December 27, 2017
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 3 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a 3rd compilation by Sunaga Tatsuo of the "yoru Jazz gaiden" series, part of his larger ongoing "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") series, which features many up-and-coming young Japanese jazz bands. Included is a brand new song by Sunaga t...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on August 2, 2017
Mira Parameter "Reborn"
Singer-songwriter Etuka's new electro-pop solo unit Mira Parameter has a first album being released on Gooondo, the label of Gondō Tomohiko (Metafive). The album, with a sound reminiscent of 80's techno, was produced by Gondō and mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori....
Posted on July 5, 2017 at 21:08. | Released on July 6, 2017
STE "koyoi mo, sakaba ni te." (7"+CD)
This is a single produced by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), commissioned by Tochigi Doughnuts, an association that promotes restaurants, bars and shops of Utsunomiya city in Tochigi prefecture, and also 7" records. The song is a kayō-ska hymn...
Posted on June 30, 2017 at 23:33. | Released on July 5, 2017
Cornelius "Mellow Waves"
A brand new album by Cornelius (international site) is coming at the end of June! Announced a few months ago and preceded by the release of two 7" singles, here comes "Mellow Waves", the long awaited follow-up to "Sensuous" (2006)!...
Posted on June 10, 2017 at 23:34. | Released on June 28, 2017
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds -produced by Muro-"
"King of Diggin'" Muro produced this album of covers of Japanese songs, featuring various female vocalists. Also check out the mix CDs by Sunaga Tatsuo and Muro previously released on the same Tokyo Records label. Tokyo Records will hold an...
Posted on May 26, 2017 at 20:48. | Released on May 24, 2017
J.A.M "Silent Notes"
J.A.M, the instrumental jazz trio led by pianist Josei, with double-bassist Akita Goldman and drummer Midorin (all of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions), has a new album being released! The album features a song with Jin Oki, and one with L.D....
Posted on May 21, 2017 at 22:41. | Released on May 24, 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.
Kashif "BlueSongs"
Guitarist Kashif — a member of collective Pan Pacific Playa (PPP), and also known for his works and appearances with Jintana & Emeralds, hitomitoi, Scha Dara Parr, (((sssurrounddd))), G.Rina and Sugar Campaign — has a first solo album being released!...
Posted on April 30, 2017 at 23:17. | Released on May 3, 2017
METAFIVE "METAHALF" (12")
METAFIVE's latest, mini-labum "METAHALF" released last November, has just been released on vinyl. It even comes with a new track, "Marine" written by Sunahara Yoshinori! The track order and jacket are also different from the CD. METAFIVE "METAHALF" (12") A1....
Posted on April 26, 2017 at 23:35. | Released on April 26, 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
Urbangarde "Urbangarde 2016 Xmas Special Hall Live Tenshi des Akuma"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde is releasing a new live album of a show held at the Shibuya Cultural Center on December 17, 2016. The show was divided in "devil" and "angel" segments, and the audience had to vote for the...
Posted on April 11, 2017 at 22:57. | Released on April 12, 2017
Denki Groove "Tropical Love"
Denki Groove has just released a brand new album, 4 years after "Human Beings and Animals" (2013). Titled "Tropical Love", it contains a total of 10 new songs including an album version of latest single "Fallin' Down" (2015). The song...
Posted on March 5, 2017 at 01:04. | Released on March 1, 2017
Various Artists "manatsu no Innocence ~ Urino Masao Works Covers"
This is a cover album of songs by lyricist Urino Masao whose career amounts to 35 years. These are all new arrangements of some of his most known works, here sung by many vocalists such as hitomitoi, Mizuno Mari (paris...
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 00:04. | Released on February 22, 2017
Towa Tei "EMO"
A 9th album by Towa Tei has been announced, to be released on March 22! Featured artists include Metafive, UA, Takano Hiroshi, ATOM™, Ano (You'll Melt More!) and Inara George. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the artwork...
Posted on January 16, 2017 at 22:09. | Released on March 22, 2017
Various Artists "ExT Best File"
ExT Recordings, the underground electro label of Nagata Kazunao (Organization), is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! This compilation contains a previously unreleased track by De De Mouse, a new mix from Cherryboy Function, as well more brand new recordings...
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 13:17. | Released on January 11, 2017
Urbangarde "Akuma des Akuma"
The first release of 2017 is a brand new single by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde! Check out the video below, and this official comment by band leader Matsunaga Temma. "This is URBANGARDE. We're releasing a single after 4 and half...
Posted on December 28, 2016 at 00:41. | Released on January 4, 2017
D.A.N. "SSWB" (Download)
Band D.A.N., formed in August 2014, has a new digital EP out now! The whole was mixed by Aoki Takamasa and mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori. The title track almost 8-minute long! Its video clip shows young people spending a...
Posted on December 25, 2016 at 19:56. | Released on December 23, 2016
Hamada Maron "kisetsu meguredo jazz ver." (CD+7")
Jazz singer Hamada Maron has a new single out now, and it's produced by Sunaga Tatsuo! Featured are members of instrumental jazz band TRI4TH. The B-side is "mirei Butterfly", recently featured on Sunaga Tatsuo's "yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All...
Posted on December 24, 2016 at 00:22. | Released on December 21, 2016
Ishino Takkyu "EUQITANUL"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove) has a new remix album out this week! All tracks from latest album "LUNATIQUE" were remixed by many of his close DJ friends, including Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, agraph, Hiroshi Watanabe (Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, InK),...
Posted on December 20, 2016 at 00:40. | Released on December 21, 2016
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds - A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix", "Japanese Sounds mixed by Muro"
Here are two mix CDs of "Japanese sounds", selected and mixed by DJs Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) and Muro. Check out the sampler clips below for details. Shindō Mitsuo does the art direction for this new label called Tokyo...
Posted on November 17, 2016 at 00:05. | Released on November 16, 2016
Record Day 2016
Record Day (not the same as "Record Store Day") has been set to coincide with Japan's "Culture Day" public holiday on November 3 since 1957. Since last year, Japan's only record press Tōyō Kasei takes the lead inviting Japanese artists...
Posted on November 6, 2016 at 23:02. | Released on November 3, 2016
lyrical school "-RUN and RUN- lyrical school one man live 2016@CLUB CITTA'" (Blu-ray/DVD)
lyrical school are releasing this week on Blu-ray and DVD a recent show held last April to coincide with the release of single "Run and Run". Only the Blu-ray edition contains bonus footage. Meanwhile, member Yumi (aka Shimizu Yumi) has...
Posted on September 5, 2016 at 23:05. | Released on September 7, 2016
Ishino Takkyu "Lunatique"
Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove)'s brand new solo album "Lunatique" is about to be released! This follows mini-album "Cruise" (2010). The album has artwork by Ukawa Naohiro (Dommune), taking source from a cover illustration of defunct magazine "Manga Erotopia". Hear samples...
Posted on August 2, 2016 at 23:06. | Released on August 3, 2016
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Record Store Day 2016
This year again Record Store Day is being held in Japan, this time on Saturday April 16! A lot of special and limited vinyl editions are being released on that very day, and at first only available in physical shops....
Posted on April 14, 2016 at 23:15. | Released on April 16, 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
Nakatsuka Takeshi "EYE"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a brand new album coming! It has already been 3 years since "Lyrics". We're told to expect aggressive and thrilling new jazzy sounds. A release party will be held on April 21 at Daikanyama Unit (details)....
Posted on March 10, 2016 at 00:03. | Released on March 16, 2016
tofubeats "Positive Remixes"
Here come remixes of tofubeats' latest album "Positive"! Featured remixers include Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), Sunahara Yoshinori, Cherryboy Function, okadada, Komuro Tetsuya, banvox, Pa's Lam System, PARKGOLF, tofubeats himself and more. tofubeats "POSITIVE Remixes" CD1 1. POSITIVE feat.Dream Ami -Nakata Yasutaka...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 21:45. | Released on January 20, 2016
Metafive "Meta"
Happy New Year 2016!!! Here we go! Metafive finally have a first original album coming! Metafive is an all-star band featuring Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai. All songs are brand...
Posted on January 1, 2016 at 12:40. | Released on January 13, 2016
Halfby "Innn Hawaii"
Halfby aka Takahashi Takahiro has a brand new 5th album out now! This successes "Leaders Of The New School" (2014), and features VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Alfred Beach Sandal, Hashimoto Tsubasa (cero) and Electric Sisters. Expect danceable exotic soundscapes of Halfby's trademark, with...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on November 11, 2015
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders "Synthesizer Garage Punk Band"
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders has a first album out now! Ryoma Maeda (aka milch of source, producer for EeL) is joined by keyboardist Hajimetal (daredemo Esper) and drummer Shigeyuki Kimura (arakajime kimerareta koibitotachi e) for this unique synthesizer garage...
Posted on November 5, 2015 at 22:25. | Released on October 21, 2015
Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo Galaxy"
Following EP "Teddy Bear and Password", here's a brand new full-length album by producer Bajune Tobeta! This features an impressive line-up of guests including Nomiya Maki, FPM, Sakamoto Miu, Shing02, Arto Lindsay and bo en among others. Bajune Tobeta "Tokyo...
Posted on September 13, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on September 16, 2015
Towa Tei feat. UA "Sound of Music" (12")
Towa Tei has a new 12" single out now! "Sound of Music" is a cut from latest album "CUTE", and it features singer UA. Included is also a remix by Goh Hotoda and an instrumental of the same song, as...
Posted on August 30, 2015 at 22:41. | Released on August 26, 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
Towa Tei "Cute"
This week brings us Towa Tei's 8th solo album, "Cute", the follow-up to "Lucky" (2013)! The album features members of METAFIVE (Tei's all-star band with Takahashi Yukihiro, Oyamada Keigo, Sunahara Yoshinori et al.), and also Hosono Haruomi, Ino Hidefumi, Yasuda...
Posted on July 27, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on July 29, 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
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre no zanzō" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a first live DVD (and also Blu-ray) out this week. This is made up of recordings from shows held at Tokyo Globe-za (May 25, 2014), Tokyo Kinema Club (Nov. 23, 2014) and Shibuya O-East (Feb. 11,...
Posted on March 24, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on March 25, 2015
(((sssurrounddd))) "See you, Blue"
City pops band (((sssurrounddd))) has a 3rd album coming up! This one features collaborations with Sunahara Yoshinori, Dorian and Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). Sunahara also did the album's mastering. A free in-store event will be held at Tower Records Shinjuku (7F)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:00. | Released on March 18, 2015
Tomita Isao "Space Fantasy", "Tomita on NHK"
Two albums by synthesizer maestro Tomita Isao were released this month. The first, "Space Fantasy", is a 2-CD release of which the 1st CD is a collection of tracks from his "Planets" trilogy ("Cosmos", "Bermuda Triangle" and "Firebird") remastered in...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 16:07. | Released on March 4, 2015
Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"
This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:46. | Released on February 25, 2015
Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band no iyoru Jazz Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Let's start 2015 with this compilation of Crazy Ken Band's grooviest jazzy tracks, as compiled by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). This takes part of his long-going "yoru jazz" (Jazz Allnighters) series which started almost 10 years ago. Released on...
Posted on January 1, 2015 at 23:59. | Released on January 1, 2015
80kidz "Face"
80kidz have a 4th album out this week, on their own Park label. This is the follow-up to "Turbo Town" (2012), though "80:XX-01020304" (a compilation of tracks from 4 EPs) was also released since. Featured are several international vocalists such...
Posted on September 23, 2014 at 12:28. | Released on September 24, 2014
Jintana & Emeralds "Destiny" (12")
Jintana & Emeralds' wonderful 50's-inspired album "Destiny" is getting a vinyl LP release! Jintana & Emeralds is a band featuring Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (Traks Boys, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 21:45. | Released on September 17, 2014
Moso Calibration "mōsō shōjo 00"
Mōsō Calibration is an idol group formed of 5 girls, and this is their first full-length album including 6 songs written by Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo). Moso Calibration "mōsō shōjo 00" 妄想キャリブレーション 「妄想少女00」 1. jinsei wa ijiwaru nano... kana? 2. motto zutto...
Posted on September 4, 2014 at 23:21. | Released on August 19, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Split Spirit" (Download)
After live album "Techno Recital", here comes a brand new song by Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai). This song is the ending theme for movie "Ghost In The Shell...
Posted on September 3, 2014 at 22:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
BTB "Back To Basic ~ore to omae hen~"
Yokohama talkbox musician BTB (of the Pan Pacific Playa collective, and previously of Luvraw & BTB which Luvraw quit earlier this year) has a new solo album out now. Featured are summer-oriented mellow covers of various songs originally by artists...
Posted on August 20, 2014 at 21:57. | Released on August 20, 2014
Funassyi "Boogie Boogie Funassyi -Funassyi Official Theme Song 2-"
Funabashi city's unofficial (though insanely popular) mascot Funassyi has a 2nd single coming. This one includes as a B-side the song "Funassyi no kaimono wasshoi!" produced by Konishi Yasuharu recently, first advertised as to be only available on YouTube. Title...
Posted on August 17, 2014 at 22:54. | Released on August 20, 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
Towa Tei "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix"
This new release from Towa Tei is a collection of remixes of his songs from over his 20 years active as a solo artist. Remixes by Cornelius, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), and many more are included, as well as a remix...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on July 23, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
Buffalo Daughter "Konjac-tion"
Here comes a brand new original album by Buffalo Daughter, follow-up to "The Weapons of Math Destruction" (2010). The new album has a theme of "block party" and comes as a set of 2 CDs, one of the original new...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on July 23, 2014
Kojima Mayumi "On The Beach"
Kojima Mayumi has a new mini-album coming! Included are 6 songs, with covers of Mina Mazzini's "Tintarella di luna", with guest Kaji Hideki on bass (among others), and The Spiders' "yūhi ga naiteiru". Check out the great video clip below,...
Posted on July 5, 2014 at 23:55. | Released on July 9, 2014
P.O.P "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni."
P.O.P (previously known as P.O.P ORCHeSTRA) is a hip-hop band led by two identical twin rappers. They have long been active on stage, and have released several songs on iTunes before, but finally here comes their first album being released...
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 18, 2014
Various Artists "World Standard.09 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Here's a new live mix by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), of his popular "World Standard" series that reaches a 9th installment. It's been almost 5 years since the previous. This time he offers a 76-minute sound journey of his...
Posted on June 9, 2014 at 23:16. | Released on June 11, 2014
Various Artists "T-Palette 3rd Anniversary ~Far Beyond The Dream~ Selected & Mixed by DJ Wildparty"
Tower Records' idol-only label T-Palette Records is celebrating its 3rd anniversary, and here's a DJ mix CD of tracks from the label, selected and mixed by DJ Wildparty (SoundCloud). Various Artists "T-Palette Records 3rd Anniversary Mix ~Far Beyond The Dream~...
Posted on June 5, 2014 at 22:56. | Released on June 10, 2014
Sunaga t Experience "Inugami Jazz EP" (12")
Sunaga t Experience has a new 12" EP coming! Two brand new jazzy covers up to the usual standards. Both can be heard in full at SoundCloud. Sunaga Tatsuo goes far with this release, also putting together a premium set...
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 23:16. | Released in May 2014
Jintana & Emeralds "Destiny"
Jintana & Emeralds is a band featuring Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (Traks Boys, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists including hitomitoi. While having a nostalgic sound from another time, borrowing from Phil...
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 23:45. | Released on April 23, 2014
Un Amin "Hakone ni shiyōka EP"
Un Amin is a cute exotic pop band featuring Taiwan-born singer Min. After having released three demo CD-R EPs sold only at their events, here comes a first pressed CD available through Jet Set! It might also be possible to...
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 13:01. | Released on March 17, 2014
Tatsuo Sunaga "Jazz Samba ~Vinyl Junkies Only vol.2~"
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new mix CD out now, consisting only of music from Brazil selected with a theme of "jazz samba". This is mixed mainly from Sunaga's collection of Brazilian records. This mix CD is only...
Posted on March 15, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on March 9, 2014
The Nanbatatin "girlz.reteru.talk"
The Nanbatatin, a collaboration side-project of singer Nanba Shiho and Tarte Tatin, has a first album being released. The whole is produced by Yamamoto Shō of band Phenotas. Matsunaga Temma (Urbangarde) wrote lyrics of the opening track. This is also...
Posted on February 2, 2014 at 22:35. | Released on February 5, 2014
Various Artists "Sauna Cool 1"
New label Sauna Cool starts things off with this 51-track compilation, with a rule of "no more than 30 seconds per track". Featured are mainly artists from the Tokyo indies scene, including Chabe, HNC, Miila and the Geeks, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Mitsume,...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on December 25, 2013
80KIDZ "80:XX-01020304", Una "True of Lights / Danse Danse"
Indie dance unit 80KIDZ have released 4 EP of the "80" series ("80:01" to "80:04"), and this compilation album contains all tracks from these. All 4 EPs are also available on iTunes worldwide. Released at the same time is an...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:31. | Released on December 18, 2013
Pecombo "Pecombo sings French Classics" (Download)
Scat vocal group Pecombo's latest release is a cover mini-album of French standards. This is a download-only release, available worldwide on iTunes. Pecombo "Pecombo sings French Classics" (Download) ペコンボ 「ペコンボ、フランスのスタンダード・ポップを歌う」 (Japanese title: "Pecombo, France no Standard Pop o utau") 1....
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 15:09. | Released on December 16, 2013
DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan "oriori no oryōri ~X'mas~"
Girl duo hip-hop unit DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan ("DJ Miso soup & MC Rice", aka DMMG) have gained popularity with their DIY-style cooking-themed clips on YouTube for some time. Their first major release is this Christmas mini-album which was...
Posted on November 24, 2013 at 22:45. | Released on November 27, 2013
"Yoshida Rui no sakaba hōrōki Soundtrack"
TV show "sakaba hōrōki", a variety show in which host Yoshida Rui travels to visit bars in Tokyo and Japan. Celebrating the show's 10th anniversary, this CD contains music used in the show, as well as a new cover of...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 12:09. | Released on November 13, 2013
Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi"
Taikuh Jikang is the solo unit of Kawamura Kohey, a gamelan player (Indonesian instrument). The unit's visuals involve shadow play. This 2nd album features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on one track. Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi" TAIKUH JIKANG 滞空時間 「RAINICHI 来日」 1. HUTAN...
Posted on November 2, 2013 at 23:52. | Released on October 23, 2013
Various Artists "Konishi Yasuharu Presents daitokai kōkyōgaku -Readymade Digs Brunswick-"
Konishi Yasuharu selects light and sweet tracks from the vast catalog of Chicago's Brunswick label. Songs are featured in their latest digitally remastered versions, and the CD has a 16-page booklet with lyrics. Various Artists "Konishi Yasuharu Presents daitokai kōkyōgaku...
Posted on September 23, 2013 at 00:12. | Released on October 2, 2013
Konishi Yasuharu/Pizzicato Five "'dakishimetai!' Music Collection"
P5 fans rejoice, here come some lost Pizzicato Five sounds! Hit TV drama "dakishimetai!" was originally aired in 1988, and it's back this year as a special sequel marking its 25th anniversary. The original had music by Pizzicato Five —at...
Posted on September 14, 2013 at 20:52. | Released on September 27, 2013
Yashiro Aki "yume no yoru Live In New York"
This is a live recording of Yashiro Aki's first jazz show abroad, following the release of album "Songs Around Midnight" produced by Konishi Yasuharu. The show was held at Birdland in New York on March 27 this year, and featured...
Posted on August 18, 2013 at 01:04. | Released on August 21, 2013
Denki Groove "'Human Beings and Animals' Tour Panda 2013" (DVD & Blu-ray)
This video is a whole show from Denki Groove's latest tour, "Tour Panda 2013", in support of their "Human Beings and Animals" album released last February. The show was held on March 13, 2013 at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo. Always...
Posted on August 5, 2013 at 22:04. | Released on August 7, 2013
Nakano Aya "heta na uso"
Here's a 2nd album by hostess and singer Nakano Aya. Like her previous album "zurui hito", this is produced by DJ Hase Hajimu and consists of various covers in jazz and latin styles. A 7" can also be found at...
Posted on August 4, 2013 at 21:50. | Released on July 24, 2013
Various Artists "ASOBITUNES"
This is a compilation from Harajuku-based agency Asobisystem, home of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and also behind parties "Asobinite!!!" and "Takenoko!!!". Featured are songs by many artists who have participated in these events. capsule's new track "Rainbow" is included, as well...
Posted on July 30, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on July 31, 2013
Various Artists "T-Palette Records 2nd Anniversary Mix ~Diggin' on you~"
This is a mix CD by hip-hop unit Cypress Ueno and Roberto Yoshino made of only tracks from Tower Records' idol-only T-Palette label. Included are songs by Vanilla Beans, Negicco, lyrical school, Rhymeberry, LinQ, Shizukaze & Kizuna and Up Up...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 17:42. | Released on July 17, 2013
(((sssurrounddd))) "New Age"
(((sssurrounddd))), the city pop band of Illreme aka Kamoda Jun with Traks Boys' K404 and Crystal, has a 2nd album out now! "New Age" features guest musicians including Sunahara Yoshinori (who also contributed a remix to their latest 12"), Kashif...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on July 17, 2013
Tommy february6 "TOMMY CANDY SHOP ♥ SUGAR ♥ ME"
Tommy february6 has a new album that was released last month. This follows the "February & Heavenly" album from last year, and contains both songs from the "Be My Valentine" single (Amazon) released on February 6th this year. 2013 marks...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 21:34. | Released on June 12, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans, Nomiya Maki & BIBA
Text and 2nd photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. 1st photo by Kaz Sekiguchi, courtesy of Yoko Fujiwara. On July 5th was the 4th edition of Vanilla Beans' series of shows with a live band. Every time they...
Posted on July 11, 2013 at 23:34.
Various Artists "Revisit - Brunswick - selected by Tatsuo Sunaga" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has started a new compilation series called "Revisit". In this first offering he selects songs from the Chicago soul music label Brunswick. This release is only available digitally on iTunes Japan. Various Artists "Revisit -...
Posted on July 3, 2013 at 22:15. | Released on June 5, 2013
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
(((sssurrounddd))) "kūchū bunkai suru I Love You" (12")
(((sssurrounddd))), the band of rapper Illreme, with Track Boys' K404 and Crystal, has a new single just out on 12". The B-side is a remix by Sunahara Yoshinori! The 12" comes with a MP3 download code. Jet Set has an...
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 00:12. | Released on April 26, 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.
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
