Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 23:26. | Released on May 23, 2018
Kirinji "jikan ga nai"
Kirinji has a new single coming! Included is new song "jikan ga nai", which was first performed live during the encore of a show at EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo last December. Aside from the new song, 7 live bonus...
Posted on April 26, 2018 at 21:42. | Released on May 2, 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
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
SOLEIL "My Name is SOLEIL"
After having debuted last year with single "Pinky Fluffy", band SOLEIL is already back with a first full-length major album! This consists of only new previously unreleased songs, and matching the band's 60's style all was recorded and mixed in...
Posted on March 7, 2018 at 23:58. | Released on March 21, 2018
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Breaking the Silence (Version 10.3.3)"
Toshiyuki Yasuda has a brand new album out now! This is his 6th album, the follow-up to "Nameless God's Blue" (2015), although this time he used a completely new process to produce music which he calls "Version Up Music". Started...
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 22:01. | Released on January 24, 2018
Spangle call Lilli line "Spangle call Lilli line Club Re-edits by XTAL" (12")
XTAL ((((sssurrounddd))), Jintana & Emeralds) re-edits 3 songs by band Spangle call Lilli line for dancefloor use! "dreamer" was a single produced by Nagai Seiichi (sotaiseiriron) in 2010, and the two songs on side B were taken from their 4th...
Posted on January 21, 2018 at 15:25. | Released on January 17, 2018
DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan "komenication"
Always charmingly rapping about food and cooking, DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan has recently released a brand new album, which features collaborations with Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), Homecomings, manabua, Onigawara and more. This time all songs have a theme of...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on October 25, 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
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
Kaede "ano ko ga kurasu machi (made ato dore gurai?)" (Download, 7")
Kaede (of Negicco) has released today a first solo single, of which the title song was written by Sawabe Wataru (Skirt). The B-side is a cover of Kirinji's "sore mo kitto shiawase". Both were arranged by Skirt. This is being...
Posted on September 20, 2017 at 22:45. | Released on September 20, 2017
Manon "Wavy Pineapple Days" (Download)
Just ahead of the release of her first 7" single "xxFANCYPOOLxx", teenage model Manon has a 3rd brand new song now available for download on iTunes. Again produced by Yuppa (HNC), this time we get a cool reggae summer...
Posted on August 29, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on August 28, 2017
Manon "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (7")
Fukuoka-based teenage model Manon, of the Asobi System agency (same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, etc.), debuted last month as a singer with the songs "xxFANCYPOOLxx" and "Beat The Bad Luck" produced by Yuppa (HNC aka Hazel Nuts Chocolate)! Those...
Posted on August 26, 2017 at 15:25. | Released on August 30, 2017
Kaseki Cider "Onigiri University"
Rapper Kaseki Cider has a brand new album out now! It had been almost 5 years since his previous original album "Mr. City Pop". Guests include Wakita Monari, Negicco, Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan, Satō Nanako, Matsuda...
Posted on August 2, 2017 at 22:00. | Released on August 2, 2017
Negicco "Negicco 2011~2017 -Best- 2"
Negicco has a new greatest hits album coming this month! Included are songs revolving around albums "Melody Palette" (2013), "Rice&Snow" (2015) and "Tea for Three" (2016), but also a single B-side ("sayonara Music"), previously unreleased show opening song "Make Up...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on July 20, 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
Kinoco Hotel "Playgirl dai makyou"
Kinoco Hotel's new release is a 10th anniversary album, containing 10 songs from previously released album although they have all been re-arranged and re-recorded, mainly ones that had been released before current bassist Giulietta Kirishima joined the group. Also included...
Posted on May 28, 2017 at 14:52. | Released on June 7, 2017
Various Artists "Kayama Yuzo no shin sekai"
Kayama Yūzō is a singer-songwriter who will soon be celebrating his 80th birthday. This is a remix album of some of his songs, featuring artists such as Scha Dara Parr, Wednesday Campanella, Rhymester, Momoiro Clover Z with Cypress Ueno &...
Posted on March 29, 2017 at 22:55. | Released on March 8, 2017
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
Halmens X "35 seiki"
Halmens X is a limited time project led by two original members of new wave band Halmens (formed in 1979), Saeki Kenzo and Sensui Toshiro. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the release of album "Halmens no 20 seiki" (1981),...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 11:49. | Released on September 21, 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
Dorusen from TPD "sensei no okiniiri"
Here's a brand new catchy rocking pop track written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! Dorusen from TPD, a sub-unit of idol group Tokyo Performance Doll, sings the ending theme of school-themed drama series "Debusen". The title translates to "the...
Posted on September 15, 2016 at 22:53. | Released on September 21, 2016
Metafive "Metalive" (Blu-ray+CD)
Metafive have released a first live Blu-ray, of a show held at EX Theater Roppongi on January 21, 2016. The full show plus 3 video clips are included, and the release comes with a CD of a selection of songs...
Posted on August 19, 2016 at 21:17. | Released on August 17, 2016
Various Artists "Nippon Samba"
In line with "Bossa Brasilia 2016" just out last week, here's another groovy samba/bossa nova compilation selected by Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage), though this one consists of all Japanese artists. Many of the songs included are from the 60's, with...
Posted on July 26, 2016 at 23:39. | Released on July 27, 2016
Various Artists "Aloha Exotica"
Yasuda Toshiyuki, Jazztronik and Tamura Genichi (Kirinji, Little Tempo) cover famous Hawaiian and exotica songs in this new compilation that includes collaborations with Sandii, Lica, Takeda Kaori, cellist Mizoguchi Hajime, and Hawaiian singer Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. Perfect for summer! Hear samples...
Posted on July 20, 2016 at 22:27. | Released on July 20, 2016
Cupitron "Galaxy Express 999"
Electro/techno-pop idol trio Cupitron's new single is a cover of the theme of "Galaxy Express 999" (in Japanese "ginga tetsudō 999", with "999" read "three nine"). The original was performed by band Godaigo and released in 1979. The new cover...
Posted on May 24, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on May 25, 2016
sotaiseiriron "tensei Jingle"
sōtaiseiriron have just released a brand new album, follow-up to "Town Age" (2013). The album is available not only on CD, but also on 180g vinyl, hi-res 96Khz/24bit audio media BDM (Blu-ray Disc Music), and cassette tape. sōtaiseiriron will play...
Posted on May 3, 2016 at 22:22. | Released on April 27, 2016
lyrical school "Run and Run"
Idol rap group lyrical school have a brand new single just out! "Run and Run" has a special music video that keeps surprising many with its originality, fans or not, as it is best watched on a smartphone. Check it...
Posted on April 29, 2016 at 23:59. | Released on April 27, 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
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
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
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie? -The Music Selection-"
Denki Groove's official documentary movie "Denki Groove The Movie" is being screened in theaters throughout Japan since December 26 for a limited time. The movie is full of rare footage covering the band's history since it was founded in 1989....
Posted on December 31, 2015 at 21:51. | Released on December 23, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "First Recital in Shibuya"
Reina & The Blue Valentines, who released their first album "Lady or Girl?" last February, now offer a live album that comes with both CD and DVD. This is of their first one-man show that was held on April 25,...
Posted on October 31, 2015 at 23:26. | Released on November 3, 2015
Nomoto Karia "Karia Nomoto F" (Book)
Nomoto Karia has created a self-produced photo book of herself as captured by five photographers: Leona Tamura, Ani Watanabe, Takanori Fujishiro, Shigeo Shidara and Rowland Kirishima. All photographers adopted distinctive themes and techniques giving the splendid full-color 80-page book a...
Posted on October 19, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on October 15, 2015
FPM "Moments"
FPM is celebrating the 20th anniversary since Fantastic Plastic Machine's debut, with this a trio of greatest hits albums that include tracks since the early days, including rare track "Mr. Salesman" (later to become "Dear Mr. Salesman" on the first...
Posted on September 29, 2015 at 23:04. | Released on September 30, 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
Original Love "Lover Man"
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! Tajima has said that after contributing "Sunshine Nihonkai" to Negicco he's been feeling like making more pop music again, and this can be felt throughout this album....
Posted on June 3, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on June 10, 2015
Hanazawa Kana "Blue Avenue"
Voice actress Hanazawa Kana's recent 3rd album "Blue Avenue" has an all-star lineup of songwriters and producers including Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), Nakatsuka Takeshi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), mito (clammbon), Studio Apartment, Okuda Kensuke with Nishidera Gōta (Nona...
Posted on May 31, 2015 at 16:57. | Released on April 22, 2015
Pizzicato One "watakushi no nijuseiki"
2015 is looking like a good year for Pizzicato Five fans! Konishi Yasuharu has a second Pizzicato One album coming this June, follow-up to "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (2011). With a title that translates to "My 20th century",...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 12:34. | Released on June 24, 2015
kotringo "Edible melodies ~Gourmet Girl Graffiti Orignal Soundtrack~"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has done the soundtrack for cooking-themed anime "kōfuku Graffiti" (English title "Gourmet Girl Graffiti"). With instruments including piano, celesta, accordion, and also scat by the artist herself, this release is said to be just as enjoyable...
Posted on March 22, 2015 at 10:11. | Released on March 25, 2015
yamp kolt "chewing"
Producer yamp kolt has a new album coming, featuring a variety of female vocalists. Those include hitomitoi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sotaiseiriron), UA, Saya (Tenniscoats), etc. Many musicians also participate, such as U-zhaan (tabla) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) (Rovo, ex-Modern Choki Chokies)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:44. | 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
Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see...
Posted on March 8, 2015 at 12:06. | Released on March 4, 2015
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Lady or Girl?"
After the release of two 7" singles, here's a first album by Reina & The Blue Valentines, girl band fronted by Nosa Reina (whose latest solo album "don't kiss, but yes" was produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five)) and formed...
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 21:56. | Released on February 11, 2015
Taketatsu Ayana "Colore Serenata"
Voice actress Taketatsu Ayana has a new album out now, with some tracks written and arranged by Yoshida Tetsuto ("Colore Solfege" and "Marshmallow") and Oki Reiji (ex-Cymbals) ("Princess no dassō keikaku" and "Surf de Go Go Go"), and also a...
Posted on November 24, 2014 at 11:16. | Released on November 19, 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
Ruby* "sweet music float"
Ruby*, the solo-project of whisper-voice singer Lily, is back with a new album with songs produced by CTO LAB., Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.), Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), Nishiura Kensuke (daredemo Esper, ex-sōtaiseiriron), POCO (ku-tyu-bunkai) and more. Included...
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 22:52. | Released on November 5, 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
Crazy Ken Band "Spark Plug"
Crazy Ken Band has a brand new album coming, the follow-up to last year's "Flying Saucer" (Amazon). This includes latest single "Spark da!", a song used on NHK's "minna no uta". The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of...
Posted on September 1, 2014 at 21:54. | Released on September 3, 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
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
Urbangarde "utsukushii kuni"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde is back with a new album, follow-up to original album "Geiger Counter-Culture" (2012, Amazon) since which a greatest hits album had also been released. The jacket artwork is by contemporary artist Aida Makoto. The limited edition...
Posted on June 20, 2014 at 00:05. | Released on June 18, 2014
Scarlatti Goes Electro "Third Album" (12"+download code)
Scarlatti Goes Electro is a French duo who take Scarlatti pieces and rearrange them in electro fashion. This 3rd album of theirs was praised by Jean-Jacques Perry, and it is being released on vinyl on Japanese label Out One Disc....
Posted on June 14, 2014 at 20:54. | Released on June 15, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Magical Wonder Castle" (DVD/Blu-ray)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a live DVD/Blu-ray coming, of footage from two shows held at Yokohama Arena on January 18 and 19, 2014. These shows were her first solo shows at an arena, and had audiences totaling 24,000 people. The...
Posted on June 6, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on June 11, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "Back To The Earth ~Live On A Starry Night~" (DVD)
This is a first live DVD by Hoshino Michiru, presenting parts of the release live for album "hoshi ga Michiru" (July 17, 2013) and her birthday show (November 25, 2013, with VJ Sally Kubota), both held at Aoyama Cay in...
Posted on May 31, 2014 at 01:05. | Released on June 4, 2014
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no jubaku"
Group sounds girl band Kinoco Hotel have a new original album out this month, follow-up to "Marianne no yūwaku" (2012). This is also their first original album since new bassist Julietta Kirishima was recruited. A deluxe edition limited to 1000...
Posted on May 5, 2014 at 11:29. | Released on May 14, 2014
Harada Tomoyo "noon moon"
Singer Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming, produced by Itō Gorō (naomi & goro). Along with new songs, a self-cover of Swedish pop song "Love" (written by Tore Johansson, from 1997 album "I could be free") is included. Sakamoto...
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 10:51. | Released on May 7, 2014
Vanilla Beans "watashi... fukō guse"
Vanilla Beans have a new single out today! The title track is a Shōwa-kayō style song with a Motown beat flavor. The B-side is an electro-rock track. This release has two different limited editions. Type A includes 6 bonus tracks...
Posted on April 23, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on April 23, 2014
Various Artists "Free Throw Compilation vol.3"
This is a 2-CD compilation of recent tracks played at rock-oriented DJ event "Free Throw". Considering this track list and the good price, it seems to be a good opportunity to catch up with Japanese indie rock bands that sound...
Posted on March 19, 2014 at 22:45. | 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 "yaba-kayō Super Nonstop Mix ~Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake (aka Fukuta Takeshi) is one of the selectors who brought us the hit "Techno kayō" compilation series under the name "8-bits" in the late 90's. This new mix CD brings various Japanese rare groove from the 60's to...
Posted on February 9, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on February 19, 2014
Yakushimaru Etsuko "TV Anime 'Space Dandy' Ending Theme: X jigen e yokoso"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single coming, of a which title song "X jigen e yōkoso" is being used as the ending theme of anime "Space Dandy" (Sunday from 23:00 on Tokyo MX). That song was arranged by Kanno...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 21:24. | Released on January 29, 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
Gig report: The Scooters, Juicy Fruits, Kotaro & The Bizarremen at Shibuya WWW
Text and photos Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 5 was a show featuring The Scooters, and it was held at my favorite venue, WWW in Shibuya. Since their official come-back last year, after some 30 years, The...
Posted on December 14, 2013 at 23:51.
Hanae "jikkai Quiz"
After a number of singles, here's finally a first full-length album from Hanae, a female singer produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron member who was also responsible for Tarte Tatin's brilliant 1st album "Tetrad"). She succeeds getting attention from both the...
Posted on November 24, 2013 at 21:33. | Released on November 27, 2013
Sheena Ringo "ukina", "mitsugetsushō"
Sheena Ringo has two new albums out now. "ukina" consists of collaborations with other artists, including a new one with Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), and the previously unreleased "It Was You" written by Burt Bacharach. "mitsugetsushō" is a collection of her...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 11:28. | Released on November 13, 2013
Maki Rinka with her Sweet Hollywaiians "The Peanut Vendor"
The latest from Orange Records is this new (mini-)album by singer Maki Rinka, backed by tropical strings band Sweet Hollywaiians. This acoustic album of swing jazz/latin covers was recorded using vintage microphones from the 20's to 60's. Maki Rinka with...
Posted on November 9, 2013 at 13:24. | Released on November 6, 2013
Tarte Tatin "The Gutenberg Galaxy"
Indie-pop duo Tarte Tatin have a 2nd album out now! The unit has actually changed both singers since the previous album, as the previous two quit to focus on their studies, and two new girls were selected by audition. This...
Posted on October 27, 2013 at 22:31. | Released on October 23, 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
Kaseki Cider "Kaseki Cider no Ani-song!! Vacation!"
Rapper Kaseki Cider's new album is a collection of anime song covers, arranged in his own style. Guests include Kaji Hideki, Kojima Mayumi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), EPO, Yumemi Nemu (Dempa Gumi.inc) and Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville). HMV gives away a 20-minute...
Posted on August 7, 2013 at 00:22. | Released on August 7, 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
sōtaiseiriron "Town Age"
sōtaiseiriron, band featuring singer Yakushimaru Etsuko, have a new album coming. It's been some 3 years since their previous proper album "Synchroniciteen" (2010), not counting remix/collaboration album "tadashii sōtaiseiriron" (2011). HMV gives away an original sōtaiseiriron future calendar of year...
Posted on July 20, 2013 at 23:56. | Released on July 24, 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.
Tarte Tatin "TETRAD ENHANCE～tartetatin remix album～", "1st LIVE @ SHIBUYA WWW"
Tarte Tatin is a cute girl duo produced by Azel & Baijan (aka Nishiura Kensuke and Manabe Shūichi, both ex-Sōtaiseiriron). Following 1st album "Tetrad" (2012, Amazon), here comes a remix album fearuting tofubeats, Sexy-Synthesizer (aka (S_S)), Cherryboy Function, Tanaka Takashi...
Posted on April 10, 2013 at 22:37. | Released on April 17, 2013
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Radio Onsen Eutopia"
This new release by Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) consists of a special radio session that was aired on NHK-FM on Christmas day 2012. Aside from all sōtaiseiriron members, this also includes appearances by Ōtomo Yoshihide, Emerson Kitamura and many others. In...
Posted on April 6, 2013 at 19:35. | Released on April 10, 2013
Kirinji "Ten"
Here comes Kirinji's final album, as the Horigome brothers are calling it quits after 17 years making music together. This follows 9th album "Super View" released just last November. Younger brother Horigome Yasuyuki is expected to move on with a...
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 23:27. | Released on March 27, 2013
Tarte Tatin "irideppō ni deonna - tofubeats EDO remix" (7")
Cute indie girl pop duo Tarte Tatin (produced by members of Sōtaiseiriron) have a new 7" coming, of a remix by Tofubeats. Audio samples can be heard at Jet Set. The original song is from their first album "Tetrad" (2012,...
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 22:41. | Released on February 20, 2013
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.5"
This is a 5th of Sazanami Label's popular compilation series of indies girl rock/garage/neo-GS bands. Collect them all! All tracks can be sampled at the official release page. The jacket was specially designed by Italian illustrator Luca Tieri. A series...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on February 9, 2013
Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop EP" (12")
A selection of tracks from rapper Kaseki Cider's latest album "Mr. City Pop" are being released on 12" Audio samples of all tracks at Jet Set. Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop EP" (12") かせきさいだぁ 「MR.CITY POP EP」 A1. Mr.CITY POP...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 18:48. | Released in February 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Evolution (otonatachi no mikata Box)"
For those starting to get into Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, here's a boxed set of her 4 first releases (mini-album "moshimoshi Harajuku", singles "tsukematsukeru" and "Candy Candy" and album "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"), all in their limited edition format with the photo...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 13:13. | Released on December 19, 2012
Chocolat "No Regrets"
Chocolat has been singing for 15 years, and this is an album of her greatest hits, songs written by the likes of Kaji Hideki, Kanda Tomoki, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza), and more. Also included is brand...
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on December 12, 2012
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
Various Artists "Dancing After 1AM"
Indies rock compilation "Dancing After 1AM" album is from label Call And Response specializing in post-punk, new wave, often a bit on the noisy rock side, nevertheless a definitely pleasant listen for even my pop-oriented ears. Here are all new...
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on October 17, 2012
Kirinji "Super View"
Kirinji have a 9th album titled "Super View" out now! The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of 4 video clips. Then there's good and bad news... The bad news is that the younger of the two brothers, Horigome...
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 22:38. | Released on November 7, 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
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
Yakushimaru Etsuko "yamiyami / Lonely Planet"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new double-A-side single out now! "yamiyami" is a song that was featured on NHK's "minna no uta", while "Lonely Planet" is a post-themed (as in postal service) 15-minute piece featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and Nagai...
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 00:30. | Released on September 26, 2012
Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop"
Rapper Kaseki Cider has a new album following last year's great "Sound Burger Planet", this time again with back-band the Hugtones! Featured are guests Illicit Tsuboi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji) and Epo. Covers of Denpa gumi inc's "kuchizuke Kibonnu" (a song...
Posted on September 15, 2012 at 00:49. | Released on September 19, 2012
Chocolat & Akito "tobira ep"
Chocolat & Akito, the unit of Chocolat and husband Katayose Akito (Great3). Aside from new song "tobira" are included remixes by Nagai Seiichi (sōtaiseiriron), Hamano Kenta (Sakerock), John McEntire (Tortoise) and Miyauchi Yuri. This new EP comes on the Rallye...
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 00:20. | Released on September 5, 2012
Cornelius "CM4"
Cornelius has a new collection of his remixes and mixes for other artists over the last few years. Titled "CM4", it contains tracks by Nomiya Maki, sōtaiseiriron, Yoko Ono, If By Yes (band formed of Yuka Honda, Petra Haden, Araki...
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 00:15. | Released on September 5, 2012
Yakushimaru Etsuko "kirikirimai" (Download)
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single now available for download on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Yamamoto Linda's french-pop style song "kirikirimai" from 1973. The song was actually recorded in 2010 for a 3-CD compilation paying tribute...
Posted on August 13, 2012 at 23:49. | Released on August 1, 2012
Various Artists "Who is the Star? WITS Compilation Vol.3 -20th anniversary edition-"
WITS was a Shibuya-kei label that in its early years mainly focused on releases by L⇔R (a band of which Minekawa Takako was a member for some time), Spiral Life, and also Minekawa Takako's early solo career ("Chit Chat", "(A...
Posted on August 12, 2012 at 12:28. | Released on August 8, 2012
Fishmans+ "A Piece of Future"
Fishmans is a band that's been around for now over 20 years. After a long hiatus they came back at the beginning of 2011 under the name Fishmans+, and together with a vast number of collaborators they have made efforts...
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 18:53. | Released on July 11, 2012
Open Reel Ensemble "Open Reel Ensemble" (CD+DVD)
Open Reel Ensemble have been active on stage for several years, using USB-controlled open reel tape recorders to create a unique performance. Here's finally a first album, and it comes from Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. A bunch of unexpected guests...
Posted on June 23, 2012 at 21:25. | Released on June 27, 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
