Various Artists "We Are Escalator Records part 8 mixed by Tsuneoka Akira"
Escalator Records are already at their 8th installment of popular mix series "We Are Escalator Records". This time the selector is Tsuneoka Akira of Cubismo Grafico Five, Hi-Standard and S.P.L. Various Artists "We Are Escalator Records part 8 mixed by...
Posted on September 18, 2006 at 13:23. | Released on September 27, 2006
Grooveland Green presents Crue-L Future 2006
Fancy a party in the woods with Crue-L Records? This outdoor event, held at a camp site in Gunma prefecture devoted to music events, will let you enjoy Crue-L's beats in the middle of nowhere. Features Kahimi Karie, and most/all...
Posted on September 13, 2006 at 11:39. | Released on September 30, 2006
arvin homa aya "Amazing"
Singer arvin homa aya, best known for her vocals with Jazztronik, has a second solo album coming up. It will feature collaborations with Sunaga Tatsuo, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Studio Apartment, Exile, Harukawa Hitoshi, AI, and Minmi. The album...
Posted on September 11, 2006 at 20:09. | Released on October 18, 2006
Isabelle Antena "French Riviera"
French singer Isabelle Antena (myspace) has a new album coming up featuring collaborations with Fukutomi Yukihiro, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Sunaga Tatsuo, Yoshizawa Hajime, Jazztronik, Fujimoto Kazuma (Orange Pekoe), Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals) and Yasuda Yoshiyuki. Isabelle Antena "French Riviera" イザベル・アンテナ 「フレンチ・リヴィエラ...
Posted on September 11, 2006 at 17:50. | Released on September 20, 2006
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz: Jazz Allnighters No.6"
It's Sunaga time, hang tight! First of all, a 6th installment of successful jazz compilation series "Jazz Allnighters" is coming up. This one will feature material from RCA, mostly 60's European jazz. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz: Jazz...
Posted on September 11, 2006 at 17:32. | Released on October 25, 2006
La Querencia Peligrosa "koten"
Graffiti artist QP is having a new exhibition at The Ghetto! My review of previous exhibition "1+1=333" La Querencia Peligrosa "koten" La Querencia Peligrosa 「個展」 At The Ghetto 2F 1-1-10 Hyakuninchō, Shinjuku-ku (Shin-Ōkubo) (Yahoo! map) Tel: 03-5287-6213 From 9/23 until...
Posted on September 7, 2006 at 21:06. | Released on September 23, 2006
Halfby "screw the plan" (7")
Halfby's first major single "screw the plan" is being released on 7" by Second Royal. It includes the original version and a remix, both already available on the CD. Halfby "screw the plan" (7") A. Screw The Plan feat. Olympic...
Posted on September 5, 2006 at 17:38. | Released on September 9, 2006
Manna free live at Apple Store Shibuya
Manna, the pop unit of Kamomiya Ryō (early Pizzicato Five) and Kajiwara Motoko, will play a free live show, for the first time in 13 years!! Manna Plays & Sings vol.4 8/28, at Apple Store Shibuya Starts at 20:00 Entrance:...
Posted on August 28, 2006 at 11:13. | Released on August 28, 2006
Sadistic Mikaela Band "Narkissos"
17 years after their 1989 return, Sadistic Mika Band (also "Sadistic Mica Band") are back with a brand new album, on which popular singer and youth icon Kimura Kaela is their guest singer! Original band members Katō Kazuhiko, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on August 25, 2006 at 10:35. | Released on October 25, 2006
Cornelius "Beep It" (12")
Legendary Shibuya-kei label Crue-L, which lately is more focused on house and electronic music, will release a 12" of song "Beep It", from Cornelius' upcoming album "Sensuous"! The 12" will also contain remixes by Luger E-Go (Takimi Kenji)! Cornelius "Beep...
Posted on August 24, 2006 at 13:50. | Released on November 13, 2006
Various Artists "bakuretsu! New Wave 1980"
With contents similar to the recently released "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler" comes a 2-CD compilation on the same theme. Once again this is a good introduction to Japanese 80's new wave/punk, and seems to contain more essentials...
Posted on August 22, 2006 at 16:07. | Released on September 21, 2006
Kahimi Karie "Nunki"
DiscID: a80e1d0d
Posted on August 18, 2006 at 14:11. | Released on October 25, 2006
Puffy×Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "hazumu Rhythm"
Puffy and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra have formed a new unit called... Puffy×Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra! Surely intriguing. The first single is due at the end of September. Puffy×Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "hazumu Rhythm" PUFFY×東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ 「ハズムリズム」 1. hazumu Rhythm 2....
Posted on August 9, 2006 at 18:38. | Released on September 20, 2006
Harco "Be My Girl ~kimi no Daily News~"
Harco, who will next year celebrate his 10th anniversary since his debut, has a new single of which the title song is a collaboration with Kaji Hideki, and is being used used in a TV commercial for Kaō. Other artists...
Posted on August 8, 2006 at 17:29. | Released on September 20, 2006
Cornelius "Sensuous"
DiscID: a80af90c
Posted on August 7, 2006 at 11:22. | Released on October 25, 2006
8bit Project "Familiar Computing World"
Game music and techno-pop fans be on the look-out! 8bit Project is a new unit produced by Itō Toshiharu (ex-Mansfield), and featuring special guests Matsutake Hideki (Logic System, and also the said "4th member of YMO") and Saitō Hisahi (of...
Posted on August 3, 2006 at 16:19. | Released on August 23, 2006
Usagi-chang Night Fever!! -Chapter01 Final-
The label sure has been on the quiet side lately but... "Final"!?? Let's go find out what will happen to Usagi-chang, at the 4th yearly Night Fever event. This time, the event is held in the evening and should probably...
Posted on August 3, 2006 at 13:43. | Released on August 26, 2006
Halfby "Halfbeat"
DiscID: 1502e104
Posted on August 1, 2006 at 16:45. | Released on October 25, 2006
Crue-l Grand Orchestra "(You are) More Than Paradise (Luger E-Go Re-Edit)" (12")
A new remix 12" from Crue-L Grand Orchestra, out now! Crue-L Grand Orchestra "(You are) More Than Paradise (Luger E-Go Re-Edit)" (12") A. (You are) More Than Paradise (Luger E-Go Re-Edit) AA. Spend The Day Without You (EYE Remix#2) Crue-L...
Posted on July 31, 2006 at 12:00. | Released on July 29, 2006
Q.,indivi "ComeBAby"
This one almost slipped through... Producer Tanaka Yusuke's new project Q.,indivi has a first release out now on Felicity's citys label. The producer is best known for Yuki's "Joy" and Halcali's "Tips Taps Tip". Included is a bonus remix CD...
Posted on July 28, 2006 at 14:11. | Released on July 26, 2006
Crazy Ken Band "Galaxy"
Barely a year after "Soul Punch", Crazy Ken Band will release a full-length album again this year. This new album will include the just-out single "merimeri" and also feature collaborations with artists such as Fire Ball, Papa B, and Q...
Posted on July 26, 2006 at 14:15. | Released on September 20, 2006
Nipopo "tongarikick.exe"
Tongarikids' vocalist Nipopo, who has previously remixed Nomiya Maki loves m-flo's "Big Bang Romance", has a first solo album coming up. Tongarikids are best known for a hip-hop track sampling Super Mario Brothers' theme. The album comes in two flavors:...
Posted on July 21, 2006 at 16:32. | Released on July 26, 2006
Mai "Maiself"
Sexy idol Mai has appointed Nomiya Maki in the role of "visual producer" for her nude bodypainting photo booklets that will accompany the upcoming first album "Maiself". The music features arrangements by Coldfeet, Takahashi Yukihiro, and others. Worth a check!...
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 16:44. | Released on September 6, 2006
Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers "Singers Limited"
Kawakami Tsuyoshi and His Moodmakers' next album will be a collection of vocal covers, original songs and remixes featuring many collaborators such as Nomiya Maki ("Luna Cruise" first released on her album "Lady Miss Warp"), Wada Akiko, Matsudaira Ken, Takahashi...
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 16:09. | Released on September 13, 2006
Woodrow Phoenix "Plastic Culture - How Japanese Toys Conquered the World" (Book)
I hadn't even realized it was out already, but doing an occasional search on Amazon for his name, there it was! My friend Woodrow Phoenix' book about Japanese toy figures as art is finally out, and features artists Murakami Takashi,...
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 10:23. | Released on June 14, 2006
Nomoto Karia feat. Asia Engineer "jiyūdo." (download)
Nomoto Karia's next track will be titled "jiyūdo." (translates to "degree of freedom") and will feature rap group Asia Engineer. Of course, the song is produced by Konishi Yasuharu, who has recently produced Asia Engineer's single "jiyū ni aruite ai...
Posted on July 13, 2006 at 10:19. | Released on August 2, 2006
Spaghetti Vabune! "Guitar Pop Grand Prix!", "summer vacation, sunset vehicle -plus-"
Guitar pop unit Spaghetti Vabune! have a second album out next week. Tower Records offers a bonus CD-R containing remixes by Aprils and Hazel Nuts Chocolate, and a video directed by Iwakiri Naoto, while supplies last. And if you missed...
Posted on July 7, 2006 at 13:41. | Released on July 12, 2006
Cubismo Grafico Five "Pop Pollution"
Chabe seems to be busier with his gang of five than with his solo project lately. This summer will see the release of Cubismo Grafico Five's 3rd album! Cubismo Grafico Five "Pop Pollution" 1. Third Adventure 2. Percy Percy Me...
Posted on July 7, 2006 at 10:17. | Released on August 25, 2006
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz: Jazz Allnighters No.5"
His jazzy album just out recently, here comes a 5th jazz compilation of record banchō Sunaga Tatsuo's "Allnighters" series. After Sony, Universal, Victor and Toshiba EMI, this is Columbia. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz: Jazz Allnighters No.5" オムニバス...
Posted on July 6, 2006 at 10:37. | Released on August 2, 2006
Denki Groove live
Part of Ebisu Liquid Room's 2nd anniversary celebrations, super-popular techno unit Denki Groove will play a first "one-man live" in over 6 years! Tickets are sure to run out very quickly, but I could secure mine at the venue's early...
Posted on July 4, 2006 at 16:56. | Released on July 24, 2006
Introducing Agenda: Magazine!
This last day or two I've been preparing something new called Agenda: Magazine. This is a list of magazines featuring columns or interviews with some of my favorite artists. Each entry contains front cover (when available), featured artist names (in...
Posted on July 1, 2006 at 02:05.
Various Artists "Dancehall Premier presents Premier Lovers 2"
This reggae cover compilation out last month contains a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Sweet Soul Revue", making it maybe worth a check... though how that fits just before a Backstreet Boys song, I'm not too sure. Various Artists "Dancehall Premier...
Posted on June 30, 2006 at 13:32. | Released on May 24, 2006
Coco d'Or "Coco d'Or 2"
DiscID: b30e710e
Posted on June 28, 2006 at 10:29. | Released on July 26, 2006
Perfume "Perfume ~Complete Best~" (CD+DVD)
After many indies and major singles, Perfume will finally have an album released this summer! This is actually a collection of all previously released singles (including the indies ones, it seems), and also some new songs. All is produced by...
Posted on June 27, 2006 at 17:14. | Released on August 2, 2006
Various Artists "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler"
This 80's new wave compilation features many gems and rarities, several of the songs even being available for the first time on CD. Not only for maniacs, it's definitely a good opportunity to get accustomed with many leaders of Japan's...
Posted on June 27, 2006 at 16:51. | Released on June 28, 2006
Asia Engineer "Jun-natsu" (CD+DVD)
Asia Engineer's upcoming summer-themed album will include songs featuring Halfby, Sugiurumn, and a remix of Konishi Yasuharu-produced "Tokyo 7" (the original previously released as a maxi single). A bonus DVD will include 8 video-remixed songs from live shows at Zepp...
Posted on June 19, 2006 at 11:07. | Released on July 19, 2006
Nomoto Karia "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (12")
Shortly after the CD+DVD release at the end of June will be coming this Nomoto Karia 12" containing the first cut, Karly and Kagami remixes of "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji", and as a bonus the new song "Bubbly". All...
Posted on June 19, 2006 at 10:50. | Released on September 15, 2006
"Daikanyama monogatari ~ The Detective Is Born" (DVD)
Accompanying this year's release of Shindō Mitsuo's new film "otoko wa sore o gaman dekinai", his all-star 1998 film "Daikanyama monogatari", previously only available on VHS, is being re-released on DVD! The film features Sasaki Jun (Cosa Nostra), Natsuki Mari,...
Posted on June 13, 2006 at 14:34. | Released on August 23, 2006
Kaji Hideki "New Pretty"
Two years after his previous album, Kaji Hideki is back this year with his 7th, a club music album produced by Swedish artist Hird (aka Christoffer Berg). Jet Set offers an original bonus 60-minute CD-R of Kaji-kun interviewed by Handsomeboy...
Posted on June 5, 2006 at 15:26. | Released on June 7, 2006
Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble "Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble"
Following the release of a 12" titled "What A Wonderful World", Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble has a collection of previously released songs (except for the new remix) to be released at the end of July. Definite summer BGM! Cubismo Grafico...
Posted on June 2, 2006 at 16:21. | Released on July 26, 2006
Ino Hidefumi "Satisfaction"
After three sold out 7" singles and a contribution to "Readymade digs Classics", Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi finally has a first album coming out. Included are 4 songs from the now rare 7"'s, and a bunch of new recordings....
Posted on May 27, 2006 at 18:59. | Released on June 9, 2006
Halfby "screw the plan"
Halfby goes major, with this first maxi single on label Toy's Factory. The single will feature rap group Olympic Lifts, and will be available as a limited edition digipak. Official page at Toy's Factory Halfby "screw the plan" 1. Screw...
Posted on May 23, 2006 at 16:20. | Released on July 26, 2006
Nomoto Karia "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (CD+DVD)
You've heard it already at the iTunes Music Store, Nomoto Karia's cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" (English title "The night is still young") is finally coming out on CD. The single will include the remixes by...
Posted on April 25, 2006 at 13:40. | Released on June 28, 2006
Ram Rider "Portable Disco 8bit edition"
Vocoder house artist Ram Rider has a remix album of songs from its first album "Portable Disco" coming up. The theme is "8-bit", and of course when you say 8-bit music you think YMCK, and they indeed have remixed not...
Posted on April 21, 2006 at 11:10. | Released on April 26, 2006
Nomoto Karia "hitomi no naka ni Mirror Ball" "Bubbly" (Download)
columbia*readymade idol Nomoto Karia will have two new songs released for download at the end of the month. Of course, both are produced by Konishi Yasuharu, and are at Karly's favorite BPM: 135. Konishi-san claims "hitomi no naka ni Mirror...
Posted on April 11, 2006 at 18:23. | Released on April 26, 2006
Ayuse Kozue "boyfriend"
Still on the Tei Towa side, he's produced the first single of 21-year old Ayuse Kozue, new singer-songwriter of Japan's club scene. This is the first since of a series of three, to be released one per month, though only...
Posted on April 10, 2006 at 11:47. | Released on April 19, 2006
Asia Engineer "jiyū ni aruite ai shite / Tokyo 7"
Hip-hop unit Asia Engineer's new single is produced by Konishi Yasuharu. "Tokyo 7" heavily samples Pizzicato Five's "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" ("The night is still young"). The single comes in two flavors, a regular cheaper edition, and a limited...
Posted on March 30, 2006 at 12:33. | Released on April 5, 2006
Pizzicato Five "Pizzicato Five CUT UP" (Download)
Probably mostly (if not only) tracks that will appear on the May-released "5 minutes of pizzicato five", but for those who can't wait these will be available on iTunes Music Store Japan and other download sites by the end of...
Posted on March 20, 2006 at 16:47. | Released on March 29, 2006
Nomoto Karia "tokyo wa yoru no 7ji" remixes (Download)
It's official, Karly is a remixer! Her self-remix of "tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (the first cut)" is to be released on iTunes Music Store Japan and other Japanese download sites on March 15, along with another remix by Kagami....
Posted on March 9, 2006 at 10:41. | Released on March 15, 2006
Buffalo Daughter "Euphorica" (SACD Hybrid)
Buffalo Daughter's 5th album has been announced for release. Like their previous release "Pshychic" , it will be a CD/SACD hybrid disc. Buffalo Daughter "Euphorica" (SACD Hybrid) 1. Mutating (5:02) 2. Beautiful You (4:28) 3. Peace (4:39) 4. Sometime Lover...
Posted on January 13, 2006 at 14:47. | Released on April 2, 2006
Ino Hidefumi "Just the two of us / Pillow talk" (7")
Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi is back with a 3rd 7" single. This time he covers Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers' "Just the two of us" and Sylvia's "Pillow talk". A must buy! Also don't miss his contribution to...
Posted on November 11, 2005 at 09:56. | Released on November 11, 2005
Various Artists "Maison de Chocola"
Konishi Yasuharu, who produced the Nomoto Karia-sung opening and ending themes to anime series "Sugar Sugar Rune", has written music, arranged and produced an "image album" for the series. While not used in the series itself, the songs were inspired...
Posted on November 1, 2005 at 14:48. | Released on December 28, 2005
p&art sasanoooha "p&art Music"
Osaka's fun club breakbeat unit p&art sasanoooha (read "Panda to Sasanoha"), who appeared on the recent Nomiya Maki album and maxi single, are back in surprise wih a brand new album, "p&art Music" ("Panda to Music"). All songs and a...
Posted on October 24, 2005 at 12:40. | Released on December 7, 2005
New feature: Calendar RSS & WINKsite
I've added a RSS feed of the chronological calendar for those who want a quick outlook of the upcoming releases and events right in their feed reader. Warning: Because RSS feeds usually contain only dates in the past, this special...
Posted on September 2, 2005 at 11:22.
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Sounds of Far East"
10-member party brass band Wack Wack Rhythm Band has a new album coming this summer! A definite buy! Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Sounds of Far East" 1. Bermuda Blowback 2. The dax 3. Spin Me Right on 45 4. Casa...
Posted on June 30, 2005 at 13:17. | Released on August 25, 2005
Handsomeboy Technique "Adleie Land"
More Second Royal club beats this summer, not to be missed! The just out Fredo "Smack!" () is great! Handsomeboy Technique "Adleie Land" 1. A Walk Across The Rooftops 2. Interstellar Discodrive 3. Num Piscar De Olhos 4. Quiet Place...
Posted on June 15, 2005 at 11:06. | Released on July 7, 2005
Ino Hidefumi "Spartacus / Blood is thicker than water" (7")
Second 7" single by Ebisu Tenement's owner Ino Hidefumi, artist highly recommended by the likes of Konishi Yasuharu and Sunaga Tatsuo. His first single, released in January, featured two Michael Jackson covers, "Never can say goodbye" and "Billie Jean". This...
Posted on May 18, 2005 at 17:23. | Released on May 20, 2005
speena "candy lovely music!! ~mune no botan ga hajikete~"
Girlie pop standards cover album by girl punk band speena including two songs produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Madonna's "Material Girl" and the Candies' "toshishita no otoko no ko"), and also songs produced by Watanabe Zentarō (Oh! Penelope) and Ishida Shōkichi...
Posted on December 1, 2004 at 16:21. | Released on March 24, 2005
Playboy Playgirl
Advocates Bar, located in Shinjuku 2-chōme (Tokyo's famous gay area), will host an event paying tribute to Konishi Yasuharu! All DJ's should be playing mostly (if not only!) Konishi works! Sounds like a must-go for Konishi fans! Early-goers will be...
Posted on August 16, 2004 at 14:49. | Released on September 3, 2004
Aprils "Pan·da" (CD/VD)
The Aprils, who are currently finishing their US/Canada tour with Par Avion, have just announced the release of their first full album "Pan·da", which they describe as a "happy, catchy, kirakira, spacy and picopico summer party album". The limited edition...
Posted on July 6, 2004 at 10:52. | Released on August 4, 2004
Nomoto Karia update
Pre-orders are now being taken at Readymade International for the upcoming Nomoto Karia album! Also, "Aria, Maria, Karia ep", the 12" that was released last year and sold out quickly, is being re-released with a new design. Track list is...
Posted on July 2, 2004 at 12:02.
Nomoto Karia pre-release party
Details have been announced about the pre-release party for Nomoto Karia's "Karly" album. L'espace R.E.A.D.Y.M.A.D.E 7/3 at Aoyama Lounge-O (Orbient B1F) 3-5-12 Kita-Aoyama B1F, Minato-ku, Tokyo Live: Nomoto Karia DJs: Konishi Yasuharu, Iwamura Manabu, Hirabayashi Shinichi (Moodsville Records) From 23:00...
Posted on June 25, 2004 at 10:42. | Released on July 3, 2004
New agenda blog!
This is a brand new blog where I plan to occasionally announce upcoming music releases, club or live shows, movies, and other types of events that interest me in Tokyo. I've been wanting to do this for a while, however...
Posted on June 11, 2004 at 14:31.
