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
Negicco "nee Vardia"
This week a brand new single from Negicco has been released! "nee Vardia" is a song written and produced by Ikeda Takafumi (aka Rekishi). B-side "oyasumi" was written by Negicco's usual producer connie, with lyrics by MEG and arrangements by...
Posted on August 13, 2015 at 22:24. | Released on August 11, 2015
Especia "Aviator / Boogie Aroma"
Osaka 80's-inspired idol group Especia have a new single out now! This double-A-sider is actually their first one on a major label, and it has songs produced by Schtein&Longer and PellyColo respectively. Check out the sampler clip below which give...
Posted on July 28, 2015 at 21:10. | Released on July 22, 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
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer Street"
Tokyo Killer is a girl-fronted surf rock instrumental band formed of guitarist Keme (Kinoco Hotel), bassist Akko (ex-GO!GO!7188), keyboardist Kei (Urbangarde) and drummer Kyōichi (ex-Urbangarde). This first album, released at the end of April, features some famous covers as well...
Posted on May 24, 2015 at 22:53. | Released on April 22, 2015
petit milady "cheri*cheri? milady!!"
Follow-up to last year's "petit miladear", here's a 2nd album by unit petit milady of voice actresses Yuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana. Once again most songs are produced by Satō Seiki (microstar). The album comes in 3 different editions. Limited...
Posted on May 23, 2015 at 17:31. | Released on May 13, 2015
Various Artists "Idol bakari Pizzicato -Konishi Yasuharu x T-Palette Records-"
What's new Pizzicato? Well here's an exciting album coming this week! Various groups from Tower Records' idol-only label T-Palette Records cover nothing but Pizzicato Five songs! Featured are Vanilla Beans, Negicco, lyrical school, Idol Renaissance and onelittlekiss. The whole was...
Posted on April 20, 2015 at 22:00. | Released on April 22, 2015
tofubeats "Stakeholder"
tofubeats has a brand new release coming up as a dance-oriented EP. This includes title track "Stakeholder" sung by himself, and also a collaboration with pal okadada. The CD comes with a 20-page photo booklet, and Amazon apparently gives away...
Posted on March 27, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on April 1, 2015
Tweedees "The Sound Sounds."
Tweedees is a brand new band formed of Okii Reiji (Scott Goes For, Frog, ex-Cymbals) with 24-year-old singer/actress Kiyoura Natsumi. Check out the video below, and hear other audio samples at CDJapan. The song "KLING! KLANG!!" is available in advance...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 13:16. | Released on March 18, 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
(((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
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a...
Posted on March 1, 2015 at 18:31. | Released on March 18, 2015
Especia "Primera"
Osaka-based 80's style idol group Especia have made a move to a major label, and their first major release comes as a mini-album (still clocking over 38 minutes). This includes songs written by Meserati Nagisa (LUVRAW (Image Cluv) & PellyColo),...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 23:25. | Released on February 18, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 22:43. | Released on February 25, 2015
Denki Groove "Fallin' Down"
Denki Groove have a brand new single out this week! "Fallin' Down" is the ending theme of monster-themed TV series "kaiki renai sakusen" (by director Keralino Sandrovich). Included are remixes by (((sssurrounddd))) and Hoshina Anniversary. The limited edition comes with...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 21:57. | Released on February 25, 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
dip in the pool "Highwire Walker"
dip in the pool (official Facebook page), a band that has now been around for 30 years, has a brand new album out now! This is the follow-up to "brown eyes" released in 2011. Included is a cover of "Bali...
Posted on January 25, 2015 at 12:37. | Released on January 21, 2015
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.
CAPSULE "Wave Runner"
(Updates have been slow lately, but it's now the end of the year and it's catch-up time!) CAPSULE have a new album coming early 2015! Follow-up to "CAPS LOCK" (2013), this is their second album as the uppercase CAPSULE. The...
Posted on December 29, 2014 at 13:47. | Released on February 18, 2015
Kojima Mayumi "On the Road"
Kojima Mayumi has a 9th album out now! Her back-band features Kaji Hideki on bass, with guest appearances by Asa-chang and others. All songs are originals. Her "last show of the year" is to be held on December 18 at...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 14:47. | Released on December 3, 2014
Negicco "hikari no Spur"
Negicco have a new single out now, featuring two new songs. While both were produced by Negicco's main producer connie, the winter-themed title track is arranged by Tajima Takao (Original Love) who also produced previous single "Sunshine Nihonkai". Two limited...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on December 2, 2014
Maika Leboutet "100 (momo)"
Half-French half-Japanese singer-songwriter Maika Leboutet (of band EA) has a first solo album out now, the result of a crowd-funding project started last June. The album features several guest musicians such as Matsue Jun (daredemo Esper, Spoozys), Araki Yūko (mi-gu,...
Posted on December 5, 2014 at 00:19. | Released on December 3, 2014
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
The Lady Spade "Reverse Shaped Black Heart"
The Lady Spade (sono na wa Spade) have a 2nd album coming! This is their first with current singer ATG (aka AliceToGizelle). Also their sound is now electro and danceable with an amount of rap. Songs range from happy sweets...
Posted on November 23, 2014 at 10:18. | Released on November 26, 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
Akakage "Peace Maker"
In need for some happy club tracks? Akakage is back, 4 years after album "I'm your clown" (2010). This new album features guest vocalists such as dahlia, Sokabe Keiichi, Meg (ex-Super Butter Dog), and musicians include Horie Hirohisa on trombone,...
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 11:42. | Released on November 12, 2014
Nomiya Maki "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards"
A waterfall of events led Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) and producer Sakaguchi Osamu (a soundtrack producer who first got in touch with Maki in the Portable Rock days) to start a project that re-introduces Shibuya-kei hit songs and important influences...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 14:26. | Released on November 12, 2014
Various Artists "Twilight Time"
This compilation from Grand Gallery consists of covers of Japanese city pop hit songs from the 70's and 80's. Featured are artists including Nakatsuka Takeshi, hitomitoi, Sokabe Keiichi, Kimyō Reitarō, Hicksville and more. Many of the songs are brand new...
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 22:44. | Released on October 29, 2014
Smooth Ace "Sing Like Children"
Chorus group Smooth Ace have a new album out now, with 4 tracks arranged by Arai Toshiya, with some guest vocals by Maezono Naoki (both of jōdan hakushaku). All songs can be sampled at CDJapan. Smooth Ace "Sing Like Children"...
Posted on November 2, 2014 at 20:30. | Released on October 8, 2014
Denki Groove "25"
Denki Groove celebrates its 25th anniversary with new mini-album "25"! Check out the new clip below (hopefully... as it seems to be restricted to maybe to Japan only?), or at least audio samples at CDJapan. This is accompanied by a...
Posted on October 28, 2014 at 22:55. | Released on October 29, 2014
Yun*chi "Wonderful Wonder World*"
Here's a new single by Yun*chi, follow-up to mini-album "Starlight*" released earlier this year. This includes tracks produced by Missile Chewbacca ("Fairy*") and London artist bo en ("Dancing*"). The title track is being used as the ending theme of TV...
Posted on October 27, 2014 at 22:12. | Released on October 22, 2014
Cupitron "Unicorn Parade"
Cupitron is a new techno idol group formed of three girls, and produced by Tobeta Bajune (known for Techpri). Their first video was filmed at Robot Restaurant. The release comes in two different editions. The limited edition has one B-side...
Posted on September 19, 2014 at 00:12. | Released on September 17, 2014
Frontier Backyard "Gladness"
Frontier Backyard is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and they have a new remix album out now featuring remixes by Cubismo Grafico, Halfby, Dorian, Avec Avec, YOSUKEKOTANI (Harvard), TA-1 (Furuta Taichi of Koncos), Yasei Collective, and more. The band will be...
Posted on September 7, 2014 at 20:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
Nakano Aya "warui kuse"
Singer Nakano Aya has a new album out now, again produced by DJ Hase Hajimu. This includes a duet with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) ("wakarete mo suki na hito"), and collaborations with Kawakami Tsuyoshi & His Moodmakers ("Whiskey ga,...
Posted on September 4, 2014 at 22:18. | 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
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | 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
Team Syachihoko "ii kurashi EP" (12")
Nagoya-based idol group Team Syachihoko have a 12" EP coming of the recent acid-infused TB-303 track "ii kurashi" (produced by Yoshida Tetsuto) and two remixes by Gonno and Dr.Tetto, in minimal Balearic and tech-house styles respectively. The 12" first dropped...
Posted on August 17, 2014 at 14:33. | Released on August 20, 2014
Game Soundtrack "taiko no tatsujin Original Soundtrack 'Girls Pop Mania'"
This new mini-compilation soundtrack for long-running hit game "taiko no tatsujin" brings four new songs under the theme "girls pop mania". Featured artists are blue marble, Her Ghost Friend, Phenotas (band of which guitarist/composer Yamamoto Shō has produced songs for...
Posted on August 14, 2014 at 23:59. | Released on August 13, 2014
Kemio & Amigachu "Kerokero"
Konishi Yasuharu produces another debut single, this time for teen male model Kemio. The title track is an original song written by Okuda Tamio, while the B-side is a cover of rocker Imawano Kiyoshirō's "boku no me wa neko no...
Posted on August 8, 2014 at 23:48. | Released on August 13, 2014
NeoBallad "03 ~enishi~"
Here's a 3rd album by NeoBallad, unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley), who together perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with a techno twist. A one-man event will be held at Koenji High on August...
Posted on August 7, 2014 at 23:44. | Released on August 8, 2014
Kaji Hideki "Ice Cream Man"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album coming this week! "Ice Cream Man" takes inspiration of Jonathan Richman's song of the same name. All songs are originals, and feature guest vocalists such as Nomiya Maki, Kojima Mayumi, Sakamoto Miu, Shoko,...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 14:22. | Released on August 6, 2014
ryo fukawa "life is music 2"
ryō fukawa (aka Rocketman) has a new album out this week, his second release under his real name. This album features guest singers Mizuno Mari (paris match) and Cana (Sotte Bosse) among others, with a cover of "love theme from...
Posted on July 22, 2014 at 23:10. | 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
Emerson Kitamura "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)"
Emerson Kitamura is an organ/keyboard player who can often be seen on stage playing in support of other artists. Lately he's also a regular member of The Scooters since their comeback in 2012. Not sticking to a particular genre, this...
Posted on July 12, 2014 at 16:33. | Released on July 16, 2014
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
Yun*chi "Starlight*"
This is a new mini-album by singer Yun*chi, from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Title track "Starlight*" is produced by Jazzin'park, while other producers include TeddyLoid, Aoki Taka (metro trip) and more. Also included is a remix by...
Posted on July 3, 2014 at 21:56. | Released on July 2, 2014
risa*risa "cream soda"
risa*risa (aka Kametani Risa, previously part of Chupi*Chupi) has a first solo mini-album out now on Orange Records. Included are two songs written by herself, and two songs produced respectively by Okuda Hidetaka (Sucrette) and Jean-Paul Takahashi. risa*risa "cream soda"...
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 00:14. | Released on July 2, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pika Pika Fantajin"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a 3rd full-length album coming very soon! "Pika Pika Fantajin" includes singles "Kira Kira Killer", "Family Party" (new album mix), "Yume No Hajima RIng Ring" (new album mix), "Mottai-Nightland" and its B-side "sungoi Aura" (new album...
Posted on June 28, 2014 at 23:45. | Released on July 9, 2014
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
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
xxx of Wonder "Wonder of Wonder"
xxx of Wonder (reads just "of Wonder") is a new all-star collaboration unit formed of Nanba Shiho, Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo), Frenesi, Julie Watai, and illustrator Kishida Mel. Each of the creators seem to have a defined role, with Dr.Usui writing the...
Posted on June 11, 2014 at 23:43. | Released on June 18, 2014
Charisma.com "DIStopping"
Charisma.com is a hip-hop group of two girls from Yokohama and Kawasaki (Kanagawa prefecture), one MC (Itsuka) and one DJ (Gonchi). This is their first full-length album, released on the same day as compilation "Women in Music selected by Cibo...
Posted on June 2, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 4, 2014
Various Artists "Women in Music selected by Cibo Matto"
Cibo Matto are back this year with new album "Hotel Valentine", and here's a nice-priced 2-CD compilation of songs by female artists and female-fronted bands from Japan and the world, selected by the two. Featured are Buffalo Daughter, mi-gu, Charisma.com,...
Posted on May 30, 2014 at 00:20. | Released on June 4, 2014
Taketatsu Ayana "Wonderful World"
Voice actress Taketatsu Ayana has a new single coming. Title song "Wonderful World" is a band-driven upbeat pop track, while its B-side was written by Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition includes a DVD of the music video. CDJapan and...
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 22:29. | Released on June 4, 2014
Sheena Ringo "gyaku yunyū ~Kowan-kyoku~"
In this special album, Sheena Ringo (self-)covers songs that she wrote for other artists. Not only that, each song has been rearranged by a different other artist. Featured arrangers include Maeyamada Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Ōtomo Yoshihide, Ōsawa Shinichi, Tomita Keiichi...
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 23:58. | Released on May 27, 2014
petit milady "petit miladear"
This is the first album by petit milady, the unit of voice actresses Yuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana. Most of the tracks are produced by Satō Seiki (microstar), and the included "Retro Future Mix" is by Elektel! All tracks can...
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 12:23. | Released on May 7, 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
Hondalady "Looper Looper"
Vocal techno unit Hondalady has a 12th album out now! P.O.P ORCHeSTRA's twin rappers and idol group Yurumerumo! (You'll Melt More!)'s Kechon and Momopi are featured as guest vocalists on "Kids Are Not Alight" and "Looper Looper" respectively. Hondalady can...
Posted on May 4, 2014 at 12:39. | Released on April 23, 2014
Team Syachihoko "ii kurashi"
Team Syachihoko is an idol group of six from Nagoya who debuted in 2011 and went major last year. "ii kurashi" is their 6th single so far, and it is especially of interest because it's produced by Yoshida Tetsuto. Who...
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 21:49. | 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
kotringo "birdcore!"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album out now! This contains the title track from latest single "dare ka watashi o", and guest artists include Aoki Takamasa, Murata Shige (Kuchiroro), Tabata Yoshiaki (Beautiful Hummingbird), and toy instrument player Yoshihara Rie....
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
tofubeats "Disco no kamisama"
More new from tofubeats! This is a brand new EP that includes 4 new tracks, with ones that feature Fujii Takashi and okadada, plus remixes of the title track by tofubeats and Carpainter. Check out the official release page for...
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 21:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
Koji Nakamura "Masterpeace"
Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō, iLL, Nyantora, member of LAMA and ex-Supercar)'s new project is under his own name. For this album he asked several artists to provide lyrics, and he sings and plays all instruments. The limited edition comes with...
Posted on April 28, 2014 at 21:03. | Released on April 30, 2014
quasimode "My Favorite Songs"
Jazz band quasimode have a new cover album out now, including covers of Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Boys Town Gang, Nat King Cole and more. The limited edition comes as a higher quality SHM-CD (plays in normal CD players) and a...
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 11:22. | Released on April 23, 2014
Kanzaki Mitsuki (Hashimoto Tenka) "How's It Going?"
tofubeats' latest track is a theme song for movie "imocho." (Full title: "saikin, imōto no yōsu ga chotto okashiin daga.", English title: "Recently, My Sister is Unusual."), a live action version of the anime of the same name. In this...
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 11:00. | Released on April 23, 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
Tarte Tatin "Political na ikimonotachi"
Tarte Tatin have a new single coming, this one produced by Yamamoto Shō (Phenotas) who also produced The Nanbatatin's first album. This is also a first release as Tarte Tatin since the latest member change. Tarte Tatin "Political na ikimonotachi"...
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 22:46. | Released on April 16, 2014
Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
Shonen Knife "arashi no Overdrive"
Shonen Knife's new album "Overdrive" is being released in various countries on April 16. Only in Japan it contains Japanese lyrics versions of "Dance To The Rock", "Shopping" and "Like A Cat". Shonen Knife have a busy live schedule this...
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 23:26. | Released on April 16, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Family Party"
Here's Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's new single! "Family Party" was written especially for upcoming animated movie "Crayon Shin-chan: Serious Battle! Robot Dad Strikes Back" (Wikipedia) to open in theaters in Japan on April 19. Check out the video clip below! Both...
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 22:05. | Released on April 16, 2014
Negicco "Triple! Wonderland"
Negicco has a new single on the way! The title track was produced by Yano Hiroyasu (ex-cymbals), while B-side is a new song by Negicco's main producer connie, that one arranged and performed by Kimyō Reitarō Travel Swing Orchestra. The...
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 00:04. | Released on April 16, 2014
Orland "Fragment Of Romance"
This is a 2nd EP by Nagoya-based synth-pop band Orland, being referred to as "the Daft Punk of Nagoya". All tracks can be sampled at Jet Set. Orland can be seen sharing Daikanyama Loop's stage with frenesi on May 3,...
Posted on April 2, 2014 at 22:19. | Released on March 26, 2014
Mizuka "Marshmallow Closet"
Follow-up to EP "Marshmallow Glitter" (2012), here's a new full-length album by Nagoya-based idol Mizuka. This album is produced by Okuda Hidetaka (sucrette). The song "KIRAxKIRAxKIRAxKIRA", written and produced by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō, is included in a re-arranged album...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on February 5, 2014
Yakenohara "Self-Portrait"
This is an album of various remix works by rapper, DJ and trackmaker Yakenohara. Also included are original tracks he previously contributed to compilations "White Album" and "Pan Pacific Playa Presents 'Old Fashion Vol.1'", including previously unreleased remixes. Check out...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 22:41. | Released on March 19, 2014
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
Dempa Gumi.inc "sakura appare-tion"
Idol group Dempa Gumi.inc has a new single out now! While the title track is closer to their characteristic style, B-side "Fancy hoppe u-fu-fu" (a tie-up with Chupa Chups) is a refreshing Shibuya-kei-ish track with music written by Kaji Hideki...
Posted on March 15, 2014 at 00:18. | Released on March 12, 2014
Tempura Kidz "minna no Dance uta"
Kids dance crew Tempura Kidz (which comes from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) has a new mini-album coming. Included are covers of popular kids songs produced by various artists, such as "Computer obaachan" by YMCK, "sakura sakura" by...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 21:10. | Released on March 12, 2014
kotringo "dare ka watashi o"
Here's a nice-priced single by pianist kotringo. The title track is the theme for TV drama "ashita, mama ga inai". Watch the video below, and hear an audio sample of the other song at HMV. A new album seems to...
Posted on March 7, 2014 at 23:01. | Released on March 5, 2014
Various Artists "More! Electronic Disney Music"
Here's an "EDM" compilation, that's Electronic Disney Music! Featured are old and new tracks by electronic artists from Japan and the world. Brand new ones include Hyadain's "It's a Small World", Ram Rider's "A Whole New World", and De De...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on February 26, 2014
Hanazawa Kana "25"
This 2nd album by voice actress Hanazawa Kana was released on her 25th birthday (February 26, 2014), and the 2-CD package contains 25 tracks, involving a bunch of Shibuya-kei related artists. The whole is produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table),...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on February 26, 2014
Konishi Yasuharu "'senryokugai sōsakan' Original Soundtrack"
senryokugai sōsakan (the jacket design shows the English title "The easygoing police") is a comedy TV series about a female detective who is being kept outside of the investigation team. However she still goes to investigate by herself, usually gets...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 00:38. | Released on February 26, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Yume No Hajima Ring Ring"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming this week! In addition to the new song, another new song ("Slow-mo") which has been featured in a TV commercial for eyewear brand ALOOK. Also an extended version of previous single "Mottai-Nightland"....
Posted on February 24, 2014 at 21:31. | Released on February 26, 2014
Wonder Headz "wonder wanderer"
Wonder Headz is the new electro unit of Kawakami Yuu and Horikawa Itaru, two members of band Nabowa. The sound is made of vintage synths and minimal disco beats, as well as various instruments played by the duo. This first...
Posted on February 11, 2014 at 16:05. | Released on February 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
Perfume "Perfume Clips" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This is Perfume's first collection of video clips, including all from their years on label Tokuma Japan since major debut "Linear Motor Girl". The limited edition comes with a bonus disc of rare versions, 25 TV commercials, and an audio...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:41. | Released on February 12, 2014
Yun*chi "Asterisk*"
Yun*chi is from agency Asobisystem (the same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu), and this is her first full-length album. Half of the songs are brand new ones, while the rest have been previously released on mini-albums "Yun*chi" and "Shake you*", as...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:03. | Released on February 5, 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
Kafka's Ibiki "okite"
Kafka's ibiki is a new improvisational band featuring Jim O'Rourke on guitar, Ishibashi Eiko on piano, and Yamamoto Tatsuhisa on drums. Following a release on Bandcamp, here's a 1st album consisting of only one 37-minute instrumental track. Kafka's Ibiki "okite"...
Posted on January 31, 2014 at 23:18. | Released on January 22, 2014
shippai shinai ikikata "jōyatō"
Self-described as "bedtown pop music" or "convenient suburb pop group", shippai shinai ikikata (Soundcloud) is a 6-piece band that's been active in the Tokyo indies scene since around 2010. After gaining popularity with a self-made demo CD-R, here finally comes...
Posted on January 31, 2014 at 23:04. | Released on January 21, 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
Tokyo Girls' Style "Maltine Girls Wave" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)
This is a collaboration album of unit group Tokyo Girls' Style and tofubeats' label Maltine Records (Soundcloud). 5 new tracks are produced by Maltine artists, and each is sung solo by one of the 5 girls. Producers are dancinthruthenights (unit...
Posted on January 18, 2014 at 19:02. | Released on January 15, 2014
Especia "YA-ME-TE! / Aventure wa giniro ni"
Osaka-based idol group Especia has a new single coming, and track "Aventure wa giniro ni" was produced by Maserati Nagisa, unit of LUVRAW (LUVRAW & BTB) and PellyColo (SoundCloud). Especia are one of those few idol groups that are likely...
Posted on January 4, 2014 at 13:12. | Released on January 8, 2014
