The Collectors "iitai koto ienai koto iisobireta koto"
The Collectors' new album (their 21st!) is coming this week, and will feature Nomiya Maki as a guest vocalist. Also, according to Tower Records' track list, Takanami Keitaro has apparently (co-?)arranged "eien Romance" and "Song For Father". The limited edition...
Posted on September 13, 2015 at 23:16. | Released on September 16, 2015
Negicco "Negicco First Tour 'Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow'" (DVD)
Niigata-based idol trio Negicco have a new DVD out now, of a show held on May 5 at the Niigata Prefectural Civic Center. This was the last show of their "Never Give Up Girls!!! & Rice&Snow" tour. Included are many...
Posted on July 14, 2015 at 22:59. | Released on July 14, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayo 3 Non-stop DJ Mix -The Ondo- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Here's a 3rd mix of DJ Fukutake's popular "Yava-kayō" series! This time the theme is "ondō" (Wikipedia), which is the type of traditional music that people of all ages dance along to at summer festivals (matsuri) throughout Japan. Ondō is...
Posted on July 4, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on July 8, 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
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
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
fox capture plan "Underground"
Instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan has a new mini-album coming this week. A cover of Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight Tonight" is included. The release comes with a bonus 40-minute DVD (Region 2 NTSC) of a show held on October 16,...
Posted on April 5, 2015 at 20:45. | Released on April 8, 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
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
Perfume "5th Tour 2014 Gurun Gurun" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's 5th tour, titled "Gurun Gurun" (official page) and held through August and September in 2014, has now been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The recording is of the tour's finale show held at Kokuritsu Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in Tokyo...
Posted on March 11, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on March 10, 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
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
Tarte Tatin "Pro Ducer"
Here's a 4-song EP by Tarte Tatin, this time produced by Tanaka Takashi (of indie bands shinkou-houkou and koto no yūbe). Tarte Tatin is currently formed of Aoi and Yurie, after member Yuki quit early this year for health reasons....
Posted on February 8, 2015 at 22:38. | Released on February 4, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 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.
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Various Artists "Yokocho Rising"
"Yokochō Rising" is an event that has been held 5 times so far in the rebuilt food stall area of Kesennuma Yokochō in Sendai. This compilation of artists who took part in the event, including several songs written/arranged by BUBBLE-B,...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 16:24. | Released on June 27, 2014
Hicksville "Welcome Back"
Hickville, a band with many Shibuya-kei ties and a neo-GS background, is back with a 4th album 15 years after the release of "Mileage" (1999). Full of new songs, this includes a first Christmas song by the band, as well...
Posted on December 14, 2014 at 12:58. | Released on December 10, 2014
Okada Tohru presents Ukulenica "Phases of the moon ~ Ukulenica meets Moonriders"
Ukulenica is a new project of Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), and consists of 4 ukulele players including himself, Natsuaki Fumihisa (Jack-tati), Yoshida Takashi (Rose-Unlimited, 5th Garden) and Kuroda Hideaki (plusico). This first album is of covers of the Moonriders....
Posted on December 10, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on December 10, 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
Reina & The Blue Valentines "Space Camera" (7"+CD-R+DVD)
Nosa Reina's band has a 2nd 7" out now. Both songs are brand new originals. Included is a CD-R (probably of the same content) autographed by Reina, and a DVD of herself playing unreleased song "Star Ocean" on ukulele. A...
Posted on December 4, 2014 at 21:21. | Released on November 19, 2014
EmiLy "colorful ribbon"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy has a 3rd album out now, with songs arranged by Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), Okuda Hidetaka (sucrette), etc. All music and words are written by EmiLy, except for a cover of Ozawa Kenji's "sore wa chotto". The lead...
Posted on December 4, 2014 at 20:52. | Released on November 26, 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
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
Kushibiki Sayaka "koi suru unmei"
Follow-up to cover album "Day & Midnight", here's a new original album by singer-songwriter Kushibiki Sayaka, backed by arrangers such as Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico), Koncos, The Keys, and more artists from the Niw! Records family. A 7" cut...
Posted on September 15, 2014 at 22:47. | Released on September 24, 2014
Quruli "The Pier"
Band Quruli has an 11th album coming this week! The limited edition comes with a 7"-sized 300-page booklet of all of the songs' sheet music, and also a download code for song "Liberty&Gravity" in an "hi-res" audio format. HMV gives...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 22:45. | 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
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
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
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Ska Me Forever"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra have a new original album out now, marking their 25th anniversary. Included is a collaboration with FPM, and also ones with bands Asian Kung-Fu Generation, 10-Feet and Mongol800. FPM had previously collaborated with the band on...
Posted on August 17, 2014 at 13:49. | Released on August 13, 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
Negicco "Sunshine Nihonkai"
Negicco's new single is written and produced by Tajima Takao (Original Love)! Its B-side is also a Shibuya-kei-sounding track by Negicco's regular producer connie. The single comes in 3 different limited editions, two of which each include a DVD of...
Posted on July 16, 2014 at 23:52. | Released on July 22, 2014
Bakubaku Dokin "Bakubaku Dokin"
Bakubaku Dokin, the wacky and mysterious 2-girl unit formed of Yui and Naoko, finally has a debut mini-album out now! Previously they have released a 3-song EP on Towa Tei's digital label Machbeat, and also appeared on his albums "MACH2012"...
Posted on June 21, 2014 at 17:14. | Released on June 20, 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
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
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
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
Various Artists "Sushi Disco"
Here's a 3rd compilation of original tracks made especially for Odawara spinning sushi restraurant "Zen" that goes beyond the rules by not only serving top-class sushi but also wine and French dishes. This time the style of choice is disco,...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 23:01. | Released on March 17, 2014
Ozawa Kenji "warera, toki"
This is a new 3-CD live album by Ozawa Kenji (ex-Flipper's Guitar), of a whole show from his sold out 2010 tour, his first in 13 years. Includes a 16-page booklet. Ozawa Kenji "warera, toki" 小沢健二 「我ら、時」 CD 1 1....
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 23:35. | Released on March 19, 2014
Various Artists "NHK dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 18th"
This new compilation from NHK's long-running kids program "dai! tensai TV-kun" features original tracks by a bunch of good artists, such as CTO LAB., Nakatsuka Takeshi ("Jump'n'Jive odore!"), Terada Sōichi (aka Omodaka) ("Dark Matter") and Okamoto's, among others. CDJapan gives...
Posted on March 8, 2014 at 00:02. | Released on March 5, 2014
Concert "Headache and Heartburn"
Kanazawa label Rallye brings this new vocal mini-album by pop duo Concert. Label-mates YeYe and milk are also featured. Concert "Headache and Heartburn" 1. aimaisa kaihi 2. Party and Cookie 3. dakishimetai 4. Modren Sandpaper 5. Eat 6. Goodbye Flatlander...
Posted on March 7, 2014 at 23:12. | Released on March 5, 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
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
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
hitomitoi "Snowbank Social Club"
Following last summer's hot "Surfbank Social Club", hitomitoi now brings us a winter album, the kind that should warm you up. Again collaborators Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), Kashif (aka Stringsburn) and LUVRAW & BTB are in, as well as tofubeats, Avec...
Posted on January 14, 2014 at 22:59. | Released on January 29, 2014
yashka "Hotel New Continental"
yashka is a new 6-piece band fronted by female singer Yoshika. With accordion, violin, and clarinet, the rock band's sound is a borderless mixture of soul, ska, latin, jazz and pop. All songs can be sampled at the official release...
Posted on January 13, 2014 at 13:19. | Released on January 15, 2014
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set "try∴angle"
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set has a new album that was released this month! This includes song "One Day" that's being featured as the theme song of game-themed TV series "No-Con Kid". The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with the...
Posted on December 28, 2013 at 23:10. | Released on December 4, 2013
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
tofubeats "Don't Stop The Music"
This is tofubeats' first major release, coming as a mini-album of which the lead track features singer Moritaka Chisato who has been active since the late 80's (since before tofubeats was born, he'll turn 23 this month!). The limited edition...
Posted on November 18, 2013 at 23:41. | Released on November 13, 2013
NeoBallad "02 ~ōgon no sato~"
NeoBallad is the unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley). Together the duo perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with programmed electro backtracks. On this 2nd album, each song featured comes from a specific prefecture in...
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 23:34. | Released on November 8, 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
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
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
BiS kaidan "BiS kaidan"
"Alternative" idol group BiS unites forces with veteran noise band hijōkaidan (founded in 1979), together forming the first ever noise-idol band: BiS kaidan. This album self-covers several of BiS' songs, and also brings a new cover of Togawa Jun's "suki...
Posted on August 18, 2013 at 00:37. | Released on August 7, 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
Gig report: Playtime Rock, BANK live at Saravah Tokyo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday July 12 was a show of Playtime Rock, the Nagasaki-based band of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog). Nagasaki being part of the Kyūshū island in the south of...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 00:59.
keme "shiranai sekai"
Guitarist singer-songwriter keme, aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa of Kinoco Hotel, has a 2nd solo album out now. With her solo project, keme shows a face different from her Kinoco Hotel skillful fuzzy solos, rather playing 70's-inspired folk rock and putting focus...
Posted on July 15, 2013 at 00:18. | Released on July 4, 2013
Urbangarde "koi to kakumei to Urbangarde"
Trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde has a first greatest hits album out now. This includes previous singles and favorites, as well as brand new songs "hatsukoi jigoku hen" and "tokai no Alice", and the previously unreleased "Baby Boom" and a remix...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 23:02. | Released on June 19, 2013
CTO LAB. "sekai wa BON HI-BON! ~ dai! tensai TV-kun no Theme 2013"
CTO LAB., the "compact" electro-pop unit of unit of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), has a new single out now! This is the first single by the band, and the first release in their name...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 19:58. | Released on July 3, 2013
(((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: 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.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninjya Re Bang Bang"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's next single is titled "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", song that's already being performed on stage in her ongoing world tour that dropped by Belgium, France and U.K. in February. The song is also used in a TV...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 16:58. | Released on March 20, 2013
Various Artists "NHK CD dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 17th"
This latest soundtrack for NHK kids program "dai! tensai terebi-kun" (aka "TV-kun") has tracks produced by Takanami Keitarō ("sora to umi no hikari"), Kamomiya Ryō ("bokuntoko koi Blues") (both ex-Pizzicato Five), The Aprils ("High Flying Girl"), Omodaka, Okii Reiji (Scott...
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 23:35. | Released on March 6, 2013
Hanazawa Kana "claire"
This is the first album by anime voice actress Hanazawa Kana. This seems to have a good dose of Shibuya-kei, as the whole is sound produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), with some songs written by Kaji Hideki ("Library de...
Posted on February 20, 2013 at 23:25. | Released on February 20, 2013
Kaji Hideki "Sweet Swedish Winter"
Kaji Hideki has a new album coming this month! This one is a tribute to Sweden's sweet winter, and it's his 2nd release from his own Blue Boys Club label (follow-up to "Blue Heart" (2012)). Title song "Sweet Swedish Winter"...
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 19:16. | Released on February 20, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Lyrics"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), who this year celebrates 10 years of solo activity, has a new album coming. While several of the songs here have been previously released in demo form for free on the "Takeshi Lab" section of his web...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on February 6, 2013
kotringo "tsubame Novelette"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album to be released this week. This is a concept album starring a white swallow (tsubame). In addition to songs with the 3-piece band from previous album "La mémoire de mon bandwagon", woodwind...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 12:40. | Released on January 16, 2013
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah'"
Cornelius' new album is the soundtrack to NHK educative short series "Design Ah" (Ah = hiragana character あ) for which he was in charge of all music. Featured musicians include Chocolat, Minekawa Takako, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), salyu x salyu...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:54. | Released on January 23, 2013
Black Bottom Brass Band "Kids Brass ~Big Easy!~"
Black Bottom Brass Band released a kids-oriented cover album, with popular kids songs from "Anpanman", "My Neighbor Totoro" and "One Piece" as well as nursery rhymes, all interpreted in the band's happy and funky original arrangements. Featured vocalists include Hatakeyama...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 23:29. | Released on December 19, 2012
Original Soundtrack "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo"
Konishi Yasuharu produced the music for TV drama "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo", about a 19-year-old girl who suddenly arrives to Tokyo to look for her father she hadn't met for 15 years. This series is from the makers of "Dekawanko" and...
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:09. | Released on November 28, 2012
Polysics "Weeeeeeeeee!!!"
Polysics have a new album out now! 14 songs including recent singles "Lucky Star" and "Everybody Say No". The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with these two videos as well as a documentary about how they decide of a...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on December 5, 2012
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no yūwaku"
Organ-led girl GS band Kinoco Hotel has a new original album coming up, consisting of 10 brand new songs. Kinoco Hotel will be play 2 nights at Tokyo Kinema Club on December 8 and 9. Also on December 20 will...
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 23:06. | Released on December 5, 2012
Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5"
J-death-techno label Speedking Productions brings a 5th edition of its popular "Speedking" compilation series! This 2-CD release features the latest tracks by Bubble-B, Yoshida Tetsuto, m2dy (aka m1dy), Missile Chewbacca and many more. Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5" Disc 1 (Title...
Posted on November 20, 2012 at 21:56. | Released on November 21, 2012
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans III"
It's a busy year for Vanilla Beans! Not only have they released 3 singles, a DVD and a photo book so far, but here comes a brand new 3rd album! This one is said to have the particularity of being...
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 00:55. | Released on November 7, 2012
mi-gu "Choose The Light"
mi-gu, the unit of drummer Araki Yuko and Shimizu Hirotaka (both also of part of The Cornelius Group, If By Yes, and Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band), has a 3rd album out now on Chimera Music in the U.S. The...
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 00:26. | Released on October 2, 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
Julia Oki "É da Julia"
This is the debut album of Julia Oki, her music described as Japanese Brazilian Crossover. The album is produced by jazz singer-songwriter akiko, and this also features artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, Shimizu Hirotaka (The Cornelius Group), Miura Makoto, and...
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on September 5, 2012
Gig report: Vanilla Beans one-man live vol.4
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday June 17, I went to see Vanilla Beans who were holding their 4th one-man live. I had been to the first held in December 2009 (report), and have...
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 23:35.
Gig report: Portable Rock
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 2, I went to see Portable Rock at small venue Club Crawl in Shibuya. It was the first of two "one-man" shows (no opening band) the band played. This...
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 21:57.
Various Artists "zoku Fami-Compi"
This is a follow up to last year's "Fami-Compi", again full of new pico-pico club-style covers of popular Famicom (NES) theme songs. Producers include sasakure.UK and TeddyLoid. Various Artists "zoku Fami-Compi" オムニバス 「続ファミ・コンピ」 1. Opening ~Menuet da Pico~ 2. ikki...
Posted on May 21, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on May 23, 2012
Various Artists "Happy Holidays! ~80's Pops Covers~"
This is a compilation of various covers of 80's hit Japanese pop songs, featuring Sakamoto Ryūichi with Minekawa Takako, Toki Asako, Yakushimaru Etsuko, Hitomitoi with Sokabe Keiichi, clammbon, Sebastian X, and more. Various Artists "Happy Holidays! ~80's Pops Covers~" 1....
Posted on March 26, 2012 at 21:53. | Released on March 21, 2012
m-flo "Square One"
Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
kotringo "La mémoire de mon bandwagon"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new mini-album in which she fronts a trio. She is accompanied by Murata Shige (Kuchiroro, Cubismo Grafico Five, Circle Darko) on bass and Kamiya Shunpei (akai kutsu) on drums. A full-length 4th album by kotringo...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 19:08. | Released on March 14, 2012
Portable Rock "Lost & Found"
Portable Rock, the 80's band fronted by Nomiya Maki, has a new CD coming! This contains 2 songs that had remained unreleased back in the day, one of which surfaced on Maki's 30th anniversary album "30". Both songs have lyrics...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 18:39. | Released on March 14, 2012
Crazy Ken Band "Italian Garden"
Crazy Ken Band has a new album coming next week. This follows single "furyō Club" released earlier this month, included here along other recent singles "Wild de ikō!!!", "sonna koto iwanai de" and Crazy Ken Band "ippai ippai". The limited...
Posted on February 23, 2012 at 21:33. | Released on February 29, 2012
Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo Hall 2011.05.05 'hi no tama Boy Concert'"
The Moonriders have officially retired indefinitely at the end of 2011. Here's a 2-CD live album of a special concert held in Tokyo on May 5 last year to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary. Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo...
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 00:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 00:23. | Released on January 25, 2012
Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Raves
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
Posted on January 6, 2012 at 23:30.
Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Do-Re-Mi no daikōkai Nagasaki yōgaku kotohajime"
It took me this long to notice, but Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) has a new album that was released last month! Continuing the series with his "Nangasaki Five", this album still focuses on his home roots of Nagasaki while taking...
Posted on December 21, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2011
