Uno Digital "Weird Piece" (Download)
Uno Digital ("unō" means "right brain") is the new genre-free unit of drummer Suzuki Kaoru (lately seen performing with Nakatsuka Takeshi and De De Mouse) and composer Hayata Yoshihiro. Their first single is out today on iTunes and Apple...
Posted on July 27, 2016 at 23:09. | Released on July 27, 2016
Shuntaro Okino "Too Far [F-A-R Remixes]"
Okino Shuntarō (ex-Venus Peter) released last year album "F-A-R" (CDJapan), his first solo album since 2001 ("Gimmie Brighter" as Indian Rope). Now here comes a remix album including remixes by Cornelius, Salon Music, Nakamura Kōji (LAMA, ex-Supercar, aka iLL, Nyantora),...
Posted on June 16, 2016 at 20:47. | Released on June 15, 2016
Negicco "Tea for Three"
Negicco have a 3rd original album coming soon! "Tea for Three" is the follow-up to "Rice & Snow" (2014). The album includes single tracks "mujun, hajimemashita.", "nee, Vardia", "Canal no madobe" and "oyasumi" (this one in a new album version),...
Posted on May 3, 2016 at 23:30. | Released on May 24, 2016
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Can't wait for spring" (Download)
Saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa has just released a new EP this week, on Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Recordings. All three songs are new originals. Shūnosuke Ishikawa Big Bang will perform a show on May 2 at JZ Brat in...
Posted on April 30, 2016 at 20:58. | 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
FPM "Motions (Best Killer Remixes & Produce works by FPM)" (3CD)
FPM is still celebrating his 20th anniversary, and following greatest hits album "Moments" here comes a 3-CD set of tracks he has produced or remixed for other artists. Some rare and previously unreleased tracks are also included. The album's first...
Posted on March 12, 2016 at 00:56. | Released on March 16, 2016
Asa-chang & Junray "mahou"
Asa-chang & Junray has a brand new original album coming, their first since "kage no nai hito" (2009) after which new members Goseki Yoshihiro (flute, sax, vocals) and Suhara Anzu (violin, guitar, vocals) joined the group. Featured guest musicians include...
Posted on February 24, 2016 at 20:33. | Released on March 2, 2016
Soviet Chance "Soviet Chance"
Soviet Chance is a funky party band led by saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa first founded 20 years ago in his school days. The ten members (former members and then some) still play music together and finally recorded this first mini-album. Included...
Posted on January 28, 2016 at 22:19. | Released on January 27, 2016
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans V"
Following 4th album "Vanilla Beans IV" (released in February 2015), and triple-A-side major single "onna wa sore o gaman shinai / Beanius / lonesome X", here's a brand new 5th album by idol group Vanilla Beans! It's full of songs,...
Posted on January 22, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on February 3, 2016
tofubeats "Positive Remixes"
Here come remixes of tofubeats' latest album "Positive"! Featured remixers include Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), Sunahara Yoshinori, Cherryboy Function, okadada, Komuro Tetsuya, banvox, Pa's Lam System, PARKGOLF, tofubeats himself and more. tofubeats "POSITIVE Remixes" CD1 1. POSITIVE feat.Dream Ami -Nakata Yasutaka...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 21:45. | Released on January 20, 2016
Metafive "Meta"
Happy New Year 2016!!! Here we go! Metafive finally have a first original album coming! Metafive is an all-star band featuring Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai. All songs are brand...
Posted on January 1, 2016 at 12:40. | Released on January 13, 2016
Sexy-Synthesizer "Space"
Sexy-Synthesizer is back with brand new album "Space"! It had been 8 years since previous album "Rock" (2007) which was released in several forms meanwhile. "Space" has a concept of shooting game music, and comes as a mini-LP package of...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 22:22. | Released on December 9, 2015
Halfby "Innn Hawaii"
Halfby aka Takahashi Takahiro has a brand new 5th album out now! This successes "Leaders Of The New School" (2014), and features VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Alfred Beach Sandal, Hashimoto Tsubasa (cero) and Electric Sisters. Expect danceable exotic soundscapes of Halfby's trademark, with...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on November 11, 2015
Izumi Ookawara "Precious Days" (Download)
Singer Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has a new solo song out today on iTunes! The catchy song was written by herself, arranged with Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone) and Oonishi Mami, and recorded with a full band and brass section....
Posted on October 28, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on October 28, 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
tofubeats "Positive"
tofubeats has a brand new album out now! This includes two songs from his latest mini-album "Stakeholder", as well as a bunch of brand new songs. Featured vocalists include okadada, Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), Nakano Yoshie (Ego-Wrappin'), Komuro Tetsuya & more....
Posted on September 18, 2015 at 22:34. | Released on September 16, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
The Scooters "The Scooters NOW !" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this week! This consists of two covers, the A-side of the Jackson Sisters' hit single "I Believe In Miracles", and the B-side of David Bowie's "Young Americans". Both are sung in Japanese,...
Posted on July 3, 2015 at 22:20. | Released on July 7, 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
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
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino "Condor"
Rapper duo Cypress Ueno & Roberto Yoshino have a new album out now! The album features guests such as Bose (Scha Dara Parr) and Zen-La-Rock among others. Various producers participated, with one track produced by Halfby. HMV gives away a...
Posted on April 4, 2015 at 00:00. | Released on April 1, 2015
Izumi Ookawara "Strawberry Jam" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (singer of Qypthone) has a jazzy brand new single now available on iTunes worldwide! "Strawberry Jam" was written by Izumi and arranged with Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone). This time she has recorded with a band of...
Posted on March 26, 2015 at 20:15. | Released on March 25, 2015
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 00:27. | Released on March 18, 2015
Hideki Kaji x Yakenohara feat. Takagi Masakatsu "Sound of Felicity" (7"+Download)
This is a collaboration single of Kaji Hideki and rapper Yakenohara with Takagi Masakatsu. All three are on label felicity, and the song first appeared on compilation "Clear Cut 200" (Amazon) released last November. Here it comes on a 7"...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:24. | Released on February 24, 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
Towa Tei "Heaven" (Download)
Towa Tei has a brand new single out today! "Heaven" is a song made for Valentine's Day, and it's also released as a special package with delicious rusk from Gateau Festa Harada. At digital music shop Mach Beat, the...
Posted on February 11, 2015 at 11:18. | Released on February 11, 2015
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Nameless God's Blue"
Yasuda Toshiyuki has a new solo album coming this week! 5 years after his previous, "Children's Songs 2050" (2009), this time he creates music using acoustic piano and clean vocals (mainly his own). Recorded in Tokyo, Okinawa and Milano, this...
Posted on February 2, 2015 at 21:59. | Released on February 4, 2015
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.
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
Ishikawa Shunosuke "Yuuchin" (Download)
Saxophonist Ishikawa Shunosuke has a new piece out now, written at the piano on a cold rainy day. Featured musicians are Takana Mitsuru on trumpet, Jacob Koller on piano, Pat Glynn on bass, Dennis Frehse on drums, and Shu on...
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 23:27. | Released on November 19, 2014
Vanilla Beans "uchōten Girl"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new powerful single! The song "uchōten Girl" has music that was originally written in the 80's for idol group Wink (by hit songwriter Inoue Daisuke), though it ended up unused until Vanilla Beans' staff...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 22:20. | Released on November 11, 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
Brother's Sister's Daughter "BSD"
Brother's Sister's Daughter is a band formed of Mike Watt, Nels Cline (Wilco), Araki Yūko and Shimizu "Shimmy" Hirotaka (both of The Cornelius Group). This album was actually recorded in 2008, but it was left sleeping until the mixing and...
Posted on November 2, 2014 at 20:51. | Released on October 15, 2014
jōdan hakushaku "nagisa"
jōdan hakushaku (aka Count Joke, at least according to their Facebook and Twitter account names) is the unit of Maezono Naoki (Maezono Naoki Group) and Arai Toshiya (Missing Linc). Together they deliver catchy pop tunes. This 2nd single is available...
Posted on October 26, 2014 at 22:52. | Released on October 21, 2014
U-zhaan "Tabla Rock Mountain"
Tabla musician U-zhaan (formerly of Asa-chang & Junray) has a first solo album out now. Featured are guest artists Sakamoto Ryūichi (on a cover of YMO's "Technopolis"), Cornelius, Hanaregumi, De De Mouse, Hifana, Kakato (Tamaki Roy & Chinza Dopeness), Ametsub...
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on October 8, 2014
80kidz "Face"
80kidz have a 4th album out this week, on their own Park label. This is the follow-up to "Turbo Town" (2012), though "80:XX-01020304" (a compilation of tracks from 4 EPs) was also released since. Featured are several international vocalists such...
Posted on September 23, 2014 at 12:28. | Released on September 24, 2014
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Two Years Something" (Download)
Ishikawa Shūnosuke, long-time saxophonist for Nakatsuka Takeshi and who has a variety of his own projects, has a new single out now on iTunes worldwide! For those in Germany, "Shu" can be seen playing at jazz club Badenscher Hof in...
Posted on September 11, 2014 at 22:03. | Released on September 10, 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
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
Towa Tei "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix"
This new release from Towa Tei is a collection of remixes of his songs from over his 20 years active as a solo artist. Remixes by Cornelius, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), and many more are included, as well as a remix...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on July 23, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
fox capture plan "Wall"
fox capture plan, the instrumental jazz-rock trio of Kishimoto Ryo (Jabberloop), Kawai Hidehiro (Immigrant's Bossa Band) and Inoue Tsukasa (direction of the chord, nhhmbase), have a 3rd album coming this month. While mostly consisting of originals, covers of Radiohead's "Paranoid...
Posted on July 6, 2014 at 14:05. | Released on July 9, 2014
Izumi Ookawara "Polka dot on the paper" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has a debut song as a solo singer-songwriter out now on iTunes worldwide! Her band features guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone), saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke, pianist Ōnishi Mami (Yapani!), drummer Suzuki Kaoru (RF), trumpeter Tanaka Mitsuru, percussionist...
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 22:23. | Released on July 2, 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
mishmash*Miki Orihara "Ding dawn", "Reach out until you can feel me. Hold tight." (Download)
mishmash*, the unit of Mishima Toyoaki (programmer for Cornelius) with producer masuyama.com, has started a new collaboration with NY-based dancer Miki Orihara who produces the dancing seen in the videos. Two songs are now available on iTunes worldwide, in both...
Posted on June 12, 2014 at 22:47. | Released on June 11, 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
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
Especia "Gusto"
Osaka-based 80's-style idol group Especia have a first album out this week. Their nostalgic synth sounds and touches of brass makes them stand out, as does the retro feel of their videos. The album has a total of 16 tracks,...
Posted on May 27, 2014 at 23:54. | Released on May 28, 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
Tachibana Hajime "Monaco" (USB)
Tachibana Hajime, guitarist of the Plastics and also graphic designer, has a new album out now! "Monaco" was released last year as an expensive limited package (at ¥12000), but now here it is in a more easily reachable form. "Monaco"...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 14:20. | Released on April 16, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Zero no mugen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has a new song now available on iTunes worldwide! The song is being used as the opening theme of NHK TV program "Science Zero", and will be included on greatest hits album "Swinger Song Writer" coming next...
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 22:00. | Released on April 16, 2014
Cornelius "'Ghost In The Shell Arise' Official Soundtrack" (10")
This is a 10" vinyl edition of Cornelius' soundtrack for "Ghost In The Shell Arise"! Included are opening theme "Ghost In The Shell Arise", and ending themes "jibun ga inai" (salyu x salyu) and "soto wa senjo da yo" (Aoba...
Posted on April 14, 2014 at 22:32. | Released on April 10, 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
Kikuchi Naruyoshi to Pepe Tormento Azucarar "senzen to sengo" (CD+DVD)
Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, ex-Spank Happy) has a new album out now, backed by "exotic jazz orchestra" Pepe Tormento Azucarar. This time Kikuchi sings ten of the 11 songs himself. About half of the songs are originals, while covers include songs...
Posted on March 21, 2014 at 22:56. | Released on March 19, 2014
Various Artists "Snow Monkey Beer Live!"
"Snow Monkey Beer Live!" is a music and beer festival that's been held every year since 2012. This genre-less compilation CD contains tracks by related artists including Kaji Hideki, Kushibiki Sayaka Trio (feat. Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and Furukawa Taichi), Predawn,...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 01:04. | Released on March 5, 2014
Cibo Matto "Hotel Valentine"
Have you heard Cibo Matto's new album yet? "Hotel Valentine" was released in the U.S. on Valentine's day, almost 15 years since "Stereotype A" (1999). The new sounds are very fresh but also reminiscent of their earlier material. The Japanese...
Posted on March 1, 2014 at 17:12. | Released on March 3, 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
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
MoliquL "Into the Night" (Download)
MoliquL, the Brooklyn-based electronic dance duo of Avery (Lost Children, Ice Choir) and Tsugumi (Old Monk, ex-PINE*am), has again delivered a new pair of tracks that blend bright pop and their unique style. The beautiful title track "Into the Night"...
Posted on January 29, 2014 at 22:10. | Released on January 29, 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
the fascinations "Green In Blue"
Recently I had been wondering what the fascinations are up to, and here's a new album! This is the follow-up to "latona" (2009). "Green In Blue" contains plenty of new originals by the vibraphone-led jazz band, as well as covers...
Posted on January 10, 2014 at 00:15. | Released on December 11, 2013
FPM "Scale Remixes" (Download)
On Christmas day, FPM did a surprise release of a remix album of tracks from his latest album "Scale". Remixers from Japan and also Taiwan are featured. All tracks can be sampled on this official release page. Clicking the "buy...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 22:31. | Released on December 25, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Big Band Back Beat"
2013 celebrated a 10th anniversary year of the solo career of Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone), seeing the release of latest album "Lyrics". Then came this "Big Band Back Beat" album, entirely backed by a large brass band, and full of covers...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 19:50. | Released on January 8, 2014
Various Artists "PARK compilation 01"
This is a compilation from 80KIDZ' own label PARK which started in 2013 and has been delivering . Included are previously unreleased tracks, including one by 80KIDZ themselves. Various Artists "PARK compilation 01" (Title / Artist) 1. Face Off /...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:47. | Released on November 20, 2013
sugar me "Why White Y?"
sugar me, the solo project of singer-songwriter Teraoka Ayumi, has a 1st album out now! This features guests including Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Itoken, and members of milk and number 0. sugar me can be seen live together with Au Revoir...
Posted on December 19, 2013 at 22:23. | Released on December 18, 2013
mishmash* Julie Watai "The Second Album" (Booklet+Download)
mishmash* Julie Watai, unit produced by Mishima Toyoaki ("the man behind Cornelius") and featuring singer/model/photographer Julie Watai, has a new album out now! This "Second Album" contains new songs "Do a 180" and "Heartbrakeroid" and the previously digitally released "Electromotive...
Posted on December 8, 2013 at 21:17. | Released on December 5, 2013
Cornelius "'Ghost In The Shell Arise' Official Soundtrack"
A few months back Cornelius made the music for theatrical anime "Ghost In The Shell Arise", and here's finally the soundtrack! This includes opening theme "Ghost In The Shell Arise", as well as ending themes "jibun ga inai" (salyu x...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 21:53. | Released on November 27, 2013
Nagisa Yoko "jitsuroku Shinjuku gebageba Recital ~ Nagisa Yoko Shinjuku koma gekijo"
This is a DVD of a full recital by Shōwa-style singer Nagisa Yōko. The show was held on October 4, 2008 at Shinjuku Koma Theater, shortly before the 1956-built gorgeous venue closed. Featured guests included Comoesta Yaegashi, Crazy Ken Band's...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 19:52. | Released on November 20, 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
kaku P-Model "Gipnoza"
Former P-Model member Hirasawa Susumu's solo unit, kaku P-Model, has a new album out now. This comes 9 years after previous album "Vistoron" (Amazon). The new album features guest musicians Tanaka Yasumi (keyboards, ex-P-Model) and PEVO #1 (guitar, from PEVO)....
Posted on November 17, 2013 at 12:27. | Released on November 6, 2013
Dorian "midori"
MC-909 maestro Dorian, aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a brand new full-length original album out this week! On "midori" he explores more exotic and lounge themes, while expanding his world to sampling techniques. Guest musicians include Kashif (aka StringsBurn) and...
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 17:06. | Released on November 6, 2013
Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi"
Taikuh Jikang is the solo unit of Kawamura Kohey, a gamelan player (Indonesian instrument). The unit's visuals involve shadow play. This 2nd album features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on one track. Taikuh Jikang "Rainichi" TAIKUH JIKANG 滞空時間 「RAINICHI 来日」 1. HUTAN...
Posted on November 2, 2013 at 23:52. | Released on October 23, 2013
Horie Hirohisa "At Grand Gallery"
This is a first solo album by Horie Hirohisa (SoundCloud), better known as half of band Neil & Iraiza (together with Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji aka cubismo grafico) and as keyboardist for The Cornelius Group and pupa (band of Takahashi Yukihiro...
Posted on October 24, 2013 at 04:28. | Released on October 30, 2013
Cornelius "Design Ah" (10"), "The Cat that lived a Million times" (10")
Two 10" vinyl works by Cornelius are being released at the same time! The first is a cut of 6 tracks from the "NHK 'Design Ah'" soundtrack released on CD last year, including the vocal songs featuring Chocolat, Minekawa Takako,...
Posted on September 1, 2013 at 00:52. | Released on September 13, 2013
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band "Take Me To The Land Of Hell"
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band has a new album coming in September. The all-star band features Sean Lennon, Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and Honda Yuka (Cibo Matto)! Guest musicians include Lenny Kravitz, Nels Cline (Wilco), tUnE-yArDs, Andrew Wyatt (Miike Snow) and...
Posted on August 25, 2013 at 14:18. | Released on September 12, 2013
Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New Quad' 2x2=4 / very well L.P."
Dots+Borders, the legendary unit of Kaji Hideki and Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group, pupa), has teamed up with young rock band Sister Jet for a new album full of British-influenced upbeat tracks. Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New...
Posted on August 11, 2013 at 12:26. | Released on August 7, 2013
Buffalo Daughter "ReDiscoVer. Best, Re-recordings and Remixes of Buffalo Daughter"
Buffalo Daughter have been around for 20 years! And of course they still rock! This is a special greatest hits album released for the occasion. Not only some of their best songs are included, but also new remixes (including one...
Posted on August 4, 2013 at 11:54. | Released on July 24, 2013
"Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo"
This promotion song from the city of Shizuoka was written by Hosono Haruomi (YMO), produced by Cornelius, and it's sung by Pierre Taki (Denki Groove)! Anime character Chibi Maruko-chan's creator Sakura Momoko and also Pierre Taki both originate from this...
Posted on July 18, 2013 at 00:12. | Released on July 17, 2013
Takahashi Yukihiro "Life Anew"
Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) has a new solo album out today. His back band consists of James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on guitar, Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group) on keyboards, Gondō Tomohiko on euphonium (etc.), and Takakuwa Kiyoshi (Curly...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 22:23. | Released on July 17, 2013
Lullatone "Summer Songs" (Download)
Nagoya bedroom pop unit Lullatone has a new digital EP (or a modest 8-song album) that was released just last month. This one is meant to be a soundtrack to some hot fun in the summer sun. Get it for...
Posted on July 13, 2013 at 21:55. | Released on June 11, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans, Nomiya Maki & BIBA
Text and 2nd photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. 1st photo by Kaz Sekiguchi, courtesy of Yoko Fujiwara. On July 5th was the 4th edition of Vanilla Beans' series of shows with a live band. Every time they...
Posted on July 11, 2013 at 23:34.
FQTQ "Hyperactive"
Electro artist FQTQ (SoundCloud, Facebook page) has a new album out now (his 4th I believe). It features vocalists such as aco (spoon+), kuske (KPLECRAFT), Ōtsuki Maki and komaku Shredder. Official release page FQTQ "Hyperactive" 1. Super Hero feat. komaku...
Posted on July 3, 2013 at 22:40. | Released on June 5, 2013
Various Artists "Revisit - Brunswick - selected by Tatsuo Sunaga" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has started a new compilation series called "Revisit". In this first offering he selects songs from the Chicago soul music label Brunswick. This release is only available digitally on iTunes Japan. Various Artists "Revisit -...
Posted on July 3, 2013 at 22:15. | Released on June 5, 2013
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
mishmash* Julie Watai "Electromotive romances" (Download)
mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai, has a 4th digital single that was released recently. The song is available in English and Japanese versions. A self-titled CD album that comes with a...
Posted on June 22, 2013 at 12:56. | Released on May 27, 2013
Cold Name "Few Of Us"
This is a 2nd release part of White Lily Records' "Cult Club Manners" mix CD series (the first was by YO!HEY!! in 2011). Cold Name is the solo project of Nobuyuki Sakuma who is mainly active as the lead member...
Posted on May 4, 2013 at 23:51. | Released on April 26, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
tofubeats "Lost Decade", "university of remix", "college of remix"
1990-born young genius DJ tofubeats has a first full-length album out now! This features hit song "suisei" (feat. rapper Onomatope Daijin), as well as a lot of new tracks, including songs featuring vocalists Nanba Shiho, PUNPEE, G.RINA, Kariya Seira and...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:31. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong debut live w/ Living Astro
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday, I finally got to see an artist I had been wanting to see for about 15 years, ever since I got "Cloudy Cloud Calculator"! That's right, Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 21:04.
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
Misola "Train Song" (7")
Groove Unchant's label Unchantable Records (sub-label of Orange Records) brings us a brand new band called Misola, led by Ōhashi Nobuyuki (aka Pate, who was a member of Bridge and also played in The Cornelius Group). This unit has a...
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on March 19, 2013
Tucker & Emerson Kitamura "Special Presets" (7")
Keyboardists Tucker and Emerson Kitamura join forces for a delightful 4-song organ & beatbox split 7". Two of the tracks are collaborations. Check out the cool trailer below. Tucker & Emerson Kitamura "Special Presets" (7") TUCKER & エマーソン北村 "SPECIAL PRESETS"...
Posted on March 16, 2013 at 14:07. | Released on March 2, 2013
Sloppy Joe "Once And For All / That Day" (7"+CD)
From White Lily Records comes a 7" by guitar-pop band Sloppy Joe. The 7" itself contains 2 new songs, and the bonus CD contains a cover of Housemartins' "Me And The Farmer" (original on YouTube), an acoustic version of "That...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 17:33. | Released on March 15, 2013
