Kirinji "inore norou na", "namida ni akireta" (Download, 7")
Kirinji have a new song now available exclusively on iTunes Japan. Another one is set to be released digitally on June 27. Both will also later be released on 7" from Jet Set on July 7, which can already be...
Posted on June 4, 2012 at 23:49. | Released on May 30, 2012
Halcali "Halcali no okawari"
Halcali have a new album coming! This is a 2-CD affair with a total of 15 songs. The 1st CD is mainly a collection of early hit tracks produced by O.T.F. plus 3 previously unreleased tracks, and CD-2 is full...
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 20:56. | Released on May 30, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"
After a mini-album and 2 singles, here comes Harajuku fashion icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 1st full-length album! Included are 4 previously released songs and 8 new ones, such as one featured in a recent TV commercial for KFC Krushers. This...
Posted on May 20, 2012 at 01:44. | Released on May 23, 2012
Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G "Leisure yakuza wa kimi ni katarikakeru"
Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G, finally a first album after 10 years of successful collaboration. Get all the hits remastered (some self-remixed) and some exclusives, on plastic at a friendly price! Included are also remixes by hardcore artists DJ Shimamura (Japan) and...
Posted on May 18, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on May 19, 2012
Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
2NE1 "Collection"
K-pop 4-girl unit 2NE1 (officially reads "'twenty-one' or 'to anyone'") has a first full-length album being released in Japan, consisting of Japanese versions of their songs. Our main interest here is the cover of Madonna's "Like A Virgin", produced by...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:30. | Released on March 28, 2012
Perfume "Spring of Life"
Perfume have a new single titled "Spring of Life" coming next month! Details are still few at this time, but the title song is again a tie-up with Kirin's hyōketsu alcoholic drink, and a little bit can be heard in...
Posted on March 13, 2012 at 00:01. | Released on April 11, 2012
Polysics "15th P"
Polysics have a new album coming next week, celebrating their 15th anniversary! The album features many guests, including Kojima Mayumi, Yuu (ex-GO!GO!7188, chirinuruwowaka), and even Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo). A special tracks featuring "tomodachi" (friends) has 67 people contributing to the...
Posted on February 22, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on February 29, 2012
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
Maki Rinka "Girl"
Osaka-based singer-songwriter Maki Rinka has a new album coming this time from Orange Records! The whole is produced and arranged by Hattori Shōtaro of Stoned Soul Picnic, and directed by Groove Unchant. There are guest appearances of instrumental band Calmera...
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 23:24. | Released on December 14, 2011
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1"
This is a compilation of Hatsune Miku tracks remixed by various artists from the club and pico-pico scenes, including Rocketman, Sexy-Synthesizer, PandaBoY, Higedriver and many more. Closing the album is an original by Rocketman, recently released on iTunes. The official...
Posted on December 4, 2011 at 19:17. | Released on December 7, 2011
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku sings New Wave"
Out this week is this new Hatsune Miku compilation of new wave covers sung by the virtual idol. Included are songs originally by Plastics, Nomiya Maki, Portable Rock, Juicy Fruits, Hikashu, P-Model, Halmens, Cosmic Invention and more. The compilation is...
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 00:24. | Released on October 26, 2011
Kirinji "~Connoisseur Series~ Kirinji 'Songbook'"
Kirinji have often composed songs for other artists. In this 2-CD album they self-cover some of those songs on the 1st CD, while the 2nd CD is a compilation of 10 songs they wrote performed by others. Audio samples of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 00:39. | Released on October 19, 2011
Sakamoto Ryuichi "Original Sound Track 'ichimei' Harakiri - death of a samurai"
Sakamoto Ryuichi has made a new soundtrack for upcoming samurai movie "ichimei" (director Miike Takashi) about to start in theaters on October 15. It had been about 4 years since his previous soundtrack, "Silk" (2007). Out at the same time...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 19:41. | Released on October 12, 2011
Takagi Masakatsu "Tama Tama", "Niyodo" (Download)
Takagi Masakatsu has not one but two new soundtracks now available on iTunes Japan. The first, "Tama Tama" is for a road movie featuring actress Aoi Yū travelling around Ireland, to start in theaters from October 15. The second, titled...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:51. | Released on October 5, 2011
Various Artists "I Love Tokyo ~For Anime Music Lovers~"
Shibuya meets Akihabara in this concept anime song cover compilation. Featured are various producers, such as Tofubeats, Ram Rider, Takizawa Kentarō, Jazzin' park, etc., in collaboration with various female singers including Nomoto Karia, Julie Watai (JulieHally), BiS and more. Audio...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:09. | Released on October 5, 2011
Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra "noruniru / shōnen yo ware ni kaere"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single out now as Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra. Both songs are featured in anime series "mawaru Penguindrum". Below are two different versions of opening title song "noruniru", both are said to be shown for...
Posted on October 5, 2011 at 21:44. | Released on October 5, 2011
Maezono Naoki Group "tabun modotte mairimasu / itoshi no Macks" (7")
After 2 albums of only covers, here's a first original song from Maezono Naoki Group, coming as a 7" and a few days later for download. The title track has music written by Kirinji's Horigome Takaki and lyrics by the...
Posted on September 28, 2011 at 23:50. | Released on October 2, 2011
Perfume "Spice"
It's a Perfume release rush! New album "JPN" is dropping at the end of November, but first comes this single of two tie-ups. Title track "Spice" is the theme song for new TV drama series "sengyō shufu tantei ~ watashi...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on November 2, 2011
Omodaka "Sanosa"
Omodaka, solo unit of Terada Sōichi (aka Far East Recording) that mixes chiptune and Japanese traditional singing, has a full-length album out now. This contains remastered versions of all songs from maxi-singles released since 2001, plus 5 brand new songs....
Posted on August 21, 2011 at 11:25. | Released on August 14, 2011
OCTET Sunaga t "Kiev no sora feat. Jukka Eskola-TRI4TH" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new song available exclusively on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Japanese 80's dub band Mute Beat's "Kiev no sora" (hear the original), an anti-nuclear song first recorded after the Chernobyl nuclear...
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 20:28. | Released on July 27, 2011
Calmera "Knack Is The Ketchup"
Here's a 2nd album by Osaka instrumental jazz-rock band Calmera (MySpace) on Orange Records, coming a year after debut album "Hello!! Worldwide". This one contains a cover of "Everybody Loves My Baby" feat. Maki Rinka, released on 7" earlier this...
Posted on June 30, 2011 at 21:16. | Released on July 2, 2011
Various Artists "kirakira Ghibli -Returns-"
Here's another release from the "Kirakira Ghibli" series, this time featuring covers and remixes by various young artists from the club, chip-tune and electronic scenes such as Tofubeats, Novoiski, Idiot Pop, and many more. Check out the sampler clip below....
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 00:56. | Released on June 22, 2011
EmiLy "tear drop"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy (Hashimoto Emiri) has a 2nd album out now, with songs arranged by the likes of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils) and Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme). Also the wonderful video clip for title song was directed by Nakama Norihisa...
Posted on May 29, 2011 at 01:48. | Released on May 25, 2011
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Ruru / tokimeki Hacker"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (singer of sōtaiseiriron) has a new single from which the song "Ruru" is the ending theme of TV anime series "denpa onna to seishun otoko". A video for this song was filmed in real time using a robotic...
Posted on May 24, 2011 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2011
Maezono Naoki Group "tooku e. Maezono Naoki Group dai2shu"
Maezono Naoki Group, the band in which Konishi Yasuharu plays piano, has a 2nd album coming this month! It's already been almost 2 years since their first. This time the trio (vocals, bass and piano) are joined by drums and...
Posted on May 5, 2011 at 01:54. | Released on May 13, 2011
sōtaiseiriron "tadashii sōtaiseiriron"
sōtaiseiriron have been around for 4 years and have released 3 albums. This new one features songs from the previous albums along with some brand new recordings, all revamped by many famous artists: Cornelius, Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Ōtomo Yoshihide,...
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on April 27, 2011
Perfume "Laser Beam/kasukana kaori"
Perfume's next double-A-sider single is coming in May, and the song "Laser Beam" can already be heard in a TV commercial (watch below). Part of the profit from the sales will be given to charity for the recent earthquake/tsunami victims....
Posted on April 9, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on May 18, 2011
Tequila Production "Rockin' Jazz"
Here's a rocking club-jazz album that consists of tracks by Tequila Production, a trio of DJs Takehana Eiji, Nakamura Yūsuke and Kanno Katsuya who together form various units: Rockin' Jazz Society, Spiritual Unity and tg.electronics. Aside for a cover of...
Posted on March 26, 2011 at 12:05. | Released on March 2, 2011
Various Artists "Nagisa ongaku-sai presents In The Mix mixed by Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka FPM has a new mix CD out today, put together for beach rave event Nagisa Music Festival where he will be DJing. The event is to be held in Tokyo on April 10 and in Osaka on...
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 22:42. | Released on March 23, 2011
"Tokyo Idol Festival 2010" (DVD)
Here is a live DVD set (2 discs) of event Tokyo Idol Festival 2010 ("TIF") held last August 7-8, which featured some 45 up-and-coming idol groups. Included are 6 or 7 songs with Vanilla Beans, making this much worth of...
Posted on February 7, 2011 at 23:22. | Released on February 9, 2011
Halcali "Tokyo Connection"
Here's a new mini-album from Halcali! Included are several new songs, a remix by 80KIDZ and a self-cover of early song "Strawberry Chips". Shibuya-kei fans will rejoice that new song "Girl!Girl!Girl!" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi with lyrics written by...
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 22:37. | Released on February 9, 2011
Various Artists "There Was A Time ~The Beginning of Japanese Club Jazz~"
Do you like Japanese club jazz? Do you know its where it all began? Find out missing pieces on this new compilation, with U.F.O., Jazztronik, Monday Michiru, Mondo Grosso, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Chari Chari, Spiritual Vibes and more. Various Artists...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 11:10. | Released on December 15, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Cosmos vs Alien"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (of Sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single, of which title song "Cosmos vs Alien" is being used for the opening of anime series "Arakawa Under The Bridge 2". The single comes with 2 more new songs, all written...
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 23:21. | Released on November 17, 2010
Hatsune Miku "Hatsune Miku sings Halmens"
Part of Halmens' 30th anniversary releases is this tribute album sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku. Not only she sings Halmens' greatest hits, but on two bonus tracks she even pays tribute to Nomiya Maki's album "Pink no kokoro"! Don't...
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 22:16. | Released on October 20, 2010
Various Artists "Love Songs from Marunouchi -The Lounge-"
This compilation is themed around "adult love songs to be played in a large city's lounge". Selected by Nakatsuka Takeshi, it contains mainly previously released tracks, mostly by Japanese jazz/lounge/club artists. A previously unreleased long version of Nakatsuka's cover of...
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 22:35. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: Rocketman Summer Fes 2010 - thank you for the music!!
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday August 22, I went to Liquidroom in Ebisu for "Rocketman Summer Fes 2010", an event celebrating the 10 years since the debut of Rocketman, Fukawa Ryō's music unit....
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 22:47.
SMAP "We are SMAP!"
Boy idol group SMAP has a new album featuring a bunch of interesting artists, such as Sōtaiseiriron, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), CMJK (ex-Denki Groove), Fukutomi Yukihiro, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Rip Slyme, Love Psychedelico, and more. Last but not least,...
Posted on July 19, 2010 at 11:46. | Released on July 21, 2010
Clémentine "Animentine ~ Bossa du animé", Meja "AniMeja ~ Ghibli songs"
Clémentine's latest is a cover album of popular anime songs, arranged in a bossa nova style. Themes from "Sazae-san", "chibi Maruko-chan", "Doraemon" are included amongst many others. Released at the same time is also a cover album by Swedish singer...
Posted on July 18, 2010 at 19:50. | Released on July 21, 2010
Hosokawa Fumie "The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'Hosokawa Fumie' Best Collection"
Big-chested gravure idol Hosokawa Fumie was only active musically for 2 years in the early 90's, but she had some great songs including ones produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) and Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). Greatest hits album "Hit &...
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 22:18. | Released on July 14, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Venus to Jesus"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single out now. Title song "Venus to Jesus" ("Venus and Jesus") is the opening theme of anime "Arakawa Under The Bridge". HMV offers a sticker sheet while supplies last. Audio samples at HMV...
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 23:38. | Released on May 26, 2010
Atom™ & Masaki Sakamoto "Alien Symphony"
Atom™ (aka Atom Heart) joins pianist/neurologist Masaki Sakamoto for a first original album titled "Alien Symphony" out now in Japan. Guest vocalists include Koshi Miharu. Also available on iTunes is a special album of remixed tracks from the album: Atom™...
Posted on May 19, 2010 at 22:01. | Released on May 19, 2010
Various Artists "Tribute to Ajiwai kaitenzushi Zen"
J-death techno label Speedking Productions offers us a brand new kind of tribute album, inspired by conveyor belt sushi restaurant "Zen" in Odawara (Kanagawa prefecture). The nice-priced mini-album features tracks by Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G, Tofubeats, and more. Check out the...
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 20:31. | Released on May 5, 2010
Ishiwatari Junji & Sunahara Yoshinori + Yakushimaru Etsuko "kamisama no iu tōri"
Sunahara Yoshinori has teamed up with ex-Supercar guitarist Ishiwatari Junji for a new unit, called Ishiwatari Junji & Sunahara Yoshinori. Their first release is a single of an ending theme for anime "yojōhan shinwa taikei", and features singer Yakushimaru Etsuko...
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 22:18. | Released on May 26, 2010
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki one-man live at Liquidroom
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Aira Mitsuki keeps taking techno-pop to a higher level, always in a way that I like. Yesterday she performed a one-man show at Liquidroom in Ebisu, backed from start to finish by...
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 00:12.
Original Love "Volare! The Best Selections of Original Love"
A new greatest hits album is coming from Original Love, containing songs from 1995 to 2006. Included is title track "Volare", a Japanese lyrics version of popular Italian song "Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu". Original Love's version was used in...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 12:25. | Released on May 19, 2010
Various Artists "All Kinds of People ~ Love Burt Bacharach ~ Produced by Jim O'Rourke"
Jim O'Rourke produces this compilation of Burt Bacharach covers, featuring artists such as Kahimi Karie, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Nakahara Masaya (Violent Onsen Geisha), Yoshimi (Boredoms) and more. Audio samples at Amazon and HMV. Various Artists "All Kinds...
Posted on April 7, 2010 at 23:44. | Released on April 7, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko to d.v.d. "Blu Day"
Yakushimaru Etsuko, singer of sōtaiseiriron, joins band d.v.d. ("drums video drums") for this album. d.v.d. is known for performing live using two drum sets to trigger game-like video. The album comes with a DVD. Out at the same time is...
Posted on April 1, 2010 at 00:06. | Released on April 7, 2010
sōtaiseiriron "Synchroniciteen"
Girl-fronted rock band sōtaiseiriron has a 2nd album coming. Last year saw the release of a solo single by singer Yakushimaru Etsuko, who has also been performing with band d.v.d. (drums video drums) with which album "Blu Day" is being...
Posted on March 31, 2010 at 23:50. | Released on April 7, 2010
Gig report: Tokyo Pinsalocks, Noodles, Kinoco Hotel at Que
Text and photos by Ken M (Japan Live) Sunday was girl band night at the Club Que, but the three featured groups had little in common other than that they were all girls. First up was Kinoco Hotel, AKA "mushroom...
Posted on March 8, 2010 at 03:37.
Kojima Mayumi "Blue Rondo"
Singer-songwriter Kojima Mayumi has a new album, her 8th, out earlier this month. Hear sound samples at HearJapan. Kojima Mayumi "Blue Rondo" 1. nemurenai yoru 2. Paper Moon 3. Suspiria! 4. kuroneko no Cha Cha Cha 5. Arabesque 6. usotsuki...
Posted on February 24, 2010 at 00:14. | Released on February 3, 2010
Various Artists "Attractions! Konishi Yasuharu Remixes 1996~2010"
Konishi Yasuharu has started a new label called Readymade V.I.C., hosted under major label Victor. This first release is a 2-CD collection of his best remixes from 1997 until now. Included are 6 brand new remixes using Victor's catalog (marked...
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 19:14. | Released on March 3, 2010
BUBBLE-B "BUBBLE-B no Big Bang" (CD+DVD)
Indies techno artist and video remixer BUBBLE-B, who keeps the J-death techno scene alive with his label Speedking, has a brand new album out! Follow-up to the "BUBBLE-B no Good Evening" DVD (2004), this new release actually contains both CD...
Posted on October 20, 2009 at 20:23. | Released on October 21, 2009
DG-10 "Love Synthesizer!"
Out just now is this first mini-album by DG-10, a three-piece idol unit produced by the maker of Nintendo DS synthesizer Korg DS-10. The singers are Imai Asami, Hasegawa Akiko (from game "The Idolm@ster"), and Matayoshi Ai (Xbox 360 game...
Posted on September 20, 2009 at 00:12. | Released on September 18, 2009
Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi: 'Katamari Damacy Tribute' Original Soundtrack"
This new cover and remix album of songs from new Playstation 3 game "Katamari Damacy Tribute" features YMCK (MySpace), Buffalo Daughter (MySpace), Sexy-Synthesizer (MySpace), rei harakami, Matsumae Kimitaka (Expo), Kirinji, Afra, Señor Coconut, atom and more. Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi:...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:09. | Released on August 19, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - Universal
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 01:14. | Released on April 22, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - RCA
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 00:45. | Released on April 22, 2009
Mizuno Mari "mariage"
Konishi Yasuharu contributes a newly written song to this solo mini-album by Mizuno Mari (paris match (MySpace)), who was featured last year on "uta to Guitar. Piano. kotoba." from columbia*readymade. His song here is titled "kekkon shiyō yo." ("Let's get...
Posted on April 11, 2009 at 12:00. | Released on April 29, 2009
"kimagure Robot" (DVD+CD)
Cornelius made the music for this movie called "kimagure Robot" that's now out on DVD and comes in a special package containing the soundtrack CD. "kimagure Robot" ("The Capricious Robot") is a 40-minute short film in black & white, about...
Posted on March 1, 2009 at 11:54. | Released on February 25, 2009
yes, mama ok? "Incomplete Questions"
yes, mama ok? have a complete boxed set just out that regroups all of their releases on LD&K and Columbia. That's a total of 55 songs from "Coffee Cup de Rendez-vous tte saikō yo", "tea party", "suna no Pudding", "modern...
Posted on October 4, 2008 at 15:41. | Released on September 26, 2008
Aira Mitsuki "Robot Honey"
DiscID: 730aa80a
Posted on September 2, 2008 at 22:29. | Released on October 29, 2008
arcorhyme live and workshop vol.2
arcorhyme (MySpace), the unit of Takanami K-tarō and Nishimura Ikuyo, will do a 2nd and last (of the series) workshop event at café Go Slow located inside the Ikejiri Institute of Design. The event of course includes a live show,...
Posted on May 30, 2008 at 15:08. | Released on June 7, 2008
Various Artists "issho ni utaō! NHK minna no uta ~otona Ver.~", "~kodomo Ver.~"
Released in February, this is a various artists cover album of songs that were featured on NHK's long-running program "minna no uta", performed by many artists. Included is a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Message Song", Ōnuki Taeko's "Metropolitan bijutsukan" ("Metropolitan...
Posted on April 9, 2008 at 16:56. | Released on February 6, 2008
Various Artists "Island Moon ~Groove Love~"
unchained groove (aka Groove Unchant) produces this compilation of R&B covers. Featured artists include Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), eli (girl it's U, ex-Love Tambourines), Suzuki Momoko (Cosa Nostra), Yoshimi (Sonicberry Favour), Maki Rinka and more. Official release page at label site...
Posted on March 26, 2008 at 15:08. | Released on May 21, 2008
Various Artists "Happy Holidays! by commmons"
Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons brings us a compilation of calm songs, acoustic and then some, selected from its growing catalog. Included are songs with Minekawa Takako, Kahimi Karie, and lots more. This is a special label sampler sold only at...
Posted on March 19, 2008 at 15:09. | Released on April 16, 2008
Wada Akiko "World Standard Wada Akiko -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Top club-jazz DJ Sunaga Tatsuo mixes Wada Akiko songs in his World Standard non-stop live mix fashion. A must! Released at the same time as collaboration album "Wada ke" featuring Konishi Yasuharu, Crazy Ken Band and Reggae Disco Rockers. Wada...
Posted on March 18, 2008 at 16:33. | Released on April 23, 2008
Various Artists "mōshiwake nai to From Akasaka Urban Mix" / "Idol Mix"
Regular club party Mōshiwake Night's DJ team has put together these two mix CDs, under "Urban" and "Idol" themes, totaling 100 songs! Each CD features two DJs selecting a dozen tracks in turn. Those selectors are DJ Mitsy, Uta Maru...
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 17:21. | Released on April 16, 2008
Various Artists "Detroit Metal City Tribute Album ~ikenie Metal Mix~"
How to headbang to Kahimi Karie? Check out this tribute album to popular manga "Detroit Metal City", consisting mainly of metal remixes of hit songs by popular J-pop artists. Also featured are Scha Dara Parr, Kimura Kaela, Tommy february6, Yuki,...
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 11:23. | Released on March 26, 2008
Nomiya Maki "Elegance chūdoku girigiri no onnatachi" (Book)
Nomiya Maki has a new book coming, actually a hard copy of her popular "Tokyo Sex and the City" column on her web site (in the living room of her "château de la mode"). The monthly column consists of herself...
Posted on February 18, 2008 at 17:52. | Released on February 23, 2008
"Rahmens presents 'Golden Balls Live' Namikibashi Satellite Mix" (DVD)
Comedian duo Rahmens, who got famous worldwide online for their comedy short "Sushi: Japanese Tradition", have a DVD coming up of a play that was performed in 2005. The music is by Tanaka Tomoyuki (Fantastic Plastic Machine)! Rahmens' Kobayashi Kentarō...
Posted on February 13, 2008 at 17:41. | Released on March 19, 2008
Various Artists "Tokyo Bossa Nova ~agua~"
Happiness Records' popular "Tokyo Bossa Nova" series, that previously helped artists like Halfby and orange pekoe to gain popularity, had a new installment out last month. This one contains a song featuring Kahimi Karie. Various Artists "Tokyo Bossa Nova ~agua~"...
Posted on January 29, 2008 at 13:36. | Released on December 5, 2007
arcorhyme live and workshop
arcorhyme (MySpace), the new unit of Takanami K-tarō and Nishimura Ikuyo which just released 2 albums in January, will do a special event at café Go Slow located inside the Ikejiri Institute of Design. More than just a live show,...
Posted on January 29, 2008 at 11:55. | Released on March 1, 2008
"kaede New Town" (DVD+CD)
Super-cute animation short film "kaede New Town", directed by Iwakiri Naoto (Codomo Inc.), which was shown in theaters starting in December, is getting a DVD release. The opening and ending themes are by the Aprils and Tomovsky respectively, and can...
Posted on January 22, 2008 at 16:45. | Released on March 6, 2008
Handsomeboy Technique "Magnificent Mass E.P." (12")
Second Royal's Handsomeboy Technique brings us a new EP containing the title track (previously released on label sampler "Second Royal volume.3"), a remix by Irish unit Skibunny, and a brand new song titled "A Flick Of A Trick". This is...
Posted on January 18, 2008 at 15:12. | Released on January 30, 2008
columbia*readymade jazz-rock re-issues
DiscID: 7a088909,ae090a0c,9309480c,8109510c,b5088f0c,a708b60c,8707a10c,8c08220c,9e08770c
Posted on January 15, 2008 at 17:18. | Released on April 16, 2008
Maekawa Yōko "Cutey Honey (21st century ver.)"
One of the most fun anime theme songs ever, "Cutey Honey" (also spelled "Cutie Honey"), is being re-sung by the original singer, Maekawa Yōko. Offered are "21st century" versions of the opening and ending themes, plus also the theme song...
Posted on January 4, 2008 at 14:16. | Released on February 27, 2008
Miura Makoto "be bop or do something"
DJ Miura Makoto (aka Monsieur Mieurax) brought us earlier this year this mix CD of happy, upbeat jazz with hints of breakbeats and latin house. Included is Fun Lovers' "Samba" that FPM has been spinning. The German version of "Hit...
Posted on December 29, 2007 at 22:26. | Released on June 16, 2007
Suzuki Keiichi, Higuchi Yasuo "CM Works On Associates Years"
These two collections of rare TV commercial music are of interest! Suzuki Keiichi of the Moonriders has 2 jingles sung by Nomiya Maki (Shiseidō "Shower Cologne III" and Fujix "kimi wa Best Scene") and one by Harada Tomoyo (JA chokin...
Posted on December 20, 2007 at 22:16. | Released on December 22, 2007
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Strange Song Book - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono 2" (2 CDs+DVD)
Following the "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album" out last year, comes a second one! This one is a 2-CD set featuring Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Sakamoto Miu, Ōnuki Taeko, Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Sheena & The Rokkets, Kicell, and overseas artists such...
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 10:40. | Released on January 23, 2008
"standard of 90's" re-issue series part 1
EMI and BMG have got together and decided to re-issue a bunch of Shibuya-kei related CDs, under a "standard of 90's" theme. Part 1 and 2 (out in October and November) got my interest with titles by Original Love, Spank...
Posted on October 21, 2007 at 14:33. | Released on October 24, 2007
Various Artists "Jobiniana ~ai to hohoemi to hana"
This tribute album to Antonio Carlos Jobim will feature artists from the club-jazz scene, and then some. Interpretations by Cubismo Grafico, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, akiko, Minami Yoshitaka, bird, Monday Michiru, ... should make this a must for bossa nova...
Posted on August 30, 2007 at 20:03. | Released on October 10, 2007
Various Artists "nihon no uta: dai1shū"
Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons brings us this collection of Japanese traditional or regional songs interpreted by artists such as Cornelius, Kahimi Karie, Yann Tomita, Sakamoto Ryūichi + Nakatani Miki, Kirinji, Kicell, and more. Various Artists "nihon no uta: dai1shū" オムニバス...
Posted on August 21, 2007 at 17:53. | Released on October 24, 2007
HASYMO / Yellow Magic Orchestra "Rescue / Rydeen 79/07"
Yellow Magic Orchestra has a new single coming up on their label commmons! Coupled with the recent new version of their classic "Rydeen", which was used in a Kirin Lager commercial earlier this year, is a new song called "Rescue"...
Posted on June 23, 2007 at 01:34. | Released on August 22, 2007
Momoi Haruko "Famison 8-bit Stage 2"
Voice actress/singer Momoi Haruko has a second album just out, once again covering popular anime theme songs in 8-bit Famicom picopico style. The CD includes short instrumental/karaoke versions of all songs. Release official site with audio samples Momoi Haruko "Famison...
Posted on June 13, 2007 at 21:39. | Released on June 8, 2007
The MAXIminimum
Metalchicks presents what looks like a great event featuring also Kahimi Karie, Kirihito, Umi No Yeah!, Max Heart (party band of DJ Codomo) and DJ Hiromix! The MAXIminimum on 6/16 at Shibuya O-Nest Main floor 5F: Metalchicks Kahimi Karie Kirihito...
Posted on May 27, 2007 at 09:27. | Released on June 16, 2007
Ella Fitzgerald "Readymade digs Ella!"
Konishi Yasuharu brings us a selection of songs by Ella Fitzgerald, selected in a "jazz & jive" spirit. Like the recently released "Readymade digs Elvis!", this will contain several rare tracks, Konishi-san even says that some may even be released...
Posted on May 17, 2007 at 11:37. | Released on June 6, 2007
TV soundtrack "kui tan 2"
"kui tan 2", successor to the popular food detective TV series, will start airing on April 14. Once again its soundtrack consists of classical music remixed by Konishi Yasuharu! kui tan 2 airs on NTV every Saturday from 21:00, starting...
Posted on April 9, 2007 at 10:24. | Released on May 30, 2007
Various Artists "Niagara Autumn & Winter ~Niagara Cover Special~"
Speaking of Cubismo Grafico, he appears on a recent cover album of legendary label Niagara Records founded in 1975 by Ōtaki Eiichi ("Niagara" is a word game on his family name which means "big waterfall"). It's worth noting that it's...
Posted on March 28, 2007 at 14:14. | Released on March 2, 2007
Various Artists "The Transformer - Remix Works by Yukihiro Fukutomi"
Fukutomi Yukihiro, leading club music producer and also ex-programmer for Pizzicato Five (think "Happy End of the World"), has a 2-CD compilation of his remixes for Japanese and foreign artists coming up. The compilation will contain 20 tracks, and celebrates...
Posted on March 27, 2007 at 17:16. | Released on April 25, 2007
Momoi Haruko "Famison 8-bit"
Voice actress and singer Momoi Haruko has an album coming up on which she covers popular anime theme songs with 8-bit Famicon picopico arrangements. The CD also includes short instrumental/karaoke versions of all songs. Release official site Momoi Haruko "Famison...
Posted on March 2, 2007 at 14:53. | Released on March 21, 2007
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Rydeen 79/07" (Download)
YMO fans rejoice! The band is back together, at least for the time of a song, and a beer commercial. After reuniting Sadistic Mica Band last year, Kirin Lager did another tour de force by bringing back together all three...
Posted on February 1, 2007 at 15:47. | Released on February 3, 2007
Suzuki Ami joins Buffalo Daughter "O.K. Funky God"
Idol Suzuki Ami is to collaborate with Buffalo Daughter for a single. This is part of a series of three collaboration singles, the other two with THC!! and Kirinji. You would need all three to enjoy(?) a narration drama of...
Posted on December 18, 2006 at 18:11. | Released on February 28, 2007
Sadistic Mikaela Band "Narkissos"
17 years after their 1989 return, Sadistic Mika Band (also "Sadistic Mica Band") are back with a brand new album, on which popular singer and youth icon Kimura Kaela is their guest singer! Original band members Katō Kazuhiko, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on August 25, 2006 at 10:35. | Released on October 25, 2006
Spaghetti Vabune! "Guitar Pop Grand Prix!", "summer vacation, sunset vehicle -plus-"
Guitar pop unit Spaghetti Vabune! have a second album out next week. Tower Records offers a bonus CD-R containing remixes by Aprils and Hazel Nuts Chocolate, and a video directed by Iwakiri Naoto, while supplies last. And if you missed...
Posted on July 7, 2006 at 13:41. | Released on July 12, 2006
