Gallantique Kazue "Original Collection", "Cover Collection"
Singer Gallantique Kazue has two new albums being released at the same time! One is an album of her original songs, while the other is a collection of covers. "Original Collection" is actually her 2nd original album, the previous dating...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 20:58. | Released on March 27, 2019
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
Chimidoro "nanokana?"
Techno rap group Chimidoro has just released a 2nd album this month! This is their first in 12 years, the follow-up to debut album "minna no uta" (2007). Check out this special release page, and also the sampler clip below....
Posted on March 23, 2019 at 13:27. | Released on March 15, 2019
WHY@DOLL "Hey!"
WHY@DOLL is an idol duo from Sapporo (Hokkaido) that combines great songs (and singing) with elegant and charming dances. Their new ep "Hey!" brings four new songs, two of which are written by Yoshida Tetsuto (and co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro...
Posted on February 4, 2019 at 23:36. | Released on February 12, 2019
HALLCA "Wanna Dance!" (Download)
HALLCA (aka Tominaga Haruka, ex-Especia) has a new track out today digitally! "Wanna Dance!", a new dancefloor-oriented track with music written by PellyColo, is the follow-up to "Apéritif e.p" released last summer. It has been announced that there will...
Posted on February 1, 2019 at 21:14. | Released on February 1, 2019
moonriders "moonriders Final Banquet 2016 ~ saigo no kyōen ~" (2CD)
Despite that they were in hiatus, in 2016 Moonriders did a "hiatus hiatus" to thank their fans, and performed several times at festivals and also did a tour which ended on December 15, 2016 at Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo). This 2-CD...
Posted on January 22, 2019 at 21:36. | Released on January 23, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Weekend Jack (+1 disc)"
This gem of a party album, the first full-length by Wack Wack Rhythm Band released on Trattoria in 1998, has just been re-released in a newly remastered edition! A bonus disc has been added, containing rarities such as 5 live...
Posted on November 22, 2018 at 22:30. | Released on November 21, 2018
The Pen Friend Club "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club, a band that takes inspiration from The Beach Boys and Phil Spector (etc.), has just released a "first and last" Christmas album! Included are 15 covers, of songs by Mariah Carey ("All I Want For Christmas...
Posted on November 14, 2018 at 23:27. | Released on November 14, 2018
Negicco "love my 15 years" (Blu-ray)
Negicco's 15th anniversary live show, held at Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center on July 21, 2018, has just been released on Blu-ray. Negicco have an upcoming show titled "relive MY COLOR" to be held on Saturday November 24 at Nakano...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 22:57. | Released on November 6, 2018
SOLEIL "Pinky Fluffy" (7") (Re-issue)
SOLEIL's debut 7" "Pinky Fluffy" (2017) which had sold out long ago is being released once again with a different jacket! Recorded when singer Soleil was still 13, both songs have remained non-album tracks. Note that this release doesn't...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 19:16. | Released on November 14, 2018
Vacation Three "One"
Vacation Three is the band of Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK, ex-Arch), saxophonist Nakamoto Kōichiro (Wack Wack Rhythm Band) and percussionist Okyon. After having performed many shows since they got together about 2 years ago, here comes a first album of...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on November 7, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
fox capture plan "Capturism"
Piano-led jazz-rock instrumental trio fox capture plan has a 7th original album out now! Included is a self-cover of their theme song for drama series "The Confidenceman JP". Check out the album's special site. A tour will be held in...
Posted on September 11, 2018 at 22:12. | Released on September 5, 2018
Vanilla Beans "going my way"
Idol group Vanilla Beans announced recently that they will be quitting after a last single and last shows. That last single's details have now been announced. "going my way" is an upbeat song, while B-side "Last Song" is a ballad,...
Posted on August 28, 2018 at 22:43. | Released on September 18, 2018
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 5, 2018
Kaji Hideki "Autumn Olive"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new EP being released just ahead of fall. The EP's two lead songs take their theme from fashion magazine Olive (published from 1982 to 2003). Both of these songs were produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 13:23. | Released on September 5, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
Manon "Teenage Diary"
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) finally has a full-length album coming! Just over a year since debut single "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (available on pink vinyl 7"), "Teenage Diary" contains all of her great singles so far plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 22, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on July 7, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Various Artists "NHK 'Shaki-n! Music ~kokoro ne~'" (CD+DVD)
This is the soundtrack of popular NHK E-Tele (NHK Educational TV/ETV) show "Shaki-n!", with songs composed by or featuring Kaji Hideki, Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō/iLL, of LAMA, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (LAMA, ex-Supercar), The Natsuyasumi Band, Yashiro Aki, etc. The album...
Posted on May 29, 2018 at 23:26. | Released on May 23, 2018
TRI4TH "Hybrid Roots"
Danceable instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has released a new album that consists of covers of songs that make up their roots. Two self-covers are also included. A tour will be held starting on June 1st at Daikanyama Unit. Also, TRI4TH...
Posted on May 26, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on May 23, 2018
Avandoned "After School c/w bakuhatsu suru Romance" (CD+7")
Idol duo Avandoned have a new single out this week! Like previous single "Donut Friends", this is produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The A-side was written by members of Koncos, and the B-side by...
Posted on May 22, 2018 at 21:23. | Released on May 23, 2018
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
The Geno London "Geno London EP"
The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The...
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 00:16. | Released on April 11, 2018
Nosa Reina "Endless Party ~Cover Album~"
Nosa Reina is releasing a first cover album this month, of various charming Japanese songs from her memories arranged with a new wave touch. Featured are songs originally by EPO, Sakakibara Ikue (Techno-kayō classic "Robot"!), Sawada Kenji, Ōtaki Eiichi, Suzuki...
Posted on April 14, 2018 at 00:15. | Released on April 18, 2018
Various Artists "Family Vol.2"
New from jazz label Playwright, which has now been around for 5 years, is this nice-priced 2-CD compilation that contains plenty of new recordings, previously unreleased tracks and rarities. Featured are Sunaga t experience, TRI4TH, fox capture plan, orange pekoe,...
Posted on April 12, 2018 at 22:35. | Released on April 11, 2018
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 2018
The Pen Friend Club "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club has just released a 5th album. Included are covers of Roger Nichols ("Don't Take Your Time"), Burt Bacharach ("My Little Red Book"), Ohtaki Eiichi ("suisaiga no machi"), The Rascals ("Good Lovin'"), Brian Wilson ("Melt Away") as...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on March 21, 2018
Clémentine "Café de POP from Tokyo Paris"
French singer Clémentine has just recently released a new album, a 4th of her "Café" series. Included are some new original songs, but also various covers of Shibuya-kei hit songs with lyrics translated to French (Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Ozawa...
Posted on February 25, 2018 at 21:06. | Released on February 14, 2018
tofubeats "Immortal Love" (Download)
tofubeats has a new song out now digitally. "Immortal Love" (Japanese title: "fumetsu no kokoro") is the theme song of live action TV drama "Video Girl Ai 2018" ("den·ei shōjo") shown on TV Tokyo every Saturday night from 24:20....
Posted on February 17, 2018 at 09:40. | Released on February 16, 2018
Tajima Takao & Nagaoka Ryosuke "Sessions"
This is a live album from a series of shows featuring Tajima Takao (Original Love) and Nagaoka Ryōsuke (Petrolz), which were held in October and November 2017. Included is a new song by Original Love titled "Happy Birthday Song", and...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 22:31. | Released on January 31, 2018
fox capture plan "KOTODAMA -kono koe o kimi ni Soundtrack-", "SEPT"
Here are two new soundtracks by instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan. Both are for TV drama series. The final show of their "UИTITLƎD" tour will be held on February 2 at Shibuya O-East. fox capture plan "KOTODAMA -kono koe...
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 22:54. | Released on January 24, 2018
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#4"
Here's a 4th EP of electro artist Cherryboy Function's "suggested function" series. This follows album "Word In The Petals" (2016). Included is "sakamoto metal (type-b)", a new edit of the track he made for video & music project Industrial JP...
Posted on January 13, 2018 at 12:17. | Released on January 10, 2018
Blue Peppers "Retroactive"
Blue Peppers is a unit formed of Fukuda Naoki and Inoue Kaoru. After an EP and two singles, here comes their first full-length album, which features guest vocals by Hoshino Michiru and Sasaki Shiori. Aside from making their own music,...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 11:07. | Released on November 15, 2017
Avandoned "Donut Friends" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned have recently released a single that was produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Learners, Neil and Iraiza) and features Learners as the back-band! The B-side is a cover of Learners' "Shampoo Planet". Avandoned "Donut Friends" (7"+CD) あヴぁんだんど 「ドーナツふれんど」...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 23:31. | Released on November 8, 2017
Record Day 2017
Record Day 2017 was held on November 3, and this year again led to the release of many vinyl records. Below is a selection of the titles, but you can find the whole list on the official site here. Record...
Posted on November 26, 2017 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
Rie Aono "Pastoral"
Singer Aono Rie (who also fronts band Aono Rie & hums, and has sung in aoyama and Frog) has a first solo album being released! The whole has a cool city pop sound produced by Seki Yoshihiko with songs co-written...
Posted on October 15, 2017 at 23:28. | Released on October 18, 2017
Manon "Popcorn Crisis" (Download)
Here's a 4th song by Fukuoka-born half-French teenage model and singer Manon! This fun bouncy track is again produced by Yuppa (HNC), and the toybox-like video below was directed by VJ unit onnacodomo! The song is out now on...
Posted on October 6, 2017 at 23:12. | Released on October 6, 2017
"Godzilla Legend V"
This is a cover album of songs from the "Godzilla" movie series, arranged and performed by musicians including Hikashu and Charan-Po-Rantan, with Inoue Makoto (ex-Hikashu) plus a three-piece brass section. The title implies that it is the follow-up to the...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 00:16. | Released on September 20, 2017
"'Zen and Bones' Original Soundtrack"
"Zen and Bones" is a documentary film directed by Nakamura Takayuki ("Yokohama Mary") about Japanese-American Buddhist priest Henry Mittwer. This soundtrack features music by many artists including Nomiya Maki, Comoesta Yaegashi, Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Kishino You-ichi (La veuve...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 23:51. | Released on September 20, 2017
The Lady Spade "Phenomenon"
The Lady Spade has released just recently a brand new mini-album, the follow-up to "Reverse Shaped Black Heart" (2014). Their sound is more sophisticated and danceable than ever, cuter but also perhaps a bit scarier!? That the album is available...
Posted on September 17, 2017 at 17:35. | Released on September 6, 2017
Bank "Time / Himitsu" (7")
New wave band BANK has a new 7" out now! Check out their new songs of a dubby mellow 80's feel. BANK is a band that features singer Nakamura Dai (ex-Arch), drummer Suzuki Bō, bassist Hirami Fumio (ex-Love Tambourines),...
Posted on September 16, 2017 at 22:20. | Released on September 16, 2017
Cutemen "Exhibition Of Love & Desire"
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a new album being released! This is the follow-up to "Humanity" (2016) which marked their 25th anniversary. This new album's limited edition comes with a bonus disc...
Posted on September 3, 2017 at 20:08. | Released on September 6, 2017
Soleil "Pinky Fluffy" (7"+CD)
SOLEIL is a brand new band produced by Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew, ex-Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), and led by the 14-year-old singer of the same name: Soleil! Their first release comes as a single (7"+CD) of original song...
Posted on September 2, 2017 at 11:48. | Released on September 20, 2017
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 3 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a 3rd compilation by Sunaga Tatsuo of the "yoru Jazz gaiden" series, part of his larger ongoing "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") series, which features many up-and-coming young Japanese jazz bands. Included is a brand new song by Sunaga t...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:40. | Released on August 2, 2017
Omisohan to Richakohan "Nihao! Zaijian! Yodaredori!!", Vanilla Beans "Tokyo Crawl (Rena ver.)" (Download)
Vanilla Beans are this year celebrating their 10th anniversary! Today, members Rena & Lisa have each released a separate song now available on iTunes Japan and other download/streaming services. DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan (nickname: Omisohan) and Lisa (nickname...
Posted on August 2, 2017 at 20:46. | Released on August 2, 2017
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | Released on July 26, 2017
hitomitoi "Ecstasy"
hitomitoi has a brand new album being released this week! "Ecstasy" is entirely produced by Dorian, who has been contributing great tracks to her albums since "City Dive" (2012). This is the follow-up to "The Memory Hotel" (2015). Check out...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 00:56. | Released on July 19, 2017
Hoshino Michiru "12 signs of the zodiac"
Hoshino Michiru has a new album out now! "12 signs of the zodiac" contains three new songs from singles "kagami no naka no watashi" and "nagareboshi Rendez-vous" (with also B-side "kyōkaisenjō no futari") released just last month, plus 9 brand...
Posted on June 20, 2017 at 22:46. | Released on June 21, 2017
Wakita Monari "I'm with you" (CD+7")
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 3rd single being released this week, ahead of a 1st solo album to come later on July 26! The new single's title song is a house tune written and produced by Fukutomi Yukihiro! Mellow jazz...
Posted on June 17, 2017 at 10:57. | Released on June 21, 2017
Hideki Kaji et Maki Nomiya "Rainy City / Summer Beauty 1990" (7")
This 7" is of two live recordings from Nomiya Maki's "Shibuya-kei Standards" show series. In the one held in November 7, 2014 she was joined on stage by Kaji Hideki, and they sang "amefuri toshi" (a duet with Maki from...
Posted on June 4, 2017 at 12:03. | Released on May 31, 2017
Mocche Nagai "Yeh! Yeh!"
Singer & guitarist Mocche Nagai has a 2nd album coming this month! Produced by Chabe, the back band features members of Learners and Gentle Forest Jazz Band. Mocche Nagai can next be seen on stage on May 17 in Tokyo...
Posted on May 8, 2017 at 21:50. | Released on May 17, 2017
"'Tasha Tudor - a still water story' Soundtrack"
"Tasha Tudor - a still water story" is a documentary movie by Japanese director Matsutani Mitsue that followed for ten years Tasha Tudor, a picture book writer and maker of beautiful gardens. This movie soundtrack features music by sione (aka...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 21:34. | Released on May 15, 2017
Gallantique Kazue "Chigasaki Memory" (7")
Singer Gallantique Kazue has a new 7" out now! The two songs were selected from her ongoing cover EP series "Anthology" that began last year (a 5th one is coming on May 31), consisting of covers of kayō̄kyoku from the...
Posted on May 4, 2017 at 20:56. | Released on May 3, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau. ~Wonderful Summer~"
Of her "Shibuya-kei standards" series, Nomiya Maki brings us a new album of summer & vacation-themed covers of Shibuya-kei songs, or ones that inspired the scene's artists. Included are songs originally by Watanabe Marina (written by Ozawa Kenji & Oyamada...
Posted on April 20, 2017 at 21:46. | Released on May 3, 2017
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
sione "ode"
Yukawa Shione releases a first full-length album under the sione name, a new project in which she sings without using words. The album was produced and arranged by world's end girlfriend who also produced EP "Golden Age" released last year....
Posted on April 11, 2017 at 23:37. | Released on April 15, 2017
Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa "Are Euphoria"
Here's a 3rd album by Dustin Wong & Takako Minekawa! It has already been 2½ years since "Savage Imagination" (2014). Label 7 e.p. gives away an original hologram sticker when ordering directly. Those outside of Japan should follow the link...
Posted on April 3, 2017 at 23:26. | Released on April 5, 2017
Perfume "Perfume 6th Tour 2016 'COSMIC EXPLORER'" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This new live Blu-ray/DVD from Perfume is about their latest tour that followed the release of album "Cosmic Explorer", and it contains not one but two full shows! The first disc is of a show held at Osaka Kyocera Dome...
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 21:30. | Released on April 5, 2017
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Easta", "KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in Nippon Budokan" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming in time for Easter, and it's called "Easta"! Both new songs were produced by Nakata Yasutaka, and are used respectively in commercials for Aeon's Easter campaign and Glico's "Ice no mi"....
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 19:19. | Released on April 5, 2017
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
Shinohara Tomoe "Tomoe Shinohara ☆All Time Best☆"
This is a compilation of Shinohara Tomoe's greatest hits, going beyond label boundaries to include songs from her whole solo career, with of course many from her major releases but also from her self-produced albums "-:*Better*:-" and "-:*Oh Yes Say...
Posted on March 23, 2017 at 00:13. | Released on March 8, 2017
DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"
DJ Hasebe (official Facebook page) has a new mix album out now of 90's songs revolving around Shibuya-kei. This includes a brand new original song that features Nomiya Maki! DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"...
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 00:10. | Released on February 22, 2017
Various Artists "Ace", Pizzicato Five "couples ep" (7"), "Bellissima! ep" (7")
Konishi Yasuharu supervises a new 7" single project on the Great Tracks label (Sony). First of all comes a compilation called "Ace", named after monthly event (((((((A))))))) held at Organ bar the 3rd Friday of each month. Having been playing...
Posted on February 16, 2017 at 23:30. | Released on February 22, 2017
Wakita Monari "Boy Friend"
Wakita Monari (ex-Especia) has a 2nd solo single being released on Vivid Sound! Both synth-pop style songs were produced by the two of Microstar: Satō Seiki and Iizumi Yūko. The single is available in 3 editions, a limited edition including...
Posted on February 7, 2017 at 21:15. | Released on February 15, 2017
Learners "More Learners"
Learners, the 5-piece rockabilly band featuring Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and singer Sara Mary, has a brand new 2nd album being released this week! Included are many covers, and also 3 original songs. A release party will be held on February...
Posted on January 30, 2017 at 21:29. | Released on January 31, 2017
Toki Asako "Pink"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming this week, the follow-up to "Bittersweet" (2015) (CDJapan, Amazon). This time the album is sound produced by Tomi Yo who had written a few songs on "Bittersweet" and previous album "Heartbreakin'" (2013)....
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 01:22. | Released on January 25, 2017
G.Rina "Live & Learn"
Singer-songwriter/trackmaker G.Rina has a new album out now! "Live & Learn" entirely consists of songs written and produced by herself, with guest vocals by Toki Asako, Chinza Dopeness, yoshiro (underslowjams), Dengaryu and Kick A Show. Samples of all songs can...
Posted on January 14, 2017 at 13:45. | Released on January 11, 2017
Cutemen "Humanity", "Cruel Memories -The Best & Rarities-"
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a brand new album out today! Cutemen is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, although the unit had been inactive for a long time. "Humanity" is the...
Posted on November 23, 2016 at 00:50. | Released on November 23, 2016
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds - A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix", "Japanese Sounds mixed by Muro"
Here are two mix CDs of "Japanese sounds", selected and mixed by DJs Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) and Muro. Check out the sampler clips below for details. Shindō Mitsuo does the art direction for this new label called Tokyo...
Posted on November 17, 2016 at 00:05. | Released on November 16, 2016
La Veuve Moustachue "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (12")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka "hige no mibōjin" in Japanese) is releasing an album on vinyl! This unit of Kishino You-ichi and composer/pianist Gary Ashiya first released a 5-song mini-album of the same title in 2002. All of those 5 songs...
Posted on November 15, 2016 at 23:49. | Released on November 16, 2016
Record Day 2016
Record Day (not the same as "Record Store Day") has been set to coincide with Japan's "Culture Day" public holiday on November 3 since 1957. Since last year, Japan's only record press Tōyō Kasei takes the lead inviting Japanese artists...
Posted on November 6, 2016 at 23:02. | Released on November 3, 2016
Taketatsu Ayana "Lyrical Concerto"
Voice actress/singer Taketatsu Ayana has a 3rd album about to be released. It features an outstanding list of composers/producers including Takeshi Yokemura (YMCK), Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-tech Squeeze Box), Mito (clammbon), Okii Reiji (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals) and Nakatsuka Takeshi among others. The...
Posted on November 1, 2016 at 00:29. | Released on November 2, 2016
Halmens X "35 seiki"
Halmens X is a limited time project led by two original members of new wave band Halmens (formed in 1979), Saeki Kenzo and Sensui Toshiro. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the release of album "Halmens no 20 seiki" (1981),...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 11:49. | Released on September 21, 2016
Izumi Ookawara "Friendly Ghost" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has two new songs about to be released on iTunes! Both were written by herself, and co-arranged by guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (Qypthone) and pianist Mami Oonishi. Both tracks also feature Suzuki Kaoru on drums among others....
Posted on September 27, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on September 28, 2016
Dorusen from TPD "sensei no okiniiri"
Here's a brand new catchy rocking pop track written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! Dorusen from TPD, a sub-unit of idol group Tokyo Performance Doll, sings the ending theme of school-themed drama series "Debusen". The title translates to "the...
Posted on September 15, 2016 at 22:53. | Released on September 21, 2016
Nomiya Maki "otoko to onna 'Un Homme et Une Femme' ~ Nomiya Maki, French Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki has a brand new album just about to be released! This album has a theme of "French Shibuya-kei", highlighting bits of the French culture that influenced the Shibuya-kei scene. This is a 2-CD release of both a studio...
Posted on August 29, 2016 at 23:22. | Released on August 31, 2016
Maika Loubté "Le Zip" (Download)
Half-French half-Japanese singer-songwriter Maika Loubté has a brand new album out now on iTunes! This is the follow-up to "100 (momo)" (December 2014), and includes latest single "Universal Metro". The song "FEEL" was produced by Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), and...
Posted on August 24, 2016 at 23:46. | Released on August 24, 2016
Sugar's Campaign "mamagoto"
Sugar's Campaign, the super pop unit of producers Avec Avec and Seiho, has a brand new 2nd album out now! This follow-up to the excellent "Friends" (2015) has a general theme of "family". HMV gives away a pink promo spoon...
Posted on August 12, 2016 at 11:22. | Released on August 10, 2016
sione "Golden Age" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Yukawa Shione, lately based in both Japan and New York, has a new digital release out now as her new project "sione" with which she focuses on voice. This first EP is produced by world's end girlfriend, and...
Posted on July 27, 2016 at 23:26. | Released on July 22, 2016
Various Artists "Bossa Brasilia 2016"
This compilation of samba/bossa nova songs was selected by DJ Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage), mainly from the vast repertory of UK label Far Out Recordings. Included is an original by Akakage taken from his "Fighissima" album (2006). Various Artists "Bossa...
Posted on July 18, 2016 at 01:08. | Released on July 20, 2016
microstar "She Got the Blues"
microstar, the unit of Satō Seiki (a producer of Hoshino Michiru) and singer Iizumi Yūko, has a brand new album about to be released! It's been 8 years since the previous, "microstar album" (2008). This includes latest single "Tiny Spark"...
Posted on July 17, 2016 at 10:47. | Released on July 20, 2016
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Horie Mitsuko "New Moon ni koi shite" / Chibiusa (CV. Fukuen Misato) "otome no susume" (CD+DVD)
This single from latest Sailor Moon series "Sailor Moon Crystal 3rd Season" contains ending theme "otome no susume" that was written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One)! Also, the opening theme "New Moon ni koi shite" was produced by...
Posted on May 26, 2016 at 00:17. | Released on May 25, 2016
Cupitron "Galaxy Express 999"
Electro/techno-pop idol trio Cupitron's new single is a cover of the theme of "Galaxy Express 999" (in Japanese "ginga tetsudō 999", with "999" read "three nine"). The original was performed by band Godaigo and released in 1979. The new cover...
Posted on May 24, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on May 25, 2016
Kaji Hideki "The Blue Boy"
Kaji Hideki celebrates this year the 20th anniversary since his solo debut in 1996. I've lost count, but "The Blue Boy" is said to be his 15th original album! His back-band on this album is formed of Furukawa Taichi and...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 21:44. | Released on May 25, 2016
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers 2 ~ wakaba no koro"
Follow-up to last year's "Love Song Covers", here's a 2nd cover album from Harada Tomoyo. Whlie the previous was of foreign songs, this time the focus is on Japanese love songs. This time again the whole is produced by Itō...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 12:25. | Released on May 11, 2016
Aoi "Girl"
And while Tarte Tatin release new album "re:10 tartetatin", Aoi (aka Ishikawa Aoi (Twitter)) took some distance by becoming a "honorary member", not further taking part in Tarte Tatin anymore. Instead she went solo and made a first mini-album with...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 12:46. | Released on March 2, 2016
Tarte Tatin "re:10 tartetatin"
Here's a brand new album by Tarte Tatin, duo currently formed of Yurie and Chiaki. This album is entirely written by Yamamoto Shō (ex-Phenotas) who had produced the previous full-length, "Tartetatin Are Allright!". By the way, the album title officially...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 10:21. | 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
Cherryboy Function "Word In The Petals"
Cherryboy Function has a new album coming this week! This is his 2nd full-length, follow-up to "Something Electronic" (2007) released 8 years ago, though three "suggested function EP"'s were released meanwhile. Included is a remix by De De Mouse. CHERRYBOY...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 13:18. | Released on January 6, 2016
Urbangarde "Showa 90nen"
Trauma techno-pop group Urbangarde has released a brand new 7th album earlier this month, "Showa 90nen" ("Year Showa 90"), which came 1½ year after the previous "utsukushii kuni". Check out the videos below and hear more samples at Amazon. The...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 21:13. | Released on December 9, 2015
Nomiya Maki "What The World Needs Now Is Love"
Nomiya Maki has a new album coming! Following her live album from last year, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", this time she takes some of those standards (and then some) to the studio! Included are songs by Pizzicato Five,...
Posted on November 8, 2015 at 11:05. | Released on November 11, 2015
Nomoto Karia "Karia Nomoto F" (Book)
Nomoto Karia has created a self-produced photo book of herself as captured by five photographers: Leona Tamura, Ani Watanabe, Takanori Fujishiro, Shigeo Shidara and Rowland Kirishima. All photographers adopted distinctive themes and techniques giving the splendid full-color 80-page book a...
Posted on October 19, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on October 15, 2015
Shoko "A Love Letter to London"
Shoko, a multi-artist based in London and Tokyo, has a first full-length album out now! Kaji Hideki, her husband, wrote all songs except for a cover of Saint Etienne's "London Belongs to Me". The album was recorded in Tokyo, Malmö...
Posted on October 10, 2015 at 16:08. | Released on October 7, 2015
