Aira Mitsuki "PLASTIC"
This week, Aira Mitsuki is back with a 2nd album, not even a year since "Copy". I count 7 tracks taken from the three latest singles: "Robot Honey", "sayonara Technopolis", and "BARBiE BARBiE", leaving us with 7 brand new tracks...
Posted on July 19, 2009 at 22:25. | Released on July 22, 2009
Perfume "⊿"
Perfume's 3rd album is coming next week, with a strange title that reads "Triangle". Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this follow-up to best-selling "Game" comes with very high expectations! Included are the 3 latest singles "One Room Disco", "love...
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 22:35. | Released on July 8, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki Special Live '090319' in LIQUIDROOM" (DVD)
A first DVD from Aira Mitsuki (MySpace), of a show recorded at Liquid Room just 2 months before release! With 19 songs, 5 different costumes, this was a really great show! Read my report of the show. You bet that...
Posted on April 28, 2009 at 23:49. | Released on May 20, 2009
Various Artists "House Nation - Ruby"
This new compilation of Avex' House Nation series includes two Fantastic Plastic Machine appearances: a ravex track and also a remix he did of The BPA (aka Norman Cook) feat. Iggy Pop. Also included is a version of Ayuse Kozue's...
Posted on April 17, 2009 at 00:11. | Released on April 8, 2009
the fascinations "latona"
Vibraphone club-jazz band the fascinations are back with a new album, following "quiet dance" (2007) that reached #1 on Japanese jazz charts. This includes covers of John Patton's "Latona", Horace Silver's "Mexican Hip Dance" and "The St. Vitus Dance", and...
Posted on April 8, 2009 at 23:10. | Released on April 15, 2009
Chupi*Chupi "I.P.999"
The latest from Orange Records is a new techno-pop idol unit from Osaka called Chupi*Chupi. Nothing more to say, check out audio samples at Orange Records' MySpace, and also the live YouTube clip below. This album features a narration appearance...
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 22:51. | Released on March 25, 2009
Eco-Beauty Style: Nomiya Maki special talk
Part of an Eco-Beauty Style exhibition, Nomiya Maki will give a talk about her ways to be "eco" all while wearing high-heels. It's a good opportunity to get a close look and learn a few eco-friendly tips. Entrance is free,...
Posted on May 13, 2008 at 17:04. | Released on May 21, 2008
DJ Sora-Mimi "Groove Party"
DJ Sora-Mimi, a new-comer of the scene who recently released a first 7" and also participated to the "Christmas Will Be Just Another Day" 12" compilation, has a first mix CD out now! 32 tracks of soft rock, groovy pops,...
Posted on December 28, 2007 at 11:08. | Released on December 26, 2007
Mr. Beats a.k.a. DJ Celory "Beautiful Tomorrow"
Who is Mr. Beats a.k.a. DJ Celory? To tell the truth I'm not too sure, except that he's a member of hip-hop unit Soul Scream. But, this new album of his will feature the likes of Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken...
Posted on December 20, 2007 at 22:45. | Released on January 16, 2008
Saiko Tsukamoto "Tiny Finger Pianist"
Crue-L pianist Tsukamoto Saiko, who has long been active as Museum of Plate, has a first solo album being released as her own name. This is a 100% solo piano album of timeless masterpieces, said to defy the eras, generations,...
Posted on November 27, 2007 at 11:02. | Released on December 22, 2007
Various Artists "Modal Jazz loves Disney"
After Konishi Yasuharu a few years ago, it's Sunaga Tatsuo's turn to cover famous songs from Disney's collection! He's even called up his international friends such as Nicola Conte and The Five Corners Quintet, and also Readymade's Iwamura Manabu, to...
Posted on November 20, 2007 at 17:18. | Released on January 23, 2008
the fascinations "Rock The Casbah" (10")
Vibraphone-led jazz unit the fascinations has a 10" coming out, preceding the release of new album "quiet dance". Aside from new track The Clash's "Rock The Casbah", included are Vanessa Paradis' "Be My Baby" (from "My Funny Vibraphone") and Minnie...
Posted on November 8, 2007 at 14:35. | Released on November 23, 2007
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 2"
After offering us his great first album "Switch", Boot Beat is back with a new mix CD, follow-up to last year's "Manifesto!" that sold out very quickly. No details yet, except for the artwork and the news that it should...
Posted on October 29, 2007 at 13:12. | Released on November 29, 2007
"standard of 90's" re-issue series part 2
After Original Love and Spank Happy, here come re-issues of Scha Dara Parr, Great 3 (unit of Katayose Akito, husband of Chocolat) and Tokyo No.1 Soul Set (unit of Kawanabe Hiroshi now member of InK). These are also all remastered...
Posted on October 22, 2007 at 22:23. | Released on November 28, 2007
The Hello Works "Payday"
Super-group The Hello Works, a collaboration of rap unit Scha Dara Parr and instrumental band Sly Mongoose, has a debut album coming up that's worth looking out for. Included will be a cover of SDP's hit song "konya wa Boogie...
Posted on October 11, 2007 at 11:07. | Released on December 5, 2007
Various Artists "Lingkaran For Baby"
LOHAS magazine Lingkaran has put together a collection of nursury rhymes sung by a bunch of like-minded artists. The line-up includes Nomiya Maki, Toki Asako, Chocolat & Akito, Furukawa Miki, Yano Akiko & Sakamoto Miu, Cano Caoli, Yukawa Shione, and...
Posted on August 21, 2007 at 17:30. | Released on September 26, 2007
Various Artists "AKSB ~kore ga Akishibu-kei da!~"
There's a relatively new genre called Akishibu-kei, a mix of Shibuya-kei and Akiba-kei (the latter referring to cosplay idols singing in high-pitched voices over electro-pop), which is getting acknowledged by this compilation of anime songs from Victor's discography. Featured producers...
Posted on July 31, 2007 at 15:35. | Released on September 21, 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 Fascinations in-store live
The Fascinations will play a free in-store live at Village Vanguard in Shimokitazawa, celebrating the release of cover album "My Funny Vibraphone" available only at Village Vanguard shops. The question is where in that crowded shop can they possibly make...
Posted on March 22, 2007 at 17:48. | Released on April 6, 2007
Pecombo "Serendipity"
Tokyo scat chorus group Pecombo has a 2nd album just out, featuring a long list of guests that includes (of those I know) The Fascinations and accordionist Tanooka Saburō (of sabou et mamie). Pecombo will perform for free at Tower...
Posted on March 22, 2007 at 17:42. | Released on March 21, 2007
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono"
Here comes a very interesting tribute album to Hosono Haruomi (Sketch Show, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Happy End). The 2-CD set will include appearances and many surprising collaborations, such as Sakamoto Ryūichi + Minekawa Takako (a return!), Yano Akiko + Rei...
Posted on March 1, 2007 at 11:47. | Released on April 25, 2007
my charm #11 (Book+CD)
DiscID: 9c0b890d
Posted on February 2, 2007 at 17:04. | Released on March 14, 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
Halcali "Girl! Girl! Girl!" (Download)
I had almost forgotten about Halcali's 3rd seasonal offering, following "Slalom '06" (produced by Handsomeboy Technique) and "2 Higher Clap 007" (produced by Cubismo Grafico). It was announced today and is available right now for download. The new song is...
Posted on February 1, 2007 at 13:24. | Released on February 1, 2007
Fami-mōde
I thought I'd post a few highly interesting events occurring this weekend. Catch them if you can! This Saturday night will be Fami-mōde (from hatsumōde, a first visit to a temple for the New Year), a Famicom/8-bit party featuring live...
Posted on January 25, 2007 at 18:07. | Released on January 27, 2007
dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir" Release Party
dahlia will play a live show in Tokyo for the first time in 3 years, celebrating the release of her new album "Beautiful, But Noir". Also performing will be vibes unit the fascinations. dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir" Release Party on...
Posted on December 26, 2006 at 11:40. | Released on January 12, 2007
Cornelius "Sensuous" (12")
Cornelius' latest album "Sensuous" is being pressed on vinyl, straight from the high-quality 24bit 96KHz studio masters. Cornelius "Sensuous" (12") 1. Sensuous 2. Fit Song 3. Breezin' 4. Toner 5. Wataridori 6. Gum 7. Scum 8. Omstart 9. Beep it...
Posted on December 21, 2006 at 00:13. | Released on February 21, 2007
dahlia "Beautiful, But Noir"
DiscID: 7f081609
Posted on December 19, 2006 at 15:34. | Released on November 22, 2006
Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple"
DJ team Sindbad has a new project together with woodbassist/rapper Takatsuki, and a 10-song album is coming at us before the end of the year on highcontrast. Sindbad feat. Takatsuki "Enter The Funniest Temple" 1. Enter the Funniest Temple 2....
Posted on December 4, 2006 at 13:31. | Released on December 20, 2006
Halcali "2 Higher Clap 007" (Download)
Following Christmas song "Slalom '06", Halcali continue their seasonal monthly campaign counting down into 2007 with a new song produced by Cubismo Grafico! Words and music are by Katayama Yūgo (Miniflex, Yukari Fresh) with Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico). Next...
Posted on December 1, 2006 at 13:34. | Released on January 1, 2007
Various Artists "Synchro / From Tokyo To New York"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka Fantastic Plastic Machine is backing Uniqlo's U.S. invasion with a selection of recent tracks by Japanese club and like-minded artists. This will probably be released in the U.S. too, of course, but here's what we get at...
Posted on October 23, 2006 at 12:25. | Released on November 10, 2006
Boot Beat "Manifesto!"
DiscID: 400f4d26
Posted on October 5, 2006 at 11:24. | Released on November 29, 2006
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
Various Artists "bakuretsu! New Wave 1980"
With contents similar to the recently released "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler" comes a 2-CD compilation on the same theme. Once again this is a good introduction to Japanese 80's new wave/punk, and seems to contain more essentials...
Posted on August 22, 2006 at 16:07. | Released on September 21, 2006
Crazy Ken Band "Galaxy"
Barely a year after "Soul Punch", Crazy Ken Band will release a full-length album again this year. This new album will include the just-out single "merimeri" and also feature collaborations with artists such as Fire Ball, Papa B, and Q...
Posted on July 26, 2006 at 14:15. | Released on September 20, 2006
Sindbad "Revellion" (12")
DJ team Sindbad has a new 12" out this week on highcontrast. While title track "Revellion" is taken from the self-titled album released last year, two brand new tracks are also included. Sindbad "Revellion" (12") A1. Revellion A2. Untitled B1....
Posted on June 28, 2006 at 11:50. | Released on June 30, 2006
Various Artists "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler"
This 80's new wave compilation features many gems and rarities, several of the songs even being available for the first time on CD. Not only for maniacs, it's definitely a good opportunity to get accustomed with many leaders of Japan's...
Posted on June 27, 2006 at 16:51. | Released on June 28, 2006
Ino Hidefumi "Satisfaction"
After three sold out 7" singles and a contribution to "Readymade digs Classics", Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi finally has a first album coming out. Included are 4 songs from the now rare 7"'s, and a bunch of new recordings....
Posted on May 27, 2006 at 18:59. | Released on June 9, 2006
Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0004
The end of the month will see Usagi-chang Records's 4th "mini" night, featuring the label's regular DJ roaster and a MissWonda mini live. Let me use this occasion to remind PINE*am U.S. fans that the band will be playing in...
Posted on April 17, 2006 at 14:26. | Released on April 29, 2006
Sunaga t̀ Experience "A Letter from Allnighters"
After all those compilations released recently, it has finally come: a new Sunaga t̀ Experience album! This will be Sunaga Tatsuo's 3rd solo album, and might be yet a bit more jazzy than the previous ones. Out on Konishi day...
Posted on April 1, 2006 at 12:09. | Released on May 24, 2006
capsule "FRUITS CLiPPER"
Follow-up to "L.D.K. Lounge Designers Killer" released last September, a new capsule album is coming this May! They promise a high level of dancefloor-oriented electro-club music. There will be a limited edition, contaning a CD-sized vinyl record holding the song...
Posted on March 26, 2006 at 23:26. | Released on May 10, 2006
Pizzicato Five "pizzicato five we dig you"
This Pizzicato Five mix album will feature 5 minutes anything-goes P5 cut-up mixes by Sunaga Tatsuo, Tokiwa Hibiki, cubismo grafico, Yoshida Tetsuto, Handsomeboy Technique (who made his track's length 5:24!), Halfby, Boot Beat, Kawanishi Suguru... No need to mark your...
Posted on March 16, 2006 at 11:32. | Released on May 24, 2006
Zin-say! "Zin-say! Nagomu Collection"
I was really waiting for this one! Part of legendary indies label Nagomu's re-issue series, Zin-say!'s turn has finally come! Zin-say! was a pre-Denki Groove unit featuring Ishino Takkyū, Pierre Taki and friends. The concept involved simple new wave melodies,...
Posted on January 13, 2006 at 13:13. | Released on March 23, 2006
Peter Acco "Monday Morning"
Lengendary neo-mods/psychedelic rock band Hair's leader Ai Satteaux's Aquarius label is starting a series of "one coin CD-R singles", at the nice price of ¥500 each! They relate the concept to 80's punk sonosheets. I've been very pleased with Aquarius'...
Posted on December 15, 2005 at 11:29. | Released in December 2005
Various Artists "Steam Head Original Sound Track & More"
Comoesta Yaegashi produces an unexpected soundtrack for late night TV show "Steam kakarichō" (English title "Steam Head"). The soundtrack also features Plus-Tech Squeeze Box, Hase Hajimu, Sindbad, and Mr. comixstore (a new unit with Arai Toshiya (Kofta)). The vinyl edition...
Posted on November 18, 2005 at 21:19. | Released on December 1, 2005
Various Artists "World Standard.05 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Over a year after the previous installment, record banchō Sunaga Tatsuo is back with a new club mix CD of his popular "World Standard" series. Various Artists "World Standard.05 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-" 1. Roughneck / Eddie Roberts 2....
Posted on November 2, 2005 at 16:48. | Released on December 14, 2005
Futon "Give Me More!"
Thailand-based multi-cultural (Thai+Japan+UK) electro punk band Futon, who have contributed to Nomiya Maki's album "Party People" and who I've seen before at the Soi Music Festival in Bangkok, has a first Japan-released album coming out very soon! The album will...
Posted on October 7, 2005 at 13:26. | Released on October 12, 2005
Halfby "Green Hours"
Second Royal's Halfby has a first full album (as long as you consider "Half Works" as a mini album) coming soon! It includes 3 songs from the 12" "Rodeo Machine" released in April. Also check out the just out soundtrack...
Posted on August 26, 2005 at 16:07. | Released on October 5, 2005
Nomiya Maki "Party People"
Nomiya Maki's next album "Party People" will be out in October. Seems like she's back on the major scene, on the Avex label Rhythm Zone, news that goes hand in hand with her September single with m-flo "Big Bang Romance"....
Posted on August 11, 2005 at 09:52. | Released on October 12, 2005
Fantastic Plastic Machine "Sound Concierge #502"
A new mix CD in FPM's Sound Concierge series is coming out in August. The mix CD will contain a new FPM song, "Tell Me", from his forthcoming album expected in October! As usual, there will be a limited edition...
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 10:54. | Released on August 31, 2005
Asia Engineer "Oh! Deluxe Maxi"
Seems like I had missed this one, including a remix by Konishi Yasuharu. I saw one of Asia Engineer's videos and it seemed to me like they're sort of similar to Rip Slyme. Fun beats for the summer from the...
Posted on June 10, 2005 at 09:46. | Released on May 11, 2005
Hase Hajimu "Camp"
Hase Hajimu has a second album out soon, follow-up to the great "Radio" (2003). There will also be a 7" cut for the cover of Meredith Willson's "Till There Was You" (also covered by the Beatles), featuring Petty Booka! Details...
Posted on June 1, 2005 at 17:14. | Released on July 6, 2005
Ino Hidefumi "Spartacus / Blood is thicker than water" (7")
Second 7" single by Ebisu Tenement's owner Ino Hidefumi, artist highly recommended by the likes of Konishi Yasuharu and Sunaga Tatsuo. His first single, released in January, featured two Michael Jackson covers, "Never can say goodbye" and "Billie Jean". This...
Posted on May 18, 2005 at 17:23. | Released on May 20, 2005
Usagi-chang "Mini" Night vol.0003
Usagi-chang Records's 3rd "mini" night will feature all regular DJs and a macdonald duck eclair mini live. MDDE will perform some new songs from their upcoming album. Aprils' Imai Kentarō won't be present this time because he's off to Taiwan...
Posted on May 16, 2005 at 23:56. | Released on May 28, 2005
"Fugō Keiji" (5 DVDs)
Aired earlier this year, the fun detective TV series "Fugō Keiji" featuring Fukada Kyōko is being released on DVD. The series will be available both as a boxed set and as 5 separate DVDs containing 2 one-hour episode each. Unfortunately...
Posted on May 9, 2005 at 16:58. | Released on August 5, 2005
Various Artists "Yellow Magic kayōkyoku" & "Techno Magic kayōkyoku"
Two interesting compilations of 80's techno-pop/kayō, certainly containing a lot of gems, will be released in February at a relatively low price. The first compilation has 3 CDs and consists of only songs written/produced by Yellow Magic Orchestra members (Sakamoto...
Posted on December 7, 2004 at 17:54. | Released on February 23, 2005
Jon the Dog double-release
Jon, the singing and organ-playing dog (really a girl in a fantastic costume), has two interesting CDs coming out soon. The first, "Jon (inu) e, takkomu Disk deko" (「ジョン（犬）へ、たっこむディスク凸」), is a tribute album where no less than 18 artists cover...
Posted on December 3, 2004 at 11:33. | Released on December 10, 2004
Various Artists "Monster remix -Octopus-"
A remix album of songs from the TV animation series Monster is planned to be released, and will feature Sunaga t̀ Experience, Jazztronik, Toshiyuki GOTŌ, FreeTEMPO, Reggae Disco Rockers and more. Various Artists "Monster remix -Octopus-" Track list 1. GRAIN...
Posted on September 17, 2004 at 16:09. | Released on October 21, 2004
P&art Sasanoooha "panda to sasanoha"
High-energy breakbeats club unit P&art Sasanoooha from Osaka, who have remixed Pizzicato Five, Lupin the 3rd and Astro Boy, have a new full album coming out soon! Page announcing new album Homemade Records official site P&art Sasanoooha "panda to sasanoha"...
Posted on August 7, 2004 at 16:35. | Released on August 25, 2004
Nomoto Karia update
More info today about Nomoto Karia's upcoming album. First, the correct rōmaji spelling for the title has been revealed, "Karly". There's a new popup window at Readymade International showing pictures from the photo book (quite sexy!), which will be a...
Posted on June 12, 2004 at 13:30.
