Yakenohara "Sunny New Life"
Rapper Yakenohara has a 2nd album coming this month. Featured guests include Dorian, Beta Panama, Kicell, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, LUVRAW (LUVRAW & BTB) and more. Yakenohara "Sunny New Life" やけのはら 「SUNNY NEW LIFE」 1. INTO THE SUNNY PLACE 2. HELTER-SKELTER 3. RELAXIN'...
Posted on March 5, 2013 at 23:25. | Released on March 20, 2013
capsule "rewind BEST-1 (2012-2006)", "rewind BEST-2 (2005-2001)"
Not one but two greatest hits albums coming from capsule, rewinding through the years from their most recent works (album "World of Fantasy") to the early beginnings ("haikara Girl"). All selected by Nakata Yasutaka, "rewind BEST-1" will guide you around...
Posted on February 19, 2013 at 23:41. | Released on March 6, 2013
Kayano Yoshiaki "This is the life" (Download)
Trumpeter Kayano Yoshiaki has a new 2-track single out now on Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen LAB. Both instrumentals have rhythm guitar that stands out. Kayano was a member of Nomiya Maki's band for her 30th anniversary show. Kayano Yoshiaki...
Posted on February 17, 2013 at 12:12. | Released on February 13, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Lyrics"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), who this year celebrates 10 years of solo activity, has a new album coming. While several of the songs here have been previously released in demo form for free on the "Takeshi Lab" section of his web...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on February 6, 2013
Isao Tomita "Symphony Ihatov"
Composer and synthesizer artist Tomita Isao meets Hatsune Miku, put in the middle of an orchestra of over 300 (including choir) for this symphony performed on stage. This album was recorded live on November 23, 2012 at Tokyo Opera City,...
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 00:13. | Released on January 23, 2013
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "1.2.3.4" (Download)
Rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, characterized by its real band and real twin MCs (the Kamisuzuki brothers), has a new 2-track single out now on iTunes worldwide! Like the previous "P.O.P LAB", this comes from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen LAB digital label....
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on January 9, 2013
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah'"
Cornelius' new album is the soundtrack to NHK educative short series "Design Ah" (Ah = hiragana character あ) for which he was in charge of all music. Featured musicians include Chocolat, Minekawa Takako, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), salyu x salyu...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:54. | Released on January 23, 2013
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio "Day & Midnight"
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio, featuring Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and Furukawa Taichi (aka TA-1, ex-Riddim Saunter), has a first album out now. This mainly consists of covers of Japanese songs (and some covers of Japanese covers of foreign songs). Both...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 23:46. | Released on December 19, 2012
MimiCof "KotoLyra"
MimiCof (official Facebook page), the solo project of Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano, has a 2nd album out now on Japanese label Progressive Form. Hear the album trailer clip below, and more samples at SoundCloud. Also check out first album...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 12:08. | Released on December 15, 2012
Chocolat "No Regrets"
Chocolat has been singing for 15 years, and this is an album of her greatest hits, songs written by the likes of Kaji Hideki, Kanda Tomoki, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza), and more. Also included is brand...
Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on December 12, 2012
Iga-Bang BB "Bang! Bang!" (Download)
Iga-Bang BB, a big band of 17 musicians led by trombonist Igarashi Makoto, has a 2nd EP available on iTunes worldwide through Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab label. Breakbeats jazz track "Fractale" ranked #1 in iTunes Japan's jazz chart on release...
Posted on December 5, 2012 at 23:09. | Released on December 5, 2012
Various Artists "Dancing After 1AM"
Indies rock compilation "Dancing After 1AM" album is from label Call And Response specializing in post-punk, new wave, often a bit on the noisy rock side, nevertheless a definitely pleasant listen for even my pop-oriented ears. Here are all new...
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on October 17, 2012
spoon+ "hear"
Indies electro-pop unit spoon+'s 2nd album "hear" has just been released. spoon+ will hold a one-man show at Shimokitazawa MOSAiC on November 24. Reservations can be made here. spoon+ "hear" 1. LIP CRAP 2. delicious & journey 3. me &...
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 00:00. | Released on November 8, 2012
Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic 002" (Download)
This month from Delicatessen LAB (Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label) is a new EP by saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke. This is a follow-up to "shumusic" released in May. This 2 new EP of sax-led danceable funky instrumentals seems to be available on...
Posted on November 7, 2012 at 20:42. | Released on November 7, 2012
Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
mi-gu "Choose The Light"
mi-gu, the unit of drummer Araki Yuko and Shimizu Hirotaka (both also of part of The Cornelius Group, If By Yes, and Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band), has a 3rd album out now on Chimera Music in the U.S. The...
Posted on October 5, 2012 at 00:26. | Released on October 2, 2012
Yapani! "Yapani!Lab." (Download)
This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Lab are two original funky tunes by instrumental brass rock band Yapani!. This single has already made it to #1 on iTunes Japan's jazz chart! Yapani! can be caught live on October...
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 20:27. | Released on October 3, 2012
quasimode "Soul Cookin'"
Jazz quartet quasimode has a 6th original album coming. Featured are guests including Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) and Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition comes as a high fidelity HQCD (plays in normal CD players), and a bonus DVD...
Posted on October 1, 2012 at 23:25. | Released on October 3, 2012
Yashiro Aki "Songs Around Midnight"
Yashiro Aki is a famous enka singer who has been around since the early 70's. This time she releases her first jazz album, and it's produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! Included are covers of well-known songs from the world...
Posted on September 30, 2012 at 01:19. | Released on October 10, 2012
Yakushimaru Etsuko "yamiyami / Lonely Planet"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new double-A-side single out now! "yamiyami" is a song that was featured on NHK's "minna no uta", while "Lonely Planet" is a post-themed (as in postal service) 15-minute piece featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and Nagai...
Posted on September 26, 2012 at 00:30. | Released on September 26, 2012
Julia Oki "É da Julia"
This is the debut album of Julia Oki, her music described as Japanese Brazilian Crossover. The album is produced by jazz singer-songwriter akiko, and this also features artists such as Nakatsuka Takeshi, Shimizu Hirotaka (The Cornelius Group), Miura Makoto, and...
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on September 5, 2012
Keiko "Journey" (Download)
Keiko (pianist of Vanilla Mood) has a 2-song solo single out now on Delicatessen Lab, the digital label of Nakatsuka Takeshi. It's already climbing up iTunes Japan's jazz charts, and seems to be available worldwide. Keiko "Journey" 1. Journey 2....
Posted on September 5, 2012 at 20:26. | Released on September 5, 2012
Cornelius "CM4"
Cornelius has a new collection of his remixes and mixes for other artists over the last few years. Titled "CM4", it contains tracks by Nomiya Maki, sōtaiseiriron, Yoko Ono, If By Yes (band formed of Yuka Honda, Petra Haden, Araki...
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 00:15. | Released on September 5, 2012
Gotye "Eyes Wide Open (Remix Bundle)" (Download)
Cornelius has contributed a track to the remix EP for Belgian-Australian artist Gotye's hit track "Eyes Wide Open" (original on YouTube) from latest album "Making Mirrors". This is available on iTunes worldwide, and also Amazon MP3 U.S. at least. Gotye...
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on August 22, 2012
COMA* "idea" (Download)
COMA*, described as a genre-less electro band with a danceable sound, is featured this month on Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab digital label. Lead track "P.O.P" has already managed to get a #1 in iTunes Japan's jazz chart! COMA* can be...
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on August 1, 2012
Various Artists "Red Diamond ~Tribute to Yukihiro Takahashi~"
This is a tribute album to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Takahashi Yukihiro who celebrated his 60th anniversary last June 6. Included are new covers of Takahashi's songs from his whole career. O/S/T (Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Sunahara Yoshinori and Towa Tei) offers...
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 13:37. | Released on August 8, 2012
YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (Download)
Here's a 3rd digital single from mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai. Same formula as before, with the song released in both Japanese and English. The sexy video (seen below) was directed...
Posted on July 17, 2012 at 22:30. | Released on July 15, 2012
Fishmans+ "A Piece of Future"
Fishmans is a band that's been around for now over 20 years. After a long hiatus they came back at the beginning of 2011 under the name Fishmans+, and together with a vast number of collaborators they have made efforts...
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 18:53. | Released on July 11, 2012
Sally Soul Stew "Blue Angel Deluxe"
Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Phantom GIft), has released a deluxe CD edition of its latest 7", "anata ni maketa no" (2010). The band also features singers Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), Lemon, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro...
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 10:22. | Released on June 27, 2012
Iga-Bang BB "Bang!" (Download)
This month from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen Lab digital label is a release by Iga-Bang BB, a big band of 17 musicians led by trombonist Igarashi Makoto. This first release from the band contains 2 original songs. This is another instant...
Posted on July 4, 2012 at 23:21. | Released on July 4, 2012
Nag Ar Juna "How Many Friends Can Die Happily?"
Brand new from White Lily Records is a first album by Nag Ar Juna. Behind this strange name is the band project of Hashimoto Tatsuki, better known for his production works for the likes of Harvard and Kaji Hideki, and...
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on July 4, 2012
Gig report: Vanilla Beans one-man live vol.4
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday June 17, I went to see Vanilla Beans who were holding their 4th one-man live. I had been to the first held in December 2009 (report), and have...
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 23:35.
Teams "Teams X White Lily Remixes"
Coming next from HNC's White Lily Records is a release of LA-based electro unit Teams (funnily borrowed from label White Iris Records). Included are 4 original tracks plus 5 remixes by White Lily's current roaster and friends. Featured are HNC,...
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on June 25, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Veiled by Reverb" (Download)
Following "Roll of Love" released in April, here's a 2nd song from mishmash*, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog), feat. Julie Watai. Like last time, the song has being released in both Japanese and English versions. The full-length music...
Posted on June 14, 2012 at 22:14. | Released on June 13, 2012
Shonen Knife "Pop Tune"
Shonen Knife, who celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, have a new album out now! A special site for the album has been set up here with plenty to read (in English too!), such as this comment from Marty Friedman...
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 23:39. | Released on June 6, 2012
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "P.O.P LAB" (Download)
Identical twins rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA have a new 2-song digital EP out now! This is the 2nd monthly release from Nakatsuka Takeshi's "Delicatessen LAB" digital label. Released just today, lead track "At, we now..." is already comfortably sitting at...
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 22:09. | Released on June 6, 2012
Miyauchi Yuri "Tone After Tone"
Miyauchi Yuri has a new album out this week, featuring none other than Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) as a guest musician throughout, it seems, and also Kanda Tomoki for engineer. Miyauchi Yuri "Tone After Tone" 宮内優里 「トーンアフタートーン」 1. toaf_ 2. digo_...
Posted on June 4, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on June 6, 2012
Gig report: Beat Communist vol.10: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kaji Hideki, akiko, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday May 26 was the 10th edition of the "Beat Communist" event presented by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), which is regularly held every 3 months at jazz club JZ Brat....
Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:20.
EA "Météo"
Electro unit EA, formed of half-French half-Japanese singer Maika Leboutet and guitarist Shinya Saitō, has a first mini-album out now. The recording also features drummer Araki Yūko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group, If By Yes). EA "Météo" 1. Red block on...
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 22:27. | Released on May 9, 2012
Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi. The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also...
Posted on May 10, 2012 at 21:35. | Released on May 2, 2012
Meg "La japonaise"
This new album by Meg, who had escaped to France for a while, is mainly a collection of anime covers previously released on iTunes in France only. Included are tracks produced by Konishi Yasuharu, Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), 2 ANIMEny DJs...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 11:51. | Released on April 25, 2012
Various Artists "Girly Graffiti ~a letter from Paris~", "~from Liverpool with love~"
Two releases of this new series of cover compilations (all new recordings) titled "Girly Graffiti", both of which are have ties with the Orange Records family. The first one, an album of French-pop covers (though somehow "Da Da Da" made...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 09:56. | Released on April 18, 2012
mishmash* Julie Watai "Roll of Love", "koi no tamashii" (Download)
Mishima Toyoaki (blog) has been a long-time programmer for Cornelius, and recently started his own unit called mishmash*! His first track features Julie Watai (JulieHally, model, photographer) on vocals, and it's now available in both Japanese and English on iTunes...
Posted on April 20, 2012 at 00:04. | Released on April 14, 2012
Various Artists "The Girl from Ipanema ~Antonio Carlos Jobim Tribute~"
Here's a tribute album to Tom Jobim featuring various young Japanese electronica artists. The whole is produced by Tobeta Bajune who has developed close ties with YMO and friends over the recent years. Sounds like a good way to revisit...
Posted on April 19, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on April 11, 2012
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer" (7")
Tokyo Killer is the instrumental surf unit of Kinoco Hotel's super guitarist Keme (aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa), and here's a first release coming as a 7" EP of 4 songs. 3 of the songs had been sold last year on CD-R...
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:50. | Released on April 4, 2012
Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
Various Artists "Crue-L Café"
From Crue-L Records comes this new compilation titled "Crue-L Café", full of songs that are either brand new, previously unreleased or available for the first time on CD! (All except for Tucker's track which is from his latest album.) The...
Posted on March 17, 2012 at 19:20. | Released on March 19, 2012
m-flo "Square One"
Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)
salyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:10. | Released on February 1, 2012
capsule "STEREO WORXXX"
Here's a new album from capsule, follow-up to "World Of Fantasy" released May last year. With a title like "STEREO WORXXX", we're definitely in for some dancing material! The album is said to include the theme song from upcoming movie...
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on March 7, 2012
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
Nomiya Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"
Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 13:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
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 "The Chocolate Factory" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi, eli (ex-Love Tambourines), Small Circle of Friends and P.O.P Orchestra have all collaborated together to create this 5-song mini-album, out now on iTunes worldwide. A release party will be held at Daikanyama Loop on December 11. Details at...
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 23:49. | Released on December 7, 2011
Love and Hates "L.A.H."
Love and Hates, the girl party unit of Yuppa (HNC) and Moe (Miila and the Geeks) has finally a first album coming, after several cassettes that all sold out almost instantly! 17 tracks are included, totaling 36 minutes (2:07 average)....
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 17:27. | Released on December 7, 2011
Dorian "Studio Vacation EP" (12")
4 great tracks from Mr. Tropical Disco Dorian (MySpace)'s 2nd album "Studio Vacation" have been released on 12". DJ's with a weak spot for 80's taste tracks don't miss this! Check out the video below, and also our report of...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:38. | Released on November 18, 2011
Various Artists "Ghibli Jazz Remix"
This latest Ghibli remix compilation features a lot of the best artists from the pico-pico scene. Check out what The Aprils, YMCK, The Lady Spade, Dr.Usui (Motocompo), milch of source (EeL's producer), Candles, Ram Rider, Boot Beat et al. have...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:36. | Released on November 16, 2011
Salon Music "Sleepless Sheep"
Japanese new wave band Salon Music debuted 30 years ago, and had an important place in the 90's Shibuya-kei scene releasing many albums on Trattoria. Here they're back after 9 years since their previous album "New World Record" (2002, Amazon)....
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
coltemonikha "coltemonikha Best" (CD+DVD)
coltemonikha, the unit of fashion designer Kate Sakai (blog) produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), has a new CD coming this December. This is actually a compilation of all songs from the two previously released great mini-albums (with the exception...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on December 14, 2011
Luvraw & BTB "Hotel Pacifica"
Yokohama-based mellow talkbox duo Luvraw & BTB (MySpace) have a 2nd album coming. Their previous album was "Yokohama City Blues" released in summer 2010. This time they aim at making a soundtrack for fall evenings. Included is a cover of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 11:50. | Released on October 19, 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
La Casa Azul "Cerca de Shibuya"
Shibuya-kei-friendly Spanish band La Casa Azul has what I believe is a first Japanese release out just last week. The title translating to "Somewhere near Shibuya", this comes as a greatest hits album of songs from their previous Spanish releases...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:39. | Released on August 31, 2011
Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
Hotei with Fellows "All Time Super Guest"
Guitarist Hotei Tomoyasu, now celebrating his 30 years of music, has a greatest hits album coming this week under the form of collaborations featuring various guest artists, hence the title "Super Guest" (vs "Best"). The songs are from his solo...
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on August 17, 2011
salyu x salyu "hanashitai anata to" (Download)
A new song by salyu x salyu again produced by Cornelius (who produced her recent album salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams") is now available for download on iTunes Japan. The song, of which the title translates to "I want to talk...
Posted on August 10, 2011 at 00:29. | Released on August 10, 2011
Dorian "studio vacation"
Dorian (MySpace), keyboardist and MC-909 master aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a new album coming to help us survive the rest of this hot summer. The song "summer rich" features singer hitomitoi. The album's title leaves us wondering whether Dorian...
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:32. | Released on August 10, 2011
Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco release day in-store event
Text by Patrick for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Vanilla Beans' 2nd full-length original album "Vanilla Beans II"! They are now touring several record stores around the Kantō area in a promotion rush, but it all...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:00.
Gig report: Yellow Magic Orchestra U.S. shows, with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter, Towa Tei
Text, photos and videos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two reports of Yellow Magic Orchestra shows held in California last month (June 26 at Hollywood Bowl, L.A., with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and Towa...
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 20:13.
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans II"
Idol duo Vanilla Beans comes back to us on their Nordic winds with a brand new album full of yet unheard tracks! This includes new catchy pop track "älskar dig" (watch a live performance on YouTube) that's an answer song...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on July 20, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Black Screen" (Download)
Nakatsuka Takeshi has a brand new club track available on iTunes (Japan) only. The song was made especially for a TV commercial for DoCoMo's SH-12C phone, which can be viewed here. A music video is planned to be made available...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 19:11. | Released on June 22, 2011
Vanilla Beans "tengoku e no kaidan (Stairway To Heaven)"
Vanilla Beans are back this summer with a 2nd original album coming in July, but first here's a "one-coin" single that contains new covers of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" (!) and Pizzicato Five's "Baby Portable Rock", along with two...
Posted on June 25, 2011 at 19:43. | Released on June 29, 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
Gig report: Saori@destiny "Domestic domain" release event
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Saori@destiny's new mini-album "Domestic domain", and she is doing a series of mini live shows at Shosen Book Tower, a book and entertainment store...
Posted on June 17, 2011 at 00:12.
Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco press conference
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight was a special press conference for idol groups Vanilla Beans and Negicco, held at Tower Records Shibuya's Stage One venue downstairs. It was in a way open to the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 23:58.
Jazztronik "Dig Dig Dig"
Jazztronik, the solo unit of Nozaki Ryōta, has a new album coming next week with a theme of "dancing" and sounds of funk, disco, acid-jazz, techno and hip-hop. This features guests such as Swedish-Japanese singer Maia Hirasawa, and also the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on June 8, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
Gig report: Hikashu & Shinohara Tomoe at The Japan Society, NYC
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Back in late 2009 Tomoe asked to let her listen to some Hikashu (MySpace) tracks, specifically "Biro Biro", a classic 1980 released track of theirs because...
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 23:22.
Gig report: "Swing in the JICOO" with Nakatsuka Takeshi
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday, May 7, was another swinging cruise hosted by Nakatsuka Takeshi aboard JICOO, the water bus-turned-floating bar designed by manga artist Matsumoto Leiji. The event was a sort of...
Posted on May 12, 2011 at 22:58.
Towa Tei "Sunny"
Towa Tei is back with a brand new, 6th album! "Sunny" is the 3rd of a trilogy started with "Flash" and "Big Fun". Featured guests include Hatori Miho (Cibo Matto), Takahashi Yukihiro, Hosono Haruomi (both YMO), Yasuda Toshiyuki, Natural Calamity,...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on May 11, 2011
Gig report: Farm Party #6: Abikyokan, Hosaka Akane, Young Fratellis, N'toko
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 22 was a fun event held at Asagaya GaMuSo, of the Farm Party series organized by the great Tokyo Gig Guide. Started just last year, it was...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:49.
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
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "Aliginment EP"
Towa Tei, who has a new album coming in May (stay tuned for details!), has a new EP under the Sweet Robots Against The Machine moniker available at his Mach Beat digital store. It has been 9 years since SRATM's...
Posted on April 23, 2011 at 13:34. | Released on April 21, 2011
Beastie Boys "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (Japanese edition)"
The Japanese edition of the Beastie Boys' new album comes with a bonus remix by... Cornelius! It will also be out a week early on April 27. The remix is of "Make Some Noise" of which the original can currently...
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 23:12. | Released on April 27, 2011
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams"
Singer Salyu has a new album coming this month under the name "salyu x salyu" ("salyu by salyu"), and music is written and produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) who she says made her discover new things about her voice. This...
Posted on March 5, 2011 at 14:52. | Released on April 13, 2011
Dorian "Melodies Memories EP.2" (12")
Dorian's 2nd 12" EP from album "Melodies Memories" is now out! This one contains one of my favorites, "Nasty Ice Cream", as well as other great tracks such as the dreamy "Crystal Girl". Audio samples at Jet Set Dorian "Melodies...
Posted on March 3, 2011 at 22:13. | Released on March 4, 2011
Sunahara Yoshinori "liminal"
That's it! Finally a 5th album by Sunahara Yoshinori! Following last year's EP "subliminal", this one is called... "liminal"! Can you believe it's been 10 years since his previous full-length album, "Lovebeat"? The limited edition comes with a DVD with...
Posted on March 2, 2011 at 23:19. | Released on April 6, 2011
Sloppy Joe "With Kisses Four"
The next offering from HNC's White Lily Records is this 1st full-length album by Sloppy Joe, guitar-pop band of five that debuted with a mini-album and 7" in 2006. Artwork is by Yuppa (HNC). A few audio samples at White...
Posted on February 26, 2011 at 00:21. | Released on March 9, 2011
If By Yes "Salt On Sea Glass"
If By Yes is a new all-star band led of Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) with Petra Haden (that dog., The Rentals), Araki Yuko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group) and Shimizu Hirotaka (also of The Cornelius Group)! This first album also features...
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 22:27. | Released on March 2, 2011
Gig report: Ohno Yumiko "The Rainy Table" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Friday was a public holiday, Japan's National Foundation Day, and early evening I went to Roppongi SuperDeluxe for an event organized by multi-talent Ohno Yumiko of Buffalo Daughter. Yumiko...
Posted on February 14, 2011 at 22:52.
Various Artists "mahō no tenshi Creamy Mami kōshiki Tribute Album"
In the same line as last year's "Kirakira Majocco Cluv", here's another cover compilation this time focusing on amine series "Creamy Mami" (title translates to "Magical Angel Creamy Mami Official Tribute Album). This again features Shinohara Tomoe and many various...
Posted on February 11, 2011 at 13:28. | Released on February 9, 2011
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "???" tour final
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday I had the chance to catch Aira Mitsuki's last stop of her tour for the release of latest album "???". The show was held at Ebisu LiquidRoom on January 30....
Posted on February 6, 2011 at 22:56.
Dorian "Melodies Memories EP.1" (12")
Cuts from Dorian's excellent first album "Melodies Memories" are being released on 12". This first EP contains "Shooting Star", the collaboration with Nanao Tavito and rapper Yakenohara, song from 1st video clip "Morning Calling", the cover of Denice Williams' "Free",...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 14:04. | Released on January 7, 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
Various Artists "utau Piano danshi"
Here's a first compilation on Delicatessen Recordings, the label of Nakatsuka Takeshi. The title translates to "singing piano guys", and indeed features male singer-songwriters, a few of the songs mainly just piano and vocals while over half is more band-...
Posted on December 7, 2010 at 23:10. | Released on December 8, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "hagane no onna - She's a steely woman"
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced this jazzy soundtrack for TV series "hagane no onna", aired earlier this year on TV Asahi. This features members of quasimode and Tropical Jazz Big Band (aka nettai Jazz gakudan). This has been released earlier on...
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 22:29. | Released on November 17, 2010
Kaji Hideki to Riddim Saunter "Teens Film"
Kaji Hideki's new album is fully backed by band Riddim Saunter. All songs are written by Kaji-kun except for a cover of Captain Sensible "Happy Talk" (1982). Kaji Hideki to Riddim Saunter "Teens Film" カジヒテキとリディム・サウンタ－ 「TEENS FILM」 1. akogare 2....
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 16:16. | Released on November 3, 2010
Cornelius "Fantasma" (2CD+DVD)
It's been 13 years since the release of "Fantasma", Cornelius' masterpiece that won him worldwide recognition. Here it is reissued entirely remastered, by none other than Sunahara Yoshinori! The limited edition comes with a bonus CD of rare tracks, remixes...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 15:57. | Released on November 3, 2010
