Idiot Pop "Toy Pop."
Idiot Pop is a mysterious techno-pop artist who debuted in 2009 with a self-titled album. After the release of two mini-albums ("Idiography E.P" and "Idiography, Vol.2") came 2nd album "EXWORLD" in 2012. Now here's a first remix album "TOY POP"...
Posted on June 15, 2013 at 13:33. | Released on May 16, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
Sexy-Synthesizer feat. Chihiro "POP!"
8-bit unit Sexy-Synthesizer (official Facebook page) has a new mini-album out now, with the tag line "This is not 'ROCK' but 'POP!'" This features singer Chihiro who has appeared before on 2008 album "Sexy-Synthesizer presents Funky-Bit" (Amazon). The CD is...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 13:50. | Released on May 1, 2013
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no gyakushū"
Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album, actually a maniac selection of GS-oriented covers. Included are Tokyo Bravo's "Eleki de Swim" (1980, original on YouTube), Carmen Maki's "Noisy Baby" (1969, watch Kinoco Hotel's version below), Izumi Mishuko's "konya wa tottemo ikenai...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 10:33. | Released on May 1, 2013
michirurondo "I Love Baby"
Electro-pop singer-songwriter michirurondo has a 1st mini-album out now! The songs "BABY" and "hoshi ni negai o" were co-arranged and mixed by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō. In Tokyo, a free in-store live will be held on May 9 from 18:30...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 09:45. | Released on April 24, 2013
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? "Instantaneous" (DVD)
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? ("YMO?") is a project formed of Minimoog maestro Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) with rare vintage electronic instruments collector Morgan Fisher. This first show of theirs was held on November 3, 2012, and recorded using 10 video cameras....
Posted on April 23, 2013 at 23:26. | Released on April 24, 2013
Predawn "A Golden Wheel"
Female singer-songwriter and guitarist Predawn has a first full-length album coming. This follows mini-album "te no naka no tori" ("A Bird In The Hand", iTunes) released in 2010. Check out the brand new video below! Other audio samples can be...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 14:58. | Released on March 27, 2013
naomi & goro "Cafe Bleu Solid Bond"
Bossa nova unit naomi & goro's new album is a cover album of all songs off The Style Council's "Cafe Bleu" album (1984). The Style Council was Paul Weller's band, active through the 80's. All tracks can be sampled at...
Posted on March 3, 2013 at 23:27. | Released on March 6, 2013
Natsuki Mari "Impression group collection"
This album from singer and actress Natsuki Mari consists of the whole of mini-albums "La Marie en Septembre" (1995) and "gorilla" (1996), her first collaborations with producer Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five), as well as "inshōha" ("Impressionist", 1997) from her play...
Posted on January 28, 2013 at 22:16. | Released on February 6, 2013
CANDLES "Fantastic parallel world"
Indies electro unit Candles has a new mini-album coming on January 30. This is their 2nd physical release, following "Evolutional Form" released last May. On December 5th was also released 3-song digital single "Parallel world" on iTunes worldwide, from which...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 22:09. | Released on January 30, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "kimi ni 100 Percent / furisodeshon"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who will be turning 20 on January 29, has a new single to be released on the next day. This double-A-single contains "kimi ni 100 Percent", theme song of anime series "Crayon Shinchan", and new song "furisode-shon"...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 16:51. | Released on January 30, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Evolution (otonatachi no mikata Box)"
For those starting to get into Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, here's a boxed set of her 4 first releases (mini-album "moshimoshi Harajuku", singles "tsukematsukeru" and "Candy Candy" and album "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"), all in their limited edition format with the photo...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 13:13. | Released on December 19, 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
Panda 1/2 "bokura ga Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte e tabi ni deru riyū" (Download)
-->Panda 1/2 have a new song about their recent trip to Sri Lanka. It's available for download on iTunes worldwide, and also Amazon MP3 Japan & U.S. and Japan indies DRM-free site OTOTOY. Panda 1/2's singer Fujioka Minami will be...
Posted on November 15, 2012 at 22:54. | Released on November 14, 2012
fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer"
Techno-pop-punk unit fantaholic, formed of singer Satō Takako and machinist Takahashi Hiroki, has a first 5-song mini-album out now. fantaholic "Me, You, Synthesizer" 1. Welcome to Another World, Here You Are 2. Till the Party Ends 3. I'm Your Slave,...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:23. | Released on October 24, 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
akiko "Dark Eyes"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album being released this month. Recorded in New Orleans like previous mini-album "Swingy, Swingy", this one is produced by Ska Flames' Ōkawa Tsuyoshi, and features Dirty Dozen Brass Band's sousaphonist Kirk Joseph as well...
Posted on August 23, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on August 29, 2012
Sawagi "Punch Games"
Sawagi has a first full-length album coming. The band of guitar/bass/synths/drums has a concept of performing instrumental dance music entirely live, no programming involved, with hints of rock, jazz, funk and electro influences. This album follows the brilliant mini-album "hi...
Posted on July 30, 2012 at 22:25. | Released on August 8, 2012
Various Artists "Spa on the Moon" (Download)
The latest from Yasuda Toshiyuki is a concept mini-album featuring robot-bossa original song "Spa on the Moon", and covers of it by artists of various different genres. Find out more about each track on the official release page. Now available...
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 20:37. | Released on June 27, 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.
CANDLES "Evolutional Form"
After several years being active in the indies scene, electro-pop unit Candles have a first ever CD release! This comes as a mini-album of 6 songs. CANDLES "Evolutional Form" 1. Discovery 2. Stay With Me 3. Star Way 4. Infinity...
Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:10. | Released on May 30, 2012
esu-efu "Sing Future"
esu-efu-->esu-efu (pronounced "S.F.") is a brand new future-pop unit formed of Nomoto Karia and Vocaloid scene producer Captain Mirai. This first mini-album contains 4 songs and 2 remixes, by Riow Arai-->Riow Arai and Tofubeats. esu-efu "Sing Future" エスエフ 「Sing Future」...
Posted on May 20, 2012 at 11:22. | Released on May 23, 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
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
Towa Tei "MACH2012"
This new Towa Tei album consists of half-and-half new songs and remixes! New songs include "Wordy" (feat. 2-girl rap unit Bakubaku Dokin) and "Wunderland" which were released in advance digitally on Mach Beat. Dorian, Yasuda Toshiyuki and DJ Uppercut take...
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 20:39. | Released on May 2, 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.
Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful - selected by Shachō"
Here's a compilation of Japanese jazz, selected under the theme keyword "beautiful" by Soil & "Pimp" Sessions' agitator, Shachō. Featured artists include Ino Hidefumi, Calmera, Jazztronik, quasimode, PE'Z, of course Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and more. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful...
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 23:35. | Released on March 28, 2012
Nakamura Kazuyoshi "6 Remix'n Birds"
Singer-songwriter Nakamura Kazuyoshi, leader of J-rock band 100s, has a remix mini-album out just now. The originals aren't something I'd recommend, but the impressive list of remixers here is sure to draw attention, with Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), FPM, Yakenohara,...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:04. | Released on March 28, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Candy Candy"
Here's another new single from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). Title song "Candy Candy" is a tie-up with Glico's mint candy Breo. Check out the full video below. The TV commercials can be watched here....
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 22:53. | Released on April 4, 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
kotringo "La mémoire de mon bandwagon"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new mini-album in which she fronts a trio. She is accompanied by Murata Shige (Kuchiroro, Cubismo Grafico Five, Circle Darko) on bass and Kamiya Shunpei (akai kutsu) on drums. A full-length 4th album by kotringo...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 19:08. | Released on March 14, 2012
Okamura Yasuyuki "katei kyōshi"
Okamura Yasuyuki's 4th album, "katei kyōshi" (1990), is being re-issued as a high quality Blu-Spec CD. Plus, the album was remastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! The title translates to "home teacher". Lately the song "(E)na" can be heard covered by The...
Posted on February 15, 2012 at 21:00. | Released on February 15, 2012
Gig report: Love And Hates "L.A.H." release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday, February 5, was the release party for Love And Hates' 1st album "L.A.H." The event was held at Shinjuku Marz, starting at 5pm and to finish around 10!...
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 21:41.
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.
Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
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
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.7 - Candido Telefun - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
Here's a 4th release in this series of CD reissues of Sunaga Tatsuo's jazzy live mix tapes. Once again this was remastered from the DAT master tape, and is said to contain several Organ b. classics. Various Artists "Organ b....
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 21:32. | Released on November 25, 2011
Aira Mitsuki X Saori@destiny "X ~ Park of the Safari"
I'm a big fan of Aira Mitsuki, and have keeping an eye on her label-mate Saori@destiny as they're both produced by Terukado. It seems they've also been guesting at each other's shows lately, and now here's a collaboration album of...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:14. | Released on December 7, 2011
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
Toki Asako "sings the stories of 6 girls"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new mini-album of 6 songs. Included is a new version of "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~", previously released as a single, now also featuring singer Epo. The limited edition contains a DVD of 6 live songs...
Posted on November 21, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on November 23, 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
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
Various Artists "YMO Rewake"
Here's a tribute album to YMO featuring their most famous songs in brand new covers by various electro artists including Riow Arai, Calm, Tobeta Bajune as Macho Robot, etc. Coming this week on mysterious young label electric sheep. Check out...
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 23:10. | Released on September 1, 2011
Magic Party "2 tai 5"
Boy-girl unit Magic Party has a new mini-album with a concept of inviting 5 different artists to produce each track, hence the title that translates to "2 vs 5". Those producers are Konishi Yasuharu, Kaji Hideki, Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on August 17, 2011
Rhymester "Flashback, natsu."
Hip-hop unit Rhymester has a new mini-album that comes as a collection of summer-themed tracks. Included are collaborations with Crazy Ken Band's guitarist Onose Masao and pianist singer-songwriter Sakai Yū (the latter who appeared on compilation "utau Piano danshi"), and...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:59. | Released on July 27, 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.
Negicco "Get It On!"
Brought by Tower Records' new idol label T-Palette and out at the same time as "Vanilla Beans II", is this new mini-album by idol group Negicco. This trio comes from Niigata, and while being serious about their singing and dancing...
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:58. | Released on July 20, 2011
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "moshimoshi Harajuku"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, aka teenage fashion magazine model Kyary, has a first mini-album coming next month and it's produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! Of course it's right to expect more of his electro-pop sound. Check out the first video below...
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on August 17, 2011
Gig report: Maezono Naoki Group in-store at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday July 11 was held an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku with Maezono Naoki Group in promotion of 2nd album "tooku e." (translates to "To far away") released...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 22:37.
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.
Kaseki Cider "Sound Burger Planet"
Kaseki Cider is a rapper who debuted in the mid-90's with ties to the Shibuya-kei scene but then went into a long hiatus, 13 years later he's now back with a 3rd album that promises a lot of fun! This...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 01:21. | Released on June 29, 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.
Merpeoples "Metropolis"
This is the 2nd mini-album from Merpeoples, is an indie-pop band of 4 girls in their 20's formed in 2008. This release contains a cover of "i-ke-na-i Rouge Magic", a classic techno-kayō track by Imawano Kiyoshirō and Sakamoto Ryūichi. Watch...
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on April 13, 2011
Saori@destiny "Domestic domain"
Terukado-produced techno-pop singer Saori@destiny has a new mini-album coming this month. The song "Klaxon" is produced by singer-songwriter G.Rina. Check out the samples below. More are expected as long as people keep retweeting from Saori's Twitter account (the posts with...
Posted on June 5, 2011 at 14:01. | Released on June 15, 2011
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.
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.6 - 92.7 Organ b. FM - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
Following No.4 and No.5 last year, here's a re-issue of Sunaga Tatsuo's 6th of his famous live mix tape series, available for the first time on CD remastered from the master DAT source. With a concept of a nonexistent FM...
Posted on May 19, 2011 at 23:30. | Released on May 25, 2011
Nyantora "White E.P."
Nyantora, the solo project of Nakamura Kōji aka Nakakō (iLL, ex-Supercar), has what's being announced as a 5th album (although it looks more like a mini-album) coming this week. This is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori and contains a remix by...
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 22:33. | Released on May 18, 2011
Sakura gakuin "Sakura gakuin 2010nendo ~message~"
Here's the first album from idol group Sakura Gakuin. I'm bringing it up because the song "Dear Mr.Socrates", sung by sub-group Twinklestars (the "baton" section) is produced by ex-Cymbals' Okii Reiji, and despite the clear idol direction with the many...
Posted on April 28, 2011 at 00:19. | Released on April 27, 2011
Cubismo Grafico Five "Half Dozen"
Shortly following leader Chabe's first solo album "Me." (out on March 16), and last year album "Double Dozen", this is a new mini-album from Cubismo Grafico Five. A tour of Tokyo/Ozaka/Nagoya will follow the release, stopping on May 28 at...
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 00:04. | Released on April 13, 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
"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
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.
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
erectricmole "hōka no hirune"
Usagi-chang Records fans rejoice! The label's boss Suzuki Akira has started a new label, named flawless world. Now that's something exciting to look for in 2011 already! The first release is by new electro-pop unit erectricmole (MySpace). The unit is...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 21:33. | Released on January 12, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.
Gig report: Electronic World Cup 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound It's been a month already since I went to this really fun event titled "Electronic World Cup 2010". Organized by Kishino Yūichi (hige no mibōjin aka La veuve moustachue aka...
Posted on December 18, 2010 at 14:08.
Polysics "eee-P!!!"
Polysics have a new mini-album, celebrating their 10th anniversary since moving to a major label. This is also their first release since having left singer Kayo behind. There's a limited edition that comes with a DVD containing a documentary about...
Posted on December 8, 2010 at 00:07. | Released on December 8, 2010
Groove Unchant "Notre Musique"
DJ and producer Groove Unchant has a first full album out just now on Orange Records! Featured are vocalists Nomoto Karia, Hamasaki Yōko (Urbangarde), Pecombo, Suzuki Momoko and more, as well as remixes by Tanaka Tomonao (S-Klapp, Tremorela, One Four...
Posted on November 30, 2010 at 18:38. | Released on December 1, 2010
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.5 A Winter For New Age - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
Another of Sunaga Tatsuo's classic mix tapes is being released for the first time on CD, remastered from the master DAT tape. This mix brings together keywords such as free soul, Brazil, lounge, French and jazz. This is the 2nd...
Posted on November 20, 2010 at 12:10. | Released on November 19, 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
Gig report: Fantastic Explosion "Sounds In Space" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week, on Friday October 22, was Fantastic Explosion's release party for new mini-album "Sounds In Space". The event was held at heavysick ZERO, a small-sized 2-floor club in Nakano,...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 11:39.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "Goldfingers"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra's new mini-album is full of goodies! Collaborations with saxophonist Kikuchi Naruyoshi (DCPRG, Spank Happy) and New York-based pianist Uehara Hiromi, remixes by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and Sunaga Tatsuo, and covers of Frank Zappa and Charles Mingus....
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 01:23. | Released on October 27, 2010
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.3"
A third sampler compilation from Sazanami Label has been released, containing a total of 22 tracks with many previously unreleased ones, and the whole at a nice price too. Included is a new recording by sono na wa Spade (The...
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 22:07. | Released on September 22, 2010
Fantastic Explosion "Sounds In Space"
Fantastic Explosion (label ExT Recordings' MySpace) has a new mini-album coming this week! This succeeds the soundtrack for SF hero movie Hyperion released last year, though it's been 6 years since their previous original album "Return of Fantastic Explosion" (1994)....
Posted on September 19, 2010 at 15:45. | Released on September 22, 2010
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
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.
Ishino Takkyū "Cruise"
Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) has a new mini-album coming next week! This is his first original solo release since the "Title" series (2004). The first pressing comes as a digipak. All tracks can be sampled at his official site by...
Posted on August 14, 2010 at 12:03. | Released on August 18, 2010
Gig report: Fujimura Tohru + Yasuda Toshiyuki "Shimokitazawa Silent Disco"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Recently I got to go to an interesting event held in a café called Slow Comedy Factory in Shimokitazawa. Limited to some 30 people, as many seats as there were,...
Posted on August 5, 2010 at 23:50.
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kyūjitsu"
Girl neo-G.S. band Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album just around the corner. The title means "Marianne's holiday", and it consists of 6 covers of cult Showa kayō songs. Definitely hard to resist! The release is already available in advance...
Posted on August 1, 2010 at 20:50. | Released on August 4, 2010
KOR=GIRL "KOR=GIRL I"
A first mini-album from KOR=GIRL (MySpace) is coming this week! KOR=GIRL is a new unit of 2 girls who sing while banging Korg Wavedrums. It's produced by Terukado (Aira Mitsuki, Saori@destiny). It seems that the release had to face some...
Posted on July 18, 2010 at 11:57. | Released on July 21, 2010
CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"
There's a new techno-pop unit called CTO LAB., formed of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils). "CTO" standing for "Compact Techno Organization", the concept is to use small synthesizers and electronic instruments for making their music....
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 00:11. | Released on July 28, 2010
kazunari seto "Black de ikō"
Osaka trumpeter Seto Kazunari (MySpace) presents his first mini-album which describes as instrumental techno-pop with catchy melodies. Audio samples at MySpace kazunari seto "Black de ikō" 瀬戸一成 「ブラックでいこう」 1. nusumareta jitensha wa tsugi no hi mitsukatta 2. Balkan Merengue 3....
Posted on July 6, 2010 at 08:47. | Released on July 11, 2010
RUBY "RUBY"
New-comer unit RUBY, featuring whisper-voiced singer Lily, presents a first mini-album with sounds of dreamy electro-pop with hints of post-rock and shoegazing, some of which remind me of MissWonda. Included is a cover of Kahimi Karie's "Mike Alway's Diary", and...
Posted on June 20, 2010 at 22:52. | Released on March 31, 2010
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.4 Gemini IV Space Nova! - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
This classic live mix tape by Sunaga Tatsuo has been remastered to be released for the first time on CD later this month. This will be available at specialized record shops such as Jet Set, DMR and Disk Union. Pre-order...
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 13:30. | Released in June 2010
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "6 FORCE" in-store live at Ishimaru Soft
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This Tuesday, the day before the release of mini-album "6 FORCE", Aira Mitsuki gave her first in-store show of a promo tour. I went to have a peek. Held on the 7th...
Posted on June 3, 2010 at 00:04.
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Renix" (Download)
Electro-lounge artist Yasuda Toshiyuki has a first remix mini-album out now, for download only on iTunes worldwide. Included are 3 original songs plus remixes by Los Recyclers, Suzywan, Digiki and Little Nobody. Read the artist's liner notes on his web...
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 20:31. | Released on May 26, 2010
Gig report: Vanilla Beans release in-store event at HMV Shibuya
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Vanilla Beans have a new mini-album titled "Def & Def" out this week. They're doing in-store live shows through the weekend to promote it, and I went to see the first one...
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 00:04.
Aira Mitsuki "6 FORCE"
Here comes a new release from techno-pop idol Aira Mitsuki, a first mini-album since her 2nd album "PLASTIC" last summer. This release is announced as marking the beginning of a "2nd season". We do notice some change in the visuals,...
Posted on May 20, 2010 at 22:16. | Released on June 2, 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
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.
Aira Mitsuki "Heat My Love", Aira Mitsuki sync. Sawagi "LEVEL5" (Download)
Aira Mitsuki has 2 new songs out now on iTunes, ahead of a new mini-album titled "6 FORCE" coming on June 2. "LEVEL5" features instrumental band Sawagi which perform club music live on keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. The mini-album...
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 23:01. | Released on May 5, 2010
KOR=GIRL "KIYOMIZU" (Download)
A brand new unit called KOR=GIRL debuted today with this download-only release. Described as a "2-girl beat hitting unit", the two sing and hit Korg Wavedrums. The producer behind this is Terukado, same as for Aira Mitsuki and Saori@destiny. This...
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 22:42. | Released on May 5, 2010
Vanilla Beans "Def & Def"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new mini-album titled "Def & Def", after the song they sing in a commercial for unisex deodorant "D&D" (this one stands for "Deo & Dry"). The song is included here in two different versions,...
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 23:08. | Released on May 19, 2010
SAWA "ai ni iku yo"
Club-style female singer SAWA (MySpace) has a 5th mini-album coming soon. Included are tracks produced by Ram Rider and Jazzin' Park, and a remix by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD. Audio samples at MySpace SAWA "ai...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:29. | 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.
mini "Are U Ready?"
New-comer mini, a model for gal fashion magazines, has a first single coming, sounding like electro-rock. A remix by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). A limited edition contains a bonus DVD, and comes with a slightly different jacket. Watch the video at...
Posted on February 26, 2010 at 23:22. | Released on March 3, 2010
Various Artists "Kirakira Majocco Cluv"
This looks like it might be a real gem of a compilation! The concept is of idols singing theme songs of anime series about magical girls, and tracks are produced by various club-oriented artists. Featured singers include Shinohara Tomoe and...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on February 10, 2010
The Aprils "Back To The Future Music", "Space Dream Bathroom"
First thing to look forward to in 2010 is The Aprils' new 4th album, titled "Back To The Future Music"! We can expect again more of that great band-style future-pop sound. The album's first pressing comes with a bonus CD...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 15:15. | Released on January 6, 2010
DG-10 "Golden Synthesizer!"
A new mini-album from DG-10, the 3-girl unit featuring music made with the Korg DS-10. This one contains covers of Ghibli's "kaze no tani no Nausicaa", "Ghostbusters" and Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", plus one new original song. The CD contains...
Posted on December 22, 2009 at 23:39. | Released on December 23, 2009
