Full-text search results for Ani

  1. Kirinji "Ten"
    Here comes Kirinji's final album, as the Horigome brothers are calling it quits after 17 years making music together. This follows 9th album "Super View" released just last November. Younger brother Horigome Yasuyuki is expected to move on with a...
    Posted on March 21, 2013 at 23:27. | Released on March 27, 2013
  2. Crystal "Vanish Into Light" (12")
    Here's a 2nd original solo 12" from Crystal (Traks Boys, ((((surround)))), follow-up to "Heavenly Overtone" released in December 2011 (also available on compilation "Crue-L Café"). Included are two versions of new track "Vanish Into Light" that's being defined as "shoegazer...
    Posted on February 24, 2013 at 23:09. | Released on February 23, 2013
  3. Hanazawa Kana "claire"
    This is the first album by anime voice actress Hanazawa Kana. This seems to have a good dose of Shibuya-kei, as the whole is sound produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), with some songs written by Kaji Hideki ("Library de...
    Posted on February 20, 2013 at 23:25. | Released on February 20, 2013
  4. Denki Groove "Human Beings and Animals"
    Denki Groove is back with a brand new album! Their previous was 20th anniversary album "20" (2009). Album versions of singles "Upside Down" (2009), "Shameful" (2012) and "Missing Beatz" (2013) are included, as well as a cover of The Monkees'...
    Posted on February 10, 2013 at 23:28. | Released on February 27, 2013
  5. Hanazawa Kana "Silent Snow"
    This is a 4th single by Hanazawa Kana, a voice actress who debuted as a singer last year. All songs are written by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table), and the title song has strings arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (yume to...
    Posted on January 15, 2013 at 22:20. | Released on January 16, 2013
  6. kotringo "tsubame Novelette"
    Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album to be released this week. This is a concept album starring a white swallow (tsubame). In addition to songs with the 3-piece band from previous album "La mémoire de mon bandwagon", woodwind...
    Posted on January 14, 2013 at 12:40. | Released on January 16, 2013
  7. Perfume "mirai no Museum"
    Perfume has a new single coming at the end of February, and the title song is being used as the new ending theme of anime series "Doraemon" (TV Asahi every Friday from 19:00). It will also be used as the...
    Posted on January 12, 2013 at 01:09. | Released on February 27, 2013
  8. Gig report: Beat Communist vol.12: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Iga-Bang BB, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, Aoki Karen, Rie Fu
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound My last show of 2012 was Beat Communist, a regular event organized by Nakatsuka Takeshi every 2 or 3 months at cool jazz lounge JZ Brat located in Cerulian Tower,...
    Posted on January 5, 2013 at 12:42.
  9. Denki Groove "Missing Beatz"
    This month Denki Groove are back with a new single coming, a pop tune titled "Missing Beatz". This comes ahead of a new 13th album to be released on February 27, about which full details have yet to be announced...
    Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:24. | Released on January 16, 2013
  10. 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
  11. Nona Reeves "Hippy Christmas / Live Thirteen"
    Nona Reeves have been making a tradition of doing a Christmas show every year at Shibuya Club Quattro, and year 2012 saw its 14th edition. This live album release is of the show from the previous year (the 13th) held...
    Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on December 19, 2012
  12. Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
    Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
  13. Original Soundtrack "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo"
    Konishi Yasuharu produced the music for TV drama "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo", about a 19-year-old girl who suddenly arrives to Tokyo to look for her father she hadn't met for 15 years. This series is from the makers of "Dekawanko" and...
    Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:09. | Released on November 28, 2012
  14. LAMA "Modanica"
    Following single "Parallel Sign", here comes a brand new 2nd album from LAMA. The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of what seems to be 5 videos of songs from first album "New!" (2011). The Modanica tour will stop...
    Posted on December 18, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on December 12, 2012
  15. Sekitova "premature moon and the shooting star"
    Sekitova is a high school student DJ and deep-house artist who debuted last year on acclaimed net label Maltine Records. He has now started his own label, Zamstak, of which the first release is his own album. Definitely worth a...
    Posted on December 12, 2012 at 23:48. | Released on December 5, 2012
  16. Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no yūwaku"
    Organ-led girl GS band Kinoco Hotel has a new original album coming up, consisting of 10 brand new songs. Kinoco Hotel will be play 2 nights at Tokyo Kinema Club on December 8 and 9. Also on December 20 will...
    Posted on December 4, 2012 at 23:06. | Released on December 5, 2012
  17. LAMA "Parallel Sign"
    Here's a new single from LAMA. B-side "Seven Swell -based on 'Niji'-" is, as the title says, inspired by Denki Groove's hit song "Niji", and a short version video clip made by the team behind "Eureka Seven OA" can be...
    Posted on December 4, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on November 28, 2012
  18. 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
  19. Round Table featuring Nino "Singles Best 2002-2012 Memories"
    Round Table has a greatest hits album out now of a selection from the many "featuring Nino" singles released over the last 10 years. Most of the songs were used in anime series. This release also marks an end to...
    Posted on December 2, 2012 at 23:53. | Released on November 28, 2012
  20. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans III"
    It's a busy year for Vanilla Beans! Not only have they released 3 singles, a DVD and a photo book so far, but here comes a brand new 3rd album! This one is said to have the particularity of being...
    Posted on November 2, 2012 at 00:55. | Released on November 7, 2012
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans One-Man Live DVD - Debut 5th Anniversary Live @ Shibuya WWW" (DVD)
    Vanilla Beans have been around for 5 years already, and here's their first ever live DVD. Included is a show from last June 21 (2012) held at Shibuya WWW, currently my favorite venue. You can get a taste of the...
    Posted on September 26, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 3, 2012
  24. 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
  25. elect-link "On Your Wave:"
    Café music unit elect-link have a new album out now, described as bossa-nova-like but non-bossa-nova pop, electronic and organic. More audio samples at ototoy. elect-link "On Your Wave:" 1. shine 2. umi to yakusoku 3. hatenaki tabi 4. mada kagi...
    Posted on September 25, 2012 at 23:54. | Released on September 19, 2012
  26. Gig report: frenesi "gendai" release party
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On September 15, 2012, was the release party for frenesi's album "gendai". It was held at Shibuya WWW, one of my favorite venues lately (it used to be a movie...
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 00:34.
  27. Kaseki Cider "Mr. City Pop"
    Rapper Kaseki Cider has a new album following last year's great "Sound Burger Planet", this time again with back-band the Hugtones! Featured are guests Illicit Tsuboi, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji) and Epo. Covers of Denpa gumi inc's "kuchizuke Kibonnu" (a song...
    Posted on September 15, 2012 at 00:49. | Released on September 19, 2012
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. Nanba Shiho "Choice"
    Another release from Billboard's "Choice" cover album series. This time it's the turn of singer Nanba Shiho, who changed her looks to short hair for her latest single (YouTube), to select and cover some of her favorite world pop standards....
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 12:25. | Released on July 25, 2012
  31. milk "greeting for the sleeping seeds"
    This is the first album by milk (official Facebook page), the solo unit of composer/pianist Umebayashi Tarō known for having worked with naomi & goro and Harada Tomoyo. Featured are several guests such as Au Revoir Simone and Sally Seltman...
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 21:16. | Released on August 15, 2012
  32. Various Artists "Who is the Star? WITS Compilation Vol.3 -20th anniversary edition-"
    WITS was a Shibuya-kei label that in its early years mainly focused on releases by L⇔R (a band of which Minekawa Takako was a member for some time), Spiral Life, and also Minekawa Takako's early solo career ("Chit Chat", "(A...
    Posted on August 12, 2012 at 12:28. | Released on August 8, 2012
  33. Recto Berso "Nice To Love You!"
    Recto Berso is a band of two guys who love vintage instruments, especially Beatles-era Gibson guitars. They even go as far as using recording equipment from back in the day to create sounds of the same texture. For that reason...
    Posted on August 5, 2012 at 22:06. | Released on August 8, 2012
  34. 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
  35. Hanazawa Kana "hatsukoi no oto"
    Proficient voice actress Hanazawa Kana has a 2nd single coming, and all 3 songs are written and produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi! A limited edition contains a DVD of the title track's music video. Hanazawa Kana "hatsukoi no oto" 花澤香菜 「初恋ノオト」...
    Posted on July 16, 2012 at 23:00. | Released on July 18, 2012
  36. 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
  37. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei feat. Hatsune Miku"
    Virtual idol Hatsune Miku sings Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Kahimi Karie, Kaji Hideki, Original Love and Ozawa Kenji in this Shibuya-kei cover compilation put together by producers from the Vocaloid scene. Two original songs are also included as bonus tracks....
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 20:44. | Released on July 11, 2012
  38. Scooters "Une Manche et La Belle"
    It's a dream come true: Tokyo's Motown sound girls' group the Scooters are back! The band directed by Shindō Mitsuo have a new album coming, 30 years since their previous only original album "musumegokoro wa Scooters" (1982). The first cut...
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 00:04. | Released on July 11, 2012
  39. Vanilla Beans "Non-Section"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single out this week! "Non-Section" is a rocking catchy pop tune. The video for this song also gives life to a few scenes from their recently released photo book. This comes in 3 different...
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 22:51. | Released on July 4, 2012
  40. 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.
  41. Vanilla Beans "gekkan NEO Vanilla Beans" (Book)
    Vanilla Beans have a first ever photo book being released next week! The 104-page book is full of pop, sexy and cute photos of Rena and Lisa posing in various situations. A special edition comes with a hard cover and...
    Posted on June 20, 2012 at 23:57. | Released on June 26, 2012
  42. Sayonara Ponytail "sora mo toberu hazu / Bianca / koi suru Sports"
    The limited edition of pop band Sayonara Ponytail's new EP comes with remixes by Tofubeats, Hyadain,... which is what deserves it a mention here. Lead track "sora mo toberu hazu" is a cover of Spitz. The various editions are a...
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 22:54. | Released on May 23, 2012
  43. Gig report: Portable Rock
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 2, I went to see Portable Rock at small venue Club Crawl in Shibuya. It was the first of two "one-man" shows (no opening band) the band played. This...
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 21:57.
  44. 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.
  45. 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
  46. Various Artists "Vanilla"
    Here's a charity compilation consisting of, it seems, all new recordings. Featured are various female vocalists, including DadaD, Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), Suzuki Momoko (ex-Cosa Nostra) and many more. Monsieur Kamayatsu (Spiders) also appears on 2 tracks. The album's jacket shows...
    Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:10. | Released on April 4, 2012
  47. 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.
  48. Vanilla Beans "Choco Mint Flavor Time"
    Vanilla Beans have a brand new single coming! Title track "Choco Mint Flavor Time" is a catchy pop tune that can be heard in the cute videoclip below, which features more dancing than usual. The jacket even shows Rena and...
    Posted on April 4, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
  49. Various Artists "Happy Holidays! ~80's Pops Covers~"
    This is a compilation of various covers of 80's hit Japanese pop songs, featuring Sakamoto Ryūichi with Minekawa Takako, Toki Asako, Yakushimaru Etsuko, Hitomitoi with Sokabe Keiichi, clammbon, Sebastian X, and more. Various Artists "Happy Holidays! ~80's Pops Covers~" 1....
    Posted on March 26, 2012 at 21:53. | Released on March 21, 2012
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. Tokyo Girls' Style "Limited addiction"
    5-girl idol unit Tokyo Girls' Style has a 2nd album coming, and one song features their good friends Vanilla Beans. The album comes in 3 different editions: Type A includes a DVD of 5 live songs, Type B includes a...
    Posted on March 7, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on March 14, 2012
  53. 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
  54. Polysics "15th P"
    Polysics have a new album coming next week, celebrating their 15th anniversary! The album features many guests, including Kojima Mayumi, Yuu (ex-GO!GO!7188, chirinuruwowaka), and even Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo). A special tracks featuring "tomodachi" (friends) has 67 people contributing to the...
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on February 29, 2012
  55. Calmera "Mix Modern Covers!", "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie feat. akiko" (7")
    Osaka instrumental jazz band Calmera has a 3rd album out now on Orange Records. This is a cover album, including covers of well known jazz, latin and rock songs rearranged in their style. "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" features jazz singer akiko,...
    Posted on February 18, 2012 at 11:35. | Released on February 8, 2012
  56. 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.
  57. Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
    Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
  58. Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
  59. Nakata Yasutaka "Panoramic Experience" (Download)
    Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has a new track released exclusively for download on iTunes Japan. This is a theme song written especially for an exhibition about popular manga and anime One Piece to be held from March 20 to June 17...
    Posted on February 7, 2012 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2012
  60. Various Artists "Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute"
    Here's a tribute album to Sakamoto Ryūichi, produced by Tobeta Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features Ōnuki Taeko. The album is released on Sakamoto's...
    Posted on January 15, 2012 at 01:13. | Released on January 17, 2012
  61. 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.
  62. 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.
  63. Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
    Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
    Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 2012
  64. Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Raves
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
    Posted on January 6, 2012 at 23:30.
  65. Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"
    Vanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning...
    Posted on December 30, 2011 at 22:17. | Released on January 18, 2012
  66. Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Do-Re-Mi no daikōkai Nagasaki yōgaku kotohajime"
    It took me this long to notice, but Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) has a new album that was released last month! Continuing the series with his "Nangasaki Five", this album still focuses on his home roots of Nagasaki while taking...
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2011
  67. Moonriders "Ciao!"
    Veteran new wave band Moonriders has been around 35 years, but they have now announced that they will be going to retire indefinitely at the end of the year. They do have a last, 21st original album coming, appropriately titled...
    Posted on December 11, 2011 at 01:23. | Released on December 14, 2011
  68. Various Artists "Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1"
    This is a compilation of Hatsune Miku tracks remixed by various artists from the club and pico-pico scenes, including Rocketman, Sexy-Synthesizer, PandaBoY, Higedriver and many more. Closing the album is an original by Rocketman, recently released on iTunes. The official...
    Posted on December 4, 2011 at 19:17. | Released on December 7, 2011
  69. Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
    Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
  70. 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
  71. 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.
  72. 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
  73. Various Artists "Zen in the House"
    "Zen" is a spinning sushi restaurant in Odawara, and this is a 2nd tribute compilation coming from J-death-techno label Speedking Productions. Again at a very nice price, this time we're offered a more dance-y selection of brand new tracks by...
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on November 11, 2011
  74. 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
  75. Various Artists "Fami-Compi"
    Here's a compilation of new cover and remixes of themes from popular Famicom (NES) game themes, reworked into drum'n'bass, dub-step, house and electro styles. The producers include TeddyLoid, Koshihikari and Hello Stupid People, who appear to have a following in...
    Posted on October 30, 2011 at 19:58. | Released on October 26, 2011
  76. LAMA "Cupid / Fantasy"
    LAMA, the unit of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl), has a 2nd single out now. B-side "Fantasy" is being used as the ending theme of anime "UN-GO",...
    Posted on October 27, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on October 26, 2011
  77. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus 1"
    Sunaga Tatsuo begins a new sub-series of jazz compilations, part of his ongoing "yoru jazz" ("Jazz All-Nighters") series. This time he selects from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records, which since 1992 has brought many releases from worldwide artists...
    Posted on October 14, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on October 19, 2011
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra "noruniru / shōnen yo ware ni kaere"
    Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single out now as Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra. Both songs are featured in anime series "mawaru Penguindrum". Below are two different versions of opening title song "noruniru", both are said to be shown for...
    Posted on October 5, 2011 at 21:44. | Released on October 5, 2011
  81. Maezono Naoki Group "tabun modotte mairimasu / itoshi no Macks" (7")
    After 2 albums of only covers, here's a first original song from Maezono Naoki Group, coming as a 7" and a few days later for download. The title track has music written by Kirinji's Horigome Takaki and lyrics by the...
    Posted on September 28, 2011 at 23:50. | Released on October 2, 2011
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. Clémentine "Varientine"
    After various anime covers, now you can hear Clémentine singing Imokin Trio's "High School Lullaby", Epo's "Downtown", The Drifters, and even "Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori" in her usual bossa nova style. Check out her charming cover of Crazy Cats' "sūdara bushi" (in French...
    Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on August 3, 2011
  85. LAMA "Spell"
    LAMA is a new all-star band featuring Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). This is their first single, a song used as the opening theme of TV anime series...
    Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:00. | Released on August 3, 2011
  86. 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
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. 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
  90. 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.
  91. 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
  92. 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.
  93. Boot Beat "Hodgepodge"
    Here's the latest all-genre party mix CD by Boot Beat (MySpace), aka DJ Kamiya Naoaki. No tracklist is to be found, but check out the sampler clip below, and then proceed at Jet Set if you will! Boot Beat "Hodgepodge"...
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 00:08. | Released on June 24, 2011
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah"
    Here's what looks like a pretty good mix CD on the Shibuya-kei perspective, mixed by DJ Souljah. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah" 1. WISE × underslowjams / City Lights 2. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / utsukushiku...
    Posted on June 19, 2011 at 14:32. | Released on June 22, 2011
  97. 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
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. Yakushimaru Etsuko "Ruru / tokimeki Hacker"
    Yakushimaru Etsuko (singer of sōtaiseiriron) has a new single from which the song "Ruru" is the ending theme of TV anime series "denpa onna to seishun otoko". A video for this song was filmed in real time using a robotic...
    Posted on May 24, 2011 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2011

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