Various Artists "The Beat Goes On ~Salsoul Classics Mixed By Towa Tei~"
Towa Tei has a new mix CD, in fact his first ever! He has released many compilation CDs before but it seems like this is his first attempt at a non-stop mix. Here he selects tracks from legendary New York...
Posted on December 8, 2012 at 00:16. | Released on December 5, 2012
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
World Order "Find The Light / Permanent Revolution" (CD+DVD)
World Order, the robot dance salarymen unit led by Sudo Genki, has a first single out now. This follows album "2012" released earlier this year. This single includes by default a DVD of the video clip for "Permanent Revolution" filmed...
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 21:13. | Released on November 28, 2012
TGMX "I Can't Sing It"
TGMX (Frontier Backyard, Cubismo Grafico Five, Scafull King) has a 2nd solo album out now on Niw! Records. This new album has many guests from bands such as Cubismo GRafico Five, Your Song Is Good and many more. For the...
Posted on November 26, 2012 at 23:23. | Released on November 23, 2012
9nine "Yie Ar! Kyonshi feat. Hao hao! Kyonshi Girl / Brave"
Idol group 9nine (pronounced just "nine") has a new single coming. This one contains the theme song of "Hoa hoa! Kyonshi Girl", a TV series starring one of the girls as a kyonshi fighter. Kyonshis are Chinese zombies that were...
Posted on November 8, 2012 at 22:29. | Released on November 14, 2012
DJ Fumiya "Beats For Daddy"
DJ Fumiya (Rip Slyme, O.T.F) has a 1st solo original album coming! As the title says, the concept is club music intended for the current "dad generation" he belongs to. :) Featured guests include Bakubaku Dokin with Nagashima Tomoko (orange...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 22:56. | Released on November 7, 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
Koizumi Kyoko "Koizumi Chansonnier"
Singer Koizumi Kyōko has a new original album celebrating her 30th debut anniversary. Producers include Konishi Yasuharu ("omoshiro okashiku ikitekita keredo" and "Ma plus belle histoire d'amour"), Kikuchi Naruyoshi ("Une chanson pour les grands"), Soil & "Pimp" Sessions ("Sweet &...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 23:39. | Released on October 24, 2012
Ryoma Takemasa "Catalyst"
This is the debut album by newcomer instrumental electro artist Ryoma Takemasa (Soundcloud) who takes his roots from various dance music scenes, and has been making himself known internationally with tracks played by the likes of Laurent Garnier and James...
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 22:44. | Released on October 17, 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
Nosa Reina "don't kiss, but yes"
"Pizzicato Five 2012 edition!?", "Post-Nomiya Maki?" dare official blurbs say! Nosa Reina is a new singer whose debut album is being produced by Takanami K-tarō (ex-Pizzicato Five), who has also hired the two musicians from Portable Rock for the back...
Posted on September 29, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on October 10, 2012
MEG "Wear I Am"
Meg's new album has songs produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) ("REPLICA"), Konishi Yasuharu ("natsu ga owaru"), Taku Takahashi (m-flo) ("SOUTHPAW"), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro) ("WEAR I AM"), Furukawa Yutaka (Doping Panda) ("LOVE EMOTION"), Osawa Shinichi ("TRAP") and more. A limited edition...
Posted on September 27, 2012 at 23:48. | Released on October 3, 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
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Fashion Monster"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming in October! Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this time the title track is a rocking tune. An extended version of "tsukema tsukeru" is included, as well as a B-side that's used...
Posted on September 23, 2012 at 15:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
Mizuka "Marshmallow Glitter"
Nagoya indies idol Mizuka has a new single that's written and produced by The Aprils' Imai Kentarō! Look out for his signature spacy electro-pop! Included are remixes by PandaBoY, and Nakashima Takekiyo (of split-up Nagoya unit Tikatika). Yume to Cosme's...
Posted on September 23, 2012 at 13:40. | Released on September 26, 2012
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.
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
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
Idiot Pop "EXWORLD"
Described as "dreamy colorful super pop sound", here's a 2nd full album of Idiot Pop's fun and danceable tracks. Featured are several guest appearances including Frenesi and PandaBoY. Check out the video and sampler clip below! Idiot Pop "EXWORLD" 1....
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on September 5, 2012
Chocolat & Akito "tobira ep"
Chocolat & Akito, the unit of Chocolat and husband Katayose Akito (Great3). Aside from new song "tobira" are included remixes by Nagai Seiichi (sōtaiseiriron), Hamano Kenta (Sakerock), John McEntire (Tortoise) and Miyauchi Yuri. This new EP comes on the Rallye...
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 00:20. | 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
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
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
Perfume "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'"
Perfume continues to do its best to appeal to a global audience, and here comes a first greatest hits album. No word on an actual overseas CD release, but this will hopefully be available worldwide on iTunes like their recent...
Posted on August 18, 2012 at 17:42. | Released on September 12, 2012
lyrical school "sorya natsu da! / oide yo"
6-girl hip-hop idol unit lyrical school, formerly known as tengal6, has a first single being released under the new name, and that on from Tower Records' T-Palette idol-only label. Both tracks were written and produced by Tofubeats. lyrical school "sorya...
Posted on August 17, 2012 at 22:14. | Released on August 22, 2012
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
SMAP "GIFT of SMAP"
SMAP has a new album out now, and as usual they manage to have a bit of good connections and taste in terms of producers. This time again Konishi Yasuharu produces one song, a cover "karajishi botan", the theme from...
Posted on August 12, 2012 at 11:15. | Released on August 8, 2012
Rocketman "koi Romantic!!"
Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) has a new album out this week! This contains a few tracks that were released for download only over the past few years, but also several brand new songs. Featured are Verbal (m-flo) and Hatsune Miku,...
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on August 8, 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
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
Minmi "Lalala ~ai no uta~"
Singer-songwriter Minmi has a new single out now. Title track was co-arranged by Osawa Shinichi, and B-side "taiyō no shita de" was written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! A limited edition comes with a DVD of the title track's...
Posted on July 14, 2012 at 18:40. | Released on July 4, 2012
Various Artists "Puffy Covers"
There's a new Puffy ("AmiYumi") tribute album, of their songs covered by Okamoto's, Guitar Wolf, LOW IQ 01, Okuda Tamio and many others. 10 of the tracks are brand new recordings. Audio samples of all songs at CDJapan. Various Artists...
Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:04. | Released on July 4, 2012
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
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.
Noko Inoko "Noko Inoko taizen Returns"
"TV commercial song queen" Noko Inoko, having sung some 800 during her career, has an album coming. This is a follow-up to "Noko Inoko taizen" released in 2006. Included here are 42 tracks, many of commercial and TV show jingles,...
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on June 20, 2012
MEG "Trap"
MEG has a new single coming this week. Title track "Trap" has music written by Okamura Yasuyuki and is produced by Ōsawa Shinichi, and B-side "watashi ga obasan ni natte mo" (included only on regular edition) was produced by Konishi...
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 22:15. | Released on June 13, 2012
Yucca "our journey (to anywhere we want)"
Wonderful post-rock band Yucca from Tokyo has a 3rd album out now, 6 years after the previous that was titled "the orange sun in my room". The hiatus had much to do with their drummer who broke a bone in...
Posted on June 9, 2012 at 21:31. | Released on June 9, 2012
Sakanaction "boku to hana"
Rock band Sakanaction's new single has a remix by Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove) for B-side. The first pressing comes with a 20-page booklet. All tracks can be sampled at Victor's official release page (click the green WMP icons and cross...
Posted on June 4, 2012 at 23:36. | Released on May 30, 2012
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
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.
Halcali "Halcali no okawari"
Halcali have a new album coming! This is a 2-CD affair with a total of 15 songs. The 1st CD is mainly a collection of early hit tracks produced by O.T.F. plus 3 previously unreleased tracks, and CD-2 is full...
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 20:56. | Released on May 30, 2012
Puffy "tomodachi no wao!"
This new single by Puffy is a first collaboration with Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) who wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics. The song was made especially for kids' TV show "Shimajirō no wao!", and it was arranged by Ushio...
Posted on May 23, 2012 at 23:38. | 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
Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo...
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 22:24. | Released on May 16, 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
80kidz "Turbo Town"
Electro duo 80kidz have a 3rd album out now, and it features a line-up of vocalists from the world, including the likes of The Whip, Yes Giantess, Frankmusik and Ghostape. This follows album "Weekend Warrior" that was released 1½ year...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on April 18, 2012
Recoride "MP3 no danmatsuma"
Formed 3 years ago, here's a first full-length album by Recoride, a synth-punk band led by Sasaki Kissa (ex-Gekkan Pro-Bowler) and fronted by a female singer. Check out the new-wave-y video clip below! Includes a PandaBoY remix. More audio samples...
Posted on April 13, 2012 at 22:16. | Released on April 4, 2012
Ram Rider "Audio Galaxy - Ram Rider vs Stars!!! -", "- Ram Rider Strikes Back!!! -"
Ram Rider is back with a new album out just now. It features collaborations with various "stars", including Nomiya Maki, Meg, Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Fujioka Minami (Panda 1/2), and more. Out at the same time is...
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
2NE1 "Collection"
K-pop 4-girl unit 2NE1 (officially reads "'twenty-one' or 'to anyone'") has a first full-length album being released in Japan, consisting of Japanese versions of their songs. Our main interest here is the cover of Madonna's "Like A Virgin", produced by...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:30. | Released on March 28, 2012
Various Artists "Big Collabo Remix EP"
Here are remixes of tracks from concept collaboration album "Big Collabo" (Amazon) released in August 2011, matching Japanese and foreign artists. Featured are remixes by Dorian, tofubeats and Eccy, along with each original. This is also available worldwide on iTunes...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 22:38. | Released on March 23, 2012
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
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
Emi Necozawa & Sphinx "Pyramidia"
It's been 10 years since singer and percussionist Necozawa Emi's previous album ("café tu ronronnes" (2002)). This time she is backed by a jazzy band of 6 musicians making this her first band recording. Songs include covers of Serge Gainsbourg...
Posted on March 8, 2012 at 21:05. | Released on March 7, 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
Tommy february6 & Tommy heavenly6 "February & Heavenly"
Kawase Tomoko (The Brilliant Green) is back with her two solo projects, Tommy february6 and Tommy heavenly6. Here's a joint album containing 7 songs by each persona. Two of the songs by Tommy heavenly6, "monochrome rainbow" and "I'm Your Devil...
Posted on February 27, 2012 at 20:28. | Released on February 29, 2012
Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Oh Yes Say LaLa*:-"
Here's Shinohara Tomoe's 2nd album this year, following "-:*Better*:-" out on January 11. Again this is all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. The artwork for this album even contains photos of herself wearing self-designed costumes to go with...
Posted on February 17, 2012 at 20:13. | Released on February 22, 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
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
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
Here's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X. 4 of the...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:37. | Released on February 8, 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
Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
Led by Sakamoto Ryūichi, this charity single covers The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" in an electronic arrangement, and featuring some 30 big names participating on vocals and production. Profits are said to be donated for children victims of...
Posted on February 1, 2012 at 22:59. | Released on March 7, 2012
Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 00:23. | Released on January 25, 2012
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
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
Shinohara Tomoe "-:*Better*:-"
Shinohara Tomoe has not one but two new albums coming! Both are original, all written, programmed, produced and illustrated by herself. It has been 13 years since her previous original album, "Dream & Machine". The 2nd new album, "-:*Oh Yes...
Posted on December 29, 2011 at 23:58. | Released on January 11, 2012
The Aprils "Magical Girls"
Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
Sakura Gakuin "berishubi"
School-themed teenage idol group Sakura Gakuin have a new single coming, for which the B-side "sakura hyakunin isshu" is a rap track produced by Ram Rider with lyrics co-written by Bose of Scha Dara Parr. A limited edition comes with...
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on December 21, 2011
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
yanokami "toku wa chikai"
yanokami, the unit of Yano Akiko with rei harakami (the latter who passed out in July of a brain hemorrhage), has a last album coming. This consists of a few new original songs plus a selection of covers of Arai...
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 21:43. | Released on December 14, 2011
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no hihō" (DVD)
Neo-GS all-girl band Kinoko Hotel have a first major DVD coming, with a title that translates to "Marianne's hidden treasures", consisting of a collection of their videoclips since their move to a major label. Of the 7 clips included, 3...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 21:26. | Released on December 14, 2011
plusico Produced by Thomas O'hara "Hatsune Miku plays gekkōkakishidan (Moonriders)"
Along with their 21st album "Ciao!", the Moonriders also have this official album of covers sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku coming at the same time. ("gekkōkakishidan" in the title means Moonriders.) Miku sings The Moonriders' greatest hits, programmed by...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 13:36. | Released on December 14, 2011
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
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
Sunaga t Experience "Choice"
Sunaga t Experience (the jazz unit produced by Sunaga Tatsuo) is back with a new album, this time backed by Billboard Japan part of a series of cover albums on its recently started Billboard Records label. The album features collaborations...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:33. | 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
Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi"
Singer-songwriter Andō Yūko has a new single, for which the B-side is a new song remixed by Sunahara Yoshinori. Andō Yūko "kagayakashiki hibi" 安藤裕子 「輝かしき日々」 1. kagayakashiki hibi 2. El Roy (Sunahara Yoshinori Remix) 3. kagayakashiki hibi (Instrumental) 4. El...
Posted on November 24, 2011 at 22:03. | Released on November 30, 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.
Crazy Ken Band "Wild de ikō!!!"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming, including 2 songs recently featured in TV commercials. Title track "Wild de iko!!!" was used in men's scalp care product "Rigaos", and "ikinokore!!!" for a pachinko CM (yes..!). This comes with a...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on November 23, 2011
FPM "Qlassix"
There's a new FPM album coming next week! Actually a compilation of all the classical music covers he did for Uniqlo Calendar, plus one brand new recording. The artwork was done by the same people who design Uniqlo Calendar. All...
Posted on November 13, 2011 at 13:09. | Released on November 16, 2011
Halfby "Leaders Of The New School"
Halfby has a new album coming next week on Second Royal. This follows "The Island of Curiosity" released in May last year, and also marks 10 years of Halfby! Check out the video below, and also the track "Tommy Boy"...
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 22:53. | Released on November 16, 2011
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "tsukematsukeru"
Here's a new single from Harajuku model turned singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, again produced by Nakata Yasutaka. This is to contain 2 new songs plus an extended version of "Cherry Bonbon" from "moshimoshi Harajuku". Little details are available so far,...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:50. | Released on January 11, 2012
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
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
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku sings New Wave"
Out this week is this new Hatsune Miku compilation of new wave covers sung by the virtual idol. Included are songs originally by Plastics, Nomiya Maki, Portable Rock, Juicy Fruits, Hikashu, P-Model, Halmens, Cosmic Invention and more. The compilation is...
Posted on October 25, 2011 at 00:24. | Released on October 26, 2011
Kirinji "~Connoisseur Series~ Kirinji 'Songbook'"
Kirinji have often composed songs for other artists. In this 2-CD album they self-cover some of those songs on the 1st CD, while the 2nd CD is a compilation of 10 songs they wrote performed by others. Audio samples of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 00:39. | 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
Kimura Kaela "8EIGHT8"
Singer Kimura Kaela is back with a new album, especially noteworthy because it's entirely produced by Asparagus' Watanabe Shinobu, responsible for her recent catchy singles "Ring a Ding Dong" and "A winter fairy is melting a snowman". Kimura Kaela "8EIGHT8"...
Posted on October 9, 2011 at 18:31. | Released on October 12, 2011
Sakai Masaaki & Crazy Ken Band "sonna koto iwanai de"
Crazy Ken Band's latest single is a duet with Sakai Masaaki, who used to sing in GS band The Spiders, lately better known as a TV personality. Included is a cover of "Mack the Knife", a song from The Threepenny...
Posted on October 7, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on September 14, 2011
Chloe "Norwegian Wood"
Singer dahlia sings all songs on this new cover album by Irma Records Japan-based producer unit Chloe. This is a concept album featuring only covers of songs mentioned in books by writer Murakami Haruki ("1Q84", "Norwegian Wood", "Kafka on the...
Posted on October 3, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on October 5, 2011
Perfume "JPN"
And here's a 4th album by Perfume! The title is "JPN". Has it already been over 2 years since "⊿"? Included are all 8 songs from the 4 singles released since ("fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite", "VOICE",...
Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:43. | Released on November 30, 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
globe "house of globe"
Late 90's mainstream dance unit globe, produced by Komuro Tetsuya, has a remix album coming that attempts to appeal to fans of the current club scene. Remixers include Konishi Yasuharu, FPM, Osawa Shinichi, Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:02. | Released on August 10, 2011
