FPM "Moments"
FPM is celebrating the 20th anniversary since Fantastic Plastic Machine's debut, with this a trio of greatest hits albums that include tracks since the early days, including rare track "Mr. Salesman" (later to become "Dear Mr. Salesman" on the first...
Posted on September 29, 2015 at 23:04. | Released on September 30, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Towa Tei "Cute"
This week brings us Towa Tei's 8th solo album, "Cute", the follow-up to "Lucky" (2013)! The album features members of METAFIVE (Tei's all-star band with Takahashi Yukihiro, Oyamada Keigo, Sunahara Yoshinori et al.), and also Hosono Haruomi, Ino Hidefumi, Yasuda...
Posted on July 27, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on July 29, 2015
Recoride "Freshless"
Brilliant synth-punk band Recoride has a brand new full-length album out now! Check out the clip below to give you a perfect idea. A double release party of Recoride and KOTO will be held tomorrow Friday July 17 at Disk...
Posted on July 16, 2015 at 21:38. | Released on July 15, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayo 3 Non-stop DJ Mix -The Ondo- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Here's a 3rd mix of DJ Fukutake's popular "Yava-kayō" series! This time the theme is "ondō" (Wikipedia), which is the type of traditional music that people of all ages dance along to at summer festivals (matsuri) throughout Japan. Ondō is...
Posted on July 4, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on July 8, 2015
Sunaga t experience "STE"
Next week will bring us a brand new 5th album by Sunaga t Experience, DJ Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running jazz solo project. This year marks Sunaga's 30th anniversary as a DJ! Featured musicians include Scha Dara Parr, YOU THE ROCK★, ECD,...
Posted on May 15, 2015 at 23:27. | Released on May 20, 2015
Record Store Day 2015
Here comes Record Store Day 2015, to be held this Saturday April 18! On that day, people go to record shops to buy vinyl records available exclusively in shops on that day. No pre-orders or even online sales, at least...
Posted on April 15, 2015 at 23:37. | Released on April 18, 2015
Perfume "Relax In The City / Pick Me Up"
Perfume's next single will be a double A-side. "Relax In The City" is being used in a commercial for Sapporo drink "Green Aroma", while "Pick Me Up" is a tie-up with the world famous Isetan department store located in Shinjuku,...
Posted on April 1, 2015 at 23:54. | Released on April 29, 2015
tofubeats "Stakeholder"
tofubeats has a brand new release coming up as a dance-oriented EP. This includes title track "Stakeholder" sung by himself, and also a collaboration with pal okadada. The CD comes with a 20-page photo booklet, and Amazon apparently gives away...
Posted on March 27, 2015 at 23:49. | Released on April 1, 2015
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre no zanzō" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a first live DVD (and also Blu-ray) out this week. This is made up of recordings from shows held at Tokyo Globe-za (May 25, 2014), Tokyo Kinema Club (Nov. 23, 2014) and Shibuya O-East (Feb. 11,...
Posted on March 24, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on March 25, 2015
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers"
Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming this week, consisting of covers of foreign songs such as The Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face", Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender", Julie London's "Fly Me To The Moon", Burt Bacharach-written "The Look...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 15:37. | Released on March 18, 2015
LLLL "Faithful"
Electro unit LLLL (Facebook page, Soundcloud) has a brand new album out imminently! "Faithful" is the follow-up to "Paradice" (2014). The new album features various female vocalists, including Shinobu of Her Ghost Friend, Metoronori, Kanako of kindan no tasūketsu and...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 18:59. | Released on March 15, 2015
Fujioka Minami & The Morones "Hajiki"
Fujioka Minami, previously half of Panda 1/2, has lately been active as the singer of a 3-piece pop-oriented band (official site, and finally here comes a first release in the form of a 5-song mini-album. HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 18:14. | Released on March 18, 2015
yamp kolt "chewing"
Producer yamp kolt has a new album coming, featuring a variety of female vocalists. Those include hitomitoi, Yakushimaru Etsuko (sotaiseiriron), UA, Saya (Tenniscoats), etc. Many musicians also participate, such as U-zhaan (tabla) and Yoshigaki Yasuhiro (drums) (Rovo, ex-Modern Choki Chokies)...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 17:44. | Released on March 18, 2015
Hanae "jōkyō shōko"
Singer Hanae's 2nd album was released this week! Like her first, the brilliant "jikkai Quiz", it is produced by Manabe Shūichi (ex-sōtaiseiriron). On a few songs she experiences with some rap for the first time, such as in "S-T-A-R-S" (see...
Posted on March 8, 2015 at 12:06. | Released on March 4, 2015
Various Artists "sube no ana Presents 'HELLO!!! vol.8'"
This is an 8th edition of the genreless compilation series "HELLO!!!" from rapper DOTAMA's label "sube no ana". Included is a brand new song by blue marble, along with many more up-and-coming indies artists. Available on iTunes worldwide at a...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 23:46. | Released on February 25, 2015
Sugar's Campaign "Holiday" (7"), "tonari Town" (7")
Two new 7"'s from Sugar's Campaign, of songs from their excellent first album "Friends". Included on the "Holiday" single is an exclusive extended mix of "Big Wave". Both come on white vinyl! The album's release party is to be held...
Posted on February 25, 2015 at 22:42. | Released on February 21, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayō 2 Non-stop DJ Mix -TV Theme hen- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Following the success of compilation "Yaba-kayō" (sometimes better spelled "Yava-kayō"), here comes a follow-up that's full of songs once heard on TV, mainly in the 70's and 80's. Another common point is that they're all groovy as can be, and...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 22:43. | Released on February 25, 2015
Denki Groove "Fallin' Down"
Denki Groove have a brand new single out this week! "Fallin' Down" is the ending theme of monster-themed TV series "kaiki renai sakusen" (by director Keralino Sandrovich). Included are remixes by (((sssurrounddd))) and Hoshina Anniversary. The limited edition comes with...
Posted on February 22, 2015 at 21:57. | Released on February 25, 2015
Scha Dara Parr "1212"
It's been about 6 years since Scha Dara Parr's previous album, "11" (2009), and here comes a brand new one! This 12th album features 12 new songs including collaborations with girl rock band Chatmonchy, talent Shimizu Michiko and also longtime...
Posted on January 26, 2015 at 21:23. | Released on January 28, 2015
Sugar's Campaign "Friends"
Sugar's Campaign, the unit of producers Avec Avec (aka Takuma Hosokawa) and Seiho (aka Seiho Hayakawa), finally has a full-length album coming! This includes latest single "Holiday" as well as an album version of previous hit track "Netokano". A must!...
Posted on January 5, 2015 at 23:07. | Released on January 21, 2015
Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
Crazy Ken Band "Crazy Ken Band no iyoru Jazz Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Let's start 2015 with this compilation of Crazy Ken Band's grooviest jazzy tracks, as compiled by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). This takes part of his long-going "yoru jazz" (Jazz Allnighters) series which started almost 10 years ago. Released on...
Posted on January 1, 2015 at 23:59. | Released on January 1, 2015
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Negicco "hikari no Spur"
Negicco have a new single out now, featuring two new songs. While both were produced by Negicco's main producer connie, the winter-themed title track is arranged by Tajima Takao (Original Love) who also produced previous single "Sunshine Nihonkai". Two limited...
Posted on December 7, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on December 2, 2014
Akakage "Peace Maker"
In need for some happy club tracks? Akakage is back, 4 years after album "I'm your clown" (2010). This new album features guest vocalists such as dahlia, Sokabe Keiichi, Meg (ex-Super Butter Dog), and musicians include Horie Hirohisa on trombone,...
Posted on November 9, 2014 at 11:42. | Released on November 12, 2014
Yun*chi "Wonderful Wonder World*"
Here's a new single by Yun*chi, follow-up to mini-album "Starlight*" released earlier this year. This includes tracks produced by Missile Chewbacca ("Fairy*") and London artist bo en ("Dancing*"). The title track is being used as the ending theme of TV...
Posted on October 27, 2014 at 22:12. | Released on October 22, 2014
Josei "I See You While Playing The Piano"
Jōsei, pianist of jazz band Soil & "Pimp" Sessions has a 1st solo album out now, on which he plays a Fazioli concert grand piano. Included are covers such as jazz standard "Blue in Green" and Japanese traditional children's song...
Posted on October 26, 2014 at 22:14. | Released on October 8, 2014
Cherryboy Function "suggested function EP#3"
Cherryboy Function has released a 3rd mini-album of his "suggested function" series. It had been almost 4 years since the 2nd one. This new release includes 5 original songs and a remix by Dorian! Cherryboy Function can be seen live...
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 21:20. | Released on October 8, 2014
Tarte Tatin "Tartetatin Are Allright!"
Tarte Tatin are back with a new album, follow-up to single "Political na ikimonotachi" released last April. It has also been announced this month that the unit now has 3 members: Aoi, Yūki, and new member Yurie. This new album...
Posted on September 15, 2014 at 00:26. | Released on September 24, 2014
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | Released on September 3, 2014
BTB "Back To Basic ~ore to omae hen~"
Yokohama talkbox musician BTB (of the Pan Pacific Playa collective, and previously of Luvraw & BTB which Luvraw quit earlier this year) has a new solo album out now. Featured are summer-oriented mellow covers of various songs originally by artists...
Posted on August 20, 2014 at 21:57. | Released on August 20, 2014
Game Soundtrack "taiko no tatsujin Original Soundtrack 'Girls Pop Mania'"
This new mini-compilation soundtrack for long-running hit game "taiko no tatsujin" brings four new songs under the theme "girls pop mania". Featured artists are blue marble, Her Ghost Friend, Phenotas (band of which guitarist/composer Yamamoto Shō has produced songs for...
Posted on August 14, 2014 at 23:59. | Released on August 13, 2014
Kaji Hideki "Ice Cream Man"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album coming this week! "Ice Cream Man" takes inspiration of Jonathan Richman's song of the same name. All songs are originals, and feature guest vocalists such as Nomiya Maki, Kojima Mayumi, Sakamoto Miu, Shoko,...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 14:22. | Released on August 6, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
Buffalo Daughter "Konjac-tion"
Here comes a brand new original album by Buffalo Daughter, follow-up to "The Weapons of Math Destruction" (2010). The new album has a theme of "block party" and comes as a set of 2 CDs, one of the original new...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 17:56. | Released on July 23, 2014
Emerson Kitamura "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)"
Emerson Kitamura is an organ/keyboard player who can often be seen on stage playing in support of other artists. Lately he's also a regular member of The Scooters since their comeback in 2012. Not sticking to a particular genre, this...
Posted on July 12, 2014 at 16:33. | Released on July 16, 2014
POiSON GiRL FRiEND "rondoElectro"
Do you remember POiSON GiRL FRiEND (Facebook page)? Solo unit of nOrikO, its name took inspiration from Momus who later produced two of her albums ("Shyness" and "Mr. Polyglot Remix"). 20 years have passed since "Love Me" (1994) and now...
Posted on July 10, 2014 at 23:22. | Released on July 14, 2014
Yun*chi "Starlight*"
This is a new mini-album by singer Yun*chi, from the same agency as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Title track "Starlight*" is produced by Jazzin'park, while other producers include TeddyLoid, Aoki Taka (metro trip) and more. Also included is a remix by...
Posted on July 3, 2014 at 21:56. | Released on July 2, 2014
Children Coup d'État "Fear of Liberty"
Formed in 1982 in Kyoto, Children Coup d'État is an improvisation/rock/jazz band led by bandmaster/bassist Hosoi Hisato. Currently the band still features two other original members, drummer Maebuchi Norihide (who also played in Modern Choki Chokies, etc.) and violinist K-ko,...
Posted on June 22, 2014 at 22:43. | Released on June 20, 2014
P.O.P "tanoshii koto bakari arimasu yō ni."
P.O.P (previously known as P.O.P ORCHeSTRA) is a hip-hop band led by two identical twin rappers. They have long been active on stage, and have released several songs on iTunes before, but finally here comes their first album being released...
Posted on June 18, 2014 at 23:09. | Released on June 18, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "koi no Funfair" (7"+CD)
Now here's the last of Hoshino Michiru's 7"+CD series, preparing the way for her new album "E-I-E-N Voyage" coming July 16 (stay tuned for details). As always this is produced by Hase Hajimu and Satō Seiki (Microstar). The title track...
Posted on June 15, 2014 at 14:13. | Released on June 18, 2014
xxx of Wonder "Wonder of Wonder"
xxx of Wonder (reads just "of Wonder") is a new all-star collaboration unit formed of Nanba Shiho, Dr.Usui ((M)otocompo), Frenesi, Julie Watai, and illustrator Kishida Mel. Each of the creators seem to have a defined role, with Dr.Usui writing the...
Posted on June 11, 2014 at 23:43. | Released on June 18, 2014
Sheena Ringo "Nippon"
In time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Sheena Ringo has written a Japan-cheering soccer anthem that is to be used on NHK throughout the series. Sheena Ringo "Nippon" 椎名林檎 「NIPPON」 1. NIPPON 2. sakasa ni kazoete Universal Music...
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 23:02. | Released on June 11, 2014
Sheena Ringo "gyaku yunyū ~Kowan-kyoku~"
In this special album, Sheena Ringo (self-)covers songs that she wrote for other artists. Not only that, each song has been rearranged by a different other artist. Featured arrangers include Maeyamada Kenichi (aka Hyadain), Ōtomo Yoshihide, Ōsawa Shinichi, Tomita Keiichi...
Posted on May 26, 2014 at 23:58. | Released on May 27, 2014
Sunaga t Experience "Inugami Jazz EP" (12")
Sunaga t Experience has a new 12" EP coming! Two brand new jazzy covers up to the usual standards. Both can be heard in full at SoundCloud. Sunaga Tatsuo goes far with this release, also putting together a premium set...
Posted on May 12, 2014 at 23:16. | Released in May 2014
petit milady "petit miladear"
This is the first album by petit milady, the unit of voice actresses Yuki Aoi and Taketatsu Ayana. Most of the tracks are produced by Satō Seiki (microstar), and the included "Retro Future Mix" is by Elektel! All tracks can...
Posted on May 11, 2014 at 12:23. | Released on May 7, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Kira Kira Killer" (CD+Goods)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single with the theme of "luck", coming as a limited edition of 7777. The package contains not only a CD, but also some goodies: a signed mini-poster, a sticker, and the enclosing vinyl pouch....
Posted on May 10, 2014 at 11:48. | Released on June 11, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Play That Funky Music / shiroi mori" (7")
This is the 4th and last of Nakatsuka Takeshi's 7" series from his big band-backed "Big Band Back Beat" album. This time you'll find a cover of Wild Cherry's "Play The Funky Music" (1976), and Brazil-inspired Japanese band NOVO's "shiroi...
Posted on May 3, 2014 at 19:31. | Released on April 30, 2014
kotringo "birdcore!"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album out now! This contains the title track from latest single "dare ka watashi o", and guest artists include Aoki Takamasa, Murata Shige (Kuchiroro), Tabata Yoshiaki (Beautiful Hummingbird), and toy instrument player Yoshihara Rie....
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "rakuen to kisetsufū" (7"+CD)
Yet another 7" from Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48), the 2nd of a monthly series of 4. A-side "rakuen to kisetsufū" is described as "samba kayō", while B-side is said to be "Savannah Band-style city pop". Both are written and produced by...
Posted on April 16, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on April 16, 2014
Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
Shonen Knife "arashi no Overdrive"
Shonen Knife's new album "Overdrive" is being released in various countries on April 16. Only in Japan it contains Japanese lyrics versions of "Dance To The Rock", "Shopping" and "Like A Cat". Shonen Knife have a busy live schedule this...
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 23:26. | Released on April 16, 2014
Idiot Pop "Universe"
Idiot Pop, whose previous album "EXWORLD" featured Frenesi and PandaBoY, is now back with new album "Universe". Guests include Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji, among others. Free mixes by the artist can be downloaded on the official site. Idiot Pop. 「UNIVERSE」 1....
Posted on March 30, 2014 at 13:17. | Released on March 25, 2014
Hoshino Michiru "hanashite,,," (7"+CD)
Hoshino Michiru (ex-AKB48) starts a countdown, with a total of four 7"s to be released one per month until July when her next album will become available. This first single of the series is again produced by the combo of...
Posted on March 19, 2014 at 23:30. | Released on March 19, 2014
Various Artists "Free Throw Compilation vol.3"
This is a 2-CD compilation of recent tracks played at rock-oriented DJ event "Free Throw". Considering this track list and the good price, it seems to be a good opportunity to catch up with Japanese indie rock bands that sound...
Posted on March 19, 2014 at 22:45. | Released on March 19, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi with Iga-Bang BB "Just A Pretty Song / Across The Universe" (7")
Here's one more 7" from Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone)'s cover album "Big Band Back Beat", featuring big band Iga-Bang BB. "Just A Pretty Song" was originally by The Peddlers, while "Across The Universe" is a cover of... The Beatles! Audio...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 11:39. | Released on March 12, 2014
Various Artists "More! Electronic Disney Music"
Here's an "EDM" compilation, that's Electronic Disney Music! Featured are old and new tracks by electronic artists from Japan and the world. Brand new ones include Hyadain's "It's a Small World", Ram Rider's "A Whole New World", and De De...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on February 26, 2014
Hanazawa Kana "25"
This 2nd album by voice actress Hanazawa Kana was released on her 25th birthday (February 26, 2014), and the 2-CD package contains 25 tracks, involving a bunch of Shibuya-kei related artists. The whole is produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table),...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on February 26, 2014
Various Artists "yaba-kayō Super Nonstop Mix ~Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake (aka Fukuta Takeshi) is one of the selectors who brought us the hit "Techno kayō" compilation series under the name "8-bits" in the late 90's. This new mix CD brings various Japanese rare groove from the 60's to...
Posted on February 9, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on February 19, 2014
Yun*chi "Asterisk*"
Yun*chi is from agency Asobisystem (the same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu), and this is her first full-length album. Half of the songs are brand new ones, while the rest have been previously released on mini-albums "Yun*chi" and "Shake you*", as...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:03. | Released on February 5, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "100% KPP World Tour 2013 Official Documentary" (DVD/Blu-ray)
This is a new DVD from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, a 90-minute documentary that follows her through last year's world tour that took her to 8 countries. A new world tour is about to start in February, taking KPP to the...
Posted on January 28, 2014 at 23:19. | Released on January 29, 2014
Various Artists "'Sailor Moon' The 20th Anniversary Memorial Tribute"
Here comes a tribute cover album to anime series Sailor Moon (1993), this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Featured artists include Yakushimaru Etsuko, Kawamoto Makoto, Tommy heavenly6, Momoiro Clover Z, Nakagawa Shōko, Clémentine and more. Producers include Konishi Yasuharu (Fukuhara...
Posted on January 21, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on January 29, 2014
Various Artists "Sauna Cool 1"
New label Sauna Cool starts things off with this 51-track compilation, with a rule of "no more than 30 seconds per track". Featured are mainly artists from the Tokyo indies scene, including Chabe, HNC, Miila and the Geeks, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Mitsume,...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on December 25, 2013
FPM "Scale Remixes" (Download)
On Christmas day, FPM did a surprise release of a remix album of tracks from his latest album "Scale". Remixers from Japan and also Taiwan are featured. All tracks can be sampled on this official release page. Clicking the "buy...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 22:31. | Released on December 25, 2013
80KIDZ "80:XX-01020304", Una "True of Lights / Danse Danse"
Indie dance unit 80KIDZ have released 4 EP of the "80" series ("80:01" to "80:04"), and this compilation album contains all tracks from these. All 4 EPs are also available on iTunes worldwide. Released at the same time is an...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:31. | Released on December 18, 2013
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set "try∴angle"
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set has a new album that was released this month! This includes song "One Day" that's being featured as the theme song of game-themed TV series "No-Con Kid". The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with the...
Posted on December 28, 2013 at 23:10. | Released on December 4, 2013
Cornelius "'Ghost In The Shell Arise' Official Soundtrack"
A few months back Cornelius made the music for theatrical anime "Ghost In The Shell Arise", and here's finally the soundtrack! This includes opening theme "Ghost In The Shell Arise", as well as ending themes "jibun ga inai" (salyu x...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 21:53. | Released on November 27, 2013
"Yoshida Rui no sakaba hōrōki Soundtrack"
TV show "sakaba hōrōki", a variety show in which host Yoshida Rui travels to visit bars in Tokyo and Japan. Celebrating the show's 10th anniversary, this CD contains music used in the show, as well as a new cover of...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 12:09. | Released on November 13, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mottai-Nightland"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single on the way! This one is a tie-up with mobile carrier au, and the song is featured in the commercial. Needless to say, this is produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). The limited edition...
Posted on October 28, 2013 at 21:31. | Released on November 6, 2013
blue marble "full color"
blue marble is the songwriting unit of Shock Tarō (stage keyboardist for frenesi) and Ton-chan, which debuted with album "Valerie" in 2010. Now they have newly teamed up with singer Takei Mariko (previously in 8-bit unit usagi no heitai wa...
Posted on September 26, 2013 at 23:40. | Released on October 16, 2013
Various Artists "Monchhichi Birthday Party"
Here's what looks like a fun compilation, put together for the 40th birthday of popular Japanese doll Monchhichi. Featured are cool girly indies tracks from the last few years, making it a good opportunity to catch up with the scene...
Posted on September 20, 2013 at 23:20. | Released on September 18, 2013
Hair Stylistics "Music For The Murder Festa"
Hair Stylistics (SoundCloud), aka Nakahara Masaya, has a new album out now! This is a beat-oriented album said to remind of the sound of his 90's works as Violent Onsen Geisha. The album was created without any computer involved, originally...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on September 11, 2013
Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New Quad' 2x2=4 / very well L.P."
Dots+Borders, the legendary unit of Kaji Hideki and Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group, pupa), has teamed up with young rock band Sister Jet for a new album full of British-influenced upbeat tracks. Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New...
Posted on August 11, 2013 at 12:26. | Released on August 7, 2013
Masanori Ikeda "The Loud Works"
Masanori Ikeda (SoundCloud) (aka Mansfield) has a new album out now! This is actually his first original album under this name, and it contains a variety of tracks released over the recent years in vinyl or digital forms, including "Mu"...
Posted on July 31, 2013 at 21:30. | Released on July 24, 2013
Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"
Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 18:16. | Released on July 17, 2013
Takahashi Yukihiro "Life Anew"
Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) has a new solo album out today. His back band consists of James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on guitar, Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group) on keyboards, Gondō Tomohiko on euphonium (etc.), and Takakuwa Kiyoshi (Curly...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 22:23. | Released on July 17, 2013
Gig report: Playtime Rock, BANK live at Saravah Tokyo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday July 12 was a show of Playtime Rock, the Nagasaki-based band of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog). Nagasaki being part of the Kyūshū island in the south of...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 00:59.
Various Artists "Getz/Gilberto + 50"
This year celebrates 50 years since the recording of Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto's "Getz/Gilberto" album (recorded in 1963 and released in 1964). Here is a tribute album produced by Itō Gorō (naomi & goro) covering all of the 10...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 22:31. | Released on June 19, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans, Nomiya Maki & BIBA
Text and 2nd photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. 1st photo by Kaz Sekiguchi, courtesy of Yoko Fujiwara. On July 5th was the 4th edition of Vanilla Beans' series of shows with a live band. Every time they...
Posted on July 11, 2013 at 23:34.
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
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.
Vanilla Beans "Muscat Slope Love"
Vanilla Beans have a new single coming, this time a new song produced by Kaji Hideki who Rena and Lisa like to call "Mr. Sweden". This release follows album "Vanilla Beans III" released in November 2012, while the previous single...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 14:17. | Released on May 8, 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
tofubeats "Lost Decade", "university of remix", "college of remix"
1990-born young genius DJ tofubeats has a first full-length album out now! This features hit song "suisei" (feat. rapper Onomatope Daijin), as well as a lot of new tracks, including songs featuring vocalists Nanba Shiho, PUNPEE, G.RINA, Kariya Seira and...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:31. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Muro "Diggin' Salsoul Breaks"
Following Towa Tei's recent Salsoul mix CD, here comes another one from DJ Muro. This features a unique selection by the "King of Diggin'", and the right dose of his top mixing skills. The art direction was done by Shindō...
Posted on April 21, 2013 at 22:40. | Released on April 10, 2013
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninjya Re Bang Bang"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's next single is titled "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", song that's already being performed on stage in her ongoing world tour that dropped by Belgium, France and U.K. in February. The song is also used in a TV...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 16:58. | Released on March 20, 2013
FPM "Scale"
FPM's 7th original album is almost here! It has been 3 years since "FPM" (not counting classical music cover album "Qlassix"). "Scale" is full of brand new tracks, including some that have been partially heard in commercials for various brands...
Posted on February 3, 2013 at 22:55. | Released on February 13, 2013
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.5"
This is a 5th of Sazanami Label's popular compilation series of indies girl rock/garage/neo-GS bands. Collect them all! All tracks can be sampled at the official release page. The jacket was specially designed by Italian illustrator Luca Tieri. A series...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on February 9, 2013
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
Gig report: Saitō Neon Sign, Love & Revolution, Emmy Lee & The Psyzans
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday January 6, I went to an event at Koenji U.F.O. Club part of a series celebrating the 17th anniversary of the popular GS (Group Sounds)/garage rock oriented venue....
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 00:11.
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
