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
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
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
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
Pyokn "Be Yourself" (Download)
Label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records) has a new digital release available now for female vocal unit Pyokn. The 3 main tracks have been selected from previously released on album "Colorful Vibration" (2004, Amazon), and remastered to suit the label's direction....
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on July 27, 2011
Original Love "hakunetsu"
Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five), has a new album coming this week! For this album Tajima says having played all instruments and done everything by himself down to mixing and mastering. It also includes a...
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 19:52. | Released on July 27, 2011
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.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "moshimoshi Harajuku"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, aka teenage fashion magazine model Kyary, has a first mini-album coming next month and it's produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! Of course it's right to expect more of his electro-pop sound. Check out the first video below...
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on August 17, 2011
Gig report: 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.
Calmera "Knack Is The Ketchup"
Here's a 2nd album by Osaka instrumental jazz-rock band Calmera (MySpace) on Orange Records, coming a year after debut album "Hello!! Worldwide". This one contains a cover of "Everybody Loves My Baby" feat. Maki Rinka, released on 7" earlier this...
Posted on June 30, 2011 at 21:16. | Released on July 2, 2011
Gig report: Saori@destiny "Domestic domain" release event
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Saori@destiny's new mini-album "Domestic domain", and she is doing a series of mini live shows at Shosen Book Tower, a book and entertainment store...
Posted on June 17, 2011 at 00:12.
MimiCof "RundSkipper"
Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano has a new solo project going under the name MimiCof in which she says she focuses more on electronic textures and beat-oriented music. Here's a first album coming on Japanese label Progressive Form. Check out...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:55. | Released on June 15, 2011
Supercar "RE:SUPERCAR 2 ~redesigned by nakamura koji~"
Following the release of "RE:SUPERCAR 1", here's a 2nd album of "redesigned" tracks by Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō aka iLL). This time the album focuses on the later Supercar releases. Some audio samples can be heard at this special site...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:27. | Released on June 15, 2011
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs"
Here it is! Konishi Yasuharu's debut solo album comes under the name Pizzicato One, and is a collection of English-sung covers of foreign songs all selected and rearranged by himself. This album features an impressive list of foreign guests, even...
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 22:32. | Released on May 25, 2011
Nyantora "White E.P."
Nyantora, the solo project of Nakamura Kōji aka Nakakō (iLL, ex-Supercar), has what's being announced as a 5th album (although it looks more like a mini-album) coming this week. This is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori and contains a remix by...
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 22:33. | Released on May 18, 2011
mito "Dawns"
mito, bassist of band clammbon, has a solo album coming next week. Featured are many guests including electronic artist agraph, pianist kotringo, and members of bands toe and Rovo. Plus, the album is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! Released at the...
Posted on May 15, 2011 at 01:26. | Released on May 18, 2011
Gig report: Charity event: KAJI Hideki, Chabe, Harvard, Love and Hates
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Wednesday was held a charity event organized by Kaji Hideki, with the help of Harajuku Astro Hall where he has been doing regular events for a long time. The...
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:25.
Sweet Robots Against The Machine "Aliginment EP"
Towa Tei, who has a new album coming in May (stay tuned for details!), has a new EP under the Sweet Robots Against The Machine moniker available at his Mach Beat digital store. It has been 9 years since SRATM's...
Posted on April 23, 2011 at 13:34. | Released on April 21, 2011
Supercar "RE:SUPERCAR 1 ~redesigned by nakamura koji~"
Supercar (disbanded in 2005) has a new release coming, that's of previously released songs "redesigned" by former member Nakamura Kōji (aka Nakakō aka iLL). The songs are mainly taken from early albums "Three Out Change", "Jump Up", "OOYeah!" and "OOKeah!"....
Posted on April 17, 2011 at 00:34. | Released on April 20, 2011
Hosono Haruomi "HoSoNoVa"
Hosono Haruomi (YMO) has a new solo album coming this month! This is his first vocal album on which he sings all songs since "Hosono House" (1973). Along with many new original songs, included are covers such as "Ramona" and...
Posted on April 12, 2011 at 23:51. | Released on April 20, 2011
Panda 1/2 "Panda! Panda! Panda!" (Download)
Panda 1/2 have a new pop track available for download. The title, "Panda! Panda! Panda!" The sound breathes Shibuya-kei! Watch a trailer of the video below, showing producer James Panda Jr. visiting the pandas of the world. Today March 21,...
Posted on March 21, 2011 at 11:08. | Released on March 16, 2011
Original Love "Red Curtain ~Original Love early days~"
Before Original Love, there was The Red Curtain, which released an album titled "Original Love" in 1986. Here all 8 songs are re-issued for the first time, together with 9 songs from a live show of the same year, plus...
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 21:52. | Released on March 2, 2011
capsule "World Of Fantasy"
capsule has a brand new album coming this March May! The album is said to be at a constant 128 BPM. I've heard that this time there will be no stock vocals, and that it's the first time singer Koshijima...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 22:33. | Released on May 25, 2011
capsule "World of Fantasy" (Download)
Yes, capsule is back with more! This new song is released today on iTunes, ahead of upcoming new album "Killer Wave" to be released on March 23. Stay tuned regarding the album. capsule "World of Fantasy" (Download) Yamaha Out now...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 22:09. | Released on February 9, 2011
Various Artists "Second Royal vol.6"
Label Second Royal brings a new compilation full of brand new previously unreleased tracks by its artists (and then some)! Check out the sampler clip below. Various Artists "Second Royal vol.6" 1. New House / Small World 2. Turntable Films...
Posted on February 5, 2011 at 12:30. | Released on February 9, 2011
Misswonda "In Flawless"
Misswonda has a 2nd album coming on new label flawless world (post-Usagi-chang Records)! It's already been 5 years since "Wonderful Tangent" (2005). The album takes inspiration from UK new wave and various rock/pop/dance influences from the 80's and 90's, and...
Posted on January 29, 2011 at 01:11. | Released on February 9, 2011
The Suzan "iTunes Live" (Download)
The Suzan played an acoustic show last January 9 at Apple Store Ginza, and it's now available on iTunes Japan at a nice price! All tracks are from their album "Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat" which has just...
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 23:53. | Released on January 26, 2011
Perfume "Perfume Live @ Tokyo Dome '1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11'" (DVD)
Perfume has a new DVD coming of their concert held at Tokyo Dome on November 3 last year. Their biggest yet show for an audience of 50000 fans marked their 10th anniversary (and also the 5th of moving to a...
Posted on January 24, 2011 at 22:16. | Released on February 9, 2011
Nakano Aya "zurui hito"
Trying to move on to 2011 but here's something I had failed noticing from last year. 25-year-old hostess Nakano Aya has a debut album released at the end of November that was produced by Hase Hajimu, consisting of various covers...
Posted on January 3, 2011 at 21:30. | Released on November 24, 2010
erectricmole "hōka no hirune"
Usagi-chang Records fans rejoice! The label's boss Suzuki Akira has started a new label, named flawless world. Now that's something exciting to look for in 2011 already! The first release is by new electro-pop unit erectricmole (MySpace). The unit is...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 21:33. | Released on January 12, 2011
Rocketman "re:dancemusic ~rocketman non-stop mix~" (Download)
Rocketman (Fukawa Ryō) has done a non-stop mix of his own tracks, available now for download on iTunes Japan. Included are songs from his recent greatest his album "thank you for the music!" as well as latest single "Happy End...
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:51. | Released on December 22, 2010
Gig report: Electronic World Cup 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound It's been a month already since I went to this really fun event titled "Electronic World Cup 2010". Organized by Kishino Yūichi (hige no mibōjin aka La veuve moustachue aka...
Posted on December 18, 2010 at 14:08.
Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Ryōma no hanauta (aoban)"
Takanami Keitarō has a 2nd album supposedly completing the "Ryōma no hanauta" series (the previous was the red album and here's the blue one)! Again he is joined by Nagasaki singer/gekkin player Kotone and friends, but while the red album...
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 23:07. | Released on November 17, 2010
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Cosmos vs Alien"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (of Sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single, of which title song "Cosmos vs Alien" is being used for the opening of anime series "Arakawa Under The Bridge 2". The single comes with 2 more new songs, all written...
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 23:21. | Released on November 17, 2010
Cornelius "Fantasma" (2CD+DVD)
It's been 13 years since the release of "Fantasma", Cornelius' masterpiece that won him worldwide recognition. Here it is reissued entirely remastered, by none other than Sunahara Yoshinori! The limited edition comes with a bonus CD of rare tracks, remixes...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 15:57. | Released on November 3, 2010
Rocketman "Happy End of the World" (Download)
Rocketman (Fukawa Ryō) has a new track now available for download on iTunes Japan. The title is surely a wink to Pizzicato Five who he greatly respects. Rocketman "Happy End of the World" (Download) Victor VE2ML-15400 Out now (10/27), ¥200...
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 01:08. | Released on October 27, 2010
Various Artists "Chieko Kinbara presents Classic"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a new album, actually a compilation of new recordings of classical music covers produced by many artists and featuring herself. Producers include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Q;indivi and more. Audio samples at official release page Various Artists...
Posted on October 9, 2010 at 10:07. | Released on October 6, 2010
Gig report: Rocketman Summer Fes 2010 - thank you for the music!!
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday August 22, I went to Liquidroom in Ebisu for "Rocketman Summer Fes 2010", an event celebrating the 10 years since the debut of Rocketman, Fukawa Ryō's music unit....
Posted on September 1, 2010 at 22:47.
Various Artists "Speedking Vol.3", "Speedking Vol.1 Remastered and Separated"
J-death techno label Speedking Productions brings a 3rd compilation of original tracks. The 2-CD release features Yoshida Tetsuto, Bubble-B, Cherryboy Function, Leopaldon, Hally (VORC Records) , omoshiro Sangokushi and many others. Out at the same time is a re-issue of...
Posted on August 26, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on August 24, 2010
TRI4TH "TRI4TH"
Sunaga Tatsuo has produced the first album of instrumental jazz band TRI4TH (MySpace) (pronounced in Japanese like "Triforce"), who recently played Konishi Yasuharu's soundtrack live for musical "Talk Like Singing". This album features guest musicians Jukka Eskola (trumpeter of Five...
Posted on August 24, 2010 at 23:02. | Released on August 25, 2010
Gig report: Fujimura Tohru + Yasuda Toshiyuki "Shimokitazawa Silent Disco"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Recently I got to go to an interesting event held in a café called Slow Comedy Factory in Shimokitazawa. Limited to some 30 people, as many seats as there were,...
Posted on August 5, 2010 at 23:50.
Various Artists "Tarot World"
New indies label Dusk Records has a first release, a compilation featuring Elektel and other electro artists. Audio samples of all songs at label site Various Artists "Tarot World" (Title / Artist) 1. Science et Divertissements / ELEKTEL 2. MAHO...
Posted on July 8, 2010 at 00:12.
DJ Mami "First Chic", Yū Suzuki "First Chic"
Here continues a series of mix CDs started by Horibe Yūmin (resident DJ of party "Joke"). All titled "First Chic", these are the first mix CDs by DJ Mami and Yū Suzuki (also of "Joke"). DJ Mami is introduced a...
Posted on June 12, 2010 at 09:45. | Released on March 22, 2010
Buffalo Daughter "The Weapons Of Math Destruction"
Buffalo Daughter has a new album coming next month! It's been 4 years since "Euphorica". This time they have a theme of physics, and are said to be throwing in some hip-hop touch.!? This release comes on Blu-spec CD (Wikipedia),...
Posted on June 10, 2010 at 20:42. | Released on July 7, 2010
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Renix" (Download)
Electro-lounge artist Yasuda Toshiyuki has a first remix mini-album out now, for download only on iTunes worldwide. Included are 3 original songs plus remixes by Los Recyclers, Suzywan, Digiki and Little Nobody. Read the artist's liner notes on his web...
Posted on May 31, 2010 at 20:31. | Released on May 26, 2010
Calmera "Hello!! Worldwide"
Osaka instrumental club-jazz unit Calmera (MySpace), acclaimed by Sunaga Tatsuo, has a first album coming up on Orange Records. A non-album track was featured on Sunaga-san's latest compilation "All the young dudes". The album is already available in advance on...
Posted on May 13, 2010 at 22:07. | Released on May 26, 2010
Various Artists "Tokyo Luxury Lounge 4"
A 4th installment of the popular "Tokyo Luxury Lounge" series is coming from label Grand Gallery. All tracks are previously unreleased in full length on CD (to be precise, Studio Apartment's track is previously unreleased on CD in Japan). Audio...
Posted on May 8, 2010 at 19:35. | Released on May 12, 2010
Roman Porsche. "nusunda Bike de amagigoe"
Comical new wave (?) two-guy unit Roman Porsche (MySpace) have a new album coming, after about 6 years. Member Okite Porsche, who is an active figure in the idol world, has recently been supporting Vanilla Beans who find themselves here...
Posted on April 17, 2010 at 00:52. | Released on April 21, 2010
sōtaiseiriron "Synchroniciteen"
Girl-fronted rock band sōtaiseiriron has a 2nd album coming. Last year saw the release of a solo single by singer Yakushimaru Etsuko, who has also been performing with band d.v.d. (drums video drums) with which album "Blu Day" is being...
Posted on March 31, 2010 at 23:50. | Released on April 7, 2010
SAWA "ai ni iku yo"
Club-style female singer SAWA (MySpace) has a 5th mini-album coming soon. Included are tracks produced by Ram Rider and Jazzin' Park, and a remix by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD. Audio samples at MySpace SAWA "ai...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:29. | Released on April 7, 2010
Various Artists "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third"
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) produces this new cover album of songs from "Lupin the 3rd", arranged in club jazz fashion. Featured from Japan are Sunaga t Experience, TRI4TH (jazz band recently performing Konishi Yasuharu's "Talk Like Singing" musical), Ego-Wrappin',...
Posted on February 24, 2010 at 23:08. | Released on March 10, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Rock'N'Roll Circus"
This new album from Nakatsuka Takeshi is a collaboration with fashion brand Abahouse's 5351 Pour Les Hommes line. The sound is being described as "dance rock", and unusually doesn't feature any guest singer. This comes a year and a half...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 21:33. | Released on January 20, 2010
Akakage "I'm your clown"
Akakage (aka Itō Yōichirō) has a new album called "I'm your clown" coming! This is his 4th album, the previous being "Fighissima" (2006). This is said to be a sort of conceptual album with a circus theme, being referred to...
Posted on January 2, 2010 at 17:25. | Released on January 15, 2010
Perfume "Perfume Second Tour 2009 'chokkaku nitouhen sankakkei Tour'" (DVD)
Perfume's recent tour for album "⊿" is getting a DVD release. More specifically, this is the final show of the tour, held at Yokohama Arena on October 30, 2009, included in its entirety. A bonus disc contains 2 songs with...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 22:05. | Released on January 13, 2010
Erieza Royal & AsamixJuice "Vacuum"
This is a new 2-girl techno-pop unit with an adult twist, featuring SM queen and punk band Ecodamned drummer Erieza Royal with performer and "doll" maker AsamixJuice. Their first album is produced by Nagata Kazunao and features remixes by Yoshida...
Posted on December 13, 2009 at 01:42. | Released on December 11, 2009
Various Artists "GUNDAM World Dance Track 0079"
Ino Hidefumi, FakeJazzQuintet, Ram Rider, i-dep, DJ Clazziquai (Clazziquai Project) and more contribute club-oriented covers and original tribute tracks to celebrate the 30 years of Japan's most popular robot series, Gundam. Out now! Hear audio samples at Happinet Various Artists...
Posted on December 3, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on November 25, 2009
Yasuda Toshiyuki "Children's Songs 2050"
In his new album, Yasuda Toshiyuki (MySpace) (early Fantastic Plastic Machine) covers children's songs from around the world into his wonderful electronic sounds, featuring various singers including ROBO*BRAZILEIRA of course. Yasuda Toshiyuki "Children's Songs 2050" 1. Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman...
Posted on November 18, 2009 at 23:23. | Released on November 25, 2009
Various Artists "modal sound from Velours, Tokyo 01. moderno"
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) brings this new mix CD series inspired from his monthly party "moderno" held once every 2 months at Velours. This is a selection of club-jazz, and instead of having the songs mixed together it's said...
Posted on November 11, 2009 at 23:23. | Released on November 18, 2009
HNC "CULT"
Hazel Nuts Chocolate is back with a 3rd album as HNC! Yuppa said somewhere that you can call her "H.N.C." or any old names you got used to. As heard on some demo tracks at MySpace, she continues doing fun...
Posted on November 9, 2009 at 22:12. | Released on December 2, 2009
Coldfeet "MJ The Tour"
This made it too late, although maybe just at the right time for listeners. Coldfeet's monster 2-year project to cover Michael Jackson's best hits features some of Japan's best club scene artists, making many of these great songs more danceable...
Posted on November 8, 2009 at 01:16. | Released on November 4, 2009
Kinbara Chieko "Night & Day Remixies"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a new remix album out now, covering her two previous albums "Sweetest Day" and "Velvet Night" both released last year. Remixers include some of Japan's top club artists, such as Daishi Dance, Coldfeet, Jazzin' park,...
Posted on November 8, 2009 at 00:58. | Released on November 4, 2009
The Jackson 5 "Best of the Jackson 5 Remix", Michael Jackson "Mellow Michael Jackson"
Yes it's time for all those Michael Jackson releases... R.I.P. Here comes a compilation of the best Jackson 5 remixes from the Soul Source series, with Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five), Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), Osawa Shinichi, Fujiwara Hiroshi, Muro...
Posted on July 27, 2009 at 23:06. | Released on July 29, 2009
Various Artists "World Standard.08 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
Here comes a new live mix CD from Japan's club-jazz leading DJ Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience). The theme is "This is how I feel about jazz, #2", but beyond jazz this mix is said to breaks barriers with house...
Posted on July 5, 2009 at 23:38. | Released on August 5, 2009
Perfume "⊿"
Perfume's 3rd album is coming next week, with a strange title that reads "Triangle". Always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), this follow-up to best-selling "Game" comes with very high expectations! Included are the 3 latest singles "One Room Disco", "love...
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 22:35. | Released on July 8, 2009
Various Artists "Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers"
Out now is this jazzy hip-hop compilation selected by Hashimoto Tōru (Après-midi), featuring Ino Hidefumi, rei harakami, Takagi Masakatsu, chari chari (Inoue Kaoru) and many more. Various Artists "Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers" 1. Kiss Of Life / Nujabes with...
Posted on June 16, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on June 10, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - Universal
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 01:14. | Released on April 22, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - RCA
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 00:45. | Released on April 22, 2009
8bit Project "Spicy Innovator VS Superior Marionette"
Here's a 2nd album by 8bit Project, the unit of Itō Toshiharu (ex-Mansfield), Matsutake Hideki (Logic System, and also the said "4th member of YMO") and Saitō Hisahi (of YMO homage band Y Setsu O). Like their first album "Familiar...
Posted on April 27, 2009 at 21:46. | Released on April 29, 2009
Various Artists "House Nation - Ruby"
This new compilation of Avex' House Nation series includes two Fantastic Plastic Machine appearances: a ravex track and also a remix he did of The BPA (aka Norman Cook) feat. Iggy Pop. Also included is a version of Ayuse Kozue's...
Posted on April 17, 2009 at 00:11. | Released on April 8, 2009
Perfume "Perfume 'BUDOUKaaaaaaaaaaN!!!!!'" (2DVD)
Here comes a DVD of the live shows that Perfume gave at Tokyo's large venue Nippon Budokan over two days last year (November 6 and 7, 2008). Perfume "Perfume 'BUDOUKaaaaaaaaaaN!!!!!'" (DVD) (Region 2 / NTSC) Disc 1 1. Computer City...
Posted on April 11, 2009 at 16:37. | Released on April 22, 2009
ravex "trax"
Here's a full-length album by ravex, the all-star producer unit of Fantastic Plastic Machine, Ōsawa Shinichi and Taku Takahashi (m-flo). This special unit celebrates the 20th anniversary of Avex, and the 80th anniversary of birth of Tezuka Osamu, and the...
Posted on April 4, 2009 at 22:53. | Released on April 29, 2009
Various Artists "14 Girls' Life"
This compilation titled "14 Girls' Life" has a concept of featuring female vocalists from different genres, from electronica to post-rock, jazz and future-pop. I'm delighted to see favorite future-pop artists such as Iguchi Miho (Aprils), Yuppa (Hazel Nuts Chocolate) and...
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 22:20. | Released on April 1, 2009
Various Artists "Songs For Tibet From Japan"
Out just now is a benefit compilation for Tibetan freedom, featuring Japanese artists such as Cornelius, Cubismo Grafico, Hosono Haruomi, Ōsawa Shinichi, Boredoms, Afrirampo, dj Kentaro, etc. Release official page Various Artists "Songs For Tibet From Japan" オムニバス 「ソングス フォー...
Posted on March 26, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on March 25, 2009
Cornelius "Ultimate Sensuous Synchronized Show" (DVD)
This 2-DVD set containing The Cornelius Group's "Ultimate Sensuous Synchronized Show" held at the Tokyo International Forum a year ago (March 30, 2008) part of the tour for album "Sensuous". The 2nd disc contains some rare Cornelius documentaries and live...
Posted on March 5, 2009 at 21:43. | Released on May 13, 2009
Handsomeboy Technique "Terrestrial Tone Cluster"
The wait was long! Handsomeboy Technique is back with a 2nd full-length album, successor to the acclaimed "Adleie Land" that took the world by surprise almost 4 years ago! A few of the new tracks have been heard before on...
Posted on February 6, 2009 at 23:21. | Released on February 11, 2009
Various Artists "House Disney"
Fantastic Plastic Machine has contributed a track to this house cover compilation of Disney tunes! Also featured are Meg, Q;indivi, Ayuse Kozue, Osawa Shinichi and more. The FPM track only has been specially released in advance on iTunes Japan. That's...
Posted on January 22, 2009 at 21:58. | Released on January 28, 2009
Citrus "Pits Are The Pits (25 GOLD=RARE=DEBRIS 1992-2000)"
Legendary band Citrus has a first and last "album" out just now! This is actually a collection of all of their 4 released EPs plus a bunch of rarities, such as rare tracks "Hivernate under the ground" (from magazine Barf-Out!,...
Posted on January 17, 2009 at 23:33. | Released on January 21, 2009
Various Artists "Electro Girl Lovers"
This compilation brings out some relatively new faces in Japan's female electro-pop scene. Featured are Fujisawa Shiho (with a track from her upcoming album "Funky Girl"), immi, CHIX CHICKS, Ikio Ayaka, SAWA, British-Japanese MiChi, and more. Audio samples at HMV...
Posted on January 12, 2009 at 23:59. | Released on January 7, 2009
Nakatsuka Takeshi "yume o kanaeru zō Original Soundtrack"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has produced this groovy club-pop soundtrack for recent comedy TV drama series "yume o kanaeru zō" ("The elephant that makes dreams come true"). You can get a taste of the music in a trailer at the official...
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 14:20. | Released on December 17, 2008
Perfume "Dream Fighter"
Perfume is back again with a new single, 2nd since their hit album "Game". As usual this is produced by capsule's Nakata Yasutaka, who has also been busy with new albums for his own band (out on the same day)...
Posted on November 9, 2008 at 12:06. | Released on November 19, 2008
Perfume "First Tour 'GAME'" (DVD)
Perfume toured sold out venues throughout Japan for hit album "GAME". Now here's your chance to enjoy the show too! Video sample at Tower Records (look for the large yellow banner) Perfume "First Tour 'GAME'" (DVD) Perfume 「First Tour 『GAME』」...
Posted on October 14, 2008 at 00:37. | Released on October 15, 2008
Various Artists "incense"
DiscID: 2b114513
Posted on September 27, 2008 at 23:15. | Released on September 24, 2008
Various Artists "Speed Racer Japan ~Mach GoGoGo Tribute~"
Anime series "Mach GoGoGo", known to the rest of the world as "Speed Racer", is being paid homage on this tribute album featuring Fantastic Plastic Machine, Halfby, Kaji Hideki, Kiiiiiii+DJ Codomo, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove, InK), Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo No.1...
Posted on August 24, 2008 at 23:37. | Released on August 27, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Grrrl, Summer Cape Kid, etc."
Yes, a new album from Yukari Fresh! This one is said to be a bit special, as each song was recorded in one shot, unedited. Yukari can be heard playing the drums, singing and whistling throughout. Emori Takeaki (Yoga'n'ants, Tone...
Posted on August 2, 2008 at 02:32. | Released on August 27, 2008
Koshi Miharu "nozoki mado"
Up next from Hosono Haruomi's daisyworld label is a new original album from Koshi Miharu, her first in 5 years. This is said to be a collection of cabaret songs with nostalgic melodies of waltz, polka and swing. Koshi Miharu...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 16:22. | Released on August 6, 2008
HASYMO "the city of light / tokyo town pages"
HASYMO, the recent unit of Sakamoto Ryūichi, Hosono Haruomi and Takahashi Yukihiro (all three formerly YMO = Yellow Magic Orchestra), has a new single coming up. Included are "the city of light", the theme song of News23, and "tokyo town...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 15:38. | Released on August 6, 2008
"Keroyon to Fujishiro Seiji Musical no sekai" (2CD)
The singing man-sized frog, 60's musical hero Keroyon has all his songs presented together on this deluxe 2-CD set out today! Included are a total of 55 tracks, that's 44 songs plus 11 story tracks. Many of the songs are...
Posted on July 22, 2008 at 14:32. | Released on July 23, 2008
Various Artists "1 ~Every Conversation Records Compilation~"
Escalator Records' sub-label Every Conversation, which aims to release 7"'s of foreign artists that they judge would appeal to the Japan indies scene, is releasing a first CD compilation. The perfect way to catch up with what's been up! Various...
Posted on June 30, 2008 at 21:19. | Released on July 30, 2008
Tsuchiya Anna "Crazy World feat. AI"
Model/singer/actress Tsuchiya Anna has a new single which includes a FPM remix. Available are a limited edition with bonus DVD (containing a music video of the original title track), a regular edition (CD only), and also a limited vinyl edition....
Posted on June 11, 2008 at 18:29. | Released on June 11, 2008
pupa "floating pupa"
pupa is the brand new all-star band of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO/HASYMO, Sketch Show) together with Harada Tomoyo, Takano Hiroshi (HAAS), Takada Ren, Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza) and Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass). A first album is coming in July. The band...
Posted on June 2, 2008 at 15:58. | Released on July 2, 2008
Perfume "love the world"
Here comes a first new single from Perfume since the release of hit album "Game". This includes 2 brand new songs, of course produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). As usual, there will be a limited edition with a bonus DVD....
Posted on June 2, 2008 at 13:24. | Released on July 9, 2008
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 3"
DJ Boot Beat (aka Kamiya Naoaki) has a 3rd mix CD of his popular "Manifesto!" series, mixing pop, jazz, easy listening, latin, Brazilian, breakbeats, etc. A few Japanese artists are also included: Arai Toshiya (Missing Linc, Mr.comicstore), DJ Sora-Mimi and...
Posted on May 16, 2008 at 15:11. | Released on May 16, 2008
Ino Hidefumi "Living Message"
Fender Rhodes player Ino Hidefumi, also the owner of café Tenement in Ebisu, has a 2nd album on the way. While first album "Satisfaction" consisted only of covers, this one is 2/3's original songs! Having previously released some brilliant compositions...
Posted on May 7, 2008 at 16:09. | Released on June 27, 2008
Various Artists "We Were Escalator Records 2.3 selected by Naka Masashi"
Here's yet another installment of Escalator's "We Were Escalator Records" series, again selected by label boss Naka Masashi (Losfeld). It's said to be the last one... time will tell! Various Artists "We Were Escalator Records 2.3 selected by Naka Masashi"...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 14:16. | Released on May 28, 2008
Various Artists "World Standard.07 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-"
You could say this is Sunaga Tatsuo's first real "World Standard" mix in 2½ years (not counting "06" that only consisted of his own works, and the recent "Wada Akiko"). Various Artists "World Standard.07 -A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix-" (Title/Artist)...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 09:51. | Released on June 18, 2008
Hosono Haruomi "Archives Vol.1", Various Artists "Daisy Holiday"
Hosono "Harry" Hauromi (YMO, Sketch Show) brings his label daisyworld back from the dead. The first releases will coincide with his 61st birthday on July 9. These are a collection of rare musical works of his, ranging from TV shows...
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 15:51. | Released on July 9, 2008
