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
Gig report: Rogue Wave vol.1
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was...
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 23:00.
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki one-man live at Liquidroom
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Aira Mitsuki keeps taking techno-pop to a higher level, always in a way that I like. Yesterday she performed a one-man show at Liquidroom in Ebisu, backed from start to finish by...
Posted on May 7, 2010 at 00:12.
Various Artists "commmons: schola vol.5 Yukihiro Takahashi & Haruomi Hosono Selections: Drums & Bass"
Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons has a series of compilations coming with a book, called "schola". The series started with 3 installments of classical music, but vol.4 brought jazz, and now vol.5 invites the two other YMO members Takahashi Yukihiro and...
Posted on May 5, 2010 at 09:12. | Released on April 21, 2010
Gig report: Nagisa Yoko Recital 2010
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday April 26 was Nagisa Yōko's recital at Shibuya Quattro, an event to celebrate the issue of her new 400-page photo book titled "NAGISA" . The show featured a full band,...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 18:55.
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
Gig report: Tokyo Pinsalocks, Noodles, Kinoco Hotel at Que
Text and photos by Ken M (Japan Live) Sunday was girl band night at the Club Que, but the three featured groups had little in common other than that they were all girls. First up was Kinoco Hotel, AKA "mushroom...
Posted on March 8, 2010 at 03:37.
mini "Are U Ready?"
New-comer mini, a model for gal fashion magazines, has a first single coming, sounding like electro-rock. A remix by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). A limited edition contains a bonus DVD, and comes with a slightly different jacket. Watch the video at...
Posted on February 26, 2010 at 23:22. | Released on March 3, 2010
Original Soundtrack "ryūsen no kanata"
Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Sally Soul Stew) has went back to studio with two former band mates from The Phantom Gift, his 80's neo-GS band, to make music for the soundtrack of this full-length documentary about the Toyota 2000GT sports...
Posted on February 10, 2010 at 00:28. | Released on February 17, 2010
Yuka Honda "Heart Chamber Phantoms"
Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) has a brand new 3rd solo album out this week on John Zorn's Tzadik label! This succeeds "Eucademix" (2004) and "Memories Are My Only Witness" (2002), both truly brilliant electronic music albums that give high expectations...
Posted on January 25, 2010 at 22:10. | Released on January 26, 2010
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no yūutsu"
Kinoco Hotel is a band of 4 girls that take inspiration from the GS (group sounds) scene that occurred in the 60's in Japan in response to the Beatles. Actually, they're pure GS complete with the matching outfits, the attitude...
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 01:28. | Released on February 3, 2010
Various Artists "Attractions! Konishi Yasuharu Remixes 1996~2010"
Konishi Yasuharu has started a new label called Readymade V.I.C., hosted under major label Victor. This first release is a 2-CD collection of his best remixes from 1997 until now. Included are 6 brand new remixes using Victor's catalog (marked...
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 19:14. | Released on March 3, 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
Polysics "Bestoisu!!!!"
Here comes a greatest hits album of Polysics (MySpace), covering from when drummer Yano joined in 2005 until now. This also precedes the leaving of singer Kayo who announced she will quit the band after their March 14 show at...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 16:13. | Released on January 13, 2010
Various Artists "Post Newnow - Crue-L Classic Remixes Vol.2 - Compiled by Kenji Takimi"
Here's a new remix compilation from Crue-L Records, compiled by Takimi Kenji. This includes songs by many Crue-L artists, remixed by Sunahara Yoshinori, Ken Ishii, Inoue Kaoru, Yura Yura Teikoku, and more. Many previously unreleased tracks, or ones on CD...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 14:20. | Released on January 22, 2010
Various Artists "Oceanus Presents Time To Play -Generation Hip Star- Mixed by Yoichiro Itoh"
Just after the release of his new album "I'm your clown" comes this mix CD by Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage). Containing a selection of rock and pop tracks, the whole is centered on Akakage's new song "Together" which is featured...
Posted on January 2, 2010 at 23:24. | Released on January 20, 2010
Cosmetics "Love Is All"
Rocketman-produced idol trio Cosmetics have a first CD being released! This contains their two first singles, released for download earlier this year, as well as two remixes of each. One of the tracks hadn't yet been released in digital form....
Posted on November 24, 2009 at 23:13. | 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
BUBBLE-B "BUBBLE-B no Big Bang" (CD+DVD)
Indies techno artist and video remixer BUBBLE-B, who keeps the J-death techno scene alive with his label Speedking, has a brand new album out! Follow-up to the "BUBBLE-B no Good Evening" DVD (2004), this new release actually contains both CD...
Posted on October 20, 2009 at 20:23. | Released on October 21, 2009
DG-10 "Love Synthesizer!"
Out just now is this first mini-album by DG-10, a three-piece idol unit produced by the maker of Nintendo DS synthesizer Korg DS-10. The singers are Imai Asami, Hasegawa Akiko (from game "The Idolm@ster"), and Matayoshi Ai (Xbox 360 game...
Posted on September 20, 2009 at 00:12. | Released on September 18, 2009
Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi: 'Katamari Damacy Tribute' Original Soundtrack"
This new cover and remix album of songs from new Playstation 3 game "Katamari Damacy Tribute" features YMCK (MySpace), Buffalo Daughter (MySpace), Sexy-Synthesizer (MySpace), rei harakami, Matsumae Kimitaka (Expo), Kirinji, Afra, Señor Coconut, atom and more. Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi:...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:09. | Released on August 19, 2009
Various Artists "PANIC Level.01"
Excellent magazine Marquee, always keeping the post-Shibuya-kei scene happy, brings us a compilation featuring some of the best Japan has to offer recently, and that at a nice price. Included are songs by Urbangarde (MySpace), Dr.USUI (Motocompo), Sweet Vacation (MySpace),...
Posted on August 11, 2009 at 23:54. | Released on August 5, 2009
Ryō-san "kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari-kōenmae Hashutsujo"
The latest by Konishi Yasuharu is this ska-ish track sung by Katori Shingo of superstar boy group SMAP. It's a return of the duo of super-hit "oha Rock" (sung by Shingo Mama), probably one of Konishi's works that sold the...
Posted on August 3, 2009 at 23:35. | Released on August 5, 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
Cosmetics "tomorrow" (Download)
Cosmetics, the 3-girl unit produced by Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō), has a new EP available for download on iTunes Japan. This contains new catchy vocoder track "tomorrow", that can be heard in full in the YouTube clip below, plus new...
Posted on June 17, 2009 at 22:25. | Released on June 17, 2009
akiko "Hit Parade -London Nite Tribute-"
Jazz singer akiko has a rocking new album coming up, paying tribute to Japan's first rock DJ event "London Nite". Featured producers include Konishi Yasuharu, Sunaga Tatsuo (sunaga t experience), Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and more. Konishi Yasuharu's tracks...
Posted on June 11, 2009 at 23:51. | Released on June 24, 2009
Boot Beat "Full Swing"
2 years after "Switch", DJ Boot Beat is back with a swingin' and rockin' 2nd full-length album! First video clip, for song "akai Heel no onna" ("The red-heeled girl"), stars party girl Nomoto Karia in the 2nd half. Watch it...
Posted on May 18, 2009 at 23:08. | Released on May 20, 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
Aira Mitsuki "Aira Mitsuki Special Live '090319' in LIQUIDROOM" (DVD)
A first DVD from Aira Mitsuki (MySpace), of a show recorded at Liquid Room just 2 months before release! With 19 songs, 5 different costumes, this was a really great show! Read my report of the show. You bet that...
Posted on April 28, 2009 at 23:49. | Released on May 20, 2009
Cosmetics "Love Is All" (Download)
Cosmetics is a new 3-girl idol unit produced by Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō). Their first song "Love Is All" was first released for download on mobile phone only in December, but it's now finally available on iTunes Japan! The song...
Posted on April 18, 2009 at 23:59. | Released on April 15, 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
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
Towa Tei "Big Fun"
DiscID: 890a430a
Posted on January 11, 2009 at 12:44. | Released on February 4, 2009
Atsushi Sano "Music Menu 004"
DiscID: 260e9a16
Posted on December 11, 2008 at 22:49. | Released on November 23, 2008
Moonriders "Moonriders Live at Shinjuku Loft 2006.4.15" (DVD)
Moonriders have a live DVD coming up next month, of their 30th anniversary show where they shared the stage with Portable Rock! If it includes encores, as it seems to do, that would mean that you can catch Nomiya Maki...
Posted on November 30, 2008 at 21:01. | Released on December 17, 2008
Various Artists "Silent Dream 2 - mixed by Masanori Ikeda"
Ikeda Masanori (aka Mansfield) (MySpace) has selected tracks from house label Flower Records for this non-stop compilation mixed by himself. Several of the tracks are presented in a special edit just for this release. Audio samples at Flower Records Various...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 22:49. | Released on September 3, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Flammable Tapes", "Instrumentally Flammable"
Just a month after a new album, here come two "greatest hits" albums from Yukari Fresh! The first, "Flammable Tapes", is a real greatest hits of tracks previously released on her albums from 1997 to 2008 going rarer everyday. The...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 22:38. | Released on October 8, 2008
Various Artists "Joke Collection 02" (12")
Gotta keep things quiet, but this is big... Someone is back into club music mode and brings us a brand new track under the new moniker The 5243's. Produced by 5243, programming by Yoshida Tetsuto. A must! Not negligible are...
Posted on September 11, 2008 at 23:55. | Released on September 12, 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
Digiki "Dense Music"
International remixers bring the beat back from vacation and put it on the dense floor. Digiki's tracks from latest album "Beat Vacation" are here more danceable than ever! Features Toshiyuki Yasuda (Japan, early Fantastic Plastic Machine), Dexpistols (Japan), O.Lamm (France),...
Posted on July 10, 2008 at 22:17. | Released on July 5, 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
Various Artists "Beautiful Girls -The Strictly Best Works Collection-"
Reggae Disco Rockers, the funky club-reggae band, has a compilation of works with other artists coming out. The theme is female vocals, and included are songs by Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), eico, Jazztronik, bird, Mansfield, dorlis, Wada Akiko, their Pizzicato Five...
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 10:48. | Released on April 2, 2008
Various Artists "mōshiwake nai to From Akasaka Urban Mix" / "Idol Mix"
Regular club party Mōshiwake Night's DJ team has put together these two mix CDs, under "Urban" and "Idol" themes, totaling 100 songs! Each CD features two DJs selecting a dozen tracks in turn. Those selectors are DJ Mitsy, Uta Maru...
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 17:21. | Released on April 16, 2008
Polysics "We ate the machine"
Polysics have a brand new album coming up! A limited edition will contain a bonus DVD of a live performance from last year at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall. A single will also be released a month in advance, including...
Posted on March 5, 2008 at 16:33. | Released on April 23, 2008
Suzuki Ami "Dolce"
Not even a year after her album "Connetta" with a similar collaboration concept, Suzuki Ami is back with another album featuring Shinohara Tomoe, Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Rocketman, Captain Funk, sugiurumn, Hoff Dylan, Studio Apartment, and more. Rocketman's track is produced...
Posted on January 15, 2008 at 17:29. | Released on February 6, 2008
columbia*readymade jazz-rock re-issues
DiscID: 7a088909,ae090a0c,9309480c,8109510c,b5088f0c,a708b60c,8707a10c,8c08220c,9e08770c
Posted on January 15, 2008 at 17:18. | Released on April 16, 2008
DJ Sora-Mimi "Groove Party"
DJ Sora-Mimi, a new-comer of the scene who recently released a first 7" and also participated to the "Christmas Will Be Just Another Day" 12" compilation, has a first mix CD out now! 32 tracks of soft rock, groovy pops,...
Posted on December 28, 2007 at 11:08. | Released on December 26, 2007
Various Artists "Hosono Haruomi Strange Song Book - Tribute to Haruomi Hosono 2" (2 CDs+DVD)
Following the "Hosono Haruomi Tribute Album" out last year, comes a second one! This one is a 2-CD set featuring Buffalo Daughter, Sakamoto Ryūichi, Sakamoto Miu, Ōnuki Taeko, Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders), Sheena & The Rokkets, Kicell, and overseas artists such...
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 10:40. | Released on January 23, 2008
the fascinations "Rock The Casbah" (10")
Vibraphone-led jazz unit the fascinations has a 10" coming out, preceding the release of new album "quiet dance". Aside from new track The Clash's "Rock The Casbah", included are Vanessa Paradis' "Be My Baby" (from "My Funny Vibraphone") and Minnie...
Posted on November 8, 2007 at 14:35. | Released on November 23, 2007
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 2"
After offering us his great first album "Switch", Boot Beat is back with a new mix CD, follow-up to last year's "Manifesto!" that sold out very quickly. No details yet, except for the artwork and the news that it should...
Posted on October 29, 2007 at 13:12. | Released on November 29, 2007
Fatboy Slim "The Greatest Hits Remixed"
FPM has a remix that made it even on the international release of Fatboy Slim's new 2-CD remix album! The remix has been heard before at least on "Sound Concierge #702". The Japanese edition of the remix album includes a...
Posted on September 5, 2007 at 14:14. | Released on September 19, 2007
Various Artists "Lingkaran For Baby"
LOHAS magazine Lingkaran has put together a collection of nursury rhymes sung by a bunch of like-minded artists. The line-up includes Nomiya Maki, Toki Asako, Chocolat & Akito, Furukawa Miki, Yano Akiko & Sakamoto Miu, Cano Caoli, Yukawa Shione, and...
Posted on August 21, 2007 at 17:30. | Released on September 26, 2007
Various Artists "AKSB ~kore ga Akishibu-kei da!~"
There's a relatively new genre called Akishibu-kei, a mix of Shibuya-kei and Akiba-kei (the latter referring to cosplay idols singing in high-pitched voices over electro-pop), which is getting acknowledged by this compilation of anime songs from Victor's discography. Featured producers...
Posted on July 31, 2007 at 15:35. | Released on September 21, 2007
Harvard "Test"
One month after "Best", Harvard will have a rare tracks collection released under the title "Test", all non-album tracks, including some previously unreleased songs and demos. Total 13 tracks. Harvard "Test" 1. CLEAN&DIRTY -Chorus Version- 2. CLEAN&DIRTY -Live Version- 3....
Posted on June 28, 2007 at 10:32. | Released on August 29, 2007
Various Artists "Our Favourite Shops ~Roots of KOGA Melody~"
Label KOGA will release a compilation of indies artists performing rock covers. Included is a new recording by Macdonald Duck Eclair doing Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song"! Various Artists "Our Favourite Shops ~Roots of KOGA Melody~" 1. Berry Roll / Top...
Posted on June 15, 2007 at 14:29. | Released on June 20, 2007
Captain Funk "Heavy Metal", "Heavy Mellow"
Over 6 years since the last release under that name, Captain Funk (aka Tatsuya Ōe) is back with not one but two new albums! "Heavy Metal" is said to have an 80's new wave sound, while "Heavy Mellow" is electronic...
Posted on May 22, 2007 at 18:00. | Released on May 9, 2007
Natsuki Mari "Linda Linda" (CD+DVD)
Natsuki Mari is to bring us a very unexpected cover of the Blue Hearts' "Linda Linda", a rocking "beat punk" anthem. This is nothing that you'd expect her to sing and it's hard to imagine what it will sound like....
Posted on March 12, 2007 at 16:06. | Released on May 16, 2007
"Scratching The Surface: Japan" (DVD)
"Scratching The Surface: Japan" is a documentary about the underground hip-hop culture in Japan as of 2003, as seen by UK director Suridh Hassan. After having been shown at film festivals around the world (Vancouver, London, Leeds, Copenhagen), it's first...
Posted on January 23, 2007 at 12:07. | Released on January 26, 2007
Boot Beat "Manifesto!"
DiscID: 400f4d26
Posted on October 5, 2006 at 11:24. | Released on November 29, 2006
Japan Live Presents Vol. 1
Ken, the man behind the indies live report blog Japan Live, is organizing a first event under the same name. The bands playing will be Three Berry Icecream (solo unit of Ikemizu Mayumi, formerly of Bridge and Daffodil-19), Yunn &...
Posted on September 7, 2006 at 20:30. | Released on September 23, 2006
Various Artists "Garage Bandits"
KIT, a new sub-label of Escalator Records produced by Cubismo Grafico, has a new compilation coming up that will probably feature new GarageBand works by its artists like on the previously released "Garage Land". Featured artists will be Cubismo Grafico,...
Posted on September 4, 2006 at 14:21. | Released on October 25, 2006
Various Artists "bakuretsu! New Wave 1980"
With contents similar to the recently released "Technoroid - Japanese 80's New Wave Sampler" comes a 2-CD compilation on the same theme. Once again this is a good introduction to Japanese 80's new wave/punk, and seems to contain more essentials...
Posted on August 22, 2006 at 16:07. | Released on September 21, 2006
West/Rock/Woods "JAMZZ#2 Song Selected by Sunaga Tatsuo"
Contemporary piano trio West/Rock/Woods, a word game from the names of members Nishijima Toru (contrabass), Iwase Tappy (drums), Hayashi Masaki (piano), is to play rock, pop and new wave songs from the 60's to the 80's selected by Sunaga Tatsuo...
Posted on August 3, 2006 at 12:40. | Released on August 23, 2006
New feature: Agenda freedb!
Once again, a technological improvement that will most likely only be used by myself. It's really just meant to save me a bit of cut & pasting once in a while, but just in case anyone else is interested, here's...
Posted on August 2, 2006 at 11:32.
Various Artists "Dancehall Premier presents Premier Lovers 2"
This reggae cover compilation out last month contains a cover of Pizzicato Five's "Sweet Soul Revue", making it maybe worth a check... though how that fits just before a Backstreet Boys song, I'm not too sure. Various Artists "Dancehall Premier...
Posted on June 30, 2006 at 13:32. | Released on May 24, 2006
Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble "Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble"
Following the release of a 12" titled "What A Wonderful World", Cubismo Grafico Caribbean Ensemble has a collection of previously released songs (except for the new remix) to be released at the end of July. Definite summer BGM! Cubismo Grafico...
Posted on June 2, 2006 at 16:21. | Released on July 26, 2006
Plastic Folk / Plastic Knife "Billion Knives & Folks and Disk One"
After their Plastics revival unit Plastic Sex that released an album last year, ex-Plastics' leader Nakanishi Toshio and ex-Pizzicato Five singer Nomiya Maki are back again with another brand new project, Plastic Folk / Plastic Knife ("folk" when written out...
Posted on May 25, 2006 at 15:20. | Released on June 20, 2006
Audio Dregs Japan Tour 2006
U.S. indie electronic label Audio Dregs, that has more than a few ties with Japan, will be passing by Tokyo early May during a tour organized by magazine Afterhours. In Tokyo, artists that will perform are fantastic dreamy casio band...
Posted on April 11, 2006 at 16:36. | Released on May 6, 2006
InK "C-46"
After TakBam, Okamura to Takkyū and Denki Groove × Scha Dara Parr, Ishino Takkyū's new collaboration unit is with Kawanabe Hiroshi of Tokyo No.1 Soul Set, and the name is InK (surely stands for "Ishino and Kawanabe")! Their sound is...
Posted on March 7, 2006 at 13:09. | Released on April 26, 2006
Flin Flon "Dixie" + "Dixie (Version)" (12") + Bossanova "Hey, Sugar"
I'm terribly excited about Flin Flon's upcoming 3rd album, titled "Dixie". It's coming out on Teenbeat in two editions, the regular CD and a "version" LP. The version LP for previous album "Boo Boo" surely kicked ass, and this will...
Posted on February 8, 2006 at 12:21. | Released on March 21, 2006
Pizzicato Five "we love you", "I love you" + 15 re-releases
A 5th anniversary of the break-up can't go without a bang... As you can see below, most of Pizzicato Five's Columbia catalog is being re-released on the new columbia*readymade label. Pay particular attention to the two new greatest hits albums...
Posted on January 13, 2006 at 14:28. | Released on March 31, 2006
Peter Acco "Monday Morning"
Lengendary neo-mods/psychedelic rock band Hair's leader Ai Satteaux's Aquarius label is starting a series of "one coin CD-R singles", at the nice price of ¥500 each! They relate the concept to 80's punk sonosheets. I've been very pleased with Aquarius'...
Posted on December 15, 2005 at 11:29. | Released in December 2005
Update: Halcali, akiko
Halcali "Tip Taps Top" Track list added akiko "Little Miss Jazz And Jive" Various Artists "akiko presents: Rockin' Doo Wop Jump & Jive" There will be limited edition cardboard sleeves for these two releases, so buy early! akiko "I Want...
Posted on November 6, 2005 at 15:10.
YMCK "Family Racing"
Finally! A second album from YMCK is coming before the end of the year! The album features 8 new songs, one featuring Japan's Famicom hero Takahashi Meijin. There will be two editions, one of the CD only, and a limited...
Posted on October 27, 2005 at 10:09. | Released on December 21, 2005
Update: akiko, Nagisa Yōko
Various Artists "akiko presents: Rockin' Doo Wop Jump & Jive" New title for the akiko-selected jive compilation Nagisa Yōko "Hey You!" New title, artwork added...
Posted on October 19, 2005 at 10:36.
Nagisa Yōko "Hey You!"
Update (2006/3/24): The CD has been re-released on March 22, and the information below has been updated. Update (2005/12/23): This CD was apparently withdrawn a few days after release for an unknown reason. It is now a very rare item,...
Posted on October 7, 2005 at 14:31. | Released on March 22, 2006
m-flo "Dope Space Nine"
m-flo has an upcoming remix and reproduction album of their recent "Beat Space Nine", featuring Japanese and overseas remixers. m-flo "Dope Space Nine" 1. One Day / Loves Katō Miriya (Remixed By Kreva) 2. So Exclusive / Loves Sowelu (Remixed...
Posted on September 21, 2005 at 10:58. | Released on November 2, 2005
Various Artists "Chromeo presents Un joli mix pour toi"
A pretty mix from Chromeo, as we wait for their next album... pourquoi pas? Coming in September on Belgian label Eskimo. Recent interview at Voir.ca (Français) Various Artists "Chromeo presents Un joli mix pour toi" 1. Electrik Funk "On A...
Posted on August 16, 2005 at 17:36. | Released on September 26, 2005
Fantastic Plastic Machine "Sound Concierge #502"
A new mix CD in FPM's Sound Concierge series is coming out in August. The mix CD will contain a new FPM song, "Tell Me", from his forthcoming album expected in October! As usual, there will be a limited edition...
Posted on July 4, 2005 at 10:54. | Released on August 31, 2005
Game Soundtrack "minna dai suki katamari damashii Original Soundtrack 'katamari wa tamashii'"
The sequel to popular Playstation 2 game "katamari damashii" will be out on July 7. Like the first game's acclaimed soundtrack, this one's looks like it will be a winner. It features vocals by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Kahimi Karie,...
Posted on June 29, 2005 at 12:40. | Released on July 20, 2005
Chromeo live at Womb
Man, was I waiting for this one! Chromeo live in Tokyo! If you have yet to check out this super cool unit from Montreal, do yourself a favor by doing so now! Shake Hip Carnival at Shibuya Womb on July...
Posted on June 18, 2005 at 20:06. | Released on July 8, 2005
Crue-L Grand Orchestra "Spend The Day Without You" / Takuji aka Geetek "Rock"
I'm putting these two together as they're CD re-releases of recently out great 12"'s from Crue-L Records. These come in a paper sleeve, certainly mimicking Crue-L's 12" sleeves. Essential for CDJs, and Crue-L fans without a turntable. Crue-L Classics Series...
Posted on May 20, 2005 at 11:45. | Released on June 25, 2005
Harvard "Oracle"
Harvard is back this year with a second album, over two years after their previous full-length "Lesson". The album will feature special guests Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza), Matsuda Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico, Neil and Iraiza), Kanda Tomoki, Frontier Backyard, Riddim...
Posted on April 28, 2005 at 13:25. | Released on July 7, 2005
Various Artists "Readymade Digs Disney 3"
Last time we got Disney's jazzy grooves, this time we get soft rock songs from the 60's and 70's, of course all selected by Konishi Yasuharu. All songs are said to be released on CD for the first time, so...
Posted on April 27, 2005 at 16:40. | Released on July 13, 2005
Various Artists "Playroom presents Soma & Classic Room Play Selection"
Not sure whether this is a non-stop mix or a compilation, but it's selected by Ikeda Masanori (Mansfield) and it's not only 1 but 2 CDs, at a good price! It's said to include many songs available for the first...
Posted on March 28, 2005 at 10:50. | Released on March 30, 2005
Various Artists "We Are Escalator Records part 5 mixed by Naka Masashi"
Yet another Escalator non-stop mix CD, this time selected by Escalator boss Naka Masashi (Losfeld). Various Artists "We Are Escalator Records part 5 mixed by Naka Masashi" 1. Daisy / Nicoletta 2. En Voiture-Lit / Yukari Fresh 3. Pain /...
Posted on March 15, 2005 at 13:14. | Released on March 30, 2005
