Vacation Three "One"
Vacation Three is the band of Nakamura Dai (BANK, NUBACK, ex-Arch), saxophonist Nakamoto Kōichiro (Wack Wack Rhythm Band) and percussionist Okyon. After having performed many shows since they got together about 2 years ago, here comes a first album of...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on November 7, 2018
Hoshino Michiru "After 6 Sessions" (Download)
Singer-songwriter Hoshino Michiru has released a digital EP of a session recently performed live on TBS Radio show "After 6 Junction" hosted by Utamaru (Rhymester) on weekdays from 18:00 to 21:00. The set featured keyboardist Inoue Kaoru (Blue Peppers)...
Posted on November 7, 2018 at 00:27. | Released on October 31, 2018
Denki Groove "Kraken Taka" (Blu-ray/DVD/2CD)
This Denki Groove show held in March 2018 at Zepp Tokyo was first released digitally (audio only) recently, but now here it comes on Blu-ray and DVD. Included is bonus commentary by the group's two members (Takkyu Ishino and Pierre...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 19:19. | Released on October 24, 2018
La Veuve Moustachue "Zettai Renai! Count Down!!" (7")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka Mustached Widow, Hige no Mibōjin) is back with a brand new single, its first release since the vinyl edition of brilliant album "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (2016). This time the charming widow has...
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on October 30, 2018
Nagisa Yoko "Nagisa no Zundoko bushi" (7")
Kayōkyoku singer Nagisa Yōko suddenly passed away in September just days after performing part of a Crazy Ken Band concert, ahead of her annual recital which was to be held in November. R.I.P. to a great singer and entertainer....
Posted on November 3, 2018 at 11:19. | Released on October 24, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
Francis avec Haruko "Zero Gravity Love"
Francis avec Haruko, the unit of Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors) and Tajima Haruko, has a 2nd mini-album out now! The keyword is "cosmic and colorful electro-pop"! This is the follow-up to "Jamón, jamón" (2017). Their next show will...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:53. | Released on October 17, 2018
Avandoned "Lemon Peels" (7"+CD)
Idol duo Avandoned has released a new single earlier this month! "Lemon Peels" was written and produced by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza, Learners). The B-side was written and performed by punk band SEVENTEEN AGAiN. There's...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 19:26. | Released on October 10, 2018
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "Easy Riding / I'll Close My Eyes" (7")
Wack Wack Rhythm Band (official Facebook page) has a brand new 7" single out now! A-side "Easy Riding" is a brand new happy-sounding soft rock instrumental, while B-side is a vocal cover of jazz standard "I'll Close My Eyes"....
Posted on October 15, 2018 at 22:34. | Released on October 10, 2018
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
Cornelius "Ripple Waves"
Cornelius has a new album being released this week! This is actually an album that revolves around the latest, "Mellow Waves". Included are some remixes (two of which were previously released part of the Sound & Recording magazine), some tracks...
Posted on September 17, 2018 at 22:10. | Released on September 19, 2018
Mia Nascimento "Dance in the Moonlight" (Download)
Mia Nascimento (Milli Milli Bar, ex-Especia) (Twitter) has a new solo song out now on iTunes, Spotify, etc. It was written and produced by Yafune Tetsurō (Milli Milli Bar). The song has often been played in their shows and...
Posted on September 12, 2018 at 22:37. | Released on September 3, 2018
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 5, 2018
Jintana & Emeralds "Summer Begins" (7")
Jintana & Emeralds, neo-doo-wop group of Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (XTAL, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists including hitomitoi, has a new single out this week! The A-side is a brand...
Posted on August 13, 2018 at 23:18. | Released on August 18, 2018
Natsu Summer "Old School Surfer" (7")
This is a 7" single cut from Natsu Summer's latest mini-album "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation" that was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei) and backed by a real band with drums and bass, organ, steel pan, etc. The B-side...
Posted on August 13, 2018 at 21:53. | Released on August 18, 2018
Her Serves & Receive "Service Ace"
Her Serves & Receive (Japanese name "kanojo no Serves & Receive") is a girl vocal duo, and "future tennis icons", that has a gimmick of sporting tennis wear and a racket whenever performing live. Beyond the looks, their sounds have...
Posted on August 11, 2018 at 18:20. | Released on August 5, 2018
Perfume "Future Pop"
Perfume has a new 7th album coming this month! "Future Pop" is the follow-up to "Cosmic Explorer" (2016). As usual all songs are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). Included are singles "Tokyo Girl", "If you wanna", "mugen mirai",...
Posted on August 7, 2018 at 22:55. | Released on August 15, 2018
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah' 3"
A 3rd soundtrack album for NHK's popular educational TV program "Design Ah" (「デザインあ」) has just been released. As usual all the music is by Cornelius! Featured are vocals by Chocolat, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Leo Imai (Metafive),...
Posted on July 25, 2018 at 23:04. | Released on July 18, 2018
Natsu Summer "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation"
City pop singer Natsu Summer has released earlier this month a new mini-album! Like her first album "Hello, future day" this is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), though this time the whole is backed by a real band with drums...
Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:46. | Released on July 4, 2018
Wakita Monari "Ahead!"
Wakita Monari has a 2nd album being released this month! This is the follow-up to the excellent "I am ONLY" (2017). Included are several songs produced by Arai Toshiya (Count Joke), and also ones produced by microstar, Illicit Tsuboi (co-written...
Posted on July 15, 2018 at 23:59. | Released on July 25, 2018
The Scooters "Be My Baby" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single that has just been released! "Be My Baby" is a new original song that was made as the theme of leader Shindō Mitsuo's exhibition held a few months ago sharing the same title....
Posted on July 14, 2018 at 22:58. | Released on November 14, 2018
Manon "Teenage Diary"
Fukuoka-based teenage model & singer MANON (Instagram) finally has a full-length album coming! Just over a year since debut single "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (available on pink vinyl 7"), "Teenage Diary" contains all of her great singles so far plus a bunch of...
Posted on June 22, 2018 at 23:03. | Released on July 7, 2018
Nakano Aya "Double Game"
Nakano Aya has a new album coming this month! The album has imaginary "sides", the "Butterfly Side" (tracks 1 to 6) which has a jazzy big band style, and the "Glamour Side" (tracks 7 to 12) which is more rhythm...
Posted on June 13, 2018 at 23:42. | Released on June 20, 2018
Shuntaro Okino "The Spark"
Okino Shuntarō (ex-Venus Peter) has a brand new album is being released! "The Spark" is entirely performed and mixed by himself, with all lyrics in English. It's the follow-up to "F-A-R" (2015, CDJapan), which had been followed by a remix...
Posted on June 4, 2018 at 21:52. | Released on June 6, 2018
Various Artists "Brilliant Ideas Works Of Yasuharu Konishi 1986-2018" (5CD)
Here comes a massive boxed set compilation of works by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One, ex-Pizzicato Five) spanning his whole career from 1986 to now! Included are many of the hits and wonderful songs he wrote music or lyrics for, produced,...
Posted on June 3, 2018 at 23:09. | Released on June 6, 2018
Saito Neonsign "Yokohama Rampway"
Saito Neonsign, a Showa-kayō band from Yokohama fronted by Piro Saito (aka Saitō Hiroyuki), has a first mini-album being released! Formed in 2012 and having previously released 4 songs (check out iTunes or Spotify), this new mini-album brings 5 brand...
Posted on June 2, 2018 at 11:26. | Released on June 6, 2018
TRI4TH "Hybrid Roots"
Danceable instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has released a new album that consists of covers of songs that make up their roots. Two self-covers are also included. A tour will be held starting on June 1st at Daikanyama Unit. Also, TRI4TH...
Posted on May 26, 2018 at 23:55. | Released on May 23, 2018
Sawagi "Kabo Wabo"
Sawagi, a band that gives an energetic show of dance music played with live instruments, has a new album coming and it's co-produced by Chabe (Learners, cubismo grafico, Neil and Iraiza)! A remix by Chabe as cbsmgrfc is also included....
Posted on May 21, 2018 at 22:49. | Released on May 23, 2018
Non "Super Heroes", "Non, KAIWA Fest Vol.1 ~ongaku ga areba kaiwa ga dekiru!~" (DVD)
Actress-gone-rockstar Non (previously known as Nōnen Rena) has a first full-length album being released! This follows a few singles that were released since her debut as a singer last summer at the World Happiness festival. With five songs written by...
Posted on May 2, 2018 at 21:57. | Released on May 9, 2018
The Beatniks "Exitentialist A Xie Xie"
The Beatniks, the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), is about to release a 5th album! "Exitentialist A Xie Xie" is the follow-up to "Last Train To Exitown". Included are 10 songs with sounds that...
Posted on April 30, 2018 at 20:37. | Released on May 9, 2018
Kirinji "jikan ga nai"
Kirinji has a new single coming! Included is new song "jikan ga nai", which was first performed live during the encore of a show at EX Theater Roppongi in Tokyo last December. Aside from the new song, 7 live bonus...
Posted on April 26, 2018 at 21:42. | Released on May 2, 2018
Supercar "Permafrost"
It was recently the 20th anniversary of band Supercar, which was active from 1995 to 2005. This new greatest hits album collects 20 songs on two CDs. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers. The limited edition...
Posted on April 24, 2018 at 22:24. | Released on April 25, 2018
The Geno London "Geno London EP"
The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The...
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 00:16. | Released on April 11, 2018
Mondo Grosso "Attune / Detune"
Follow-up to last year's "Reborn Again and Always Starting New" (2017), Mondo Grosso (aka Ōsawa Shinichi) has a new album out now! This time the songs feature vocalists including Yakushimaru Etsuko, ACO, Aina The End (BiSH), Ōhashi Trio and more....
Posted on April 1, 2018 at 15:20. | Released on March 21, 2018
Shonen Knife "Alive! in Osaka"
Shonen Knife has just released a new live album, recorded at Fandango in Osaka on December 22, 2017. This show was performed by Naoko, Atsuko and Risa. It seems that an overseas edition is also to be released on May...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:41. | Released on March 14, 2018
Yogee New Waves "Spring Cave e.p."
City pop band Yogee New Waves has a new EP out now, their first since their recent move to a major label! Included are some brand new songs and a new remix of "Ride on Wave" (lead track of 2nd...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:24. | Released on March 14, 2018
Perfume "mugen mirai"
Perfume has a brand new single out now. "mugen mirai" is the theme song of movie "Chihayafuru -musubi-", the last part of live-action movie trilogy based on manga "Chihayafuru". Check out the music video below. The single is available in...
Posted on March 21, 2018 at 23:20. | Released on March 14, 2018
Emerson Kitamura "The Countryside is Great e.p." (12")
"Bangkok Nites" is a Japanese movie released in 2016. EM Records, the label that released the soundtrack, has been also releasing a series of tribute 12" EPs. This last installment is by keyboardist Emerson Kitamura. "inaka wa iine" is a...
Posted on February 18, 2018 at 12:13. | Released on February 17, 2018
Ozawa Kenji "Arpeggio (kitto mahou no Tunnel no saki)"
Ozawa Kenji has a new single being released on Valentine's Day. The title song is the theme of movie "River's Edge", and also features the voices of lead actress Nikaidō Fumi and actor Yoshizawa Ryō. The B-side is a live...
Posted on February 12, 2018 at 21:54. | Released on February 14, 2018
lyrical school "'Take Me Out' on Dec 16"
Rap idol group lyrical school has a first live album being released, of a show held on December 16, 2017, at Liquidroom in Ebisu, Tokyo. Included are live opening song "debayashi" as well as previously unreleased live favorites "(Get Around!)...
Posted on February 5, 2018 at 23:06. | Released on February 14, 2018
Juicy Fruits "Bittersweet"
Legendary new wave band Juicy Fruits is back with a brand new album! While they have been active playing some live shows in the recent years, 34 years have passed since their previous album release ("Come on Swing" in 1984)!...
Posted on February 5, 2018 at 21:41. | Released on February 14, 2018
Negicco "Calypso musume ni hanataba o"
Here's a new single by Negicco! Both songs were written by Negicco's producer connie, although the title song was arranged and performed by Your Song Is Good. This is the first time Negicco collaborates with YSIG. The limited edition...
Posted on January 30, 2018 at 23:19. | Released on February 6, 2018
Milli Milli Bar "My Sweet Seventeen" (Download)
Milli Milli Bar (Twitter) is the new band featuring pianist/singer-songwriter Yafune Tetsurō and singer Mia Nascimento (ex-Especia), with bassist Hishikawa Kōtarō and Sugata Naoto. Already having played some shows in Tokyo (some of which can be watched on YouTube)...
Posted on January 19, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on January 19, 2018
Luby Sparks "Luby Sparks"
Indie-pop band Luby Sparks (Facebook, Soundcloud), formed in 2015, is finally releasing a debut album. It is co-produced by Max Bloom (Yuck, ex-Cajun Dance Party) and was entirely recorded in London. This follows the release of split-cassette "Yuck/Luby Sparks" (Fastcut...
Posted on January 8, 2018 at 11:54. | Released on January 24, 2018
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
Kashif "BlueSongs" (12")
Guitarist Kashif's brilliant first solo album was recently released on vinyl! Great city pop songs sung by himself, with also guest hitomitoi. The album was mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori, and the cover artwork is by famous illustrator Nagai Hiroshi. The...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 13:17. | Released on November 29, 2017
@17 "Sugar Sugar / Bubble Bath Girl"
@17 is an unit formed of staff from Akihabara maid cafe @home cafe. This is their 3rd single, and it's produced by Kaji Hideki! The A-side is a brand new song that he wrote, with lyrics by Kaseki Cider, while...
Posted on December 31, 2017 at 12:29. | Released on November 22, 2017
Perfume "Perfume Clips 2" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume have a 2nd collection of video clips being released on Blu-ray and DVD! This contains everything from "Spring of Life" (2012), when they moved to label Universal Music, up to the latest "If you wanna" (2017), pursuing from where...
Posted on November 27, 2017 at 23:43. | Released on November 29, 2017
Record Day 2017
Record Day 2017 was held on November 3, and this year again led to the release of many vinyl records. Below is a selection of the titles, but you can find the whole list on the official site here. Record...
Posted on November 26, 2017 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
"Godzilla Legend V"
This is a cover album of songs from the "Godzilla" movie series, arranged and performed by musicians including Hikashu and Charan-Po-Rantan, with Inoue Makoto (ex-Hikashu) plus a three-piece brass section. The title implies that it is the follow-up to the...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 00:16. | Released on September 20, 2017
Bank "Time / Himitsu" (7")
New wave band BANK has a new 7" out now! Check out their new songs of a dubby mellow 80's feel. BANK is a band that features singer Nakamura Dai (ex-Arch), drummer Suzuki Bō, bassist Hirami Fumio (ex-Love Tambourines),...
Posted on September 16, 2017 at 22:20. | Released on September 16, 2017
De De Mouse "via alpha centauri" (Download)
Dé Dé Mouse has a brand new EP being released digitally! This is the follow-up to "dream you up" (April 2017). "via alpha centauri" takes inspiration from the "Centaur festival" which appears in classic Japanese fantasy novel "Night on the...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 00:27. | Released on September 15, 2017
Manon "Wavy Pineapple Days" (Download)
Just ahead of the release of her first 7" single "xxFANCYPOOLxx", teenage model Manon has a 3rd brand new song now available for download on iTunes. Again produced by Yuppa (HNC), this time we get a cool reggae summer...
Posted on August 29, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on August 28, 2017
Manon "xxFANCYPOOLxx" (7")
Fukuoka-based teenage model Manon, of the Asobi System agency (same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, etc.), debuted last month as a singer with the songs "xxFANCYPOOLxx" and "Beat The Bad Luck" produced by Yuppa (HNC aka Hazel Nuts Chocolate)! Those...
Posted on August 26, 2017 at 15:25. | Released on August 30, 2017
Perfume "If you wanna"
Perfume has a new single coming at the end of August! Both songs are used in TV commercials. The title song in a one for Ora2 toothpaste (special site), and B-side "Everyday" of which a version can be heard in...
Posted on August 15, 2017 at 00:22. | Released on August 30, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau." (7"x2)
From the album of the same name released in May, here's a set of two 7"'s containing four summer-themed Shibuya-kei related covers sung by Nomiya Maki. The two records come packaged in a gatefold jacket, designed and photographed by art...
Posted on August 13, 2017 at 09:37. | Released on August 30, 2017
Emerson Kitamura "Madokara / Ame No Saka No Ashimoto" (Download)
Keyboardist Emerson Kitamura has released two new songs digitally! Check them out on iTunes, Spotify, etc. Also don't miss his delightful latest mini-album "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha". Emerson Kitamura will play at Rising Sun Festival 2017 in Hokkaido...
Posted on August 10, 2017 at 23:54. | Released on August 2, 2017
WHY@DOLL "WHY@DOLL"
Idol duo WHY@DOLL has a 2nd album out now. Five different songwriters/producers have each contributed two songs, including ones written by Yoshida Tetsuto ("sumire Iolite" and "koi wa Shoo-be-doo-be-doo-ba!") (both co-arranged by Hase Yasuhiro (Yume to Cosme)), and others by...
Posted on August 8, 2017 at 23:58. | Released on August 1, 2017
Negicco "Negicco 2011~2017 -Best- 2"
Negicco has a new greatest hits album coming this month! Included are songs revolving around albums "Melody Palette" (2013), "Rice&Snow" (2015) and "Tea for Three" (2016), but also a single B-side ("sayonara Music"), previously unreleased show opening song "Make Up...
Posted on July 16, 2017 at 22:40. | Released on July 20, 2017
STE "koyoi mo, sakaba ni te." (7"+CD)
This is a single produced by Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience), commissioned by Tochigi Doughnuts, an association that promotes restaurants, bars and shops of Utsunomiya city in Tochigi prefecture, and also 7" records. The song is a kayō-ska hymn...
Posted on June 30, 2017 at 23:33. | Released on July 5, 2017
Cornelius "Mellow Waves"
A brand new album by Cornelius (international site) is coming at the end of June! Announced a few months ago and preceded by the release of two 7" singles, here comes "Mellow Waves", the long awaited follow-up to "Sensuous" (2006)!...
Posted on June 10, 2017 at 23:34. | Released on June 28, 2017
Nakano Aya "Asami no Blues" (7"+CD)
Singer Nakano Aya has a new single out this week! Produced by Mutō Shōhei (drummer, vocalist and leader of jazz band Katteni-Shiyagare), the music is also performed by Kathmandu, a unit formed mainly of his band's members. The title song...
Posted on June 5, 2017 at 21:06. | Released on June 7, 2017
Shibata Satoko "Do You Need a Rest From Love?"
Singer-songwriter Shibata Satoko has a 4th album out today! This is the follow-up to her eponymous album released in 2015. Two songs were arranged by Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), and one by Yamamoto Seiichi (Boredoms). In June she will tour Japan,...
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 23:05. | Released on May 17, 2017
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
The Nyantokanyaru's "The Nyantokanyaru's chikyujo CD Debut"
The Nyantokanyaru's is a new idol group formed of Eve Nyan Laurent (aka Evenyan, of Kit Cat) and Sorano Aozora (aka Aonyan). The whole is produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), who also produces Kit Cat, as well as songs for...
Posted on May 1, 2017 at 22:22. | Released on May 3, 2017
Kashif "BlueSongs"
Guitarist Kashif — a member of collective Pan Pacific Playa (PPP), and also known for his works and appearances with Jintana & Emeralds, hitomitoi, Scha Dara Parr, (((sssurrounddd))), G.Rina and Sugar Campaign — has a first solo album being released!...
Posted on April 30, 2017 at 23:17. | Released on May 3, 2017
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Vacances Shibuya-kei o utau. ~Wonderful Summer~"
Of her "Shibuya-kei standards" series, Nomiya Maki brings us a new album of summer & vacation-themed covers of Shibuya-kei songs, or ones that inspired the scene's artists. Included are songs originally by Watanabe Marina (written by Ozawa Kenji & Oyamada...
Posted on April 20, 2017 at 21:46. | Released on May 3, 2017
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
sione "ode"
Yukawa Shione releases a first full-length album under the sione name, a new project in which she sings without using words. The album was produced and arranged by world's end girlfriend who also produced EP "Golden Age" released last year....
Posted on April 11, 2017 at 23:37. | Released on April 15, 2017
Perfume "Perfume 6th Tour 2016 'COSMIC EXPLORER'" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This new live Blu-ray/DVD from Perfume is about their latest tour that followed the release of album "Cosmic Explorer", and it contains not one but two full shows! The first disc is of a show held at Osaka Kyocera Dome...
Posted on April 2, 2017 at 21:30. | Released on April 5, 2017
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
Kinoco Hotel "jitsuroku - gebageba daikakumei" (DVD/Blu-ray)
Kinoco Hotel has a new live Blu-ray/DVD out now! This show was held on October 22, 2016 at Tokyo Kinema Club, part of the tour that followed released of latest album "Marianne no kakumei" (2016). Available on Blu-ray and DVD,...
Posted on March 7, 2017 at 22:31. | Released on March 1, 2017
Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra "The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Concert"
"The Legend of Zelda" celebrated last year its 30th anniversary! On October 16, 2016, a special concert where the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performed music from the famous game series was held, and it is now being released on CD. The...
Posted on February 12, 2017 at 14:05. | Released on February 15, 2017
Mother Tereco "Oracle"
Mother Tereco, the unit of Sato Kimitoshi and Namba Takumi (both ex-members of Open Reel Ensemble), has a first album about to be released! Mother Tereco has also been seen on stage performing with Maika Loubté, whose latest album "Le...
Posted on February 5, 2017 at 11:37. | Released on February 8, 2017
Toki Asako "Pink"
Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new album coming this week, the follow-up to "Bittersweet" (2015) (CDJapan, Amazon). This time the album is sound produced by Tomi Yo who had written a few songs on "Bittersweet" and previous album "Heartbreakin'" (2013)....
Posted on January 22, 2017 at 01:22. | Released on January 25, 2017
Perfume "Tokyo Girl"
Perfume has a new single coming in February! The title song is being used at the theme song of TV drama "Tokyo tarareba musume", while the B-side can be heard in a TV commercial for Ora2 toothpaste. Both songs are...
Posted on January 16, 2017 at 21:48. | Released on February 15, 2017
fox capture plan "Fragile"
"Fragile" is the 5th original album by instrumental jazz trio fox capture plan. This is the follow-up to "Butterfly" (2015) (Amazon, CDJapan). Included is a cover of Arctic Monkeys' "Brainstorm". A show will be held on release day, January 25,...
Posted on January 8, 2017 at 22:00. | Released on January 25, 2017
the fascinations "tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon -" (7")
Vibraphone-led jazz band the fascinations are back with a new 7" single! Included are covers of Original Love's "tsuki no ura de aimashō - Let's go to the darkside of the moon -" (originally released in 1991) and Alice Clark's...
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 22:13. | Released on January 18, 2017
Urbangarde "Akuma des Akuma"
The first release of 2017 is a brand new single by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde! Check out the video below, and this official comment by band leader Matsunaga Temma. "This is URBANGARDE. We're releasing a single after 4 and half...
Posted on December 28, 2016 at 00:41. | Released on January 4, 2017
Hamada Maron "kisetsu meguredo jazz ver." (CD+7")
Jazz singer Hamada Maron has a new single out now, and it's produced by Sunaga Tatsuo! Featured are members of instrumental jazz band TRI4TH. The B-side is "mirei Butterfly", recently featured on Sunaga Tatsuo's "yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All...
Posted on December 24, 2016 at 00:22. | Released on December 21, 2016
Emerson Kitamura "Rock'n Roll No Hajimari Ha"
Synth and keyboard lovers should find it hard to resist to Emerson Kitamura! This new album of 6 songs is the follow up to "Ochi Kochi Ni (in perspective)" (2014), and consists of more delectable instrumental pieces, mostly originals but...
Posted on December 16, 2016 at 00:36. | Released on December 14, 2016
Learners "Learners Christmas EP" (7")
LEARNERS, the rockabilly band led by Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and fronted by singer Sara Mary, has a new Christmas 7" out this week! The A-side is a cover of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", previously performed by Jackson...
Posted on November 29, 2016 at 22:38. | Released on November 30, 2016
Negicco "Negicco at NHK Hall ~ TADAIMA ~ 2016 Summer" (Blu-ray)
Negicco is releasing a Blu-ray disc of their latest big show, held at NHK Hall in Tokyo on July 30, 2016. All songs from latest album "Tea for Three" were performed live, as well as many other favorites. The entire...
Posted on November 26, 2016 at 00:23. | Released on November 29, 2016
Cutemen "Humanity", "Cruel Memories -The Best & Rarities-"
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has a brand new album out today! Cutemen is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, although the unit had been inactive for a long time. "Humanity" is the...
Posted on November 23, 2016 at 00:50. | Released on November 23, 2016
sugar me "6 femmes"
Follow-up to last year's 2nd album "AROUND the CORNER", here comes a new cover mini-album by sugar me! Included are songs originally by Jane Birkin, Lou Reed and Judee Sill among others. One song is a duet with Oh Shu...
Posted on November 22, 2016 at 00:02. | Released on November 23, 2016
La Veuve Moustachue "Les Vacances de la Veuve Moustachue" (12")
La Veuve Moustachue (aka "hige no mibōjin" in Japanese) is releasing an album on vinyl! This unit of Kishino You-ichi and composer/pianist Gary Ashiya first released a 5-song mini-album of the same title in 2002. All of those 5 songs...
Posted on November 15, 2016 at 23:49. | Released on November 16, 2016
Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen' Original Soundtrack"
Konishi Yasuharu didn't only produce the excellent ending theme (performed by Dorusen from TPD) of drama "Debusen", but also all of its BGM! Here's the original soundtrack. Most tracks can be sampled at CDJapan. Konishi Yasuharu "hulu Original Drama 'Debusen'...
Posted on September 29, 2016 at 23:06. | Released on September 28, 2016
Charan-Po-Rantan "karimono kyousou"
Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new album out now, consisting of all covers of Japanese and foreign bands. All songs can also be sampled on this official release page. The limited edition comes with a DVD of...
Posted on September 19, 2016 at 23:27. | Released on September 14, 2016
ShinoVani (Shinohara Tomoe + Vanilla Beans) "onna no ko ☆ otoko no ko / kokoro no usagi"
ShinoVani is the new unit of Shinohara Tomoe & Vanilla Beans! They have actually been doing a weekly net TV program together under the same name since April 2015, but now here comes a music debut single! The new song...
Posted on September 16, 2016 at 22:49. | Released on September 28, 2016
Dorusen from TPD "sensei no okiniiri"
Here's a brand new catchy rocking pop track written and produced by Konishi Yasuharu! Dorusen from TPD, a sub-unit of idol group Tokyo Performance Doll, sings the ending theme of school-themed drama series "Debusen". The title translates to "the...
Posted on September 15, 2016 at 22:53. | Released on September 21, 2016
Perfume "Cosmic Explorer" (2x12")
Perfume's 6th album "Cosmic Explorer", released last April, has just been released in a limited vinyl edition! This comes in as a set of two 12"'s, and the 1st record is blue, while the 2nd comes in a random color...
Posted on August 14, 2016 at 11:43. | Released on August 3, 2016
Negicco "Tea for Three" (2LP)
Negicco's 3rd album "Tea for Three" (out last May) is being released as a limited double LP! Don't miss this! On the same day, Saturday July 30, Negicco will perform a one-man live at NHK Hall in Shibuya. Tickets are...
Posted on July 28, 2016 at 23:38. | Released on July 30, 2016
Uno Digital "Weird Piece" (Download)
Uno Digital ("unō" means "right brain") is the new genre-free unit of drummer Suzuki Kaoru (lately seen performing with Nakatsuka Takeshi and De De Mouse) and composer Hayata Yoshihiro. Their first single is out today on iTunes and Apple...
Posted on July 27, 2016 at 23:09. | Released on July 27, 2016
Various Artists "Nippon Samba"
In line with "Bossa Brasilia 2016" just out last week, here's another groovy samba/bossa nova compilation selected by Itō Yōichirō (aka Akakage), though this one consists of all Japanese artists. Many of the songs included are from the 60's, with...
Posted on July 26, 2016 at 23:39. | Released on July 27, 2016
Various Artists "Aloha Exotica"
Yasuda Toshiyuki, Jazztronik and Tamura Genichi (Kirinji, Little Tempo) cover famous Hawaiian and exotica songs in this new compilation that includes collaborations with Sandii, Lica, Takeda Kaori, cellist Mizoguchi Hajime, and Hawaiian singer Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. Perfect for summer! Hear samples...
Posted on July 20, 2016 at 22:27. | Released on July 20, 2016
Perfume "WE ARE Perfume -WORLD TOUR 3rd DOCUMENT" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's first documentary movie is being released on Blu-ray and DVD! The movie follows them throughout their 3rd world tour (held in 2014) that led them to Taiwan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S. Special features include audio commentary by...
Posted on July 1, 2016 at 00:52. | Released on July 6, 2016
