Perfume "Magic of Love" (Single), "Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st" (DVD)
Perfume is back with a double release. Both coming on May 22 are new single "Magic of Love", and a DVD of Perfume's 1st world tour, more specifically a show held in Singapore. There's a limited edition of the single...
Posted on May 7, 2013 at 22:38. | Released on May 22, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
Muro "Diggin' James Brown"
DJ Muro has another mix CD out now, this time using only 7"'s by none other than James Brown, with many tracks that are now hard to find. 2013 would celebrate JB's 80th anniversary, of course a good reason to...
Posted on April 29, 2013 at 00:08. | Released on April 24, 2013
Original Love "Fashion Appeal" (Download)
Here's a new song from Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five). "Fashion Appeal" has a surprising electro touch that makes for a danceable catchy song. The EP also contains two live tracks, and is available only...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:51. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Muro "Diggin' Salsoul Breaks"
Following Towa Tei's recent Salsoul mix CD, here comes another one from DJ Muro. This features a unique selection by the "King of Diggin'", and the right dose of his top mixing skills. The art direction was done by Shindō...
Posted on April 21, 2013 at 22:40. | Released on April 10, 2013
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
Towa Tei "Licht / Katatagae (2013 Edit 01)" (Download)
Towa Tei's web site has been redesigned, with a message saying "New chapter has started!" in the news page! And here comes a new digital single of 2 tracks, instrumental track "Licht" from an upcoming new album (no details yet),...
Posted on April 9, 2013 at 23:40. | Released on April 10, 2013
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Radio Onsen Eutopia"
This new release by Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) consists of a special radio session that was aired on NHK-FM on Christmas day 2012. Aside from all sōtaiseiriron members, this also includes appearances by Ōtomo Yoshihide, Emerson Kitamura and many others. In...
Posted on April 6, 2013 at 19:35. | Released on April 10, 2013
Taketatsu Ayana "apple symphony"
Popular voice actress Taketatsu Ayana ("K-on!", etc.) has a first album coming, and it contains songs written by composers including Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals), Suemitsu Atsushi and hit-maker Tsutsumi Kyōhei. Lead track "haru ga kimi o kirei ni shita" was written...
Posted on April 5, 2013 at 00:19. | Released on April 10, 2013
RF "Fill the bill"
Jazz band RF covers hip-hop classics with their signature live band sound. This follows De De Mouse-produced cover album of De De Mouse influences (here). For audio samples, checkout Amazon MP3 (U.S.). RF "Fill the bill" (Original artists in parentheses)...
Posted on April 1, 2013 at 22:11. | Released on April 3, 2013
Gig report: Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong debut live w/ Living Astro
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday, I finally got to see an artist I had been wanting to see for about 15 years, ever since I got "Cloudy Cloud Calculator"! That's right, Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 21:04.
Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong "Toropical Circle"
What a surprise! Takako Minekawa is back with a new album, and that as a new unit with Dustin Wong (ex-Ponytail)! It has been 13 years since Takako's previous release, "Maxi On" (2000, Amazon U.S.) (a collaboration with New York...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 20:43. | Released on May 15, 2013
Predawn "A Golden Wheel"
Female singer-songwriter and guitarist Predawn has a first full-length album coming. This follows mini-album "te no naka no tori" ("A Bird In The Hand", iTunes) released in 2010. Check out the brand new video below! Other audio samples can be...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 14:58. | Released on March 27, 2013
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
naomi & goro "Cafe Bleu Solid Bond"
Bossa nova unit naomi & goro's new album is a cover album of all songs off The Style Council's "Cafe Bleu" album (1984). The Style Council was Paul Weller's band, active through the 80's. All tracks can be sampled at...
Posted on March 3, 2013 at 23:27. | Released on March 6, 2013
Kaji Hideki "Sweet Swedish Winter"
Kaji Hideki has a new album coming this month! This one is a tribute to Sweden's sweet winter, and it's his 2nd release from his own Blue Boys Club label (follow-up to "Blue Heart" (2012)). Title song "Sweet Swedish Winter"...
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 19:16. | Released on February 20, 2013
Negicco "ai no Tower of Love"
New single from Niigata-based idol group Negicco, this time a song produced by Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves). B-side "Party ni tsuite." is by connie who produces most of Negicco's tracks. The limited edition is a good deal, coming with a...
Posted on January 31, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on February 13, 2013
Hotel Mexico "Her Decorated Post Love"
Kyoto indies band Hotel Mexico has a new album coming from Second Royal. The song "A.I. in Dreams" released on 7" on Christmas day (Jet Set) is included, along with 6 other brand new tracks. Hotel Mexico "Her Decorated Post...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:43. | Released on February 6, 2013
Gig report: Saitō Neon Sign, Love & Revolution, Emmy Lee & The Psyzans
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday January 6, I went to an event at Koenji U.F.O. Club part of a series celebrating the 17th anniversary of the popular GS (Group Sounds)/garage rock oriented venue....
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 00:11.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "kimi ni 100 Percent / furisodeshon"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who will be turning 20 on January 29, has a new single to be released on the next day. This double-A-single contains "kimi ni 100 Percent", theme song of anime series "Crayon Shinchan", and new song "furisode-shon"...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 16:51. | Released on January 30, 2013
Black Bottom Brass Band "Kids Brass ~Big Easy!~"
Black Bottom Brass Band released a kids-oriented cover album, with popular kids songs from "Anpanman", "My Neighbor Totoro" and "One Piece" as well as nursery rhymes, all interpreted in the band's happy and funky original arrangements. Featured vocalists include Hatakeyama...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 23:29. | Released on December 19, 2012
Nona Reeves "Hippy Christmas / Live Thirteen"
Nona Reeves have been making a tradition of doing a Christmas show every year at Shibuya Club Quattro, and year 2012 saw its 14th edition. This live album release is of the show from the previous year (the 13th) held...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on December 19, 2012
Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
Fujisawa Shiho "Wonderful Christmas Time" (7")
Fujisawa Shiho has a Christmas 7" out now, containing danceable covers of "Wonderful Christmas Time" (Paul McCartney) and "Ave Maria". It's pressed on red vinyl too! Get it in time for your Christmas parties! Audio samples at Jet Set. Fujisawa...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on November 28, 2012
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
Little Lounge*Little Twinkle "hvit"
Little Lounge*Little Twinkle has a 2nd album out now! LLLT is the charming pop unit of Kida Shunsuke (composer), Tanaka Keiko (viola, etc.) and Asano Miyuki (vocals, toy instruments). "hvit" means "white" in Norwegian. The CD package contains a DIY...
Posted on November 13, 2012 at 23:11. | Released on November 11, 2012
Various Artists "mune kyun Arpeggio ~ Takayuki Fukumura with Friends"
This is a very special compilation paying tribute to Fukumura Takayuki, an original member of advantage Lucy and Vasallo Crab 75 who passed away 10 years ago. Various friend bands got together and recorded brand new songs written just for...
Posted on November 8, 2012 at 23:02. | Released on November 7, 2012
DJ Fumiya "Beats For Daddy"
DJ Fumiya (Rip Slyme, O.T.F) has a 1st solo original album coming! As the title says, the concept is club music intended for the current "dad generation" he belongs to. :) Featured guests include Bakubaku Dokin with Nagashima Tomoko (orange...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 22:56. | Released on November 7, 2012
Aurora Acoustic "Harmony of the Spheres", "The Light Chronicles (Best of Aurora Acoustic)"
Aurora Acoustic is the 2-acoustic guitar instrumental unit of DJ/producer Kaoru Inoue (Chari Chari) and guitarist Kojima Daisuke (aka DSK, of Port of Notes). Having previously released albums "Flare" (2004), "Fjord" (2006) and "Feast" (2007) under the Aurora name, here...
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:42. | Released on October 24, 2012
Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
Akane Hosaka "pikkonoco"
Independent electronic artist Akane Hosaka from Tokyo's underground Enban scene has a 4th album that was released this month, follow-up to "niko niko denki muzic" (2008 label Sonore). Recorded, manufactured (CD-R) and distributed by the artist herself, the new 10-song...
Posted on October 30, 2012 at 23:51. | Released on October 1, 2012
Ryuichi Sakamoto "Three"
Sakamoto Ryuichi has a new album out now, together with his trio also featuring Jaques Morelenbaum (cello) and Judy Kang (violin). The album was recorded in Portugal following last year's European tour. It's his first album as a trio since...
Posted on October 24, 2012 at 23:34. | Released on October 17, 2012
Various Artists "Vee Jay no yoru Jazz - Compiled by Tatsuo Sunaga"
Sunaga Tatsuo selects this compilation of songs from U.S. jazz label Vee-Jay that's been around since the 50's. This is part of his long-running "yoru Jazz" ("Jazz All-nighters") series. All tracks can be sampled at the official release page. Various...
Posted on September 19, 2012 at 23:07. | Released on September 19, 2012
J.A.M "Jazz Acoustic Machine"
Instrumental jazz trio (piano/bass/drums) J.A.M (MySpace), a sub-unit of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, has a 3rd album out this week. All tracks can be sampled at the band's official site. J.A.M can be seen live at Billboard Live Tokyo on...
Posted on September 18, 2012 at 23:38. | Released on September 19, 2012
marino with Teapot Orchestra "Bathtub de chōshoku o"
marino is back, 6 years after the release of hit album "Lollipop" (2009 reissue here), and now she's with a full brass band and going in a more jazzy direction, actually sounding very musical-like. The title translates to "breakfast in...
Posted on September 17, 2012 at 23:58. | Released on September 20, 2012
Various Artists "Tokyo Crossover Night 2012"
Here's a club-jazz/crossover compilation being released ahead of the 9th Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival to be held on September 29. This is compiled by Kyoto Jazz Massive's Okino Shūya, and artists featured also include DJ Kawasaki, Bembe Segue (UK) and more....
Posted on September 13, 2012 at 23:54. | Released on September 12, 2012
Idiot Pop "EXWORLD"
Described as "dreamy colorful super pop sound", here's a 2nd full album of Idiot Pop's fun and danceable tracks. Featured are several guest appearances including Frenesi and PandaBoY. Check out the video and sampler clip below! Idiot Pop "EXWORLD" 1....
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on September 5, 2012
YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
Sally Soul Stew "Blue Angel Deluxe"
Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, Phantom GIft), has released a deluxe CD edition of its latest 7", "anata ni maketa no" (2010). The band also features singers Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville), Lemon, guitarist Nakamori Yasuhiro...
Posted on July 15, 2012 at 10:22. | Released on June 27, 2012
Various Artists "Tokyo Luxury Lounge 5"
This is the latest of label Grand Gallery's "Tokyo Luxury Lounge" series, featuring some of the best and latest of Japan's club artists. This time included are Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kinbara Chieko, Octet Sunaga t (Sunaga Tatsuo), Studio Apartment, Coldfeet, i-dep,...
Posted on July 10, 2012 at 22:16. | Released on July 11, 2012
Gig report: Vanilla Beans one-man live vol.4
Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday June 17, I went to see Vanilla Beans who were holding their 4th one-man live. I had been to the first held in December 2009 (report), and have...
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 23:35.
Teams "Teams X White Lily Remixes"
Coming next from HNC's White Lily Records is a release of LA-based electro unit Teams (funnily borrowed from label White Iris Records). Included are 4 original tracks plus 5 remixes by White Lily's current roaster and friends. Featured are HNC,...
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on June 25, 2012
hitomitoi "City Dive"
Singer hitomitoi has a brand new album coming, produced by jazz DJ Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), in collaboration with Dorian and guitarist Kashif aka StringsBurn (Pan Pacific Playa). This album, being described as contemporary city music, is when summer starts! Coming...
Posted on June 15, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on June 20, 2012
EA "Météo"
Electro unit EA, formed of half-French half-Japanese singer Maika Leboutet and guitarist Shinya Saitō, has a first mini-album out now. The recording also features drummer Araki Yūko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group, If By Yes). EA "Météo" 1. Red block on...
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 22:27. | Released on May 9, 2012
Various Artists "Girly Graffiti ~a letter from Paris~", "~from Liverpool with love~"
Two releases of this new series of cover compilations (all new recordings) titled "Girly Graffiti", both of which are have ties with the Orange Records family. The first one, an album of French-pop covers (though somehow "Da Da Da" made...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 09:56. | Released on April 18, 2012
Various Artists "The Girl from Ipanema ~Antonio Carlos Jobim Tribute~"
Here's a tribute album to Tom Jobim featuring various young Japanese electronica artists. The whole is produced by Tobeta Bajune who has developed close ties with YMO and friends over the recent years. Sounds like a good way to revisit...
Posted on April 19, 2012 at 22:49. | Released on April 11, 2012
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer" (7")
Tokyo Killer is the instrumental surf unit of Kinoco Hotel's super guitarist Keme (aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa), and here's a first release coming as a 7" EP of 4 songs. 3 of the songs had been sold last year on CD-R...
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:50. | Released on April 4, 2012
Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful - selected by Shachō"
Here's a compilation of Japanese jazz, selected under the theme keyword "beautiful" by Soil & "Pimp" Sessions' agitator, Shachō. Featured artists include Ino Hidefumi, Calmera, Jazztronik, quasimode, PE'Z, of course Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and more. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful...
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 23:35. | Released on March 28, 2012
Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
Nakata Yasutaka "Liar Game - saisei (Reborn) - Original Soundtrack"
Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has produced a 3rd soundtrack for the a new movie of the Liar Game series. Along with many new songs is a remastered version of theme "Liar Game". The soundtrack is said to be mainly upbeat electro,...
Posted on February 28, 2012 at 23:24. | Released on March 2, 2012
Calmera "Mix Modern Covers!", "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie feat. akiko" (7")
Osaka instrumental jazz band Calmera has a 3rd album out now on Orange Records. This is a cover album, including covers of well known jazz, latin and rock songs rearranged in their style. "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" features jazz singer akiko,...
Posted on February 18, 2012 at 11:35. | Released on February 8, 2012
Gig report: Love And Hates "L.A.H." release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday, February 5, was the release party for Love And Hates' 1st album "L.A.H." The event was held at Shinjuku Marz, starting at 5pm and to finish around 10!...
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 21:41.
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
Various Artists "Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute"
Here's a tribute album to Sakamoto Ryūichi, produced by Tobeta Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features Ōnuki Taeko. The album is released on Sakamoto's...
Posted on January 15, 2012 at 01:13. | Released on January 17, 2012
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
Nomiya Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"
Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 13:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
Scott Goes For "Scott Goes For"
Scott Goes For is a new band started in 2010, though you might already know its experienced members from their previous bands: Arai Hitoshi (from N.G.Three, Ron Ron Clou, The Automatics, Northern Bright) on vocals and guitar, Okii Reiji (from...
Posted on December 30, 2011 at 21:19. | Released on January 18, 2012
Sakura Gakuin "berishubi"
School-themed teenage idol group Sakura Gakuin have a new single coming, for which the B-side "sakura hyakunin isshu" is a rap track produced by Ram Rider with lyrics co-written by Bose of Scha Dara Parr. A limited edition comes with...
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on December 21, 2011
yanokami "toku wa chikai"
yanokami, the unit of Yano Akiko with rei harakami (the latter who passed out in July of a brain hemorrhage), has a last album coming. This consists of a few new original songs plus a selection of covers of Arai...
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 21:43. | Released on December 14, 2011
Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
Sunaga t Experience "Choice"
Sunaga t Experience (the jazz unit produced by Sunaga Tatsuo) is back with a new album, this time backed by Billboard Japan part of a series of cover albums on its recently started Billboard Records label. The album features collaborations...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on December 7, 2011
Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas"
Singer Hirose Kohmi has a Christmas album on which Nakatsuka Takeshi produced covers of "Last Christmas", "White Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride". Audio samples on the official site (click the links, not the headphones). Hirose Kohmi "Love X'mas" 広瀬香美 「Love X'mas」...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 13:16. | Released on November 23, 2011
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
Crazy Ken Band "Wild de ikō!!!"
Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming, including 2 songs recently featured in TV commercials. Title track "Wild de iko!!!" was used in men's scalp care product "Rigaos", and "ikinokore!!!" for a pachinko CM (yes..!). This comes with a...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on November 23, 2011
Gig report: Dorian "studio vacation" release party, w/ Luvraw & BTB, (((sssurrounddd)))
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound We've been enjoying some cool autumn weather in Tokyo lately, but last Friday was a hot summer night at Shibuya WWW where was held the release party for Dorian's "studio...
Posted on November 6, 2011 at 23:33.
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus 1"
Sunaga Tatsuo begins a new sub-series of jazz compilations, part of his ongoing "yoru jazz" ("Jazz All-Nighters") series. This time he selects from the catalog of Japanese label Venus Records, which since 1992 has brought many releases from worldwide artists...
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 22:26. | Released on October 19, 2011
Takagi Masakatsu "Tama Tama", "Niyodo" (Download)
Takagi Masakatsu has not one but two new soundtracks now available on iTunes Japan. The first, "Tama Tama" is for a road movie featuring actress Aoi Yū travelling around Ireland, to start in theaters from October 15. The second, titled...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 22:51. | Released on October 5, 2011
Various Artists "I Love Tokyo ~For Anime Music Lovers~"
Shibuya meets Akihabara in this concept anime song cover compilation. Featured are various producers, such as Tofubeats, Ram Rider, Takizawa Kentarō, Jazzin' park, etc., in collaboration with various female singers including Nomoto Karia, Julie Watai (JulieHally), BiS and more. Audio...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:09. | Released on October 5, 2011
Chloe "Norwegian Wood"
Singer dahlia sings all songs on this new cover album by Irma Records Japan-based producer unit Chloe. This is a concept album featuring only covers of songs mentioned in books by writer Murakami Haruki ("1Q84", "Norwegian Wood", "Kafka on the...
Posted on October 3, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on October 5, 2011
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
Pizzicato One "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (12")
Konishi Yasuharu's first solo album as Pizzicato One has just been released on vinyl. You'll find all songs from the CD released last May. Be sure to check out the different artwork made especially to be better appreciated in its...
Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:01. | Released on August 3, 2011
OCTET Sunaga t "Kiev no sora feat. Jukka Eskola-TRI4TH" (Download)
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) has a new song available exclusively on iTunes Japan. This is a cover of Japanese 80's dub band Mute Beat's "Kiev no sora" (hear the original), an anti-nuclear song first recorded after the Chernobyl nuclear...
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 20:28. | 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
Rhymester "Flashback, natsu."
Hip-hop unit Rhymester has a new mini-album that comes as a collection of summer-themed tracks. Included are collaborations with Crazy Ken Band's guitarist Onose Masao and pianist singer-songwriter Sakai Yū (the latter who appeared on compilation "utau Piano danshi"), and...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:59. | Released on July 27, 2011
Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco release day in-store event
Text by Patrick for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Vanilla Beans' 2nd full-length original album "Vanilla Beans II"! They are now touring several record stores around the Kantō area in a promotion rush, but it all...
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 00:00.
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
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans II"
Idol duo Vanilla Beans comes back to us on their Nordic winds with a brand new album full of yet unheard tracks! This includes new catchy pop track "älskar dig" (watch a live performance on YouTube) that's an answer song...
Posted on July 13, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on July 20, 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.
Midori Hirano "Magnetic Visionaries" (Download)
Just weeks after the release of album "RundSkipper" under the name MimiCof, Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano now has a new 4-song EP of acoustic sounds wrapped into warm electronic landscapes. Out now on Overlap, the digital label of Christopher...
Posted on June 29, 2011 at 20:42. | Released on June 28, 2011
Jazztronik "Dig Dig Dig"
Jazztronik, the solo unit of Nozaki Ryōta, has a new album coming next week with a theme of "dancing" and sounds of funk, disco, acid-jazz, techno and hip-hop. This features guests such as Swedish-Japanese singer Maia Hirasawa, and also the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on June 8, 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
Gig report: Hikashu & Shinohara Tomoe at The Japan Society, NYC
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Back in late 2009 Tomoe asked to let her listen to some Hikashu (MySpace) tracks, specifically "Biro Biro", a classic 1980 released track of theirs because...
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 23:22.
Gig report: mōretsu kara Beautiful Concert 2011: Sally Soul Stew and Keme
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday May 8 was a show of Sally Soul Stew, the band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), held at Shinjuku rock venue Red Cloth. Sally...
Posted on May 14, 2011 at 11:55.
Gig report: "Swing in the JICOO" with Nakatsuka Takeshi
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday, May 7, was another swinging cruise hosted by Nakatsuka Takeshi aboard JICOO, the water bus-turned-floating bar designed by manga artist Matsumoto Leiji. The event was a sort of...
Posted on May 12, 2011 at 22:58.
Gig report: Frenesi and Kaseki Cider
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Friday May 6 was the first day of a series of shows celebrating the 11th anniversary of venue Astro Hall in Harajuku. It was only my 2nd time there (the first being...
Posted on May 11, 2011 at 00:10.
Gig report: Farm Party #6: Abikyokan, Hosaka Akane, Young Fratellis, N'toko
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 22 was a fun event held at Asagaya GaMuSo, of the Farm Party series organized by the great Tokyo Gig Guide. Started just last year, it was...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:49.
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.
April Set "Fairground"
April Set, the solo project of DJ Suzuki Masanori, has a new full-length album coming this week, containing both covers and original songs with bossa, house, jazz and disco sounds. Featured are vocalists Necozawa Emi, Okawara Izumi (Qypthone), Pecombo, Suzuki...
Posted on April 24, 2011 at 23:39. | Released on April 27, 2011
"Norageki!" (DVD, Blu-ray)
"Norageki!" is an anime film directed by Andō Hiroaki (storyboard artist for "Tekkonkincreet"), with original music by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and a new song by Meg. So far there are no plans of the music being released on CD. Plot...
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on April 7, 2011
Various Artists "Nagisa ongaku-sai presents In The Mix mixed by Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka FPM has a new mix CD out today, put together for beach rave event Nagisa Music Festival where he will be DJing. The event is to be held in Tokyo on April 10 and in Osaka on...
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 22:42. | Released on March 23, 2011
Chabe "Me."
Cubismo Grafico aka Matsuda Gakuji is back with a new album, his first under his popular nickname, Chabe. This includes songs from last December's now sold out debut 10" EP that marked the opening of his KIT Gallery, and contains...
Posted on March 7, 2011 at 21:24. | Released on March 16, 2011
Gig report: Ohno Yumiko "The Rainy Table" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Friday was a public holiday, Japan's National Foundation Day, and early evening I went to Roppongi SuperDeluxe for an event organized by multi-talent Ohno Yumiko of Buffalo Daughter. Yumiko...
Posted on February 14, 2011 at 22:52.
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set "subete hikari"
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary with this album of covers featuring various female singers such as Halcali, Kojima Mayumi, Toki Asako, Harada Ikuko (clammbon) and more. Covers include ones of Original Love, Scha Dara Parr,...
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 21:58. | Released on February 9, 2011
YO!HEY!! "Cult Club Manners Vol.1: Fantazy Mix"
Out this Friday on HNC's White Lily Records is the first of a mix album series, on which YO!HEY!! shows how hip-hop and indie rock go together. YO!HEY!! is one of the three members of Threepee Boys who contributed a...
Posted on February 2, 2011 at 23:29. | Released on February 4, 2011
