Full-text search results for Rie Fu

  1. Gig report: Beat Communist vol.12: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Iga-Bang BB, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, Aoki Karen, Rie Fu
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound My last show of 2012 was Beat Communist, a regular event organized by Nakatsuka Takeshi every 2 or 3 months at cool jazz lounge JZ Brat located in Cerulian Tower,...
    Posted on January 5, 2013 at 12:42.
  2. Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah'"
    Cornelius' new album is the soundtrack to NHK educative short series "Design Ah" (Ah = hiragana character あ) for which he was in charge of all music. Featured musicians include Chocolat, Minekawa Takako, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), salyu x salyu...
    Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:54. | Released on January 23, 2013
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Original Soundtrack "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo"
    Konishi Yasuharu produced the music for TV drama "Tokyo zenryoku shōjo", about a 19-year-old girl who suddenly arrives to Tokyo to look for her father she hadn't met for 15 years. This series is from the makers of "Dekawanko" and...
    Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:09. | Released on November 28, 2012
  6. Chocolat "No Regrets"
    Chocolat has been singing for 15 years, and this is an album of her greatest hits, songs written by the likes of Kaji Hideki, Kanda Tomoki, Horigome Takaki (Kirinji), Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza), and more. Also included is brand...
    Posted on December 20, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on December 12, 2012
  7. Muro "Diggin' For Beats"
    This is DJ Muro's latest original album, 15 tracks built from records he's dug around the world, but also featuring a variety of musicians. The opening track features Ino Hidefumi. Out now on his label Digot, same name as his...
    Posted on December 18, 2012 at 23:29. | Released on December 5, 2012
  8. 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.
  9. Various Artists "Dancing After 1AM"
    Indies rock compilation "Dancing After 1AM" album is from label Call And Response specializing in post-punk, new wave, often a bit on the noisy rock side, nevertheless a definitely pleasant listen for even my pop-oriented ears. Here are all new...
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 23:28. | Released on October 17, 2012
  10. Round Table featuring Nino "Singles Best 2002-2012 Memories"
    Round Table has a greatest hits album out now of a selection from the many "featuring Nino" singles released over the last 10 years. Most of the songs were used in anime series. This release also marks an end to...
    Posted on December 2, 2012 at 23:53. | Released on November 28, 2012
  11. Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5"
    J-death-techno label Speedking Productions brings a 5th edition of its popular "Speedking" compilation series! This 2-CD release features the latest tracks by Bubble-B, Yoshida Tetsuto, m2dy (aka m1dy), Missile Chewbacca and many more. Various Artists "Speedking Vol.5" Disc 1 (Title...
    Posted on November 20, 2012 at 21:56. | Released on November 21, 2012
  12. Ino Hidefumi "In Abundance Freedom / Green Tea" (7")
    Ino Hidefumi is back with a new 7" single, an 8th release of his popular series. These songs, both original, are expected to be part of a new album to come next spring. Samples can be heard at Jet Set....
    Posted on November 18, 2012 at 18:46. | Released on November 18, 2012
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 9nine "Yie Ar! Kyonshi feat. Hao hao! Kyonshi Girl / Brave"
    Idol group 9nine (pronounced just "nine") has a new single coming. This one contains the theme song of "Hoa hoa! Kyonshi Girl", a TV series starring one of the girls as a kyonshi fighter. Kyonshis are Chinese zombies that were...
    Posted on November 8, 2012 at 22:29. | Released on November 14, 2012
  16. Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic 002" (Download)
    This month from Delicatessen LAB (Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label) is a new EP by saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke. This is a follow-up to "shumusic" released in May. This 2 new EP of sax-led danceable funky instrumentals seems to be available on...
    Posted on November 7, 2012 at 20:42. | Released on November 7, 2012
  17. Ryoma Maeda "Fantastic Suicide"
    Ryoma Maeda aka milch of source (producer of EeL) is releasing a new album under his real name. With more pop melodies than before, the sound is said to be an upbeat chaos of rock, punk and techno. The odd...
    Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:09. | Released on November 10, 2012
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Crazy Ken Band "World Standard Crazy Ken Band ~A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix~", "Diggin' Crazy Ken Band mixed by Muro", "Nakayoshi 2011" (DVD)
    3 releases coming at the same time from Crazy Ken Band! This time we get 2 mix albums, respectively by Sunaga Tatsuo and Muro, and also a live DVD. The DVD has 2 discs, mainly from a show held at...
    Posted on September 11, 2012 at 23:40. | Released on September 12, 2012
  21. Gig report: hitomitoi sings "City Dive"
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last June singer hitomitoi's new album "City Dive" was released on Billboard Japan Records. The album was produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of city pops unit Ryūsenkei, with some tracks by Dorian and...
    Posted on September 3, 2012 at 00:20.
  22. TRI4TH "TRI4TH AHEAD"
    Instrumental jazz band TRI4TH has a 2nd album out now. This time again the producer is Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) who also did their first album. TRI4TH "TRI4TH AHEAD" 1. Sunlight Yellow Over Drive 2. TRY AHEAD 3. Night...
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 21:38. | Released on August 8, 2012
  23. Rocketman "koi Romantic!!"
    Rocketman (aka Fukawa Ryō) has a new album out this week! This contains a few tracks that were released for download only over the past few years, but also several brand new songs. Featured are Verbal (m-flo) and Hatsune Miku,...
    Posted on August 7, 2012 at 23:55. | Released on August 8, 2012
  24. Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
    Moonriders' Okada Tohru, lately active with CTO LAB., has a 4th album out this week. It has been no less than 19 years since his previous solo album! Included are several self-covers of Moonriders favorites, and the album is full...
    Posted on August 7, 2012 at 22:39. | Released on August 8, 2012
  25. novaFASE "Opportunities" (Download)
    The song "Opportunities" from novaFASE's "Girls Lab Haus" album released from Orange Records has being reworked into a 2012 new mix edition. Also, "Milk Crown Music", used on the same album as a short interlude, is being made available in...
    Posted on August 2, 2012 at 00:15. | Released on August 1, 2012
  26. Various Artists "Puffy Covers"
    There's a new Puffy ("AmiYumi") tribute album, of their songs covered by Okamoto's, Guitar Wolf, LOW IQ 01, Okuda Tamio and many others. 10 of the tracks are brand new recordings. Audio samples of all songs at CDJapan. Various Artists...
    Posted on July 14, 2012 at 11:04. | Released on July 4, 2012
  27. Various Artists "Shibuya-kei feat. Hatsune Miku"
    Virtual idol Hatsune Miku sings Pizzicato Five, Flipper's Guitar, Kahimi Karie, Kaji Hideki, Original Love and Ozawa Kenji in this Shibuya-kei cover compilation put together by producers from the Vocaloid scene. Two original songs are also included as bonus tracks....
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 20:44. | Released on July 11, 2012
  28. Takkyu Ishino "WIRE TRAX 1999-2012"
    Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove) has a new album out now, a collection of all his original contributions to the compilations for his annual WIRE arena techno party. A 2nd disc consists of rare related tracks that were used in commercials...
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 02:09. | Released on July 4, 2012
  29. Open Reel Ensemble "Open Reel Ensemble" (CD+DVD)
    Open Reel Ensemble have been active on stage for several years, using USB-controlled open reel tape recorders to create a unique performance. Here's finally a first album, and it comes from Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. A bunch of unexpected guests...
    Posted on June 23, 2012 at 21:25. | Released on June 27, 2012
  30. 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.
  31. 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
  32. VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "7haku 8ka"
    VIDEOTAPEMUSIC have been active in the indies scene for many years, sampling VHS tapes and creating a unique video and audio experience, and also releasing several CD-Rs of their music works. This time is their first official CD release, and...
    Posted on June 16, 2012 at 23:11. | Released on June 20, 2012
  33. Yucca "our journey (to anywhere we want)"
    Wonderful post-rock band Yucca from Tokyo has a 3rd album out now, 6 years after the previous that was titled "the orange sun in my room". The hiatus had much to do with their drummer who broke a bone in...
    Posted on June 9, 2012 at 21:31. | Released on June 9, 2012
  34. Shonen Knife "Pop Tune"
    Shonen Knife, who celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, have a new album out now! A special site for the album has been set up here with plenty to read (in English too!), such as this comment from Marty Friedman...
    Posted on June 7, 2012 at 23:39. | Released on June 6, 2012
  35. Zoobombs "The Sweet Passion"
    Here's a 10th album from worldwide-acclaimed rock band Zoobombs, 6 years since their previous "B★B★B". This album is planned for release this fall in the U.S., Canada and Australia, and a world tour should be held around the same time....
    Posted on June 4, 2012 at 21:50. | Released on June 6, 2012
  36. Gig report: Portable Rock
    Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 2, I went to see Portable Rock at small venue Club Crawl in Shibuya. It was the first of two "one-man" shows (no opening band) the band played. This...
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 21:57.
  37. Gig report: Beat Communist vol.10: Nakatsuka Takeshi, Kaji Hideki, akiko, P.O.P ORCHeSTRA
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday May 26 was the 10th edition of the "Beat Communist" event presented by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), which is regularly held every 3 months at jazz club JZ Brat....
    Posted on May 30, 2012 at 23:20.
  38. The Beauty "Love In The Heart of The World Shout"
    Out now from Crue-L Records is a first album by The Beauty (MySpace, Bandcamp), solo project of Yuji Oda. While described as contemporary electro-pop, the official blurb also mentions a hallucinating list of influential genres: gothic, shoe gaze, balearic, dark...
    Posted on May 26, 2012 at 15:12. | Released on May 25, 2012
  39. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"
    After a mini-album and 2 singles, here comes Harajuku fashion icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 1st full-length album! Included are 4 previously released songs and 8 new ones, such as one featured in a recent TV commercial for KFC Krushers. This...
    Posted on May 20, 2012 at 01:44. | Released on May 23, 2012
  40. Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G "Leisure yakuza wa kimi ni katarikakeru"
    Bubble-B feat. Enjo-G, finally a first album after 10 years of successful collaboration. Get all the hits remastered (some self-remixed) and some exclusives, on plastic at a friendly price! Included are also remixes by hardcore artists DJ Shimamura (Japan) and...
    Posted on May 18, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on May 19, 2012
  41. Kaji Hideki "Blue Heart"
    Kaji Hideki has a brand new album out this week! This is a first release on his own label Blue Boys Club, coming 1½ year after "Teens Film" (a collaboration album with Riddim Saunter), and 2½ years after latest solo...
    Posted on May 14, 2012 at 22:24. | Released on May 16, 2012
  42. Shūnosuke Ishikawa "shumusic EP" (Download)
    Here's a new series of monthly digital releases under the name "Delicatessen LAB", brought by Nakatsuka Takeshi. The first is of Ishikawa Shūnosuke, a sax and flute player who is a regular member of Nakatsuka's live band and who also...
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 21:35. | Released on May 2, 2012
  43. 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
  44. Gig report: Tokyo eleport 006: The Aprils, Candles, Cutie Pai, ExceNtRip
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On April 12 was the 6th event of the "Tokyo eleport" series organized by indies techno-pop unit Candles. It was held at Shibuya Star lounge, a quite nice venue I...
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 17:05.
  45. Ram Rider "Audio Galaxy - Ram Rider vs Stars!!! -", "- Ram Rider Strikes Back!!! -"
    Ram Rider is back with a new album out just now. It features collaborations with various "stars", including Nomiya Maki, Meg, Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Fujioka Minami (Panda 1/2), and more. Out at the same time is...
    Posted on April 11, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
  46. 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.
  47. m-flo "Square One"
    Some 5 years have past since m-flo's "Loves" series, and since what I believe was their latest original album "Cosmicolor" (not counting the bunch of "best", "tribute", "remix" albums that came since). Now here's a new album being advertised as...
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 21:57. | Released on March 14, 2012
  48. Emi Necozawa & Sphinx "Pyramidia"
    It's been 10 years since singer and percussionist Necozawa Emi's previous album ("café tu ronronnes" (2002)). This time she is backed by a jazzy band of 6 musicians making this her first band recording. Songs include covers of Serge Gainsbourg...
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 21:05. | Released on March 7, 2012
  49. Tokyo Girls' Style "Limited addiction"
    5-girl idol unit Tokyo Girls' Style has a 2nd album coming, and one song features their good friends Vanilla Beans. The album comes in 3 different editions: Type A includes a DVD of 5 live songs, Type B includes a...
    Posted on March 7, 2012 at 21:52. | Released on March 14, 2012
  50. 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
  51. Polysics "15th P"
    Polysics have a new album coming next week, celebrating their 15th anniversary! The album features many guests, including Kojima Mayumi, Yuu (ex-GO!GO!7188, chirinuruwowaka), and even Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo). A special tracks featuring "tomodachi" (friends) has 67 people contributing to the...
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 23:42. | Released on February 29, 2012
  52. Negicco "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-"
    Negicco, the 3-girl negi-promoting idol group from Niigata that was signed last year to Tower Records' T-Palette idol-specialized label, has a first full-length album coming. This comes as a greatest hits album covering their 8-year ongoing career, with many rare...
    Posted on February 16, 2012 at 21:04. | Released on February 22, 2012
  53. 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.
  54. Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
    Posted on January 11, 2012 at 23:36.
  55. Various Artists "01:11"
    Japanese electro label PROGRESSIVE FOrM has a first label greatest hits compilation coming that covers from the label start in 2001, hence the title of "01:11" (reads "one eleven"). Included are tracks by MimiCof, Aoki Takamasa (one song featuring Tujiko...
    Posted on January 7, 2012 at 13:22. | Released on January 11, 2012
  56. Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Raves
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
    Posted on January 6, 2012 at 23:30.
  57. 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
  58. Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Do-Re-Mi no daikōkai Nagasaki yōgaku kotohajime"
    It took me this long to notice, but Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) has a new album that was released last month! Continuing the series with his "Nangasaki Five", this album still focuses on his home roots of Nagasaki while taking...
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 23:08. | Released on November 11, 2011
  59. Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
    This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
    Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
  60. Moonriders "Ciao!"
    Veteran new wave band Moonriders has been around 35 years, but they have now announced that they will be going to retire indefinitely at the end of the year. They do have a last, 21st original album coming, appropriately titled...
    Posted on December 11, 2011 at 01:23. | Released on December 14, 2011
  61. Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.7 - Candido Telefun - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
    Here's a 4th release in this series of CD reissues of Sunaga Tatsuo's jazzy live mix tapes. Once again this was remastered from the DAT master tape, and is said to contain several Organ b. classics. Various Artists "Organ b....
    Posted on November 28, 2011 at 21:32. | Released on November 25, 2011
  62. 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.
  63. Toki Asako "sings the stories of 6 girls"
    Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new mini-album of 6 songs. Included is a new version of "Gift ~anata wa Madonna~", previously released as a single, now also featuring singer Epo. The limited edition contains a DVD of 6 live songs...
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 23:13. | Released on November 23, 2011
  64. Asa-Chang "Asa-Chang & shūshū"
    Asa-Chang, now the only member remaining of Asa-Chang & Junray, has a compilation out now of his works as a producer, spanning over his whole career. Asa-Chang used to be the leader of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and has a...
    Posted on November 12, 2011 at 14:27. | Released on November 9, 2011
  65. Various Artists "Zen in the House"
    "Zen" is a spinning sushi restaurant in Odawara, and this is a 2nd tribute compilation coming from J-death-techno label Speedking Productions. Again at a very nice price, this time we're offered a more dance-y selection of brand new tracks by...
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 23:27. | Released on November 11, 2011
  66. Lullatone "Soundtracks for Everyday Adventures"
    Nagoya dreamy toy pop unit Lullatone have a new album coming this week! The Japanese edition CD comes with a bookmark that allows you to 3 downloadable bonus tracks. Order it directly from the band via Bandcamp, or at the...
    Posted on October 17, 2011 at 22:41. | Released on October 20, 2011
  67. Kirinji "~Connoisseur Series~ Kirinji 'Songbook'"
    Kirinji have often composed songs for other artists. In this 2-CD album they self-cover some of those songs on the 1st CD, while the 2nd CD is a compilation of 10 songs they wrote performed by others. Audio samples of...
    Posted on October 16, 2011 at 00:39. | Released on October 19, 2011
  68. 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
  69. Rocketman x Kawashima Ai "soredemo bokutachi wa ikiteyuku ~ go a long way together" (Download)
    Rocketman's latest track features singer Kawashima Ai, and is coming to you as a worldwide iTunes release (23 countries). This song was first released freely as an instrumental after the March disaster, along with efforts by Fukawa Ryō and his...
    Posted on October 12, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on October 12, 2011
  70. Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra "noruniru / shōnen yo ware ni kaere"
    Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron) has a new single out now as Yakushimaru Etsuko Metro Orchestra. Both songs are featured in anime series "mawaru Penguindrum". Below are two different versions of opening title song "noruniru", both are said to be shown for...
    Posted on October 5, 2011 at 21:44. | Released on October 5, 2011
  71. Perfume "Spice"
    It's a Perfume release rush! New album "JPN" is dropping at the end of November, but first comes this single of two tie-ups. Title track "Spice" is the theme song for new TV drama series "sengyō shufu tantei ~ watashi...
    Posted on September 9, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on November 2, 2011
  72. La Casa Azul "Cerca de Shibuya"
    Shibuya-kei-friendly Spanish band La Casa Azul has what I believe is a first Japanese release out just last week. The title translating to "Somewhere near Shibuya", this comes as a greatest hits album of songs from their previous Spanish releases...
    Posted on September 4, 2011 at 15:39. | Released on August 31, 2011
  73. Nakatsuka Takeshi "barairo no seisen -The Future Is In Our Hands-" (Download)
    Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced the soundtrack for new TV series "barairo no seisen", about a 30-year-old mother who wants to become a model. Subtitled "The Future Is In Our Hands", the pop and jazzy soundtrack features jazz musicians such as...
    Posted on September 4, 2011 at 00:51. | Released on September 7, 2011
  74. Dorian "studio vacation"
    Dorian (MySpace), keyboardist and MC-909 master aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a new album coming to help us survive the rest of this hot summer. The song "summer rich" features singer hitomitoi. The album's title leaves us wondering whether Dorian...
    Posted on August 6, 2011 at 02:32. | Released on August 10, 2011
  75. 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
  76. Clémentine "Varientine"
    After various anime covers, now you can hear Clémentine singing Imokin Trio's "High School Lullaby", Epo's "Downtown", The Drifters, and even "Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori" in her usual bossa nova style. Check out her charming cover of Crazy Cats' "sūdara bushi" (in French...
    Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:11. | Released on August 3, 2011
  77. LAMA "Spell"
    LAMA is a new all-star band featuring Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). This is their first single, a song used as the opening theme of TV anime series...
    Posted on August 4, 2011 at 00:00. | Released on August 3, 2011
  78. 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
  79. Pyokn "Be Yourself" (Download)
    Label Flawless World (post-Usagi-chang Records) has a new digital release available now for female vocal unit Pyokn. The 3 main tracks have been selected from previously released on album "Colorful Vibration" (2004, Amazon), and remastered to suit the label's direction....
    Posted on July 28, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on July 27, 2011
  80. 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.
  81. 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.
  82. Rocketman feat. Treindle Reina "Love Disco" (Download)
    Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) has a new disco-ish track out digitally, featuring fashion model Treindle Reina (half-Austrian half-Japanese) on vocals. This is available on iTunes Japan as either just audio or a music video. Watch the preview clip below....
    Posted on July 20, 2011 at 22:47. | Released on July 20, 2011
  83. Gig report: Maezono Naoki Group in-store at Tower Records Shinjuku
    Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday July 11 was held an in-store event at Tower Records Shinjuku with Maezono Naoki Group in promotion of 2nd album "tooku e." (translates to "To far away") released...
    Posted on July 13, 2011 at 22:37.
  84. 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.
  85. Various Artists "kirakira Ghibli -Returns-"
    Here's another release from the "Kirakira Ghibli" series, this time featuring covers and remixes by various young artists from the club, chip-tune and electronic scenes such as Tofubeats, Novoiski, Idiot Pop, and many more. Check out the sampler clip below....
    Posted on June 19, 2011 at 00:56. | Released on June 22, 2011
  86. Gig report: Saori@destiny "Domestic domain" release event
    Text and photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound This week was the release of Saori@destiny's new mini-album "Domestic domain", and she is doing a series of mini live shows at Shosen Book Tower, a book and entertainment store...
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 00:12.
  87. Merpeoples "Metropolis"
    This is the 2nd mini-album from Merpeoples, is an indie-pop band of 4 girls in their 20's formed in 2008. This release contains a cover of "i-ke-na-i Rouge Magic", a classic techno-kayō track by Imawano Kiyoshirō and Sakamoto Ryūichi. Watch...
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on April 13, 2011
  88. Furukawa Honpo "Alice in wonderword"
    Furukawa Honpo, the solo unit of Vocaloid-style producer Furukawa P, has a first album coming that will feature various vocalists. While most seems to have a standard J-pop tone, there are tracks sung by Nomiya Maki and Kahimi Karie (both...
    Posted on June 12, 2011 at 13:43. | Released on June 15, 2011
  89. MimiCof "RundSkipper"
    Berlin-based electronic artist Midori Hirano has a new solo project going under the name MimiCof in which she says she focuses more on electronic textures and beat-oriented music. Here's a first album coming on Japanese label Progressive Form. Check out...
    Posted on June 4, 2011 at 10:55. | Released on June 15, 2011
  90. Gig report: Vanilla Beans & Negicco press conference
    Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight was a special press conference for idol groups Vanilla Beans and Negicco, held at Tower Records Shibuya's Stage One venue downstairs. It was in a way open to the...
    Posted on June 3, 2011 at 23:58.
  91. Yakushimaru Etsuko "Ruru / tokimeki Hacker"
    Yakushimaru Etsuko (singer of sōtaiseiriron) has a new single from which the song "Ruru" is the ending theme of TV anime series "denpa onna to seishun otoko". A video for this song was filmed in real time using a robotic...
    Posted on May 24, 2011 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2011
  92. 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
  93. 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.
  94. mito "Dawns"
    mito, bassist of band clammbon, has a solo album coming next week. Featured are many guests including electronic artist agraph, pianist kotringo, and members of bands toe and Rovo. Plus, the album is mastered by Sunahara Yoshinori! Released at the...
    Posted on May 15, 2011 at 01:26. | Released on May 18, 2011
  95. 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.
  96. 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.
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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
  100. Beastie Boys "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (Japanese edition)"
    The Japanese edition of the Beastie Boys' new album comes with a bonus remix by... Cornelius! It will also be out a week early on April 27. The remix is of "Make Some Noise" of which the original can currently...
    Posted on April 7, 2011 at 23:12. | Released on April 27, 2011

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