Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden 2 ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new installment of Sunaga Tatsuo's long-running "Jazz Allnighters" ("yoru Jazz") compilation series. Follow-up to the 2010 compilation of Japanese jazz tracks, this new album contains the latest of young Japanese jazz bands. Being released on jazz label Playwright,...
Posted on June 4, 2016 at 10:31. | Released on May 25, 2016
Original Love "Golden Time"
Original Love has a brand new single out this week! Included are two other new songs, plus a remix by Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro). The release also comes with a DVD of the title song's music video plus live footage from...
Posted on May 31, 2016 at 23:23. | Released on June 1, 2016
Cupitron "Galaxy Express 999"
Electro/techno-pop idol trio Cupitron's new single is a cover of the theme of "Galaxy Express 999" (in Japanese "ginga tetsudō 999", with "999" read "three nine"). The original was performed by band Godaigo and released in 1979. The new cover...
Posted on May 24, 2016 at 23:00. | Released on May 25, 2016
Kaji Hideki "The Blue Boy"
Kaji Hideki celebrates this year the 20th anniversary since his solo debut in 1996. I've lost count, but "The Blue Boy" is said to be his 15th original album! His back-band on this album is formed of Furukawa Taichi and...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 21:44. | Released on May 25, 2016
Shunosuke Ishikawa "Can't wait for spring" (Download)
Saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa has just released a new EP this week, on Nakatsuka Takeshi's digital label Delicatessen Recordings. All three songs are new originals. Shūnosuke Ishikawa Big Bang will perform a show on May 2 at JZ Brat in...
Posted on April 30, 2016 at 20:58. | Released on April 27, 2016
YeYe "ate a lemon" (7"+CD)
Singer-songwriter YeYe has a brand new 7" single out now on Rallye! Follow-up to album "Hue Circle" (2013), this is a cut from an upcoming 3rd album to be released early summer. Check out the catchy song's fun and brilliant...
Posted on April 23, 2016 at 14:32. | Released on April 23, 2016
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Sai & Co"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single out this week! "Sai & Co" is a song that's being used in a Coca Cola commercial in which she appears. The theme song of her original ride at Universal Studio Japan, "Cosmetic...
Posted on April 19, 2016 at 23:30. | Released on April 20, 2016
Record Store Day 2016
This year again Record Store Day is being held in Japan, this time on Saturday April 16! A lot of special and limited vinyl editions are being released on that very day, and at first only available in physical shops....
Posted on April 14, 2016 at 23:15. | Released on April 16, 2016
Denki Groove "Denki Groove The Movie?" (Blu-ray/DVD), "tofunsai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Denki Groove has released two Blu-ray/DVDs just recently! The first is "Denki Groove The Movie", a documentary of the group's 25 years so far that was shown on big screens throughout Japan at the end of 2015. This features a...
Posted on April 13, 2016 at 00:27. | Released on March 30, 2016
Negicco "mujun, hajimemashita."
Negicco has a new single out now! The title song was written by singer-songwriter Sakai Yū, with lyrics by Toki Asako, and arranged by connie (Negicco's producer) and NEGiBAND. Check out the charming clip below that features many guests! The...
Posted on April 11, 2016 at 22:34. | Released on March 29, 2016
Perfume "Cosmic Explorer"
Perfume has a brand new 6th album out now! This is the follow-up to "LEVEL3" (2013) since which 2½ years have passed. Amidst brand new unheard songs, some of the previously released songs such as "Sweet Refrain", "Cling Cling" and...
Posted on April 7, 2016 at 22:24. | Released on April 6, 2016
Nakatsuka Takeshi "EYE"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has a brand new album coming! It has already been 3 years since "Lyrics". We're told to expect aggressive and thrilling new jazzy sounds. A release party will be held on April 21 at Daikanyama Unit (details)....
Posted on March 10, 2016 at 00:03. | Released on March 16, 2016
Polysics "What's This???"
Polysics have a new album out now, the follow-up to "ACTION!!!" (2014). 19 new songs are included, such as "Sun Electric" that has been performed in their shows since the end of last year. The limited edition includes a DVD...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 21:20. | Released on March 2, 2016
Tarte Tatin "re:10 tartetatin"
Here's a brand new album by Tarte Tatin, duo currently formed of Yurie and Chiaki. This album is entirely written by Yamamoto Shō (ex-Phenotas) who had produced the previous full-length, "Tartetatin Are Allright!". By the way, the album title officially...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 10:21. | Released on March 2, 2016
Chocolat & Akito meets The Mattson 2 "Chocolat & Akito meets The Mattson 2"
Chocolat & Akito (Facebook) have collaborated with Californian surf jazz twins The Mattson 2 for this brand new album. Guests such as Toro Y Moi, Ray Barbee and Tommy Guerrero are also featured, and the whole was mixed by John...
Posted on March 1, 2016 at 20:57. | Released on March 2, 2016
Asa-chang & Junray "mahou"
Asa-chang & Junray has a brand new original album coming, their first since "kage no nai hito" (2009) after which new members Goseki Yoshihiro (flute, sax, vocals) and Suhara Anzu (violin, guitar, vocals) joined the group. Featured guest musicians include...
Posted on February 24, 2016 at 20:33. | Released on March 2, 2016
Perfume "Perfume Complete 'LP' BOX" (12"x6)
For Perfume collectors, vinyl fans and DJs, here comes a set of five LPs! This includes albums "Perfume ~Complete Best~", "GAME", "Triangle", "JPN" and "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'" (a 2-LP set). All are pressed on high quality 180g...
Posted on February 15, 2016 at 23:23. | Released on February 17, 2016
Soviet Chance "Soviet Chance"
Soviet Chance is a funky party band led by saxophonist Shūnosuke Ishikawa first founded 20 years ago in his school days. The ten members (former members and then some) still play music together and finally recorded this first mini-album. Included...
Posted on January 28, 2016 at 22:19. | Released on January 27, 2016
Perfume "Perfume Anniversary 10days 2015 PPPPPPPPPP 'LIVE 3:5:6:9'" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Here's a new Perfume live Blu-ray/DVD, of a show titled "LIVE 3:5:6:9" part of 10-day event "Perfume Anniversary 10days 2015 PPPPPPPPPP" held to celebrate their 15th anniversary and also 10 years since their major debut. The limited edition contains a...
Posted on January 15, 2016 at 00:35. | Released on January 13, 2016
Perfume "Star Train"
Perfume has a brand new single out now! The group celebrates this year its 15th anniversary! The limited edition includes a bonus track (a newly recorded version of "Imitation World") and instrumentals, a DVD, and comes in special packaging. Perfume...
Posted on October 30, 2015 at 20:36. | Released on October 28, 2015
Aira Mitsuki "Lightsaver" (Download)
Techno-pop idol Aira Mitsuki (official Twitter) is back after a long hiatus! She had been performing a few shows since earlier this year, and now here's a brand new digital single! This is produced by ize-mac of NUXX. Aira Mitsuki...
Posted on September 24, 2015 at 22:19. | Released on September 21, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Crazy Party Night ~Pumpkin no gyakushū~"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single out today! "Crazy Party Night" is a Halloween-themed dance track. Included are also 3 more new songs of which bits have been heard in TV commercials recently. As always, all are written...
Posted on September 2, 2015 at 22:21. | Released on September 2, 2015
the oto factory "Cocktail Party"
Young 4-piece 5-synth band the oto factory has a first mini-album out now on Rallye Label. Included is "Skyscraper" which involved tofubeats as an engineer, as well as remixes by Dorian and BlackglassG. Hear samples of all songs at CDJapan....
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 23:35. | Released on August 5, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
Towa Tei, Leo Imai, Nomiya Maki, Takano Hiroshi "Intersect By Lexus Records #001"
Intersect By Lexus is a showroom and event space located in Omotesando, Tokyo. A new label has just been started under Towa Tei's direction, and here comes this first 7" single! Included is "Cul de sac", a brand new...
Posted on July 21, 2015 at 21:58. | Released on July 22, 2015
Recoride "Freshless"
Brilliant synth-punk band Recoride has a brand new full-length album out now! Check out the clip below to give you a perfect idea. A double release party of Recoride and KOTO will be held tomorrow Friday July 17 at Disk...
Posted on July 16, 2015 at 21:38. | Released on July 15, 2015
The Scooters "The Scooters NOW !" (7"+CD)
The Scooters have a brand new single coming this week! This consists of two covers, the A-side of the Jackson Sisters' hit single "I Believe In Miracles", and the B-side of David Bowie's "Young Americans". Both are sung in Japanese,...
Posted on July 3, 2015 at 22:20. | Released on July 7, 2015
YMCK "Family Dancing"
YMCK are back this month with a 6th album, and this time the theme is "Family Dancing"! Of course this lets us hope for some of the best 8-bit dance music ever! This comes a year and a half after...
Posted on June 11, 2015 at 23:30. | Released on June 24, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "KPP 2014 Japan Arena Tour Pamyu Pamyu no Colorful Panic Toy Box" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new DVD/Blu-ray coming this week. The 2-disc set contains a whole show held in Tokyo from last year's Japan Arena Tour, plus another show from London (part of the "Nanda Collection World Tour 2014") with...
Posted on June 7, 2015 at 13:44. | Released on June 10, 2015
Original Love "Lover Man"
Original Love (aka Tajima Takao) has a brand new album coming this month! Tajima has said that after contributing "Sunshine Nihonkai" to Negicco he's been feeling like making more pop music again, and this can be felt throughout this album....
Posted on June 3, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on June 10, 2015
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer Street"
Tokyo Killer is a girl-fronted surf rock instrumental band formed of guitarist Keme (Kinoco Hotel), bassist Akko (ex-GO!GO!7188), keyboardist Kei (Urbangarde) and drummer Kyōichi (ex-Urbangarde). This first album, released at the end of April, features some famous covers as well...
Posted on May 24, 2015 at 22:53. | Released on April 22, 2015
Pizzicato One "watakushi no nijuseiki"
2015 is looking like a good year for Pizzicato Five fans! Konishi Yasuharu has a second Pizzicato One album coming this June, follow-up to "One And Ten Very Sad Songs" (2011). With a title that translates to "My 20th century",...
Posted on May 17, 2015 at 12:34. | Released on June 24, 2015
Kit Cat "Wordy Rappinghood" (Download)
Kit Cat, the 3-girl (er, cat!) synth-dance-pop unit produced by Dr.Usui (of (M)otocompo), finally had a first song released on iTunes worldwide! This is a cover of classic new wave track "Wordy Rappinghood", originally performed by Tom Tom Club in...
Posted on April 8, 2015 at 21:03. | Released on April 8, 2015
Perfume "Relax In The City / Pick Me Up"
Perfume's next single will be a double A-side. "Relax In The City" is being used in a commercial for Sapporo drink "Green Aroma", while "Pick Me Up" is a tie-up with the world famous Isetan department store located in Shinjuku,...
Posted on April 1, 2015 at 23:54. | Released on April 29, 2015
Various Artists "Zher the Zoo Yoyogi 10th Anniversary Compilation Album 'Here Come The Girl'zoo'"
Zher the ZOO (a venue in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku) has been around for 10 years already. Here's a nice-priced compilation of various female vocal songs by artists familiar to the venue. Most of these are rare or brand new recordings. Featured...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 13:51. | Released on March 18, 2015
Perfume "5th Tour 2014 Gurun Gurun" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume's 5th tour, titled "Gurun Gurun" (official page) and held through August and September in 2014, has now been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The recording is of the tour's finale show held at Kokuritsu Yoyogi Daiichi Taiikukan in Tokyo...
Posted on March 11, 2015 at 23:09. | Released on March 10, 2015
Original Love "Lover Man" (Download)
Original Love has a brand new single out now on iTunes worldwide! The groovy title track "Lover Man" is wonderful, and Tajima Takao said it's a song he's very proud of. The single also includes 2 B-sides, one of...
Posted on March 7, 2015 at 12:21. | Released on March 4, 2015
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Mondai Girl"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a brand new single coming. "Mondai Girl" has been heard recently playing at the end of TV drama "mondai no aru Restaurant", while the two B-sides are used in TV commercials for Nintendo and Chintai (a...
Posted on March 1, 2015 at 18:31. | Released on March 18, 2015
Towa Tei "Heaven" (Download)
Towa Tei has a brand new single out today! "Heaven" is a song made for Valentine's Day, and it's also released as a special package with delicious rusk from Gateau Festa Harada. At digital music shop Mach Beat, the...
Posted on February 11, 2015 at 11:18. | Released on February 11, 2015
Negicco "Rice&Snow"
Negicco have a brand new album just out this week! This includes songs written by Tajima Takao (Original Love), Yoshida Tetsuto, Yano Hiroyasu (ex-Cymbals), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), and of course Negicco's main producer Connie. Also there...
Posted on January 22, 2015 at 21:25. | Released on January 20, 2015
Various Artists "Women's Liberation"
This is an album of covers of Japanese songs from the 60's to the early 70's, here sung with translated English lyrics! Both the originals and the covers were performed by Japanese women, completing the theme of this compilation. Vocalists...
Posted on January 19, 2015 at 21:32. | Released on January 7, 2015
Gig report: "Frenesi school: The legendary end-of-business ceremony"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I saw in 2014 was Frenesi, and it was a very special one. In November Frenesi announced that she would put a stop (though maybe temporary) to...
Posted on January 4, 2015 at 00:34.
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans IV"
Vanilla Beans have a brand new album coming, you guessed it, "Vanilla Beans IV"! Once again this comes with artwork that's both very non-idol-like and unforgettable. The album will include several brand new songs, plus the title tracks of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on February 3, 2015
Gig report: Miss Maki Nomiya sings "Shibuya-kei Standards" 2014
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 7 was a show by Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) at Billboard Live Tokyo. With the title "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", it was the 2nd of the...
Posted on December 31, 2014 at 15:43.
Various Artists "Yokocho Rising"
"Yokochō Rising" is an event that has been held 5 times so far in the rebuilt food stall area of Kesennuma Yokochō in Sendai. This compilation of artists who took part in the event, including several songs written/arranged by BUBBLE-B,...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 16:24. | Released on June 27, 2014
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre Theatre"
Charan-Po-Rantan, the brilliant duo of sisters Momo (vocals) and Koharu (accordion), have a first major full-length album out now. A cover of Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour" is included. The limited edition comes with a DVD of 9 songs, two...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 00:28. | Released on December 3, 2014
EmiLy "colorful ribbon"
Singer-songwriter EmiLy has a 3rd album out now, with songs arranged by Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), Okuda Hidetaka (sucrette), etc. All music and words are written by EmiLy, except for a cover of Ozawa Kenji's "sore wa chotto". The lead...
Posted on December 4, 2014 at 20:52. | Released on November 26, 2014
Taketatsu Ayana "Colore Serenata"
Voice actress Taketatsu Ayana has a new album out now, with some tracks written and arranged by Yoshida Tetsuto ("Colore Solfege" and "Marshmallow") and Oki Reiji (ex-Cymbals) ("Princess no dassō keikaku" and "Surf de Go Go Go"), and also a...
Posted on November 24, 2014 at 11:16. | Released on November 19, 2014
Ishikawa Shunosuke "Yuuchin" (Download)
Saxophonist Ishikawa Shunosuke has a new piece out now, written at the piano on a cold rainy day. Featured musicians are Takana Mitsuru on trumpet, Jacob Koller on piano, Pat Glynn on bass, Dennis Frehse on drums, and Shu on...
Posted on November 19, 2014 at 23:27. | Released on November 19, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Disney piano jazz 'Happiness' Deluxe Edition"
Nakatsuka Takeshi produces and performs Disney favorites on this piano-centered jazz album. Some tracks also feature a big band! This contains what's said to be the world's first jazz cover of "Let It Go" (Frozen). Hear samples in the clip...
Posted on November 11, 2014 at 22:11. | Released on November 12, 2014
Vanilla Beans "uchōten Girl"
Vanilla Beans are back with a new powerful single! The song "uchōten Girl" has music that was originally written in the 80's for idol group Wink (by hit songwriter Inoue Daisuke), though it ended up unused until Vanilla Beans' staff...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 22:20. | Released on November 11, 2014
Nomiya Maki "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards"
A waterfall of events led Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) and producer Sakaguchi Osamu (a soundtrack producer who first got in touch with Maki in the Portable Rock days) to start a project that re-introduces Shibuya-kei hit songs and important influences...
Posted on November 8, 2014 at 14:26. | Released on November 12, 2014
Various Artists "Twilight Time"
This compilation from Grand Gallery consists of covers of Japanese city pop hit songs from the 70's and 80's. Featured are artists including Nakatsuka Takeshi, hitomitoi, Sokabe Keiichi, Kimyō Reitarō, Hicksville and more. Many of the songs are brand new...
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 22:44. | Released on October 29, 2014
lyrical school "Pride"
lyrical school's new single has a title track which was written and produced by ones who had been involved since the group's beginning. The B-side was produced by mysterious Taiwan trackmaker Ebbie East, which is said to be his first...
Posted on November 4, 2014 at 22:08. | Released on October 28, 2014
Yun*chi "Wonderful Wonder World*"
Here's a new single by Yun*chi, follow-up to mini-album "Starlight*" released earlier this year. This includes tracks produced by Missile Chewbacca ("Fairy*") and London artist bo en ("Dancing*"). The title track is being used as the ending theme of TV...
Posted on October 27, 2014 at 22:12. | Released on October 22, 2014
Perfume "Perfume WORLD TOUR 2nd" (Blu-ray/DVD), "Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st" (Blu-ray)
Perfume have a new DVD/Blu-ray coming, of a show from their 2nd world tour held last year. The chosen show is the one held at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on July 5, 2013. The show in London was first...
Posted on September 21, 2014 at 12:12. | Released on October 1, 2014
Kushibiki Sayaka "koi suru unmei"
Follow-up to cover album "Day & Midnight", here's a new original album by singer-songwriter Kushibiki Sayaka, backed by arrangers such as Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico), Koncos, The Keys, and more artists from the Niw! Records family. A 7" cut...
Posted on September 15, 2014 at 22:47. | Released on September 24, 2014
RF "New Birth"
Instrumental jazz band RF (Rokugen Club with Farah) has a new album coming, containing 12 hip-hop and R&B classics covered in their distinctive style, with songs by Pharrel Williams ("Happy"), Rihanna ("Diamonds"), James Blake ("Limit to your love"), Common ("Go"),...
Posted on September 15, 2014 at 12:20. | Released on September 24, 2014
Jintana & Emeralds "Destiny" (12")
Jintana & Emeralds' wonderful 50's-inspired album "Destiny" is getting a vinyl LP release! Jintana & Emeralds is a band featuring Jintana and Kashif (both of the Yokohama-based Pacific Pan Playa collective), DJ Crystal (Traks Boys, (((sssurrounddd)))), and 3 female vocalists...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 21:45. | Released on September 17, 2014
Frontier Backyard "Gladness"
Frontier Backyard is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and they have a new remix album out now featuring remixes by Cubismo Grafico, Halfby, Dorian, Avec Avec, YOSUKEKOTANI (Harvard), TA-1 (Furuta Taichi of Koncos), Yasei Collective, and more. The band will be...
Posted on September 7, 2014 at 20:53. | Released on September 3, 2014
Crazy Ken Band "Spark Plug"
Crazy Ken Band has a brand new album coming, the follow-up to last year's "Flying Saucer" (Amazon). This includes latest single "Spark da!", a song used on NHK's "minna no uta". The limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of...
Posted on September 1, 2014 at 21:54. | Released on September 3, 2014
Towa Tei "94-14", "94-14 Covers"
Towa Tei continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his solo career. Following remix collection "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix" released in July, here comes greatest hits album "94-14" and best covers album "94-14 Covers". The latter includes 6 brand new...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 13:16. | Released on September 3, 2014
Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong "Savage Imagination"
Following last year's "Toropical Circle", here comes a 2nd album by the wonderful Takako Minekawa/Dustin Wong collaboration! The album will be also released in the UK on label Thrill Jockey on September 23 (on CD and vinyl), though the Japanese...
Posted on August 24, 2014 at 00:05. | Released on August 27, 2014
BTB "Back To Basic ~ore to omae hen~"
Yokohama talkbox musician BTB (of the Pan Pacific Playa collective, and previously of Luvraw & BTB which Luvraw quit earlier this year) has a new solo album out now. Featured are summer-oriented mellow covers of various songs originally by artists...
Posted on August 20, 2014 at 21:57. | Released on August 20, 2014
Kemio & Amigachu "Kerokero"
Konishi Yasuharu produces another debut single, this time for teen male model Kemio. The title track is an original song written by Okuda Tamio, while the B-side is a cover of rocker Imawano Kiyoshirō's "boku no me wa neko no...
Posted on August 8, 2014 at 23:48. | Released on August 13, 2014
NeoBallad "03 ~enishi~"
Here's a 3rd album by NeoBallad, unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley), who together perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with a techno twist. A one-man event will be held at Koenji High on August...
Posted on August 7, 2014 at 23:44. | Released on August 8, 2014
Kaji Hideki "Ice Cream Man"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album coming this week! "Ice Cream Man" takes inspiration of Jonathan Richman's song of the same name. All songs are originals, and feature guest vocalists such as Nomiya Maki, Kojima Mayumi, Sakamoto Miu, Shoko,...
Posted on August 3, 2014 at 14:22. | Released on August 6, 2014
Towa Tei "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix"
This new release from Towa Tei is a collection of remixes of his songs from over his 20 years active as a solo artist. Remixes by Cornelius, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), and many more are included, as well as a remix...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on July 23, 2014
Izumi Ookawara "Polka dot on the paper" (Download)
Izumi Ookawara (Qypthone) has a debut song as a solo singer-songwriter out now on iTunes worldwide! Her band features guitarist Ishigaki Kentarō (also of Qypthone), saxophonist Ishikawa Shūnosuke, pianist Ōnishi Mami (Yapani!), drummer Suzuki Kaoru (RF), trumpeter Tanaka Mitsuru, percussionist...
Posted on July 2, 2014 at 22:23. | Released on July 2, 2014
Perfume "Cling Cling"
Perfume has a new single containing 4 new songs coming in July. "Cling Cling" was used in a TV commercial for a health drink, and "Hold Your Hand" was the theme song for TV drama "Silent Poor". "DISPLAY" and "ijiwaru...
Posted on June 29, 2014 at 21:01. | Released on July 16, 2014
(M)otocompo "OK SKA ep"
(M)otocompo (reads "otocompo") is the unit of Dr.Usui (Motocompo), and they have been performing on stage regularly since 2011. The unit's theme is to put "ska" and "electro" together, and until now they had kept a rule of not releasing...
Posted on June 15, 2014 at 00:20. | Released on June 18, 2014
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Magical Wonder Castle" (DVD/Blu-ray)
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a live DVD/Blu-ray coming, of footage from two shows held at Yokohama Arena on January 18 and 19, 2014. These shows were her first solo shows at an arena, and had audiences totaling 24,000 people. The...
Posted on June 6, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on June 11, 2014
Taketatsu Ayana "Wonderful World"
Voice actress Taketatsu Ayana has a new single coming. Title song "Wonderful World" is a band-driven upbeat pop track, while its B-side was written by Okii Reiji (ex-Cymbals). The limited edition includes a DVD of the music video. CDJapan and...
Posted on May 28, 2014 at 22:29. | Released on June 4, 2014
Kitagawa Katsutoshi "47 todōfu-ken R 'Wan'derful Songs"
This is the soundtrack of animated TV program "47 todōfu-ken R" about 5 dogs, of which the music is written by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table). Two tracks are arranged by Yoshida Tetsuto ("Mont Blanc Panic" and "Yuquru"), and three others...
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 20:28. | Released on April 23, 2014
Shonen Knife "arashi no Overdrive"
Shonen Knife's new album "Overdrive" is being released in various countries on April 16. Only in Japan it contains Japanese lyrics versions of "Dance To The Rock", "Shopping" and "Like A Cat". Shonen Knife have a busy live schedule this...
Posted on April 11, 2014 at 23:26. | Released on April 16, 2014
Gig report: Takako Minekawa solo live at Tensai Sansūjuku
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 19, Minekawa Takako played a solo show part of a cassette-themed exhibition. Held at Asakusabashi Tensai Sansūjuku, a multipurpose venue, the exhibition showed various artworks made using audio...
Posted on April 10, 2014 at 22:37.
Negicco "Triple! Wonderland"
Negicco has a new single on the way! The title track was produced by Yano Hiroyasu (ex-cymbals), while B-side is a new song by Negicco's main producer connie, that one arranged and performed by Kimyō Reitarō Travel Swing Orchestra. The...
Posted on April 9, 2014 at 00:04. | Released on April 16, 2014
Perfume "Perfume 4th Tour in DOME 'LEVEL3'" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Perfume have a new live Blu-ray/DVD coming, of a show held at Tokyo Dome last December following the release of album "LEVEL3". Limited editions include a bonus disc different versions of "Spring of Life" and "Party Maker" as well as...
Posted on April 5, 2014 at 00:12. | Released on April 9, 2014
Yakenohara "Self-Portrait"
This is an album of various remix works by rapper, DJ and trackmaker Yakenohara. Also included are original tracks he previously contributed to compilations "White Album" and "Pan Pacific Playa Presents 'Old Fashion Vol.1'", including previously unreleased remixes. Check out...
Posted on March 22, 2014 at 22:41. | Released on March 19, 2014
Various Artists "NHK dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 18th"
This new compilation from NHK's long-running kids program "dai! tensai TV-kun" features original tracks by a bunch of good artists, such as CTO LAB., Nakatsuka Takeshi ("Jump'n'Jive odore!"), Terada Sōichi (aka Omodaka) ("Dark Matter") and Okamoto's, among others. CDJapan gives...
Posted on March 8, 2014 at 00:02. | Released on March 5, 2014
Various Artists "More! Electronic Disney Music"
Here's an "EDM" compilation, that's Electronic Disney Music! Featured are old and new tracks by electronic artists from Japan and the world. Brand new ones include Hyadain's "It's a Small World", Ram Rider's "A Whole New World", and De De...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on February 26, 2014
Hanazawa Kana "25"
This 2nd album by voice actress Hanazawa Kana was released on her 25th birthday (February 26, 2014), and the 2-CD package contains 25 tracks, involving a bunch of Shibuya-kei related artists. The whole is produced by Kitagawa Katsutoshi (Round Table),...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:13. | Released on February 26, 2014
Konishi Yasuharu "'senryokugai sōsakan' Original Soundtrack"
senryokugai sōsakan (the jacket design shows the English title "The easygoing police") is a comedy TV series about a female detective who is being kept outside of the investigation team. However she still goes to investigate by herself, usually gets...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 00:38. | Released on February 26, 2014
Perfume "Perfume Clips" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This is Perfume's first collection of video clips, including all from their years on label Tokuma Japan since major debut "Linear Motor Girl". The limited edition comes with a bonus disc of rare versions, 25 TV commercials, and an audio...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:41. | Released on February 12, 2014
Yun*chi "Asterisk*"
Yun*chi is from agency Asobisystem (the same as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu), and this is her first full-length album. Half of the songs are brand new ones, while the rest have been previously released on mini-albums "Yun*chi" and "Shake you*", as...
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 23:03. | Released on February 5, 2014
Various Artists "Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power!"
This new Disney cover compilation features girls only, from idol groups (such as Dempagumi.inc, BiS, Tokyo Girls' Style, hy4_4yh) to bands (akai kōen) and solo artists (Ōta Emiri, Maika Leboutet), and even Minnie Mouse. In terms of producers, Dempagumi.inc's track...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 00:45. | Released on January 22, 2014
hitomitoi "Snowbank Social Club"
Following last summer's hot "Surfbank Social Club", hitomitoi now brings us a winter album, the kind that should warm you up. Again collaborators Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), Kashif (aka Stringsburn) and LUVRAW & BTB are in, as well as tofubeats, Avec...
Posted on January 14, 2014 at 22:59. | Released on January 29, 2014
Terunuma Fareeza to Shūkyō "kakkoii" (Download)
Terunuma Fareeza to Shūkyō is a new pop unit formed of producer Ōkawa Kazuto and singer Terunuma Fareeza, a half-Syrian/half-Japanese model/photographer/director from the adult scene. Their first song had been released digitally, and the sound has a Shibuya-kei feel that...
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 13:57. | Released on December 24, 2013
Various Artists "Sauna Cool 1"
New label Sauna Cool starts things off with this 51-track compilation, with a rule of "no more than 30 seconds per track". Featured are mainly artists from the Tokyo indies scene, including Chabe, HNC, Miila and the Geeks, VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Mitsume,...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 23:24. | Released on December 25, 2013
Riow Arai "Drum Dub Delay" (Download)
Riow Arai has released a new album exclusively on iTunes store. The conceptual "spin-off" album consists of one-shot recordings of only drums and bass, that were then mixed in dub fashion. The drums and dub mixes were done by Riow...
Posted on January 3, 2014 at 18:15. | Released on December 11, 2013
Every Little Thing/Konishi Yasuharu "Aquamarine no mama de ite" (7")
As released on CD earlier this year, here's a 7" cut of Konishi Yasuharu's take of drama "dakishimetai!"'s theme song. The A-side is the theme song as performed by Every Little Thing and produced by Konishi, while the B-side...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 18:11. | Released on December 20, 2013
Gig report: The Scooters, Juicy Fruits, Kotaro & The Bizarremen at Shibuya WWW
Text and photos Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 5 was a show featuring The Scooters, and it was held at my favorite venue, WWW in Shibuya. Since their official come-back last year, after some 30 years, The...
Posted on December 14, 2013 at 23:51.
Cornelius "'Ghost In The Shell Arise' Official Soundtrack"
A few months back Cornelius made the music for theatrical anime "Ghost In The Shell Arise", and here's finally the soundtrack! This includes opening theme "Ghost In The Shell Arise", as well as ending themes "jibun ga inai" (salyu x...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 21:53. | Released on November 27, 2013
Sheena Ringo "ukina", "mitsugetsushō"
Sheena Ringo has two new albums out now. "ukina" consists of collaborations with other artists, including a new one with Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE), and the previously unreleased "It Was You" written by Burt Bacharach. "mitsugetsushō" is a collection of her...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 11:28. | Released on November 13, 2013
Tokyo Shock Boys "Dengeki Damashii" (Download)
Dengeki Network, aka Tokyo Shock Boys, known for their freak show-like live performances, have a new mini-album out now. This is available on iTunes worldwide (or almost). Tokyo Shock Boys can be caught on stage on the last day of...
Posted on November 15, 2013 at 22:45. | Released on October 30, 2013
NeoBallad "02 ~ōgon no sato~"
NeoBallad is the unit of singer Wakasa Sachi and drummer/producer Kamiryō Wataru (ex-P-Model, Grass Valley). Together the duo perform Japanese traditional songs (minyō) with programmed electro backtracks. On this 2nd album, each song featured comes from a specific prefecture in...
Posted on November 11, 2013 at 23:34. | Released on November 8, 2013
Perfume "Sweet Refrain"
Perfume's upcoming single "Sweet Refrain" is being used as a theme song in TV drama "toshidensetsu no onna" (TV Asahi on Friday from 23:15). This is as always produced by Nakata Yasutaka (CAPSULE). The limited edition includes a DVD of...
Posted on November 7, 2013 at 22:37. | Released on November 27, 2013
