Clémentine "Covermentine"
Following last year's popular "Animentine", French bossa nova singer Clémentine has a new cover album coming this week. This time she covers both Japanese and French famous songs. Included are Yamazaki Masayoshi's "futari de Paris ni ikō" (feat. daughter Solita),...
Posted on January 10, 2011 at 15:25. | Released on January 12, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB., Candles, Hi-5, spoon+
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Monday (December 27) was my first occasion to see CTO LAB., a side-unit of Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), polymoog (Elektel) and Okada Tōru (Moonriders), which I had been wanting...
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 17:46.
Gig report: Harajuku Performance+: Nomiya Maki, Open Reel Ensemble
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week on Tuesday December 22 was the first of two days of a performance-themed event at La Foret Museum, Harajuku, titled "Harajuku Performance+". On that day were two artists that I...
Posted on December 30, 2010 at 21:37.
Gig report: Groove Unchant "Notre Musique" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 18, Groove Unchant was of passage in Tokyo part of a tour for the release of his first album "Notre Musique" (out last month on Orange Records). Even...
Posted on December 30, 2010 at 01:46.
Gig report: We "hub" music Vol. 01: Yasuda Toshiyuki, the firefly clan, Wono Satoru
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On December 11 was held a very special event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. The place was a beautiful house with a large garden in Yotsuya managed by Pierre Barouh, a...
Posted on December 26, 2010 at 18:54.
Original Soundtrack "Cheburashka and the Circus ~ Circus ga yatte kita ~"
There's a new Cheburashka movie around the corner, starting in theaters here on December 18 (movie official site)! Made mainly by Japanese staff, the movie consists of a remake of "Gena The Crocodile" (original 1969), plus two brand new episodes...
Posted on December 14, 2010 at 23:04. | Released on December 18, 2010
Various Artists "We wish you a happy"
A Christmas compilation is out just now on label Niw!. This includes both Christmas classics and original songs, featuring Cubismo Grafico Five, miila (whose 7" is out at the same time on the label), Frontier Backyard and other artists from...
Posted on December 2, 2010 at 21:53. | Released on December 3, 2010
Makoto Miura "Je suis snob"
After several great mix CDs and various tracks here and there, here's a first original album by Miura Makoto (aka Monsieur Mieurax)! Necozawa Emi and others are featured. Check out the trailer clip below, and then go hear samples of...
Posted on November 25, 2010 at 20:55. | Released on November 3, 2010
Various Artists "Christmas Songs"
Here's another Christmas compilation, coming from commmons, made up of all previously unreleased Christmas tracks by a fascinating line-up of artists. Featured are all three of YMO, Minekawa Takako, Tokumaru Shūgo, Harada Tomoyo, kotringo, naomi & goro, Sean O'Hagan (The...
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 22:55. | Released on November 17, 2010
Nakatsuka Takeshi "hagane no onna - She's a steely woman"
Nakatsuka Takeshi has produced this jazzy soundtrack for TV series "hagane no onna", aired earlier this year on TV Asahi. This features members of quasimode and Tropical Jazz Big Band (aka nettai Jazz gakudan). This has been released earlier on...
Posted on November 10, 2010 at 22:29. | Released on November 17, 2010
Various Artists "Christmas Time Bossa"
Time flies, and here come the Christmas compilations! The first is from label Grand Gallery, featuring new recordings by its artists, in a bossa nova style. Featured are violinist Kinbara Chieko (MySpace), pianist NANASE, guitarist Takenaka Shunji, and vocalists Saiko...
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 19:15. | Released on November 3, 2010
80kidz "Weekend Warrior"
Melodic electro unit 80kidz's 2nd full length album upon us. This is a follow-up to "This Is My Shit" (April 2009), since which they've also released download-only EP "Voice" and single "Spoiled Boy" . Jet Set offers a "Blackbox Test"...
Posted on October 17, 2010 at 19:43. | Released on October 20, 2010
Kinoco Hotel "Claddagh shi Kinoco"
Neo-GS girl band Kinoco Hotel (MySpace) has an album coming this week! Actually this consists of rare indies-era material, 9 previously unreleased takes recorded in studio just before guitarist Isabel Keme-Kamogawa and drummer Fabienne joined the band. This was actually...
Posted on October 17, 2010 at 18:41. | Released on October 20, 2010
Nomiya Maki "Pink no kokoro + 2" (SHM-CD)
First released in 1981 (almost 30 years ago!), Nomiya Maki's debut album as a new wave idol, "Pink no kokoro", is being reissued (again), this time with 2 rare live tracks as a bonus. This is a great album produced...
Posted on October 11, 2010 at 11:19. | Released on October 20, 2010
Gig report: Nakatsuka Takeshi "53512010" Release Cruise
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last week, on Friday September 24, I had the chance to go to a live event in a very special place. Nakatsuka Takeshi threw a release party for his new...
Posted on October 2, 2010 at 20:33.
Various Artists "Shibuya9010"
It sure is missing more than a few bits, but nevertheless here's an interesting Shibuya-kei-themed compilation featuring many artists from the genre. Maybe an occasion to find a few gems we didn't know of? Many tracks can be sampled on...
Posted on September 29, 2010 at 00:49. | Released on September 22, 2010
Meg "Best Flight"
Meg has a first greatest hits album coming at the end of the month! Titled "Best Flight", it contains 17 of her best previously released tracks, most of which are written and produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), but also contributions...
Posted on September 25, 2010 at 22:23. | Released on September 29, 2010
Various Artists "Love Songs from Marunouchi -The Lounge-"
This compilation is themed around "adult love songs to be played in a large city's lounge". Selected by Nakatsuka Takeshi, it contains mainly previously released tracks, mostly by Japanese jazz/lounge/club artists. A previously unreleased long version of Nakatsuka's cover of...
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 22:35. | Released on September 22, 2010
Sally Soul Stew "anata ni maketa no" (7")
Sally Soul Stew, the solo unit of Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift), has a new 7" coming this month! The A-side is a cover of Koyama Rumi's "anata ni maketa no" (1970), while the B-side is an original...
Posted on September 13, 2010 at 23:50. | Released on September 20, 2010
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
Meg "Passport / Paris"
Following the release of album "Maverick" last June, Meg has a new single coming, her 2nd this year. This double-A-sider is produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). The single is available in advance starting today on iTunes Japan. Meg "Passport /...
Posted on August 18, 2010 at 22:14. | Released on August 25, 2010
Crazy Ken Band "Mint Condition"
Crazy Ken Band has a brand new album out this week! Included is an album version of title track from single "1107" released last month, and a cover of Korean singer Park Sang Chul's "mujōken" (original at YouTube), for a...
Posted on August 12, 2010 at 22:41. | Released on August 11, 2010
Gig report: Fujimura Tohru + Yasuda Toshiyuki "Shimokitazawa Silent Disco"
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Recently I got to go to an interesting event held in a café called Slow Comedy Factory in Shimokitazawa. Limited to some 30 people, as many seats as there were,...
Posted on August 5, 2010 at 23:50.
Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Ryōma no hanauta (akaban)"
Where did Takanami K-tarō go? He's doing fine, back to his hometown of Nagasaki since last year. And it seems like he fell in love with the roots he found there, as he offers this surprising new album consisting of...
Posted on July 24, 2010 at 00:49. | Released on June 16, 2010
Gig report: Shinohara Tomoe's Ultra Relax Day 2010
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Wednesday, July 14, was a show celebrating the 15th anniversary of Shinohara Tomoe's debut album "Super Model". The album was reissued just recently with bonus tracks and an added DVD of...
Posted on July 17, 2010 at 21:07.
pal@pop "feat. PLUS"
pal@pop (aka Takano Kenichi) has a new album out imminently, a collection of collaborations with various female singers. Featured are Halcali, Inagaki Saki (aka Sakura), Makino Yui, comedians Morisanchū and more. Note that the previously released Halcali track comes in...
Posted on July 13, 2010 at 00:08. | Released on July 14, 2010
Hasegawa Akiko "Sunrise!"
Voice actress Hasegawa Akiko (aka VCF of DG-10, also appearing in IDOLM@STER) has a solo single coming. Notably included is B-side "Stay Tuned!" produced by Elektel. Hasegawa Akiko "Sunrise!" 長谷川明子 「Sunrise!」 1. Sunrise! 2. 2100 nen no Tokyo Tower 3....
Posted on June 23, 2010 at 21:52. | Released on July 7, 2010
Various Artists "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third" (12")
From the recent "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third" cover album produced by Sunaga Tatsuo will be released a selection of 8 songs on two 12"'s. Tracks are grouped by the artists' provenance, European and Japanese. Various Artists "Club Jazz...
Posted on June 13, 2010 at 01:15. | Released on June 18, 2010
DJ Mami "First Chic", Yū Suzuki "First Chic"
Here continues a series of mix CDs started by Horibe Yūmin (resident DJ of party "Joke"). All titled "First Chic", these are the first mix CDs by DJ Mami and Yū Suzuki (also of "Joke"). DJ Mami is introduced a...
Posted on June 12, 2010 at 09:45. | Released on March 22, 2010
Various Artists "Organ b. Suite No.4 Gemini IV Space Nova! - A Tatsuo Sunaga live mix"
This classic live mix tape by Sunaga Tatsuo has been remastered to be released for the first time on CD later this month. This will be available at specialized record shops such as Jet Set, DMR and Disk Union. Pre-order...
Posted on June 5, 2010 at 13:30. | Released in June 2010
Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"
This 5th of Boot Beat's popular "Manifesto" mix CD series brings us more happy and catchy, fresh-sounding jazzy tunes, both standards and obscure, and sure to make you want to dance. Available now at Jet Set! Boot Beat "Manifesto 5"...
Posted on June 2, 2010 at 21:28. | Released on March 24, 2010
Gig report: Rogue Wave vol.1
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Tuesday after a rough day at work, I headed to Shindaita Fever (Shindaita is the station next to Shimokitazawa), a venue I had yet never been to. There was...
Posted on May 30, 2010 at 23:00.
Various Artists "Tokyo Auto-Reverse ~ Neo-Shibuya-kei x 80's ~" (Download)
Here's an interesting compilation of 80's Japanese hit song covers by young bands of the post-Shibuya-kei scene! Featured are The Aprils, Yume to Cosme (previously known as solange et delphine), Mr.COCKROBIN, roly poly ragbear, Sucrette, the Caraway and more. This...
Posted on May 27, 2010 at 23:58. | Released on May 26, 2010
Gig report: Vanilla Beans release in-store event at HMV Shibuya
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Vanilla Beans have a new mini-album titled "Def & Def" out this week. They're doing in-store live shows through the weekend to promote it, and I went to see the first one...
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 00:04.
Shinohara Tomoe "Super Model 15th Anniversary Edition" (CD+DVD)
Celebrating the 15th years of Shinohara Tomoe's debut album "Super Model" comes this limited anniversary edition. Produced by Denki Groove's Ishino Takkyū with Sunahara Yoshinori, Pierre Taki, CMJK, and also Chikada Haruo, Nakahara Masaya, Surf Coasters and more, this is...
Posted on May 18, 2010 at 21:31. | Released on June 30, 2010
Ishiwatari Junji & Sunahara Yoshinori + Yakushimaru Etsuko "kamisama no iu tōri"
Sunahara Yoshinori has teamed up with ex-Supercar guitarist Ishiwatari Junji for a new unit, called Ishiwatari Junji & Sunahara Yoshinori. Their first release is a single of an ending theme for anime "yojōhan shinwa taikei", and features singer Yakushimaru Etsuko...
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 22:18. | Released on May 26, 2010
Gig report: Nagisa Yoko Recital 2010
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday April 26 was Nagisa Yōko's recital at Shibuya Quattro, an event to celebrate the issue of her new 400-page photo book titled "NAGISA" . The show featured a full band,...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 18:55.
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz gaiden ~ All the young dudes ~ subete no wakakiyarōdomo"
Here's a new jazz compilation selected by Sunaga Tatsuo, picking up where he left with "Jazz Allnighters No.8" three years ago. This time he selects tracks by young and upcoming jazz artists from Japan, including quasimode, Soil & "Pimp" Sessions,...
Posted on April 28, 2010 at 00:16. | Released on April 28, 2010
Roman Porsche. "nusunda Bike de amagigoe"
Comical new wave (?) two-guy unit Roman Porsche (MySpace) have a new album coming, after about 6 years. Member Okite Porsche, who is an active figure in the idol world, has recently been supporting Vanilla Beans who find themselves here...
Posted on April 17, 2010 at 00:52. | Released on April 21, 2010
Perfume "fushizen na Girl / Natural ni koi shite"
Here's a long-awaited new single from Perfume, their first since 3rd album "⊿" out last summer. The title song "Natural ni koi shite" is a tie-up with fashion brand Natural Beauty Basic, and can be heard in the brand's new...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:45. | Released on April 14, 2010
Various Artists "Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third"
Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) produces this new cover album of songs from "Lupin the 3rd", arranged in club jazz fashion. Featured from Japan are Sunaga t Experience, TRI4TH (jazz band recently performing Konishi Yasuharu's "Talk Like Singing" musical), Ego-Wrappin',...
Posted on February 24, 2010 at 23:08. | Released on March 10, 2010
capsule "PLAYER", Nakata Yasutaka "Liar Game 2"
Finally!! Here's a new album from capsule, over a year since their previous original album "MORE! MORE! MORE!". A limited edition contains a video clip for song "Hello" used in promotion for AU mobile phone iida (see the commercial below)....
Posted on February 20, 2010 at 00:18. | Released on March 3, 2010
Crazy Ken Band "Best tsuru", "Best kame"
Crazy Ken Band's leader Yokoyama Ken will celebrate his 50th birthday this year on July 7. Fans are treated to two all-time greatest hits albums, each containing 15 tracks. This covers their whole career, and comes from two different labels,...
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 23:16. | Released on February 24, 2010
Various Artists "Kirakira Majocco Cluv"
This looks like it might be a real gem of a compilation! The concept is of idols singing theme songs of anime series about magical girls, and tracks are produced by various club-oriented artists. Featured singers include Shinohara Tomoe and...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on February 10, 2010
Gig report: The Aprils "Back To The Future Music" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny (chipple.net) This week was the release party for The Aprils' 4th album, "Back To The Future Music", out last month. Buying the album gave you right to go to a free show, and even...
Posted on February 7, 2010 at 00:23.
Yuka Honda "Heart Chamber Phantoms"
Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto) has a brand new 3rd solo album out this week on John Zorn's Tzadik label! This succeeds "Eucademix" (2004) and "Memories Are My Only Witness" (2002), both truly brilliant electronic music albums that give high expectations...
Posted on January 25, 2010 at 22:10. | Released on January 26, 2010
dorlis "swingin' street 4"
Here's a new album from singer dorlis, whose releases are all called "swingin' street". Always collaborating with interesting artists, this time there are songs featuring Sunaga Tatsuo, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, quasimode, kotringo, paris match and more. A video for...
Posted on January 23, 2010 at 01:06. | Released on January 27, 2010
Perfume "Perfume Second Tour 2009 'chokkaku nitouhen sankakkei Tour'" (DVD)
Perfume's recent tour for album "⊿" is getting a DVD release. More specifically, this is the final show of the tour, held at Yokohama Arena on October 30, 2009, included in its entirety. A bonus disc contains 2 songs with...
Posted on December 30, 2009 at 22:05. | Released on January 13, 2010
DG-10 "Golden Synthesizer!"
A new mini-album from DG-10, the 3-girl unit featuring music made with the Korg DS-10. This one contains covers of Ghibli's "kaze no tani no Nausicaa", "Ghostbusters" and Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", plus one new original song. The CD contains...
Posted on December 22, 2009 at 23:39. | Released on December 23, 2009
Maezono Naoki Group "hi o tsukeru. Maezono Naoki Group dai1shū."
Maezono Naoki Group, band featuring Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) on piano, released its first album on vinyl only last June and sold out quickly. Finally this is also coming on CD, and that in a mini-LP sleeve! The CD will...
Posted on December 6, 2009 at 01:43. | Released on December 9, 2009
Sunaga t Experience "jazz et jazz"
Sunaga t Experience (MySpace), the club-jazz-turned-real-jazz solo unit of Sunaga Tatsuo, has a 4th album coming! This comes 3½ years after the previous, "A Letter from Allnighters" that was very jazzy, entirely recorded with a full band. The new album...
Posted on November 13, 2009 at 23:36. | Released on December 2, 2009
Denki Groove "Upside Down"
Denki Groove is back again with a brand new single called "Upside Down", a previously unreleased song being used as the opening theme of anime "kūchū buranko". The B-side here is hit song "Shangri-La" in a new "remodeled" version by...
Posted on November 11, 2009 at 20:52. | Released on November 18, 2009
HNC "CULT"
Hazel Nuts Chocolate is back with a 3rd album as HNC! Yuppa said somewhere that you can call her "H.N.C." or any old names you got used to. As heard on some demo tracks at MySpace, she continues doing fun...
Posted on November 9, 2009 at 22:12. | Released on December 2, 2009
Various Artists "for winter music lovers ~ Technopop Xmas"
This new compilation of both recent and classic Christmas-themed techno-pop songs features Nomiya Maki (with a song from her first 1980 album), Aira Mitsuki, Denki Groove, Hosono Haruomi, Takahashi Yukihiro, Logic System, and much more. Various Artists "for winter music...
Posted on November 6, 2009 at 23:52. | Released on November 11, 2009
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 4"
DJ Boot Beat (aka Kamiya Naoaki) has a 4th mix CD of his popular "Manifesto!" series. Like the previous, this mixes pop, happy jazz, easy listening, Latin, Brazillian sounds, centered on swinging tunes from the 60's and 70's, plus breakbeats...
Posted on October 22, 2009 at 23:26. | Released on October 20, 2009
"komadori eiga: Komaneko no Christmas ~maigo ni natta Present~" (DVD)
A sequel to the popular cute stop-animation movie "Komaneko" (2006), featuring a cat who in turn created stop-animation, is coming in time for Christmas! The title translates to "Komaneko's Christmas: The Lost Present". The previous movie had no dialog, except...
Posted on October 18, 2009 at 11:51. | Released on December 2, 2009
Nomiya Maki/Fernanda Takai "Maki Takai No Jetlag"
Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five) unites with Brazilian singer Fernanda Takai (Pato Fu) for a mini-album containing songs selected by the two. Included are a new original song by Maki called "Nagoya" with Japanese lyrics, P5's "A Message Song", Ishida Ayumi's...
Posted on October 14, 2009 at 00:20. | Released on October 20, 2009
Tokyo No.1 Soul Set + Halcali "konya wa Boogie Back"
The latest from Halcali is this cover of Scha Dara Parr with Ozawa Kenji's hit song "konya wa Boogie Back", here produced by Tokyo No.1 Soul Set. The song was heard a lot on TV in a commercial for Nissan...
Posted on September 27, 2009 at 13:22. | Released on September 23, 2009
Yellow Magic Orchestra "POSTYMO ~ Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in London 2008 + ~" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's performance at the London Royal Festival Hall from 2008, part of the Meltdown Festival, is now out on DVD! This was their first show in London in 28 years. The band features of course the three original...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:55. | Released on August 26, 2009
Soccerboy "My Dear Horse"
Soccerboy (MySpace), boss of label Tokyo Fun Party and salaryman DJ acclaimed in Tokyo's underground club scene, has a first real mix CD out now, available through HMV Japan only. The CD contains plenty of floor-ready tracks and even a...
Posted on August 2, 2009 at 14:10. | Released on August 1, 2009
Sunahara Yoshinori "No Boys No Cry Original Soundtrack"
A whole 8 years since the amazing album "Lovebeat", Sunahara Yoshinori (ex-Denki Groove) brings us this new original release in the form of his first ever movie soundtrack. The movie is "No Boys, No Cry", a Japan/Korea collaboration directed by...
Posted on July 27, 2009 at 23:21. | Released on July 29, 2009
naomi & goro "Bossa Nova Songbook 2"
Bossa nova duo naomi & goro bring us a 2nd cover album, again on Sakamoto Ryūichi's label commmons. Included are famous songs by the likes of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Marcos Valle and Caetano Veloso. Cellist Jaques Morelenbaum, famous for his...
Posted on July 5, 2009 at 18:59. | Released on July 8, 2009
Aira Mitsuki "Aira no kagaku CD"
Aira Mitsuki has a new CD being sold only at the "exciting bookstore" chain Village Vanguard throughout Japan. The title refers to "otona no kagaku" ("science for adults"), a magazine that always comes with a kit to build something, last...
Posted on June 17, 2009 at 21:01. | Released on June 17, 2009
Star Dish "Conversation"
Star Dish, the club-jazz unit of Sano Atsushi (Sherlock Notes) and Playa, brings us a first full-length album. This features guest Raphael Sebbag (United Future Organization), as well as members of Jabberloop and Immigrant's Bossa Band. Included are all tracks...
Posted on June 16, 2009 at 22:35. | Released on June 3, 2009
Maezono Naoki Group "hi o tsukeru. Maezono Naoki Group dai1shū." (12")
Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) is a pianist! Maezono Naoki Group started performing late 2008 and has been releasing small-sized magazines irregularly. Finally here's a first album, but be aware that it's vinyl only (no CD anyway). If you're interested at...
Posted on June 12, 2009 at 00:42. | Released on June 24, 2009
Various Artists "Massage Nonmix"
Out a few weeks ago on the LD&K label are these two "non-mix" CDs by DJs Ikeda Masanori (Mansfield) and Inoue Kaoru (Chari Chari, Seeds and Ground). It's club/street culture magazine Massage that brings us these releases, of which the...
Posted on May 6, 2009 at 19:36. | Released on April 22, 2009
Original Soundtrack "Baby Baby Baby!"
New movie "Baby Baby Baby!" is a spin-off of the popular TV drama series "Nurse no oshigoto", and Kamomiya Ryō (Manna, early Pizzicato Five) has done the soundtrack, as he was responsible for the whole TV series' music. The comedy...
Posted on May 4, 2009 at 19:04. | Released on May 20, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - Universal
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 01:14. | Released on April 22, 2009
Konishi Yasuharu selection - RCA
Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD. While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year,...
Posted on May 3, 2009 at 00:45. | Released on April 22, 2009
8bit Project "Spicy Innovator VS Superior Marionette"
Here's a 2nd album by 8bit Project, the unit of Itō Toshiharu (ex-Mansfield), Matsutake Hideki (Logic System, and also the said "4th member of YMO") and Saitō Hisahi (of YMO homage band Y Setsu O). Like their first album "Familiar...
Posted on April 27, 2009 at 21:46. | Released on April 29, 2009
Various Artists "House Nation - Ruby"
This new compilation of Avex' House Nation series includes two Fantastic Plastic Machine appearances: a ravex track and also a remix he did of The BPA (aka Norman Cook) feat. Iggy Pop. Also included is a version of Ayuse Kozue's...
Posted on April 17, 2009 at 00:11. | Released on April 8, 2009
Mizuno Mari "mariage"
Konishi Yasuharu contributes a newly written song to this solo mini-album by Mizuno Mari (paris match (MySpace)), who was featured last year on "uta to Guitar. Piano. kotoba." from columbia*readymade. His song here is titled "kekkon shiyō yo." ("Let's get...
Posted on April 11, 2009 at 12:00. | Released on April 29, 2009
Chupi*Chupi "I.P.999"
The latest from Orange Records is a new techno-pop idol unit from Osaka called Chupi*Chupi. Nothing more to say, check out audio samples at Orange Records' MySpace, and also the live YouTube clip below. This album features a narration appearance...
Posted on April 2, 2009 at 22:51. | Released on March 25, 2009
Star Dish "Latin Conversation E.P." (12")
Already a 2nd EP and appetizing plate from Star Dish, club-jazz unit of Sano Atsushi (Sherlock Notes) and Playa. This time we get groovy latin beats, some French vocals by Raphael Sebbag (United Future Organization), and a remix by Gerardo...
Posted on March 27, 2009 at 22:24. | Released on March 26, 2009
metro trip "tsuki to Drive +5 ~metro trip 10th anniversary~"
metro trip (MySpace), a band that classifies as neo-Shibuya-kei, brings back its long sold out first album for its 10th anniversary. Added are 5 bonus tracks including a remix by YMCK! metro trip "tsuki to Drive +5 ~metro trip 10th...
Posted on February 16, 2009 at 22:12. | Released on February 25, 2009
Handsomeboy Technique "Terrestrial Tone Cluster"
The wait was long! Handsomeboy Technique is back with a 2nd full-length album, successor to the acclaimed "Adleie Land" that took the world by surprise almost 4 years ago! A few of the new tracks have been heard before on...
Posted on February 6, 2009 at 23:21. | Released on February 11, 2009
Citrus "Pits Are The Pits (25 GOLD=RARE=DEBRIS 1992-2000)"
Legendary band Citrus has a first and last "album" out just now! This is actually a collection of all of their 4 released EPs plus a bunch of rarities, such as rare tracks "Hivernate under the ground" (from magazine Barf-Out!,...
Posted on January 17, 2009 at 23:33. | Released on January 21, 2009
Star Dish "Jazz Conversation E.P." (12")
Star Dish is the new unit of Organ Bar DJ Sano Atsushi (behind the brilliant unit Sherlock Notes) together with Katokunnlee (aka Playa). This first single contains a future latin jazz cover of "Balkan Blue" featuring members of Jabberloop, and...
Posted on January 16, 2009 at 23:36. | Released on January 16, 2009
Nakatsuka Takeshi "yume o kanaeru zō Original Soundtrack"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone) has produced this groovy club-pop soundtrack for recent comedy TV drama series "yume o kanaeru zō" ("The elephant that makes dreams come true"). You can get a taste of the music in a trailer at the official...
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 14:20. | Released on December 17, 2008
akiko "a white album" (12")
Jazz vocalist akiko's Christmas album "a white album", produced Konishi Yasuharu last year, is being reissued on vinyl for DJs and analog jazz lovers. akiko "a white album" (12") A1. Auld Lang Syne A2. Santa ga machi ni yatte kuru...
Posted on December 14, 2008 at 13:54. | Released on December 3, 2008
Atsushi Sano "Music Menu 004"
DiscID: 260e9a16
Posted on December 11, 2008 at 22:49. | Released on November 23, 2008
Various Artists "Second Royal vol.4 ~Winter Issue~"
Kyoto label Second Royal brings us a 4th compilation, this time with a winter theme. This contains new tracks by residents Handsomeboy Technique, Rufus and Halfby (actually, Halfby's is a recycled iTunes-only release from 2 years ago). There's also a...
Posted on November 24, 2008 at 20:31. | Released on December 13, 2008
yes, mama ok? "Incomplete Questions"
yes, mama ok? have a complete boxed set just out that regroups all of their releases on LD&K and Columbia. That's a total of 55 songs from "Coffee Cup de Rendez-vous tte saikō yo", "tea party", "suna no Pudding", "modern...
Posted on October 4, 2008 at 15:41. | Released on September 26, 2008
Miura Makoto "dada volume 1"
DiscID: 910e921c
Posted on September 27, 2008 at 11:18. | Released on September 6, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Flammable Tapes", "Instrumentally Flammable"
Just a month after a new album, here come two "greatest hits" albums from Yukari Fresh! The first, "Flammable Tapes", is a real greatest hits of tracks previously released on her albums from 1997 to 2008 going rarer everyday. The...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 22:38. | Released on October 8, 2008
Various Artists "House of Jewels mixed by DJ Hico"
DJ Hico is a female DJ gaining popularity recently in the Tokyo house scene. Having been spinning at receptions for brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Miu Miu and Armani, now Towa Tei brings us her first mix CD on his...
Posted on September 1, 2008 at 23:32. | Released on September 3, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Grrrl, Summer Cape Kid, etc."
Yes, a new album from Yukari Fresh! This one is said to be a bit special, as each song was recorded in one shot, unedited. Yukari can be heard playing the drums, singing and whistling throughout. Emori Takeaki (Yoga'n'ants, Tone...
Posted on August 2, 2008 at 02:32. | Released on August 27, 2008
The Fairbanks "Love Again" (12")
The Fairbanks, aka Suzuki Masanori (April Set, regular DJ at Organ b.), brings us a new remix 12" that's sure to keep Tokyo's dancefloors moving. "Love Again" is Swedish female jazz singer Meta Roos' "Here We Are Falling In Love...
Posted on July 21, 2008 at 01:23. | Released on July 17, 2008
Various Artists "JANT."
Featured are mostly previously released songs by Nomoto Karia, Qypthone, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Groove Unchant (new track), April Set, Le3, Bond Expo '60 feat. Pecombo, and more. Various Artists "JANT." 1. Bougain Ville-A / kimi to Drive 2. Bond Expo '60...
Posted on June 23, 2008 at 13:26. | Released on June 21, 2008
tron: Hosaka Akane live
Electronic artist Hosaka Akane's album "Niko Niko Denki Muzic" is just out, and she will be performing at this nice event that will also serve as release party! Also playing will be San Franciso-based Christopher Willits (who has done a...
Posted on June 11, 2008 at 15:28. | Released on June 14, 2008
Meg "Step"
Her previous album "Beam" was released only 6 months earlier, but Meg has already a new album called "Step" coming up! Of course it's again entirely produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule). It totals to 8 songs, 2 of which are...
Posted on May 20, 2008 at 16:16. | Released on June 18, 2008
Boot Beat "Manifesto! 3"
DJ Boot Beat (aka Kamiya Naoaki) has a 3rd mix CD of his popular "Manifesto!" series, mixing pop, jazz, easy listening, latin, Brazilian, breakbeats, etc. A few Japanese artists are also included: Arai Toshiya (Missing Linc, Mr.comicstore), DJ Sora-Mimi and...
Posted on May 16, 2008 at 15:11. | Released on May 16, 2008
