ya-to-i "Shadow Sculpture"
ya-to-i is a unit started in 1996 by Yamamoto Seiichi (ex-Boredoms), Okada Tohru (Moonriders) (and at the time Ito Junji (ex-Mansfield)), which went on hiatus after a 2001 album release. The two are now back with a new album which...
Posted on October 7, 2013 at 23:26. | Released on October 16, 2013
Konishi Yasuharu/Pizzicato Five "'dakishimetai!' Music Collection"
P5 fans rejoice, here come some lost Pizzicato Five sounds! Hit TV drama "dakishimetai!" was originally aired in 1988, and it's back this year as a special sequel marking its 25th anniversary. The original had music by Pizzicato Five —at...
Posted on September 14, 2013 at 20:52. | Released on September 27, 2013
Aira Mitsuki "I'll Be Back"
Techno-pop idol Aira Mitsuki is preparing to go on hiatus, but not before releasing another album. "I'll Be Back" features mostly tracks produced by Terukado as usual, but also ones by Tessy (CANDLES) and Sasaki Kissa (Recoride). All lyrics were...
Posted on August 16, 2013 at 00:29. | Released on August 21, 2013
Open Reel Ensemble "Tape and Cloth" (CD+DVD)
This new album by performance unit Open Reel Ensemble is a collection of music made for 3 seasons of Issey Miyake's Paris Collection shows. In addition to a CD of the music, the package contains a DVD of the 2013-14...
Posted on August 12, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on July 17, 2013
Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New Quad' 2x2=4 / very well L.P."
Dots+Borders, the legendary unit of Kaji Hideki and Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group, pupa), has teamed up with young rock band Sister Jet for a new album full of British-influenced upbeat tracks. Sister Jet with Dots+Borders "'New...
Posted on August 11, 2013 at 12:26. | Released on August 7, 2013
Perfume "LEVEL3"
Perfume have a brand new album to be released this October! "LEVEL3" comes about 2 years after the previous, "JPN", and will include lead tracks from singles "Spring of Life", "Spending all my time", "mirai no Museum" and "Magic of...
Posted on August 9, 2013 at 00:25. | Released on October 2, 2013
playtime rock "Play Time"
Playtime Rock (blog) is the unit of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) and flutist/singer Ichiba Mina. After last year's split-album "Evening Primrose" (2012), here comes their real first full-length album "Play Time". Half of the tracks are covers of foreign songs...
Posted on July 23, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on July 24, 2013
Gig report: Playtime Rock, BANK live at Saravah Tokyo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday July 12 was a show of Playtime Rock, the Nagasaki-based band of Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog). Nagasaki being part of the Kyūshū island in the south of...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 00:59.
Original Love "Electric Sexy"
Here's a new album from Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five). It has been 2 years since previous album "hakunetsu", and this new album goes yet into a different direction by taking an electric influence from...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 23:22. | Released on June 26, 2013
hitomitoi "Surfbank Social Club"
Following last year's wonderful "City Dive", here's a new summer city pop album by singer hitomitoi! Again she is joined by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), Dorian, Kashif aka StringsBurn, as well as new collaborators LUVRAW & BTB, grooveman Spot and Avec...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 00:42. | Released on June 19, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans, Nomiya Maki & BIBA
Text and 2nd photo by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. 1st photo by Kaz Sekiguchi, courtesy of Yoko Fujiwara. On July 5th was the 4th edition of Vanilla Beans' series of shows with a live band. Every time they...
Posted on July 11, 2013 at 23:34.
Gig report: blue marble, mishmash* Julie Watai
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday June 22 was an event presented by blue marble, a band that released first album "Valerie" (Amazon) four years ago to then sort of disappear. This was to...
Posted on June 29, 2013 at 11:26.
Negicco "Idol bakari kikanai de"
This new single from idol trio Negicco has a lead track written & produced by Konishi Yasuharu (ex-Pizzicato Five)! This clavinet and violin-led upbeat pop tune is sure to please P5 fans! The song tells listeners not to listen to...
Posted on May 30, 2013 at 00:06. | Released on May 29, 2013
Perfume "Magic of Love" (Single), "Perfume WORLD TOUR 1st" (DVD)
Perfume is back with a double release. Both coming on May 22 are new single "Magic of Love", and a DVD of Perfume's 1st world tour, more specifically a show held in Singapore. There's a limited edition of the single...
Posted on May 7, 2013 at 22:38. | Released on May 22, 2013
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Invader Invader"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has a new single coming, for the song "Invader Invader" that's being heard in TV commercials for the GU fashion brand (by Uniqlo). She has already been performing the song on stage starting her 2nd world tour....
Posted on May 5, 2013 at 10:44. | Released on May 15, 2013
Gig report: Vanilla Beans band live with Kaji Hideki
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Until recently, Vanilla Beans had always performed their shows "idol style", singing karaoke over a backtrack of the music. Last year marked their 5th anniversary, and then came 3rd album...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 20:01.
Original Love "Fashion Appeal" (Download)
Here's a new song from Original Love, the solo unit of Tajima Takao (ex-Pizzicato Five). "Fashion Appeal" has a surprising electro touch that makes for a danceable catchy song. The EP also contains two live tracks, and is available only...
Posted on April 28, 2013 at 23:51. | Released on April 24, 2013
Gig report: Joy Ride vol.133: soyuz project, CTO LAB., NeoBallad
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 19 was the 133rd edition (!) of electro-themed event series "Joy Ride" that started in 2006. That's an average of 2+ events per month! I went to...
Posted on April 25, 2013 at 23:18.
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in New York
Text and photo by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Here's a report of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's latest show, held last weekend in New York. Big thanks to correspondent Nicholas D. Kent. Read on! Kyary Pamyu...
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 14:22.
Tamaki ROY "Lucky"
Rapper Tamaki ROY has a 4th album out now, with tracks made by the likes of Miura Kōshi (Kuchiroro), Todaka Masafumi (Art-School), Gondo Tomohiko (Anonymass), and electro artists Hasunuma Shūta and Himuro Yoshiteru. HMV is giving away a bonus autographed...
Posted on April 10, 2013 at 21:40. | Released on April 3, 2013
RF "Fill the bill"
Jazz band RF covers hip-hop classics with their signature live band sound. This follows De De Mouse-produced cover album of De De Mouse influences (here). For audio samples, checkout Amazon MP3 (U.S.). RF "Fill the bill" (Original artists in parentheses)...
Posted on April 1, 2013 at 22:11. | Released on April 3, 2013
Gig report: Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong debut live w/ Living Astro
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday, I finally got to see an artist I had been wanting to see for about 15 years, ever since I got "Cloudy Cloud Calculator"! That's right, Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 21:04.
Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong "Toropical Circle"
What a surprise! Takako Minekawa is back with a new album, and that as a new unit with Dustin Wong (ex-Ponytail)! It has been 13 years since Takako's previous release, "Maxi On" (2000, Amazon U.S.) (a collaboration with New York...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 20:43. | Released on May 15, 2013
"The Selection of DE DE MOUSE Favorites performed by Rokugen Club with Farah a.k.a. RF vol.01"
This is an album produced by De De Mouse consisting of songs that influenced the artist, but all of these are re-arranged and performed by an "instrumental hip-hop jazz band" named RF. "Floats & Falls" from De De Mouse's latest...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 00:07. | Released on March 20, 2013
Gig report: Monochromoon: Tabuchi Jun, Nosa Lena, Nacional, DeliciouSweets
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On March 6 was event "Monochromoon!" at yumemiru kimiomou (aka Moon Romantic). I wanted to go there for at least 3 reasons. The first was to see Nosa Lena, a...
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 23:59.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Ninjya Re Bang Bang"
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's next single is titled "Ninjya Re Bang Bang", song that's already being performed on stage in her ongoing world tour that dropped by Belgium, France and U.K. in February. The song is also used in a TV...
Posted on March 10, 2013 at 16:58. | Released on March 20, 2013
Various Artists "NHK CD dai! tensai terebi-kun MTK the 17th"
This latest soundtrack for NHK kids program "dai! tensai terebi-kun" (aka "TV-kun") has tracks produced by Takanami Keitarō ("sora to umi no hikari"), Kamomiya Ryō ("bokuntoko koi Blues") (both ex-Pizzicato Five), The Aprils ("High Flying Girl"), Omodaka, Okii Reiji (Scott...
Posted on February 25, 2013 at 23:35. | Released on March 6, 2013
Kaji Hideki "Sweet Swedish Winter"
Kaji Hideki has a new album coming this month! This one is a tribute to Sweden's sweet winter, and it's his 2nd release from his own Blue Boys Club label (follow-up to "Blue Heart" (2012)). Title song "Sweet Swedish Winter"...
Posted on February 10, 2013 at 19:16. | Released on February 20, 2013
Various Artists "Girls Sazanami Beat! vol.5"
This is a 5th of Sazanami Label's popular compilation series of indies girl rock/garage/neo-GS bands. Collect them all! All tracks can be sampled at the official release page. The jacket was specially designed by Italian illustrator Luca Tieri. A series...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on February 9, 2013
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Lyrics"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone), who this year celebrates 10 years of solo activity, has a new album coming. While several of the songs here have been previously released in demo form for free on the "Takeshi Lab" section of his web...
Posted on January 30, 2013 at 21:45. | Released on February 6, 2013
Isao Tomita "Symphony Ihatov"
Composer and synthesizer artist Tomita Isao meets Hatsune Miku, put in the middle of an orchestra of over 300 (including choir) for this symphony performed on stage. This album was recorded live on November 23, 2012 at Tokyo Opera City,...
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 00:13. | Released on January 23, 2013
kotringo "tsubame Novelette"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album to be released this week. This is a concept album starring a white swallow (tsubame). In addition to songs with the 3-piece band from previous album "La mémoire de mon bandwagon", woodwind...
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 12:40. | Released on January 16, 2013
Perfume "mirai no Museum"
Perfume has a new single coming at the end of February, and the title song is being used as the new ending theme of anime series "Doraemon" (TV Asahi every Friday from 19:00). It will also be used as the...
Posted on January 12, 2013 at 01:09. | Released on February 27, 2013
Small Boys "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"
Small Boys is a new unit formed of Nona Reeves' Nishidera Gōta and singer-songwriter Dōjima Kōhei. The two have in the past contributed many songs to Japan's top male idol groups such as SMAP, V6, Shōnentai, Kinki Kids, KAT-TUN, and...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:55. | Released on December 19, 2012
Nona Reeves "Hippy Christmas / Live Thirteen"
Nona Reeves have been making a tradition of doing a Christmas show every year at Shibuya Club Quattro, and year 2012 saw its 14th edition. This live album release is of the show from the previous year (the 13th) held...
Posted on January 2, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on December 19, 2012
Gig report: Happy X'mas with The Scooters
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et...
Posted on December 28, 2012 at 23:48.
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio "Day & Midnight"
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio, featuring Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and Furukawa Taichi (aka TA-1, ex-Riddim Saunter), has a first album out now. This mainly consists of covers of Japanese songs (and some covers of Japanese covers of foreign songs). Both...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 23:46. | Released on December 19, 2012
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu "Pamyu Pamyu Evolution (otonatachi no mikata Box)"
For those starting to get into Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, here's a boxed set of her 4 first releases (mini-album "moshimoshi Harajuku", singles "tsukematsukeru" and "Candy Candy" and album "Pamyu Pamyu Revolution"), all in their limited edition format with the photo...
Posted on December 23, 2012 at 13:13. | Released on December 19, 2012
Fujisawa Shiho "Wonderful Christmas Time" (7")
Fujisawa Shiho has a Christmas 7" out now, containing danceable covers of "Wonderful Christmas Time" (Paul McCartney) and "Ave Maria". It's pressed on red vinyl too! Get it in time for your Christmas parties! Audio samples at Jet Set. Fujisawa...
Posted on December 12, 2012 at 22:40. | Released on November 28, 2012
Gig report: Nosa Reina release party w/ Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki, Takanami K-taro
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that...
Posted on December 11, 2012 at 00:19.
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
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
Original Love "Overblow Tour 2012 Live in Shibuya Club Quattro"
Original Love has a first live album out now. This 18-song 2-CD recording is from a show held at Shibuya Club Quattro on July 21, 2012, part of the "Overblow Tour". Included are also several old hits such as "seppun...
Posted on November 25, 2012 at 21:41. | Released on November 21, 2012
ShibusaShirazu "shibusai kayō taizen"
ShibusaShirazu, a big band that mixes various genres and uses all kinds of performances in their shows, has a cover album out earlier this month. Featured are various guest vocalists including Nagisa Yōko, Sakamoto Miu and Sandii. Songs include "Rydeen"...
Posted on November 18, 2012 at 10:26. | Released on November 7, 2012
Various Artists "Shibuya-kei Respect" series
October saw the release of a series of 3 Shibuya-kei tribute cover compilations! All of these are full of famous Shibuya-kei songs covered by younger artists and bands who have been influenced by the movement. Included are songs originally by...
Posted on November 1, 2012 at 22:46. | Released on October 10, 2012
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio "Lover's Concert" (7")
Kushibiki Sayaka Trio features Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji (Cubismo Grafico) and Furukawa Taichi (aka TA-1, ex-Riddim Saunter), and this 7" is a first release under this name. The single includes covers of Sarah Vaughan's "Lover's Concert" (original on YouTube) and Suzuki...
Posted on October 30, 2012 at 22:48. | Released on October 9, 2012
JOKEMIC "All & About"
Party hip-hop duo JOKEMIC (Shabell & Daijun) has a first album out now, and it's entirely produced by Boot Beat aka Kamiya Naoaki. Check out the video below. Most tracks can also be sampled at the label's official release page....
Posted on September 29, 2012 at 01:12. | Released on September 14, 2012
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.
Idiot Pop "EXWORLD"
Described as "dreamy colorful super pop sound", here's a 2nd full album of Idiot Pop's fun and danceable tracks. Featured are several guest appearances including Frenesi and PandaBoY. Check out the video and sampler clip below! Idiot Pop "EXWORLD" 1....
Posted on August 30, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on September 5, 2012
Perfume "Perfume Global Compilation 'LOVE THE WORLD'"
Perfume continues to do its best to appeal to a global audience, and here comes a first greatest hits album. No word on an actual overseas CD release, but this will hopefully be available worldwide on iTunes like their recent...
Posted on August 18, 2012 at 17:42. | Released on September 12, 2012
Polysics "Lucky Star"
Polysics has a new single coming soon, and its limited edition comes with a bonus DVD of a digest of 18 songs from their 1000th show held last March 3rd! Audio samples of the single can be heard at Sony...
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 20:45. | Released on August 22, 2012
Sawagi "Punch Games"
Sawagi has a first full-length album coming. The band of guitar/bass/synths/drums has a concept of performing instrumental dance music entirely live, no programming involved, with hints of rock, jazz, funk and electro influences. This album follows the brilliant mini-album "hi...
Posted on July 30, 2012 at 22:25. | Released on August 8, 2012
Perfume "Spending all my time"
Perfume's next single is coming next month! Very cute new outfits too! B-side "Point" has already been heard on Hyōketsu TV commercials (watch below). To those who want the limited edition, which comes with a DVD of the title track's...
Posted on July 22, 2012 at 21:37. | Released on August 15, 2012
YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
Perfume "Perfume 3rd Tour 'JPN'" (DVD)
Perfume have a new DVD coming of their latest tour for album "JPN". This DVD consists of the show in their hometown of Hiroshima held on April 1st this year. 21 songs are included! At this time, online shops are...
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:27. | Released on August 1, 2012
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
World Order "2012" (Blu-ray/DVD+CD)
World Order, the Genki Sudō-led salaryman robot dance unit that got the world's attention with their impressive videos on YouTube, such as one of a performance held at a Microsoft event, has a 2nd album out now! This comes as...
Posted on June 19, 2012 at 21:18. | Released on June 20, 2012
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
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.
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.
Halcali "Halcali no okawari"
Halcali have a new album coming! This is a 2-CD affair with a total of 15 songs. The 1st CD is mainly a collection of early hit tracks produced by O.T.F. plus 3 previously unreleased tracks, and CD-2 is full...
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 20:56. | Released on May 30, 2012
tengal6 "City"
Indies 6-girl idol unit tengal6, formed a year ago, finally have a 1st full-length album out now. Two songs are produced by Tofubeats, including "puchahenza!" that got a single release last year. HMV gives away a sticker (while supplies last)....
Posted on May 25, 2012 at 23:18. | Released on May 25, 2012
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
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
80kidz "Turbo Town"
Electro duo 80kidz have a 3rd album out now, and it features a line-up of vocalists from the world, including the likes of The Whip, Yes Giantess, Frankmusik and Ghostape. This follows album "Weekend Warrior" that was released 1½ year...
Posted on April 22, 2012 at 00:03. | Released on April 18, 2012
Towa Tei "MACH2012"
This new Towa Tei album consists of half-and-half new songs and remixes! New songs include "Wordy" (feat. 2-girl rap unit Bakubaku Dokin) and "Wunderland" which were released in advance digitally on Mach Beat. Dorian, Yasuda Toshiyuki and DJ Uppercut take...
Posted on April 21, 2012 at 20:39. | Released on May 2, 2012
Tokyo Killer "Tokyo Killer" (7")
Tokyo Killer is the instrumental surf unit of Kinoco Hotel's super guitarist Keme (aka Isabel Keme-Kamogawa), and here's a first release coming as a 7" EP of 4 songs. 3 of the songs had been sold last year on CD-R...
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:50. | Released on April 4, 2012
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.
Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful - selected by Shachō"
Here's a compilation of Japanese jazz, selected under the theme keyword "beautiful" by Soil & "Pimp" Sessions' agitator, Shachō. Featured artists include Ino Hidefumi, Calmera, Jazztronik, quasimode, PE'Z, of course Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, and more. Various Artists "JPJZ Beautiful...
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 23:35. | Released on March 28, 2012
Gig report: Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound. Photos by Kasuga Miwa. On Monday March 19, I went to Nomiya Maki's 30th anniversary concert held at O-East, coincidentally (?) almost the same place where was held Pizzicato Five's last concert...
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 22:31.
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
Perfume "Spring of Life"
Perfume have a new single titled "Spring of Life" coming next month! Details are still few at this time, but the title song is again a tie-up with Kirin's hyōketsu alcoholic drink, and a little bit can be heard in...
Posted on March 13, 2012 at 00:01. | Released on April 11, 2012
Portable Rock "Lost & Found"
Portable Rock, the 80's band fronted by Nomiya Maki, has a new CD coming! This contains 2 songs that had remained unreleased back in the day, one of which surfaced on Maki's 30th anniversary album "30". Both songs have lyrics...
Posted on March 4, 2012 at 18:39. | Released on March 14, 2012
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
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
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
Here's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X. 4 of the...
Posted on February 10, 2012 at 22:37. | Released on February 8, 2012
Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
Posted on January 21, 2012 at 00:23. | Released on January 25, 2012
Gig report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjuku
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time...
Posted on January 13, 2012 at 22:17.
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.
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.
Nomiya Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"
Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro,...
Posted on January 2, 2012 at 13:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"
Vanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning...
Posted on December 30, 2011 at 22:17. | Released on January 18, 2012
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
Maki Rinka "Girl"
Osaka-based singer-songwriter Maki Rinka has a new album coming this time from Orange Records! The whole is produced and arranged by Hattori Shōtaro of Stoned Soul Picnic, and directed by Groove Unchant. There are guest appearances of instrumental band Calmera...
Posted on December 13, 2011 at 23:24. | Released on December 14, 2011
plusico Produced by Thomas O'hara "Hatsune Miku plays gekkōkakishidan (Moonriders)"
Along with their 21st album "Ciao!", the Moonriders also have this official album of covers sung by virtual idol Hatsune Miku coming at the same time. ("gekkōkakishidan" in the title means Moonriders.) Miku sings The Moonriders' greatest hits, programmed by...
Posted on December 11, 2011 at 13:36. | Released on December 14, 2011
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
Various Artists "We 'hub' music! Vol. 01-04" (Download)
Just about a year ago was held the first "We 'hub' music!" event organized by Yasuda Toshiyuki. Since then the series has seen 4 events, where the artist always acts as a "hub" inviting others from different genres and scenes,...
Posted on December 1, 2011 at 20:55. | Released on November 23, 2011
LAMA "New!"
After singles "Spell" and "Cupid / Fantasy", here finally comes a first album from official site, the super-group of Nakamura Kōji (iLL, ex-Supercar), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Ushio Kensuke (agraph) and Tabuchi Hisako (bloodthirsty butchers, ex-Number Girl). "New!" contains a total...
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 00:05. | Released on November 30, 2011
Gig report: The Aprils "Magical Girls E.P." pre-release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last night (November 22) at Koenji High was the pre-release party for The Aprils' new CD, "Magical Girls" EP going on sale on January 11, 2012. The event was even...
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 22:37.
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
YMO "Technodon Live In Tokyo Dome" (DVD)
A YMO show held at Tokyo Dome in 1993 is being released for the first time on DVD. It had been available before on VHS back in the day. This show had a huge screen on which was projected CG...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:34. | Released on November 30, 2011
akiko "Across The Universe"
Jazz singer akiko has a new album out now, in which she covers The Beatles with a hint of jazz. The song "Lady Madonna" is produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A few tracks can be sampled at iTunes and akiko's official...
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 23:16. | Released on November 16, 2011
coltemonikha "coltemonikha Best" (CD+DVD)
coltemonikha, the unit of fashion designer Kate Sakai (blog) produced by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule, Perfume), has a new CD coming this December. This is actually a compilation of all songs from the two previously released great mini-albums (with the exception...
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 22:30. | Released on December 14, 2011
Tucker "Tucker Plays 19 Post Cards"
The latest from Crue-L Records is a 3rd album by multi-player/keyboardist Tucker, who performed and recorded everything by himself. The genre-less instrumental album contains hints of soul, rock, rare groove, lounge, cosmic and soundtrack-like sounds, with a touch of Asian...
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on October 28, 2011
Harvard "Hahvahd"
Pop unit Harvard are officially back together, after disbanding once in 2007. Recently they had been performing some live shows now and then, and finally here's a brand new album! Check out the new video below, they're as catchy as...
Posted on October 29, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on November 2, 2011
