Various Artists "City Music Tokyo invitation"
Cunimondo Takiguchi, the leader of city pop band Ryusenkei (and also known as the producer of albums by hitomitoi and Natsu Summer), has selected this compilation of songs that have influenced him. While some are famous songs, others are rare...
Posted on November 8, 2020 at 21:48. | Released on November 4, 2020
Towa Tei "Arbeit" (2CD), "Future Listening!" (2x12")
Towa Tei is celebrating the 25th anniversary since his solo debut (album "Future Listening!" released in October 1994). Taking part in the celebrations are the releases of 2CD album "Arbeit", a collection of mainly production or remix works for other...
Posted on November 4, 2019 at 15:16. | Released on November 6, 2019
Various Artists "Ace 2", "Ace ep" (7"x2)
Konishi Yasuharu compiles another CD from Sony's J-Pop hit catalog, consisting of songs that have not been released on 7". This follows the release of "Ace" last February that was the starting point to the release of several 7" singles...
Posted on September 12, 2017 at 23:20. | Released on September 13, 2017
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
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
Asa-Chang "Asa-Chang & shūshū"
Asa-Chang, now the only member remaining of Asa-Chang & Junray, has a compilation out now of his works as a producer, spanning over his whole career. Asa-Chang used to be the leader of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and has a...
Posted on November 12, 2011 at 14:27. | Released on November 9, 2011
Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah"
Here's what looks like a pretty good mix CD on the Shibuya-kei perspective, mixed by DJ Souljah. Various Artists "Mellow Back 2011 Mixed by DJ Souljah" 1. WISE × underslowjams / City Lights 2. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / utsukushiku...
Posted on June 19, 2011 at 14:32. | Released on June 22, 2011
Halcali "Re: yasashii kimochi"
Halcali heavily samples Chara's hit song "yasashii kimochi" in this new single produced by pal@pop aka Takano Kenichi. HMV offers alternate jackets for Valentine's Day and White Day as a promotion, while supplies last. Halcali "Re: yasashii kimochi" ハルカリ 「Re:やさしい気持ち」...
Posted on February 6, 2009 at 23:11. | Released on February 11, 2009
Full-text search results for Chara
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day 2026
For the 4th year, Tanzaku CD Day was held on July 7 (same day as the Tanabata festival), following the 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions that revived the nostalgic 8cm CD format (3" CD/mini CD). This year again has many...
Posted on July 29, 2026 at 23:57. | Released on July 7, 2026
Machi Akari "iu koto kikan! Iwashika-chan"
Singer-songwriter Machi Akari (Instagram, 𝕏) has released a rocking new EP, and it's produced and also designed by Sally Kubota (Wink Music Service, She's a Rainbow, The Scooters). The release is a collaboration with "Iwashita New Ginger" (in Japanese Iwashita...
Posted on May 14, 2026 at 00:20. | Released on May 13, 2026
Frenesi "jorei si nai de" (Download), "Cupra" (12")
It's official, Frenesi (Instagram, 𝕏) is back! On Halloween day, she has released a brand new ghost-themed song, "jorei si nai de". Listen below, or find it on your favorite download/streaming platform. In related news, her first album of...
Posted on October 31, 2025 at 23:35. | Released on October 31, 2025
Shonen Knife "Everybody Happy" (CD/12")
Shonen Knife has re-released their first cassette tape album from 1982 on CD and vinyl. Titled "minna tanoshiku Shonen Knife", and also known by the English title "Everybody Happy", it is said that only 89 cassettes were produced (50 by...
Posted on July 13, 2025 at 12:49. | Released on July 9, 2025
Utaha "Utauyouni, Hogarakani"
This is the debut solo album of Utaha (Instagram, 𝕏), until now known as the current singer of Wednesday Campanella. The songs were written by Utaha herself, and arranged/sound-produced by Ichirō Yoshida (ex-Zazen Boys), giving the album a rock sound...
Posted on July 28, 2024 at 23:27. | Released on August 9, 2024
Perfume "Sumikko Disco" (Download)
Perfume has just released a new song, which is the theme song for the new Sumikko Gurashi movie which has started playing in theaters on the same day, October 3. As always, the song was written and produced by...
Posted on November 3, 2023 at 21:02. | Released on November 3, 2023
Kidder Friendly Club "Kidder-chan is happy bunny" (Download)
Here comes a brand new song by 4-piece lo-fi garage pop band Kidder Friendly Club (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). "Kidder-chan is happy bunny" is a fun rock'n'roll tune in Kidder Friendly Club's distinctive style, about their mascot character Kidder-chan! Check...
Posted on July 26, 2023 at 23:52. | Released on July 19, 2023
Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM) "Soundtracks for Ice Cream Fever"
Tomoyuki Tanaka a.k.a. FPM has done the soundtrack for the movie "Ice Cream Fever" (directed by Tetsuya Chihara). The soundtrack is available on CD and digitally. The movie features Utaha (Wednesday Campanella) as an ice cream shop worker, and also...
Posted on July 22, 2023 at 21:06. | Released on July 12, 2023
Shonen Knife "Our Best Place"
Shonen Knife has just released a brand new album titled "Our Best Place"! Included are many brand new songs, plus a re-recorded version of the song "Girl's Rock" (first featured on compilation "Girls L.T.D - Girls Like To Dance"), and...
Posted on February 18, 2023 at 00:16. | Released on February 15, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.31
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on September 9, 2022 at 13:25.
Kidder Friendly Club "Kidder Friendly Airways"
4-piece lo-fi garage pop band Kidder Friendly Club (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) has just released their first album, a concept album titled "Kidder Friendly Airways" full of fun songs that revolve around an imaginary trip to the UK. The song "Missing...
Posted on July 18, 2022 at 00:42. | Released on July 6, 2022
Kinoco Hotel "Pavilion" (Download)
Kinoco Hotel announced this month that all members except leader ("hotel manager") Marianne Shinonome are leaving the group, making it go on hiatus. This new song "Pavilion" is the last recorded by the latest line-up: guitarist Isabelle-Keme Kamogawa, bassist...
Posted on June 20, 2022 at 00:21. | Released on June 19, 2022
The Courettes "Back In Mono" (Japanese edition CD)
Released last October on Damaged Goods Records (UK), which was followed by a wave of word-of-mouth in Japan, here comes the Japanese edition CD release of The Courettes' 3rd album "Back In Mono" (, Spotify, YouTube Music)! Two bonus tracks...
Posted on February 15, 2022 at 19:19. | Released on February 16, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.24
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on February 11, 2022 at 00:14.
dip in the pool "8 red noW"
dip in the pool, the unit of composer/arranger Tatsuya Kimura and lyricist/singer Miyako Koda which started in 1983, is releasing an album titled "8 red noW", which is an updated version of the 1997 album "Wonder 8". Included are 6...
Posted on October 20, 2021 at 20:25. | Released on October 20, 2021
Interview: The Courettes × Seiki Sato
Interview & translation by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Rock band The Courettes is releasing its 3rd album "Back in Mono" on October 15th, 2021 from Damaged Goods Records (UK), and the album has the particularity of having been mixed...
Posted on October 14, 2021 at 20:00.
The Courettes "Back In Mono" (12"/CD), "R.I.N.G.O." (7")
Don't miss reading Tokyo's Coolest Sound's exclusive interview with The Courettes & mix engineer Seiki Satō! The Courettes, a Brazilian/Danish garage rock guitar & drums duo who takes inspiration from 60s girl groups, is back a brand new 3rd album...
Posted on October 14, 2021 at 13:34. | Released on October 15, 2021
Buffalo Daughter "We Are The Times"
Buffalo Daughter (Facebook) is releasing a brand new album! It has been 7 years since "Kon-jaction" (2014). There are two music videos that you can watch below. The animated video for "Global Warming Kills Us All" has characters designed by...
Posted on September 16, 2021 at 00:59. | Released on September 17, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.17
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on June 24, 2021 at 00:26.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.16
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on May 26, 2021 at 21:01.
Haruko Tajima "Eccentric Seinen Boy" (Download)
New wave gyaru Haruko Tajima has released a new single titled "Eccentric Seinen Boy". Check out the music video below, self-directed as always, in which she turned herself into two eccentric dancing boyish characters! The track appears to be...
Posted on March 26, 2021 at 21:59. | Released on March 24, 2021
Interview: BJ Rubin
Interview of BJ Rubin by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound)--> BJ Rubin is the New Yorker who is behind the eclectic TV show titled "The BJ Rubin Show" that's currently being aired on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN). The show...
Posted on February 27, 2021 at 22:00.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.13
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on January 28, 2021 at 01:13.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.9
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on September 24, 2020 at 00:19.
Tokyo Beethoven "Nippon kuishin Boy feat. Momo" (7")
Tokyo Beethoven, the project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife), is releasing a 2nd 7" single featuring Momo of Charan-Po-Rantan. Like the previous release from last March, "Colorful Tokyo / uchuu wa...
Posted on September 8, 2020 at 23:57. | Released on September 16, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.7
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on July 22, 2020 at 23:35.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.4
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on April 23, 2020 at 00:50.
Charan-Po-Rantan "Ko Russia"
Charan-Po-Rantan has a new single out now! The title track has a Russia theme, and its music video (watch it below) was shot in Vladivostok. Other tracks include a cover of the theme song from anime "Sally the Witch", a...
Posted on March 18, 2020 at 23:34. | Released on March 18, 2020
Tokyo Beethoven "Colorful Tokyo feat. Momo / uchuu wa taihen da! feat. Momo" (7")
Tokyo Beethoven is the new project of Tanaka Tomoyuki (FPM) with art director Chihara Tetsuya (of design agency Lemonlife). Their first release is a 7" single of two songs which both feature singer Momo of Charan-Po-Rantan. Check out the...
Posted on March 2, 2020 at 22:36. | Released on March 4, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.2
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these...
Posted on January 22, 2020 at 23:55.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.1
This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's first official episode of its own radio show (following a Christmas special)! The show is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), it brings you some...
Posted on December 26, 2019 at 01:31.
Carole & Tuesday / Angela "Polly Jean / Not Afraid"
This is a new single coming from music-themed anime series "Carole & Tuesday". The song "Polly Jean", sung by the two main characters, has music written and arranged by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), with lyrics by Leo Imai (METAFIVE). A vinyl...
Posted on August 18, 2019 at 23:41. | Released on August 28, 2019
Various Artists "chansoiree"
Live venue Saravah in Shibuya opened in December 2010 with the supervision of French artist Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016) and taking its name from his record label. The unique venue will close its doors on February 17,...
Posted on February 9, 2019 at 21:33. | Released on February 17, 2019
Nomiya Maki "Shibuya-kei Songbook" (2 CDs), "Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji c/w Happy Sad" (7")
This new album by Nomiya Maki comes with 2 discs. The first is a collection of songs from her recent albums of the "Shibuya-kei Standards" series (released from 2014 through 2017), and the 2nd is of a previously unreleased entire...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:26. | Released on October 31, 2018
Charan-Po-Rantan "Page o mekutte" (Download)
Charan-Po-Rantan has released two new songs digitally. Both are featured in dumpling-themed movie "Kiss dekiru gyōza" to start in theaters from June 22. The video for "juu-juu" was filmed in Utsunomiya, a town of Tochigi prefecture famous for having...
Posted on June 10, 2018 at 19:43. | Released on June 6, 2018
The Pen Friend Club "Garden Of The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club has just released a 5th album. Included are covers of Roger Nichols ("Don't Take Your Time"), Burt Bacharach ("My Little Red Book"), Ohtaki Eiichi ("suisaiga no machi"), The Rascals ("Good Lovin'"), Brian Wilson ("Melt Away") as...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 23:15. | Released on March 21, 2018
Shonen Knife "Alive! in Osaka"
Shonen Knife has just released a new live album, recorded at Fandango in Osaka on December 22, 2017. This show was performed by Naoko, Atsuko and Risa. It seems that an overseas edition is also to be released on May...
Posted on March 29, 2018 at 22:41. | Released on March 14, 2018
Toshiyuki Yasuda "Breaking the Silence (Version 10.3.3)"
Toshiyuki Yasuda has a brand new album out now! This is his 6th album, the follow-up to "Nameless God's Blue" (2015), although this time he used a completely new process to produce music which he calls "Version Up Music". Started...
Posted on January 25, 2018 at 22:01. | Released on January 24, 2018
Wednesday Campanella "Edokko doko doko" (Download)
Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) has a new single that was released just recently on iTunes Japan. The song "Edokkko doko doko" was featured on NHK E-Tele kids TV program "Nihongo de asobo". The song also features other...
Posted on January 10, 2018 at 22:52. | Released on January 1, 2018
Charan-Po-Rantan "Mirage Collage"
Sisters Charan-Po-Rantan released a brand new album original album recently. All songs can be sampled on this special site. The limited editions (Blu-ray and DVD) contain 3 music videos plus a digest of 12 songs from a show held in...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 23:15. | Released on November 1, 2017
Gig report: "Shibuya no Radio no Shibuya-kei Festival"
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Saturday October 21, 2017 was held a very special music event for Shibuya-kei music fans. Shibuya ward organizes annually a music festival called "Shibuya ongakusai" (or "Shibu-on", official site) and for...
Posted on October 28, 2017 at 11:43.
"Godzilla Legend V"
This is a cover album of songs from the "Godzilla" movie series, arranged and performed by musicians including Hikashu and Charan-Po-Rantan, with Inoue Makoto (ex-Hikashu) plus a three-piece brass section. The title implies that it is the follow-up to the...
Posted on October 1, 2017 at 00:16. | Released on September 20, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenai ongakukai" (Blu-ray/DVD)
This is a live DVD (and Blu-ray) of the last show of Charan-Po-Rantan's latest tour, titled "Charan-Po-Rantan to yukai na Cancan Balcan Tour 2016-17 'taishū ongaku no tebiki'", which closely followed the release of album "toritomenashi". This show was held...
Posted on July 9, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on July 12, 2017
Gig report: "Godzilla Legend -- Music of Akira Ifukube" in New York
Text and photos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound(Except where indicated) Correspondent Nicholas D. Kent went to the "Godzilla Legend" concert held recently in New York. Here's his report! "Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube" April...
Posted on May 14, 2017 at 10:35.
Various Artists "Toy Chara Pop Collection Vol.1~3 Selected by DJ Fukutake"
DJ Fukutake, who selected the great "Yava-kayō" mix CD series, is back with this trio of compilations under a "Toy Character Pop" theme! Respectively subtitled "Hero & Hit", "Fancy & Kawaii" and "Video Game", each compilation is filled with Shōwa-era...
Posted on April 1, 2017 at 22:26. | Released on March 22, 2017
DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"
DJ Hasebe (official Facebook page) has a new mix album out now of 90's songs revolving around Shibuya-kei. This includes a brand new original song that features Nomiya Maki! DJ Hasebe "DJ HASEBE Butter Smooth - Tokyo 90's Groove -"...
Posted on February 24, 2017 at 00:10. | Released on February 22, 2017
Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra "The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary Concert"
"The Legend of Zelda" celebrated last year its 30th anniversary! On October 16, 2016, a special concert where the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performed music from the famous game series was held, and it is now being released on CD. The...
Posted on February 12, 2017 at 14:05. | Released on February 15, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "toritomenashi"
Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new mini-album coming this month! Consisting of 8 new songs, including two theme songs for recent TV dramas, this follows cover album "karimono kyōsō" released last September. The song "otakebi" features Tokyo...
Posted on January 3, 2017 at 12:13. | Released on January 18, 2017
YMCK "Family Swing"
YMCK kicks off 2017 with a brand new album! "Family Swing" goes back to their jazzy roots which are blown full-size into a musical-like concept album. It's also the return of the "Swingers" characters who first appeared in album "Family...
Posted on January 2, 2017 at 19:40. | Released on January 18, 2017
Charan-Po-Rantan "karimono kyousou"
Accordion and vocals sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a new album out now, consisting of all covers of Japanese and foreign bands. All songs can also be sampled on this official release page. The limited edition comes with a DVD of...
Posted on September 19, 2016 at 23:27. | Released on September 14, 2016
FPM "Motions (Best Killer Remixes & Produce works by FPM)" (3CD)
FPM is still celebrating his 20th anniversary, and following greatest hits album "Moments" here comes a 3-CD set of tracks he has produced or remixed for other artists. Some rare and previously unreleased tracks are also included. The album's first...
Posted on March 12, 2016 at 00:56. | Released on March 16, 2016
Charan-Po-Rantan "onna no 46pun"
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a brand new album coming this week! "Taylor ni narenai yo" is an homage song to Taylor Swift, and its video was shot in New York where they went for a show at Japan Society last...
Posted on January 2, 2016 at 12:42. | Released on January 6, 2016
Nomiya Maki "What The World Needs Now Is Love"
Nomiya Maki has a new album coming! Following her live album from last year, "Miss Maki Nomiya Sings Shibuya-kei Standards", this time she takes some of those standards (and then some) to the studio! Included are songs by Pizzicato Five,...
Posted on November 8, 2015 at 11:05. | Released on November 11, 2015
CTO LAB. "3 Cycles"
CTO LAB., the supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), is back with a new mini-album! Included are two songs they contributed to the game Groove Coaster, "Go! Spiral Go!" and "Space Arcadian", a cover...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 20:22. | Released on August 5, 2015
Various Artists "Yaba-kayo 3 Non-stop DJ Mix -The Ondo- Mixed by DJ Fukutake"
Here's a 3rd mix of DJ Fukutake's popular "Yava-kayō" series! This time the theme is "ondō" (Wikipedia), which is the type of traditional music that people of all ages dance along to at summer festivals (matsuri) throughout Japan. Ondō is...
Posted on July 4, 2015 at 23:44. | Released on July 8, 2015
Charan-Po-Rantan "Theatre no zanzō" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Sister duo Charan-Po-Rantan have a first live DVD (and also Blu-ray) out this week. This is made up of recordings from shows held at Tokyo Globe-za (May 25, 2014), Tokyo Kinema Club (Nov. 23, 2014) and Shibuya O-East (Feb. 11,...
Posted on March 24, 2015 at 23:20. | Released on March 25, 2015
Harada Tomoyo "Love Song Covers"
Harada Tomoyo has a new album coming this week, consisting of covers of foreign songs such as The Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face", Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender", Julie London's "Fly Me To The Moon", Burt Bacharach-written "The Look...
Posted on March 15, 2015 at 15:37. | Released on March 18, 2015
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
DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan "OPQ EP"
Food-themed unit DJ Misoshiru & MC Gohan have a new 3-song EP out now. The song "kyūri no Kyū-chan" is a collaboration with the cucumber character of the same name, who happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. A special...
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:02. | Released on October 1, 2014
Charan-Po-Rantan "wasurekaketeta monogatari"
Charan-Po-Rantan is a unit formed of two sisters, singer Momo and accordionist/songwriter Koharu. Together they create a circus-like world from another time and place. They have been around since 2009 and released several albums already, though this mini-album is their...
Posted on July 6, 2014 at 10:13. | Released on July 9, 2014
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no jubaku"
Group sounds girl band Kinoco Hotel have a new original album out this month, follow-up to "Marianne no yūwaku" (2012). This is also their first original album since new bassist Julietta Kirishima was recruited. A deluxe edition limited to 1000...
Posted on May 5, 2014 at 11:29. | Released on May 14, 2014
Kanzaki Mitsuki (Hashimoto Tenka) "How's It Going?"
tofubeats' latest track is a theme song for movie "imocho." (Full title: "saikin, imōto no yōsu ga chotto okashiin daga.", English title: "Recently, My Sister is Unusual."), a live action version of the anime of the same name. In this...
Posted on April 27, 2014 at 11:00. | Released on April 23, 2014
Dempa Gumi.inc "sakura appare-tion"
Idol group Dempa Gumi.inc has a new single out now! While the title track is closer to their characteristic style, B-side "Fancy hoppe u-fu-fu" (a tie-up with Chupa Chups) is a refreshing Shibuya-kei-ish track with music written by Kaji Hideki...
Posted on March 15, 2014 at 00:18. | Released on March 12, 2014
Various Artists "Nameko no CD 2"
Popular character Nameko inspired this compilation that features new tracks by the likes of YMCK, Kaseki Cider and YeYe, and many others. The first pressing comes with a bonus CD and Nameko handkerchief towel, so you might be lucky if...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 17:21. | Released on December 18, 2013
Hikashu "bankan", Hikashu feat. Charan-Po-Rantan "Chakra biraki"
Veteran new wave band Hikashu has released new album "bankan" this month. This was recorded in studio in New York last May. Also, a mini-album featuring Charan Po Rantan, a duo unit of two sisters, was also released on Christmas...
Posted on December 31, 2013 at 14:32. | Released on December 12, 2013
Cutie Pai "Love chururi"
Self-produced idol-songwriter Cutie Pai has a new single out now! Title track "Love chururi" was arranged by tessy (CANDLES). B-side "zutto, gyutto" is an image song for character Noobow who celebrates its 25th anniversary, this one was arranged by elect-link...
Posted on November 23, 2013 at 18:07. | Released on November 13, 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
Kimura Kaela "Rock"
Kimura Kaela (official Facebook page) has a new cover album focused on 80's popular tunes (and some older ones). Various producers and collaborators are featured, including Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Okamura Yasuyuki, Chara, Predawn, Kishida Shigeru (Quruli),...
Posted on November 13, 2013 at 23:45. | Released on October 30, 2013
"Maru-chan no Shizuoka ondo"
This promotion song from the city of Shizuoka was written by Hosono Haruomi (YMO), produced by Cornelius, and it's sung by Pierre Taki (Denki Groove)! Anime character Chibi Maruko-chan's creator Sakura Momoko and also Pierre Taki both originate from this...
Posted on July 18, 2013 at 00:12. | Released on July 17, 2013
"TV Anime 'Photo Kano' Character Song Album 'Through The Camera'"
The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has contributed a song to this character song album for anime "Photo Kano". The song in question, "Tinkle My Bell", is the one for character Maeda Kanon. All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 23:49. | Released on July 3, 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.
Gig report: Saitō Neon Sign, Love & Revolution, Emmy Lee & The Psyzans
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday January 6, I went to an event at Koenji U.F.O. Club part of a series celebrating the 17th anniversary of the popular GS (Group Sounds)/garage rock oriented venue....
Posted on January 14, 2013 at 00:11.
P.O.P ORCHeSTRA "1.2.3.4" (Download)
Rap unit P.O.P ORCHeSTRA, characterized by its real band and real twin MCs (the Kamisuzuki brothers), has a new 2-track single out now on iTunes worldwide! Like the previous "P.O.P LAB", this comes from Nakatsuka Takeshi's Delicatessen LAB digital label....
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 21:18. | Released on January 9, 2013
Cornelius "NHK 'Design Ah'"
Cornelius' new album is the soundtrack to NHK educative short series "Design Ah" (Ah = hiragana character あ) for which he was in charge of all music. Featured musicians include Chocolat, Minekawa Takako, Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter), salyu x salyu...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:54. | Released on January 23, 2013
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.
Gig report: frenesi "gendai" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On September 15, 2012, was the release party for frenesi's album "gendai". It was held at Shibuya WWW, one of my favorite venues lately (it used to be a movie...
Posted on September 17, 2012 at 00:34.
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Fire Bird" (Download)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a brand new song available for download! First preformed live at World Happiness 2011, annual summer festival always headlined by YMO, "Fire Bird" was inspired by Tezuka Osamu's character "hi no tori" (aka "Phoenix") which was...
Posted on August 2, 2012 at 20:59. | Released on August 1, 2012
Various Artists "Vanilla"
Here's a charity compilation consisting of, it seems, all new recordings. Featured are various female vocalists, including DadaD, Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), Suzuki Momoko (ex-Cosa Nostra) and many more. Monsieur Kamayatsu (Spiders) also appears on 2 tracks. The album's jacket shows...
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 23:10. | Released on April 4, 2012
Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 2012
Kaseki Cider "Sound Burger Planet"
Kaseki Cider is a rapper who debuted in the mid-90's with ties to the Shibuya-kei scene but then went into a long hiatus, 13 years later he's now back with a 3rd album that promises a lot of fun! This...
Posted on June 26, 2011 at 01:21. | Released on June 29, 2011
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Ruru / tokimeki Hacker"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (singer of sōtaiseiriron) has a new single from which the song "Ruru" is the ending theme of TV anime series "denpa onna to seishun otoko". A video for this song was filmed in real time using a robotic...
Posted on May 24, 2011 at 00:31. | Released on May 25, 2011
Gig report: Charity event: KAJI Hideki, Chabe, Harvard, Love and Hates
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Wednesday was held a charity event organized by Kaji Hideki, with the help of Harajuku Astro Hall where he has been doing regular events for a long time. The...
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 23:25.
Gig report: Ohno Yumiko "The Rainy Table" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Friday was a public holiday, Japan's National Foundation Day, and early evening I went to Roppongi SuperDeluxe for an event organized by multi-talent Ohno Yumiko of Buffalo Daughter. Yumiko...
Posted on February 14, 2011 at 22:52.
Gig report: Club Aloe
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two weeks ago, on August 10, I had the chance to see what I believe was the first show by Club Aloe, a new band by 5 ex-members of Modern...
Posted on August 28, 2010 at 02:00.
Kinoco Hotel "Marianne no kyūjitsu"
Girl neo-G.S. band Kinoco Hotel has a new mini-album just around the corner. The title means "Marianne's holiday", and it consists of 6 covers of cult Showa kayō songs. Definitely hard to resist! The release is already available in advance...
Posted on August 1, 2010 at 20:50. | Released on August 4, 2010
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
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
Gig report: Little Lounge Little Twinkle at Club 440
Text and photos by Ken M (Japan Live) Whatever happened to Shibuya-kei? I believe I saw its remnants at the Club 440 last month. The band was Little Lounge Little Twinkle. The trio just released a brilliant debut album called...
Posted on April 10, 2010 at 20:18.
Various Artists "All Kinds of People ~ Love Burt Bacharach ~ Produced by Jim O'Rourke"
Jim O'Rourke produces this compilation of Burt Bacharach covers, featuring artists such as Kahimi Karie, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Yakushimaru Etsuko (sōtaiseiriron), Nakahara Masaya (Violent Onsen Geisha), Yoshimi (Boredoms) and more. Audio samples at Amazon and HMV. Various Artists "All Kinds...
Posted on April 7, 2010 at 23:44. | Released on April 7, 2010
Various Artists "Juicy Fruits"
This compilation has for theme "covers of songs with fruits in their title". Tracks are produced by young units Cherryboy Function, Harley & Quin, Beat Panama, etc., and featured vocalists include Yuppa of Hazel Nuts Chocolate (with a Halcali cover!),...
Posted on February 16, 2009 at 00:29. | Released on February 18, 2009
