YMCK "Ten+Ten"
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, YMCK has released a brand new album, their 10th, and it's titled "TEN+TEN" (read "Ten Ten"). The double album is made of 20 tracks, and as usual YMCK has a few tricks in their bag...! The...
Posted on November 8, 2023 at 22:01. | Released on September 29, 2023
Posted on October 31, 2020 at 18:05. | Event held on Friday November 13, 2020 at 19:30 (JST)
Ram Rider "Stay With Me starring MEG" (Download)
Ram Rider has been back with new monthly digital releases since last December, on his own new label called "401". This is the 5th of those releases, and it's features singer MEG! The two had previously collaborated on his...
Posted on May 2, 2020 at 20:28. | Released on April 30, 2020
Negicco "Melody Palette" (2x12")
Negicco's first album "Melody Palette" (2013) is being re-issued on color vinyl (two discs, red and white)! A vinyl edition had been released back in 2013, with the same tracklist, however it was sold only at Tower Records and had...
Posted on June 9, 2019 at 22:41. | Released on June 17, 2019
Gig report: Adieu, Vanilla Beans!: Retrospective & last gig reports
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound They came carried by winds from Northern Europe, where they returned to last October 7 (2018). So goes the setting of Vanilla Beans, a unique idol group that had debuted...
Posted on December 31, 2018 at 22:03.
Takkyu Ishino "Takkyu Ishino Works 1983-2017"
Takkyu Ishino (Denki Groove), who just turned 50 on December 26, is releasing an box set of eight CDs! This includes a lot of his works except his solo original albums and Denki Groove original songs. This sums up to...
Posted on January 6, 2018 at 00:23. | Released on January 24, 2018
Vanilla Beans "Vanilla Beans V"
Following 4th album "Vanilla Beans IV" (released in February 2015), and triple-A-side major single "onna wa sore o gaman shinai / Beanius / lonesome X", here's a brand new 5th album by idol group Vanilla Beans! It's full of songs,...
Posted on January 22, 2016 at 21:35. | Released on February 3, 2016
Various Artists "More! Electronic Disney Music"
Here's an "EDM" compilation, that's Electronic Disney Music! Featured are old and new tracks by electronic artists from Japan and the world. Brand new ones include Hyadain's "It's a Small World", Ram Rider's "A Whole New World", and De De...
Posted on March 2, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on February 26, 2014
Various Artists "ASOBITUNES"
This is a compilation from Harajuku-based agency Asobisystem, home of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and also behind parties "Asobinite!!!" and "Takenoko!!!". Featured are songs by many artists who have participated in these events. capsule's new track "Rainbow" is included, as well...
Posted on July 30, 2013 at 23:54. | Released on July 31, 2013
Negicco "Melody Palette"
Negi-loving idol group Negicco from Niigata has a new album out now! This is actually their first real album, as their previous full-length release "Negicco 2003~2012 -Best-" was made up of early tracks. The new album includes latest single "Idol...
Posted on July 20, 2013 at 03:09. | Released on July 17, 2013
Ram Rider "Audio Galaxy - Ram Rider vs Stars!!! -", "- Ram Rider Strikes Back!!! -"
Ram Rider is back with a new album out just now. It features collaborations with various "stars", including Nomiya Maki, Meg, Bose (Scha Dara Parr), Furukawa Miki (ex-Supercar), Fujioka Minami (Panda 1/2), and more. Out at the same time is...
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 23:45. | Released on April 11, 2012
Sakura Gakuin "berishubi"
School-themed teenage idol group Sakura Gakuin have a new single coming, for which the B-side "sakura hyakunin isshu" is a rap track produced by Ram Rider with lyrics co-written by Bose of Scha Dara Parr. A limited edition comes with...
Posted on December 18, 2011 at 23:46. | Released on December 21, 2011
Various Artists "Ghibli Jazz Remix"
This latest Ghibli remix compilation features a lot of the best artists from the pico-pico scene. Check out what The Aprils, YMCK, The Lady Spade, Dr.Usui (Motocompo), milch of source (EeL's producer), Candles, Ram Rider, Boot Beat et al. have...
Posted on November 14, 2011 at 22:36. | Released on November 16, 2011
Various Artists "I Love Tokyo ~For Anime Music Lovers~"
Shibuya meets Akihabara in this concept anime song cover compilation. Featured are various producers, such as Tofubeats, Ram Rider, Takizawa Kentarō, Jazzin' park, etc., in collaboration with various female singers including Nomoto Karia, Julie Watai (JulieHally), BiS and more. Audio...
Posted on October 8, 2011 at 21:09. | Released on October 5, 2011
globe "house of globe"
Late 90's mainstream dance unit globe, produced by Komuro Tetsuya, has a remix album coming that attempts to appeal to fans of the current club scene. Remixers include Konishi Yasuharu, FPM, Osawa Shinichi, Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo...
Posted on August 7, 2011 at 23:02. | Released on August 10, 2011
Halcali "Tokyo Groove"
Halcali is finally back this month with a new album! The previous was "Cyborg oretachi" 3 years ago. This time we are treated to 2 CDs of 8 songs each. The first contains original songs, and the other all covers....
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 23:24. | Released on May 26, 2010
SAWA "ai ni iku yo"
Club-style female singer SAWA (MySpace) has a 5th mini-album coming soon. Included are tracks produced by Ram Rider and Jazzin' Park, and a remix by Nakatsuka Takeshi. A limited edition contains a bonus DVD. Audio samples at MySpace SAWA "ai...
Posted on March 21, 2010 at 18:29. | Released on April 7, 2010
Halcali "Endless Night"
Finally a new single by Halcali! Title track "Endless Night" is produced by Ram Rider and features Bose (Scha Dara Parr), while the B-side "Yes" is produced by m-flo's Verbal. The single is being described as dance music. Hear a...
Posted on January 10, 2010 at 12:11. | Released on January 27, 2010
Various Artists "GUNDAM World Dance Track 0079"
Ino Hidefumi, FakeJazzQuintet, Ram Rider, i-dep, DJ Clazziquai (Clazziquai Project) and more contribute club-oriented covers and original tribute tracks to celebrate the 30 years of Japan's most popular robot series, Gundam. Out now! Hear audio samples at Happinet Various Artists...
Posted on December 3, 2009 at 23:09. | Released on November 25, 2009
Full-text search results for Ram Rider
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.69
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 6, 2026 at 10:26.
Various Artists "Adventures in Modern Recording by TOHRU OKADA"
A tribute album for the late Tohru Okada (Moonriders, CTO LAB., Hachimitsu Pie), who passed away on February 14, 2023, has been released. Featuring all-female singers, it consists of all newly recorded covers of songs that he wrote. The singers...
Posted on April 26, 2026 at 00:39. | Released on April 23, 2026
Kenzo Saeki & CTO LAB. feat. Ryomei Shirai "Tohru Okada forever"
In memory of Tohru Okada (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), who passed away in 2023, CTO LAB. members and lyricist/singer Kenzō Saeki (Pearl Brothers, Jollits) have put together a tribute mini-album. The songs are ones written by Tohru Okada, and most of...
Posted on September 23, 2025 at 23:45. | Released on September 21, 2025
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.62
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 8, 2025 at 13:06.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.61
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 August 11, 2025 at 10:00.
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day 2025
For the 3rd year, Tanzaku CD Day is being held on July 7 (same day as the Tanabata festival), following the 2023 and 2024 editions that revived the nostalgic 8cm CD format (3" CD/mini CD). This year again has many...
Posted on July 9, 2025 at 00:17. | Released on July 7, 2025
Record Store Day 2025
Record Store Day will be held worldwide on Saturday April 12. Below is a list of recommended releases coming from Japan. The full list of Record Store Day Japan can be found here. Online sales in Japan should start the...
Posted on April 12, 2025 at 10:35. | Released on April 12, 2025
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.54
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 October 18, 2024 at 14:19.
Various Artists "16 Songs of Hirobumi Suzuki"
moonriders' bassist Hirobumi Suzuki celebrated last month his 70th birthday (on May 19). This tribute album consisting of covers of his various works (solo and with moonriders) was planned by Narisu Records and ayU tokiO, and kept a complete secret...
Posted on June 25, 2024 at 22:08. | Released on June 25, 2024
The Highmarts "World Tour: Greatest Hits + Dodgy Demos" (12")
The Highmarts (Facebook, Twitter) are releasing their first vinyl LP! The "Greatest Hits" A-side includes single "I Want You Bad", live versions of "Hey Boy" and "Flamin' Sunset", and Japan garage rock classics "I Am Just A Mops" and "C.C....
Posted on August 7, 2023 at 21:41. | Released on August 9, 2023
Tanzaku CD (8cm CD) Day
What's going on in 2023? Well, it's the 35th anniversary of the 8cm CD, also known as "Tanzaku CD" (or also 3" CD or "mini CD"), which was a very popular format for singles in Japan in the 90s. A...
Posted on July 8, 2023 at 01:15. | Released on July 7, 2023
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.37
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 March 16, 2023 at 23:56.
moonriders "Happenings Nine Months Time Ago in June 2022"
moonriders released last year a new original album titled "It's the moooonriders" (, Spotify, YouTube Music), here comes an album that was made from recordings done in June 2022 over two days in the form of impromptu sessions that totaled...
Posted on March 15, 2023 at 21:31. | Released on March 15, 2023
Cassette Store Day 2022
Cassette Store Day is happening this year again, on Saturday October 15, and many albums are being released in the nostalgic format. Below are a few picks, a bit coincidentally all from the KiliKiliVilla label (which puts a lot of...
Posted on October 14, 2022 at 22:38. | Released on October 15, 2022
moonriders + nanaco sato "Radio Moon and Roses 1979Hz"
A live recording of a show from 1979 by moonriders & Nanaco Satō (Twitter) (known as the songwriter of "Twiggy Twiggy") has been released on CD and digitally, with the title "Radio Moon and Roses 1979Hz". On September 24, moonriders...
Posted on September 2, 2022 at 00:07. | Released on August 3, 2022
xiangyu & Gimgigam "tofu so good / Zarigani" (Download)
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) released just recently two new songs in collaboration with trackmaker Gimgigam, who had also produced "Manhole" last year. Find "tofu so good" and "ZARIGANI" on your favorite download/streaming platform. This follows xiangyu's song "LIFE!", which is...
Posted on August 6, 2022 at 23:44. | Released on July 20, 2022
Maki Nomiya "onaidoshi" (Download)
Maki Nomiya has just released this week a brand new song digitally, a collaboration with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band) titled "onaidoshi". The title means "the same age" as the two really are of the same age. This is...
Posted on April 15, 2022 at 22:01. | Released on April 13, 2022
Maki Nomiya "New Beautiful"
Maki Nomiya (ex-Pizzicato Five) has been celebrating the 40th anniversary since her debut (with album "Pink no kokoro" released in 1981), and here comes a brand new album to mark the milestone. "New Beautiful" comes as a combination of three...
Posted on March 26, 2022 at 11:51. | Released on April 20, 2022
Morio Agata "Morio Agata Show Time"
In a series of releases for Morio Agata's 50th anniversary (active since 1972!), here comes a release of a legendary show from 1977 in its entirety. The movie "boku wa tenshi janai yo", directed by Morio, was first shown in...
Posted on March 23, 2022 at 13:20. | Released on March 23, 2022
Morio Agata "Deluxe Raizo"
This year is Morio Agata's 50th anniversary since his debut (1972-2022)! This March there are two special releases of rare and previously unreleased recordings. The first is this deluxe 2-CD package, of which the 1st CD is a re-issue of...
Posted on March 5, 2022 at 23:13. | Released on March 2, 2022
Maki Nomiya "Sweet Soul Revue (duet with Rainych, feat. evening cinema)" (Download)
Here's the 3rd of three "World Tour Mix" tracks in which Maki Nomiya collaborated with artists from abroad. This time she invited Indonesia's Rainych to sing along on "Sweet Soul Revue"! The music was arranged and performed by Japanese...
Posted on March 2, 2022 at 21:33. | Released on March 2, 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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.23
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 13, 2022 at 23:08.
Cutemen "Love On The Beach", "Cutemen 30th Anniversary Best CM30" (Download)
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (ex-Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has released towards the end of 2021 a new single titled "Love On The Beach", and also a greatest hits album covering their 30 years of activity. Both are...
Posted on January 5, 2022 at 13:30. | Released on November 24, 2021
xiangyu "Life!" (Download)
xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram) released this month a brand new song titled "LIFE!". It's the theme song of the movie "hotobori Meltsounds" which features xiangyu and Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders). The song was produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi (Wednesday Campanella). The movie...
Posted on December 23, 2021 at 13:47. | Released on December 10, 2021
Chie Horiguchi "Outsider"
Chie Horiguchi, the super guitarist of Learners, is releasing her first solo album! Guest musicians are Miyashita Kosuke (Phono Tones) on pedal steel guitar, Nakamura "Mr. Mondo" Takumi (The Neatbeats) on drums, and Kitajima Hiroyuki (The Rodeos) on bass. Aside...
Posted on September 6, 2021 at 22:37. | Released on September 8, 2021
Kaede "Youth - Original Soundtrack"
Kaede (Negicco) has just released a new concept album, the soundtrack of an imaginary movie titled "Youth". The album's producer is Satō Yūsuke (caméra-stylo) who often accompanies Kaede on piano in her shows. One song also has lyrics written by...
Posted on June 15, 2021 at 21:16. | Released on June 15, 2021
moonriders "moonriders special live Camera Egal Stylo"
moonriders is releasing a live album of a show that was performed with no audience, instead streamed live online on August 25, 2020 at Shibuya Club Quattro. They played their whole classic album "Camera Egal Stylo" (1980) to celebrate its...
Posted on June 8, 2021 at 22:23. | Released on June 9, 2021
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "SKA=ALMIGHTY"
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra has just released a brand new album titled "SKA=ALMIGHTY". This follows album "tsugihagi Colorful" (2019). Included are theme songs from Kamen Rider, "Almighty ~ Kamen no yakusoku", "Kamen Rider Saber" and "tajū rokō", as well as...
Posted on March 6, 2021 at 01:00. | Released on March 3, 2021
Keiichi Suzuki "Mother Music Revisited"
Keiichi Suzuki (Moonriders, No Lie-Sense, Controversial Spark), who was recently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his musical career, has just released an album that revisits songs from the soundtrack of Famicom game "MOTHER" (aka "EarthBound Beginnings") that he composed. All...
Posted on January 31, 2021 at 18:19. | Released on January 27, 2021
for instance "door that wind"
"door that wind" is the first album of for instance, the instrumental group led by Moonriders' guitarist Shirai Ryōmei. Taking the name from his previous solo album, "For Instance" (2017) (CDJapan, Amazon), the band features twin drums by Ōta Kōji...
Posted on January 24, 2021 at 11:49. | Released on January 27, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.11
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 November 25, 2020 at 23:58.
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's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.8
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 August 26, 2020 at 21:40.
Posted on August 15, 2020 at 11:46. | Event held on Saturday August 29, 2020 at 21:00 (JST)
No Lie-Sense "Dadalogue"
No Lie-Sense, the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera (Uchōten), is about to release a 3rd album! It had been 4 years since "Japan's Period". Two of the songs were released in advance on 7" in April, "warera ga...
Posted on July 23, 2020 at 23:24. | Released on July 29, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.5
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 28, 2020 at 01:10.
Cutemen "2121" (Download)
Cutemen, the techno unit of CMJK (early Denki Groove) and singer Picorin, has released in May 2020 a new album titled "2121"! Including the songs "Fish" and "Time Rider" that were released in advance in 2019, this is the follow-up...
Posted on May 27, 2020 at 17:52. | Released on May 27, 2020
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.
Recto Berso "No Recto, No Berso"
Singer-songwriter guitar duo Recto Berso have a first full-length album out now! This follows their 2012 mini-album "Nice To Love You!" which was produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.). The album which was entirely recorded at home contains plenty...
Posted on March 28, 2020 at 19:20. | Released on March 25, 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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon"
Tokyo's Coolest Sound is starting its own radio show! Part of La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the show will bring you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in...
Posted on December 14, 2019 at 01:04.
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
CTO LAB. "Beyond The Box"
CTO LAB., gadget techno-pop unit and supergroup of Okada Tohru (Moonriders), polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentaro (The Aprils), has a brand new album coming in November! It will be their 2nd full-length album, following their 1st "Okie Dokie" (2010) and...
Posted on September 29, 2018 at 23:53. | Released on November 14, 2018
The Beatniks "Exitentialist A Xie Xie"
The Beatniks, the unit of Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) and Suzuki Keiichi (The Moonriders), is about to release a 5th album! "Exitentialist A Xie Xie" is the follow-up to "Last Train To Exitown". Included are 10 songs with sounds that...
Posted on April 30, 2018 at 20:37. | Released on May 9, 2018
Agata Morio & Hachimitsu Pie "Baby-lon"
Hachimitsu Pie was a band formed in the early 70's by singer Agata Morio and Suzuki Keiichi, a few years after which Morio went on with his solo career while several others moved on to become Moonriders. Some 45 years...
Posted on April 25, 2017 at 23:17. | Released on April 26, 2017
Especia "Wizard"
After becoming a trio a year ago, one-of-a-kind idol group Especia are now quitting at the end of this month (March 2017)... but not without releasing a last album. "Wizard" contains 4 brand new songs, some tracks from recent EPs...
Posted on March 27, 2017 at 21:28. | Released on March 22, 2017
Okada Tohru "Portraiture of T"
Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB., ya-to-i) has a new solo album coming this week! This follow-up to "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~" (2012) is actually his first entirely vocal album, with himself singing on every song. Featured...
Posted on November 20, 2016 at 21:11. | Released on November 23, 2016
Halmens X "35 seiki"
Halmens X is a limited time project led by two original members of new wave band Halmens (formed in 1979), Saeki Kenzo and Sensui Toshiro. 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of the release of album "Halmens no 20 seiki" (1981),...
Posted on October 10, 2016 at 11:49. | Released on September 21, 2016
No Lie-Sense "Japan's Period"
No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page), the unit of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera, has released a 2nd album. Opening with a cover of the theme song from movie "kimi mo shusse ga dekiru", the album is filled with originals taking...
Posted on May 4, 2016 at 23:25. | Released on April 20, 2016
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders "Synthesizer Garage Punk Band"
Ryoma Maeda & Romantic Suiciders has a first album out now! Ryoma Maeda (aka milch of source, producer for EeL) is joined by keyboardist Hajimetal (daredemo Esper) and drummer Shigeyuki Kimura (arakajime kimerareta koibitotachi e) for this unique synthesizer garage...
Posted on November 5, 2015 at 22:25. | Released on October 21, 2015
Chiroline ver.3 "Last Pajama Party"
Chiroline ver.3 (previously Chiroline ver.2) are back as a trio with new mini-album "Last Pajama Party"! While produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), songs written by fellow CTO LAB. members Imai Kentaro (The Aprils) and polymoog (Elektel) are also included. There...
Posted on July 29, 2015 at 21:45. | Released on August 5, 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
Okada Tohru presents Ukulenica "Phases of the moon ~ Ukulenica meets Moonriders"
Ukulenica is a new project of Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), and consists of 4 ukulele players including himself, Natsuaki Fumihisa (Jack-tati), Yoshida Takashi (Rose-Unlimited, 5th Garden) and Kuroda Hideaki (plusico). This first album is of covers of the Moonriders....
Posted on December 10, 2014 at 23:13. | Released on December 10, 2014
Ruby* "sweet music float"
Ruby*, the solo-project of whisper-voice singer Lily, is back with a new album with songs produced by CTO LAB., Imai Kentaro (The Aprils, CTO LAB.), Okada Tohru (Moonriders, CTO LAB.), Nishiura Kensuke (daredemo Esper, ex-sōtaiseiriron), POCO (ku-tyu-bunkai) and more. Included...
Posted on November 13, 2014 at 22:52. | Released on November 5, 2014
Especia "Viva Discoteca Especia 2014" (DVD)
Osaka-based city-pop idol group Especia had a new live DVD out now, of a show held on June 1st, 2014 at Umeda Club Quattro in Osaka. In this show, they were backed by a live band of 8 musicians. The...
Posted on October 22, 2014 at 22:10. | Released on October 1, 2014
No Lie-Sense "First Suicide Note"
No Lie-Sense (official Facebook page) is a new unit formed of Suzuki Keiichi (Moonriders) and Kera (aka Keralino Sandorovich, of Kera & the Synthesizers, ex-Long Vacation, ex-Uchōten). Featured artists include Nomiya Maki (ex-Pizzicato Five), Sakamoto Miu, Ueno Yōko, Inuyama Inuko...
Posted on November 15, 2013 at 23:36. | Released on November 6, 2013
Chiroline ver.2 "Forever Chiroline-zaka"
Here's a new mini-album by gadget-loving girl unit Chiroline ver.2, follow-up to album "Chit Chat Chiroline" (2012). Again produced by Okada Tohru (Moonriders), this also contains a new song writted by Suzuki Keiichi (also Moonriders), as well as ones by...
Posted on November 5, 2013 at 21:07. | Released on November 6, 2013
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
Various Artists "Clo Clo Made In Japan 2013"
Here is a special reissue of the 2008 compilation "Clo Clo Made In Japan", tribute album to French singer Claude François. This new edition contains 4 new bonus recordings and the price is lower than the original, and was released...
Posted on July 27, 2013 at 18:16. | Released on July 17, 2013
Seiji "Smooth Chanson kuchibiru ni uta o"
Seiji is a singer from Osaka who takes his roots from French chanson. He has already been active for several years on stage, but had never got around to record his music. He decided to ask Takanami K-taro (ex-Pizzicato Five)...
Posted on July 25, 2013 at 23:59. | Released on June 19, 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.
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
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
Okada Tohru "kakū eiga ongakushū II ~Erewhon no roku de~"
Moonriders' Okada Tohru, lately active with CTO LAB., has a 4th album out this week. It has been no less than 19 years since his previous solo album! Included are several self-covers of Moonriders favorites, and the album is full...
Posted on August 7, 2012 at 22:39. | Released on August 8, 2012
Recto Berso "Nice To Love You!"
Recto Berso is a band of two guys who love vintage instruments, especially Beatles-era Gibson guitars. They even go as far as using recording equipment from back in the day to create sounds of the same texture. For that reason...
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 22:06. | Released on August 8, 2012
Chiroline ver.2 "Chit Chat Chiroline"
Chiroline (reads -lyn) was a girl techno-pop unit that was produced by Okada Tohru (CTO LAB., ex-Moonriders) in the mid-to-late-80's. This year sees the formation of a group of 4 new girls borrowing the same name, again produced by the...
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:47. | Released on August 8, 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.
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
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.
Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo Hall 2011.05.05 'hi no tama Boy Concert'"
The Moonriders have officially retired indefinitely at the end of 2011. Here's a 2-CD live album of a special concert held in Tokyo on May 5 last year to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary. Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo...
Posted on January 23, 2012 at 00:00. | Released on January 25, 2012
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.
The Aprils "Magical Girls"
Here's a brand new release from The Aprils coming early January! 2 years have went by since "Back To The Future Music", and this time the band adds a touch of magic to its future-pop post-Shibuya-kei sound. With 4 new...
Posted on December 26, 2011 at 22:35. | Released on January 11, 2012
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
Urbangarde "Mental Hells"
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde have a new album just out. I think it's their 4th album though it's their first since their move to a major label. This contains a different version of latest single "tokimeki ni shisu" as well...
Posted on October 30, 2011 at 17:01. | Released on October 26, 2011
Applecider "Star Black"
Osaka indies electro-punk girl-boy double-vocal unit Applecider has a 2nd album coming, and The Aprils' Imai Kentarō has done mixing and arrangement for all tracks! Check out video below for song "wear dischord", and then go hear more samples over...
Posted on September 4, 2011 at 20:21. | Released on September 7, 2011
Gig report: CTO LAB. Presents Tokyo Outbound #01, with (M)otocompo, Shampoo
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Monday June 27 was an event organized by CTO LAB. at Koenji High, a good venue for which I've heard many praises for its good sound and tall stage....
Posted on July 4, 2011 at 00:18.
Gig report: Aira Mitsuki "???" tour final
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday I had the chance to catch Aira Mitsuki's last stop of her tour for the release of latest album "???". The show was held at Ebisu LiquidRoom on January 30....
Posted on February 6, 2011 at 22:56.
nAo "Strawberry Heart"
This first album by singer-songwriter and model nAo is produced by Moonriders' Okada Tōru, who is recently also active as CTO LAB. Included are two songs involving The Aprils' Imai Kentarō (also of CTO LAB.), "My Sunshine" in which he...
Posted on January 17, 2011 at 20:52. | Released on January 26, 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.
Yakushimaru Etsuko "Cosmos vs Alien"
Yakushimaru Etsuko (of Sōtaiseiriron) has a new solo single, of which title song "Cosmos vs Alien" is being used for the opening of anime series "Arakawa Under The Bridge 2". The single comes with 2 more new songs, all written...
Posted on November 8, 2010 at 23:21. | Released on November 17, 2010
