Posted on February 10, 2021 at 21:31. | Event held on Saturday February 13, 2021 at 18:00 (JST)
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.
Record Store Day 2018
Record Store Day 2018 is coming up this weekend! Like every year many Japanese artists, labels and shops get involved, and many exciting releases will appear on the shelves on Saturday morning. Here's a selection that Tokyo's Coolest Sound readers...
Posted on April 16, 2018 at 23:40. | Released on April 21, 2018
Sexy-Synthesizer "Space"
Sexy-Synthesizer is back with brand new album "Space"! It had been 8 years since previous album "Rock" (2007) which was released in several forms meanwhile. "Space" has a concept of shooting game music, and comes as a mini-LP package of...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 22:22. | Released on December 9, 2015
Various Artists "Techpri Tribute ~Techpri Happy Ever After~"
Sendai-based techno-pop idol group Techpri (English name "t.c.princess") was active from 2009 to 2013, produced by electro artist Tobeta Bajune, with their last show held part of TIF2013 (the annual Tokyo Idol Festival). This tribute album features mainly girl-fronted units...
Posted on May 24, 2014 at 12:44. | Released on May 21, 2014
Various Artists "Disney Rocks!!! Girls Power!"
This new Disney cover compilation features girls only, from idol groups (such as Dempagumi.inc, BiS, Tokyo Girls' Style, hy4_4yh) to bands (akai kōen) and solo artists (Ōta Emiri, Maika Leboutet), and even Minnie Mouse. In terms of producers, Dempagumi.inc's track...
Posted on January 19, 2014 at 00:45. | Released on January 22, 2014
Sexy-Synthesizer feat. Chihiro "POP!"
8-bit unit Sexy-Synthesizer (official Facebook page) has a new mini-album out now, with the tag line "This is not 'ROCK' but 'POP!'" This features singer Chihiro who has appeared before on 2008 album "Sexy-Synthesizer presents Funky-Bit" (Amazon). The CD is...
Posted on May 3, 2013 at 13:50. | Released on May 1, 2013
Tarte Tatin "TETRAD ENHANCE～tartetatin remix album～", "1st LIVE @ SHIBUYA WWW"
Tarte Tatin is a cute girl duo produced by Azel & Baijan (aka Nishiura Kensuke and Manabe Shūichi, both ex-Sōtaiseiriron). Following 1st album "Tetrad" (2012, Amazon), here comes a remix album fearuting tofubeats, Sexy-Synthesizer (aka (S_S)), Cherryboy Function, Tanaka Takashi...
Posted on April 10, 2013 at 22:37. | Released on April 17, 2013
Various Artists "Hatsune Miku Dance Remix Vol.1"
This is a compilation of Hatsune Miku tracks remixed by various artists from the club and pico-pico scenes, including Rocketman, Sexy-Synthesizer, PandaBoY, Higedriver and many more. Closing the album is an original by Rocketman, recently released on iTunes. The official...
Posted on December 4, 2011 at 19:17. | Released on December 7, 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.
Various Artists "Love Motown"
In the same line as the popular "Soul Source" series, here comes a Motown remix album that can't be ignored. Featured are remixes by Plus-Tech Squeeze Box, Dorian, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tofubeats and more! Check out a sample audio digest at the...
Posted on April 2, 2011 at 10:41. | Released on April 6, 2011
Gig report: Future Pop Lounge 2010
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On August 28, I went to Future Pop Lounge (official site), a festival style event at Shibuya O-Nest. It was the 3rd time the yearly summer event was held though...
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 22:37.
Various Artists "Kirakira Majocco Cluv"
This looks like it might be a real gem of a compilation! The concept is of idols singing theme songs of anime series about magical girls, and tracks are produced by various club-oriented artists. Featured singers include Shinohara Tomoe and...
Posted on February 8, 2010 at 21:21. | Released on February 10, 2010
Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi: 'Katamari Damacy Tribute' Original Soundtrack"
This new cover and remix album of songs from new Playstation 3 game "Katamari Damacy Tribute" features YMCK (MySpace), Buffalo Daughter (MySpace), Sexy-Synthesizer (MySpace), rei harakami, Matsumae Kimitaka (Expo), Kirinji, Afra, Señor Coconut, atom and more. Various Artists "Katamari Takeshi:...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:09. | Released on August 19, 2009
Full-text search results for Sexy-Synthesizer
hitomitoi / Toby Glider "Late Night Special" (12")
Two new songs sung by hitomitoi have been released as a 12" single, for the 5th anniversary of record shop & label Adult Oriented Records (Instagram). The A-side is a song titled "Late Night Special" produced by Toby Glider...
Posted on December 26, 2023 at 00:26. | Released on December 10, 2023
Record Day 2023
Record Day is being held this year again, on November 3, coinciding with public holiday Culture Day. Below are some picks that are not to be missed from the November 3 crates, but there's also much more to be found...
Posted on November 3, 2023 at 11:43. | Released on November 3, 2023
Record Day 2021 Day 2
Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), has being held once more this November, on Saturday November 27. Also check out the post about day 1! Items can be ordered online. Below is...
Posted on December 4, 2021 at 00:54. | Released on November 27, 2021
Michihiro Nakamura "Bossa Tokyo" (Download)
Michihiro Nakamura, singer of THE IMAGE, has just released his first solo album. Titled "Bossa Tokyo", its sound takes its roots from bossa nova with elements of jazz-funk, techno, electronica, etc. The songs are covers of some bossa nova standards...
Posted on October 27, 2021 at 21:42. | Released on October 27, 2021
Okamura Yasuyuki "Misao"
Singer-songwriter Okamura Yasuyuki has a new album out now! Included is "MacGuffin", a collaboration with Rhymester previously released digitally and as a 12" single, and "Step Up Love", a duet with Daoko. Other guests include Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius, Metafive) who...
Posted on April 4, 2020 at 16:03. | Released on April 1, 2020
Konishi Yasuharu & Playboys "Inoue Jun no Playboy kouza 12 shou"
This is Konishi Yasuharu's latest project! A modern take on 1969-released album "Enraku no Playboy kōza 12 shō", a 12-chapter narrative course for becoming a playboy with perfect lounge music BGM (then performed by pianist Maeda Norio & His Playboys),...
Posted on November 14, 2019 at 23:37. | Released on November 20, 2019
Record Store Day 2019
Record Store Day 2019 is just around the corner! This year it's to be held on April 13, a week earlier than usual. This year again there are many great releases happening in Japan. Below are Tokyo's Coolest Sound's picks!...
Posted on April 11, 2019 at 22:33. | Released on April 13, 2019
Natsu Summer "Natsu Summer & Dub Sensation"
City pop singer Natsu Summer has released earlier this month a new mini-album! Like her first album "Hello, future day" this is produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi (Ryūsenkei), though this time the whole is backed by a real band with drums...
Posted on July 16, 2018 at 12:46. | Released on July 4, 2018
BTB tokko "Sweet Machine"
Talkbox musician BTB (Pan Pacific Playa, ex-Luvraw & BTB) is back as "BTB tokkō" (tokkō = 特効 = special effects) with a new album titled "Sweet Machine". Expect mellow urban summer sounds! This follows recent single "I'll Be Around" (2018)...
Posted on July 10, 2018 at 21:30. | Released on July 11, 2018
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds -produced by Muro-"
"King of Diggin'" Muro produced this album of covers of Japanese songs, featuring various female vocalists. Also check out the mix CDs by Sunaga Tatsuo and Muro previously released on the same Tokyo Records label. Tokyo Records will hold an...
Posted on May 26, 2017 at 20:48. | Released on May 24, 2017
Various Artists "Japanese Sounds - A Tatsuo Sunaga Live Mix", "Japanese Sounds mixed by Muro"
Here are two mix CDs of "Japanese sounds", selected and mixed by DJs Sunaga Tatsuo (Sunaga t Experience) and Muro. Check out the sampler clips below for details. Shindō Mitsuo does the art direction for this new label called Tokyo...
Posted on November 17, 2016 at 00:05. | Released on November 16, 2016
Various Artists "Yokocho Rising"
"Yokochō Rising" is an event that has been held 5 times so far in the rebuilt food stall area of Kesennuma Yokochō in Sendai. This compilation of artists who took part in the event, including several songs written/arranged by BUBBLE-B,...
Posted on December 30, 2014 at 16:24. | Released on June 27, 2014
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Swinger Song Writer"
Nakatsuka Takeshi (ex-Qypthone) has had an active solo career for some 10 years, and here comes a first greatest hits album that period. Alongside some all-time favorites, new song "Zero no mugen" (released digitally the week before) is included as...
Posted on April 20, 2014 at 15:58. | Released on April 23, 2014
Terunuma Fareeza to Shūkyō "kakkoii" (Download)
Terunuma Fareeza to Shūkyō is a new pop unit formed of producer Ōkawa Kazuto and singer Terunuma Fareeza, a half-Syrian/half-Japanese model/photographer/director from the adult scene. Their first song had been released digitally, and the sound has a Shibuya-kei feel that...
Posted on January 12, 2014 at 13:57. | Released on December 24, 2013
Hair Stylistics "Music For The Murder Festa"
Hair Stylistics (SoundCloud), aka Nakahara Masaya, has a new album out now! This is a beat-oriented album said to remind of the sound of his 90's works as Violent Onsen Geisha. The album was created without any computer involved, originally...
Posted on September 13, 2013 at 22:48. | Released on September 11, 2013
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
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
BUBBLE-B feat. Enjo-G "Yo! Sexy Girl (Remixes)" (Download)
This brand new track from BUBBLE-B feat. Enjo-G is a take on cosmetics and shampoo brands, with a wink to "Ga*gn*m St*le"! Check out the fun video below. The digital single contains 2 remixes, and also instrumental and acapella versions....
Posted on March 16, 2013 at 23:00. | Released on March 12, 2013
mishmash* Julie Watai "Don't Shoot Me. I'm Only the Pin-up Girl." (Download)
Here's a 3rd digital single from mishmash* Julie Watai, unit of Cornelius' programmer Mishima Toyoaki (blog) with singer/model/photographer Julie Watai. Same formula as before, with the song released in both Japanese and English. The sexy video (seen below) was directed...
Posted on July 17, 2012 at 22:30. | Released on July 15, 2012
Vanilla Beans "gekkan NEO Vanilla Beans" (Book)
Vanilla Beans have a first ever photo book being released next week! The 104-page book is full of pop, sexy and cute photos of Rena and Lisa posing in various situations. A special edition comes with a hard cover and...
Posted on June 20, 2012 at 23:57. | Released on June 26, 2012
Gig report: Love And Hates "L.A.H." release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Sunday, February 5, was the release party for Love And Hates' 1st album "L.A.H." The event was held at Shinjuku Marz, starting at 5pm and to finish around 10!...
Posted on February 14, 2012 at 21:41.
Gig report: (M)otocompo vs The Aprils, with BiS, Ezypt
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On February 4 was an event organized by (M)otocompo, together with The Aprils, BiS and Ezypt. It was held at Shibuya Milkyway, and it was my first time at this...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 00:30.
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
"Norageki!" (DVD, Blu-ray)
"Norageki!" is an anime film directed by Andō Hiroaki (storyboard artist for "Tekkonkincreet"), with original music by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) and a new song by Meg. So far there are no plans of the music being released on CD. Plot...
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 00:02. | Released on April 7, 2011
Various Artists "Shibuya9010"
It sure is missing more than a few bits, but nevertheless here's an interesting Shibuya-kei-themed compilation featuring many artists from the genre. Maybe an occasion to find a few gems we didn't know of? Many tracks can be sampled on...
Posted on September 29, 2010 at 00:49. | Released on September 22, 2010
Crazy Ken Band "1107", "Honmoku Massive" (DVD)
Marking the 1st anniversary of moving to a major label, Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming this week. Released at the same time is a set of 4 DVDs containing 2 entire shows from last fall: "Honmoku Massive"...
Posted on July 17, 2010 at 11:04. | Released on July 21, 2010
Sweet Vacation "Cover The Vacation"
Popular techno-pop girl-boy unit Sweet Vacation (MySpace) brings us this album of covers, including hit tunes such as YMO's "Behind The Mask", Aerosmith feat. Run DMC's "Walk This Way", and theme songs from "Ghostbusters" and "Goonies". Some audio samples at...
Posted on January 3, 2010 at 21:10. | Released on January 20, 2010
The Lady Spade "Dial 'S' for The Lady Spade!"
After several years of fantastic live performances, the groovy and sexy The Lady Spade (in Japanese "sono na wa Spade") finally have an album coming out! The Lady Spade bring the 60's back on stage in fashion and sound. Hear...
Posted on February 19, 2009 at 23:13. | Released on March 4, 2009
Various Artists "A Mature Hour - mixed by Groove Unchant"
Groove Unchant has a mix CD coming up on Orange Records! The track list includes some rare tracks and also previously unreleased tracks and remixes. Groove Unchant and the Orange Records Crew can be caught on a rare occasion in...
Posted on October 24, 2008 at 22:33. | Released on November 12, 2008
Yukari Fresh "Flammable Tapes", "Instrumentally Flammable"
Just a month after a new album, here come two "greatest hits" albums from Yukari Fresh! The first, "Flammable Tapes", is a real greatest hits of tracks previously released on her albums from 1997 to 2008 going rarer everyday. The...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 22:38. | Released on October 8, 2008
Family kanshasai - YMCK 2 days live
YMCK presents this 2-day event in Shibuya this week. Each day has artists of different styles, Wednesday focusing on Shibuya-kei ties with Kaji Hideki and Watanababy, and Thursday with 8-bit/game units such as Sexy Synthesizer, Hally (Hally from VORC) and...
Posted on August 26, 2008 at 00:42. | Released on August 27, 2008
Various Artists "P-K-P-K"
This compilation focusing on the "picopico" indies scene will include songs by Aprils ("Cosmo '80s" previously released on "Space Dream Bathroom"), Sweet Vacation, Sexy-Synthesizer, Tongari Kids, tofubeats and more. It will be sold only at Tower Records. Various Artists "P-K-P-K"...
Posted on May 2, 2008 at 13:42. | Released on May 15, 2008
Various Artists "Kyōhei Disco Night ~Tsutsumi Kyōhei Remix~"
It's been ages since we've got a remix album from the Readymade crew ("Readymade Digs Classics" two years ago?)! This time Konishi Yasuharu and friends have their take on hit songs by Japan's leading songwriter, Tsutsumi Kyōhei. This should be...
Posted on October 29, 2007 at 17:07. | Released on December 26, 2007
Saint yume to Cosme
solange et delphine is back with a 3rd of its fantastic "yume to Cosme" (dreams & cosmetics) live shows series. This time they will share Aoi Heya's intimate stage with arcorhyme (ex-P5's Takanami K-tarō's unit) playing a first full set...
Posted on October 26, 2007 at 11:22. | Released on December 16, 2007
Meg "OK"
Electro-pop artist Meg has a new single coming arranged by Nakata Yasutaka (capsule)! That sexy jacket should make it hard to overlook on release day. The song and its video can be sampled on her web site, in the discography...
Posted on September 28, 2007 at 13:33. | Released on October 3, 2007
Fantastic Plastic Machine "Sound Concierge" #701 and #702
After a 2-year hiatus, Fantastic Plastic Machine is back with his popular "Sound Concierge" mix CD series. As the good old concept goes, #701 is lounge and #702 house. The latter will contain a track by Mighty Dub Katz (aka...
Posted on May 15, 2007 at 09:58. | Released on July 4, 2007
Nakatsuka Takeshi "Sexy Voice And Robo"
New manga-based TV series "Sexy Voice and Robo" has a jazzy soundtrack produced by Nakatsuka Takeshi (Qypthone). The series airs on NTV every Tuesday at 22:00. Nakatsuka Takeshi "Sexy Voice And Robo" 中塚武 「セクシーボイスアンドロボ」 1. Sexy Voice And Robo 2....
Posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:31. | Released on May 30, 2007
Mai "Maiself"
Sexy idol Mai has appointed Nomiya Maki in the role of "visual producer" for her nude bodypainting photo booklets that will accompany the upcoming first album "Maiself". The music features arrangements by Coldfeet, Takahashi Yukihiro, and others. Worth a check!...
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 16:44. | Released on September 6, 2006
Paradise Yamamoto and Tokyo Latin Mood Deluxe live
As if there wasn't enough going on at the end of the month (for some surely inducing bar hopping or tough decisions), Japan's mambo ambassador Paradise Yamamoto (Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys) is throwing a mambo party at Shinjuku Oto, where...
Posted on April 17, 2006 at 14:42. | Released on April 29, 2006
Romantica "La nuit de Romantica"
Sexy striptease dance unit Romantica's DVD that had been released with "Readymade Magazine No.2", and has sold out since, is being re-released on its own in brand new packaging and at a cheaper price. If you couldn't get it the...
Posted on February 18, 2006 at 00:21. | Released on April 26, 2006
100+8 Sexy Girls From V.S.O.O.P./bonnō Girls "i·ke·na·i Rouge Magic" (CD+DVD)
... and you thought Morning Musume were too many? A new unit called bonnō Girls features no less than 108 girls! Their first single is a cover of the Shiseidō commercial song "i-ke-na-i Rouge Magic" written by by Imawano Kiyoshirō...
Posted on September 12, 2005 at 22:33. | Released on October 8, 2005
Nomoto Karia update
More info today about Nomoto Karia's upcoming album. First, the correct rōmaji spelling for the title has been revealed, "Karly". There's a new popup window at Readymade International showing pictures from the photo book (quite sexy!), which will be a...
Posted on June 12, 2004 at 13:30.
