The Pen Friend Club "Songularity" (2CD)
The Pen Friend Club has just released a brand new album, titled "Songularity". This all of the songs are original, and all music is written by the current band members. Plus, it's a double album of a total of 20...
Posted on March 18, 2026 at 21:40. | Released on March 18, 2026
Posted on March 18, 2026 at 21:26. | Event held on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 12:00 (JST)
The Pen Friend Club "Best Of The Pen Friend Club 2018-2024"
The Pen Friend Club recently released a greatest hits album covering their 2018 to 2024 period, which included the presence of three different vocalists over time: Yuka Fujimoto, Megumi and current singer Niina. Included are 21 tracks, many of which...
Posted on December 8, 2024 at 15:02. | Released on November 6, 2024
Posted on December 8, 2024 at 13:57. | Event held on Sunday December 15, 2024 at 12:30 (JST)
The Pen Friend Club "Back In The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club has released a new album titled "Back In The Pen Friend Club", the first featuring their new vocalist Niina (UK-born British-Japanese). This album consists of all covers, with the exception of a self-cover of original song...
Posted on May 2, 2024 at 22:26. | Released on May 1, 2024
Record Store Day 2024
Record Store Day was held worldwide on Saturday April 20. 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 have already started. Also...
Posted on April 23, 2024 at 00:54. | Released on April 20, 2024
The Pen Friend Club "Darlin' / doyōbi no koibito" (7")
The Pen Friend Club has just released a new 7" single, their first with new vocalist Niina (a British-Japanese) who joined the band last year. Included are two covers, of The Beach Boys' "Darlin'" (1967) and Tatsurō Yamashita's "doyōbi...
Posted on January 19, 2024 at 23:38. | Released on January 17, 2024
The Pen Friend Club "The Pen Friend Club" (12")
After a few delays, The Pen Friend Club's latest 8th album "The Pen Friend Club" is finally arriving on vinyl! It's the first but also last album featuring singer Megumi who had joined three years ago but is leaving the...
Posted on February 20, 2023 at 23:59. | Released on February 22, 2023
The Pen Friend Club "The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club, who are celebrating this year their 10th anniversary, have released a brand new 8th album, self-titled "The Pen Friend Club"! It's the first album featuring latest singer Megumi, and it also entirely consists of original songs,...
Posted on September 7, 2022 at 22:58. | Released on September 7, 2022
Posted on August 17, 2022 at 00:23. | Event held on Sunday August 21, 2022 at 11:15 (JST)
The Pen Friend Club "The Sun Is Up" (Download)
The Pen Friend Club has just released a brand new original song digitally, in advance of their upcoming 8th album "The Pen Friend Club". "The Sun Is Up" has music written by bassist Rie Nishioka. Check out the music...
Posted on July 17, 2022 at 00:30. | Released on July 13, 2022
The Pen Friend Club "Auld Lang Syne (A Cappella On The Beach)" (Download)
The Pen Friend Club has released digitally an a cappella cover of "Auld Lang Syne" (in Japanese called "hotaru no hikari"), sung in Japanese and then English. It's sung by members Megumi, Soy, Ricca and leader Yūichi Hirakawa. This...
Posted on July 9, 2022 at 00:12. | Released on June 29, 2022
Posted on April 29, 2022 at 23:17. | Event held on Sunday May 29, 2022 at 11:15 (JST)
RSD Drops 2021 Day 1
Record Store Day is happening this year, as two "RSD Drops" on June 12 and July 17! It seems in good shape looking at the impressive list of releases, with many good ones. Online sales will start at 13:00 (JST)...
Posted on June 10, 2021 at 00:16. | Released on June 12, 2021
Posted on December 8, 2020 at 22:15. | Event held on Saturday December 26, 2020 at 11:15 (JST)
Various Artists "Magical Connection 2020"
This is a compilation of new generation Shibuya-kei, compiled and supervised by Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). Featured are a few brand new recordings, including new SOLEIL covers by microstar (songwriters of "Baby Boo"), Tweedees...
Posted on November 23, 2020 at 10:40. | Released on November 25, 2020
Posted on October 22, 2020 at 21:36. | Event held on Saturday October 31, 2020 at 18:00 (JST)
The Pen Friend Club "In Concert"
The Pen Friend Club have a new album coming (their 7th!), and it's their first-ever live album! It's also the last release featuring their previous singer Fujimoto Yuka. The album contains songs from two recent shows: one held in December...
Posted on August 24, 2020 at 23:40. | Released on September 23, 2020
Posted on August 13, 2020 at 13:14. | Event held on Saturday September 12, 2020 at 11:00 (JST)
City Pop on Vinyl 2020
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei, and on August 8 will be a special day with many releases that file under the "city pop" category that we love! While only sold...
Posted on July 27, 2020 at 00:30. | Released on August 8, 2020
The Pen Friend Club "Along Comes Mary / Love Can Go The Distance"
The Pen Friend Club, a band of eight that takes inspiration from 60's west coast rock, has a brand new single to be released this week! This is actually their last release featuring Fujimoto Yuka who had been the...
Posted on March 8, 2020 at 12:14. | Released on March 11, 2020
Record Day 2019
Record Day 2019, an initiative of Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is being held this Sunday November 3rd (the same day as Japan's "Culture Day" national holiday). Items are available in stores and online from that date. Below is a...
Posted on November 3, 2019 at 01:12. | Released on November 3, 2019
Various Artists "Sazanami Label 15th Anniversary Sampler Vol.1", "Vol.2"
Sazanami Label, an independant label known for introducing many bands of genres such as garage rock and neo-GS among lots more of variety. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, here are two new very nice priced compilations that cover respectively years...
Posted on April 13, 2019 at 01:05. | Released on April 24, 2019
The Pen Friend Club "Merry Christmas from The Pen Friend Club"
The Pen Friend Club, a band that takes inspiration from The Beach Boys and Phil Spector (etc.), has just released a "first and last" Christmas album! Included are 15 covers, of songs by Mariah Carey ("All I Want For Christmas...
Posted on November 14, 2018 at 23:27. | Released on November 14, 2018
Record Day 2018
Record Day is this Saturday November 3, always held on the same day as national holiday "Culture Day". Led by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, many labels and artists coordinate their releases in the favorite physical format of many to...
Posted on November 2, 2018 at 23:22. | Released on November 3, 2018
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
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
Record Day 2017
Record Day 2017 was held on November 3, and this year again led to the release of many vinyl records. Below is a selection of the titles, but you can find the whole list on the official site here. Record...
Posted on November 26, 2017 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 2017
Record Store Day 2017
Record Store Day 2017 will be taking place this weekend, on Saturday April 22! As usual, many limited releases will be available at record shops only from that date. Below is a selection of some of the best stuff that...
Posted on April 18, 2017 at 22:15. | Released on April 22, 2017
Full-text search results for The Pen Friend Club
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.73
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 10, 2026 at 10:09.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.64
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 3, 2025 at 11:41.
Hideki Kaji "Start A Summer EP"
Hideki Kaji has released a brand new summer-themed EP. Featured musicians are the two of Neil & Iraiza — Gakuji "Chabe" Matsuda and Hirohisa Horie — and guitarist Kenta Ushio (Otogivanashi), with Misato (Crispy Camera Club) and Amaiwana on...
Posted on July 23, 2025 at 21:38. | Released on July 23, 2025
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.60
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 18, 2025 at 00:20.
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.58
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 11, 2025 at 15:00.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon" édition 2024
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 December 20, 2024 at 23:54.
nonayu x usabeni "РЕЕК-A-BOO!" (Download)
Here's the 2nd song from the new collaboration of usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) (Instagram, 𝕏) and nonayu (Instagram, 𝕏), the two of who have previously collaborated in idol groups Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned. Following "Ice Bahn" released last...
Posted on July 3, 2024 at 23:41. | Released on July 3, 2024
nonayu x usabeni "Ice Bahn" (Download)
This is a new collaboration of nonayu (Instagram, 𝕏) and usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) (Instagram, 𝕏), the two of who have previously collaborated in idol groups Frun Frin Friends and Avandoned. Today a first song titled "Ice Bahn" was...
Posted on June 26, 2024 at 23:33. | Released on June 26, 2024
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.50
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 21, 2024 at 12:48.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.45
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 19, 2024 at 22:29.
Kidder Friendly Club "Kidder Friendly Philosophy"
Girl garage band Kidder Friendly Club (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube) has just released this month a new mini-album titled "Kidder Friendly Philosophy", which includes recent digitally-released songs "Kidder-chan is happy bunny" and "Endless Summertime Blues" (watch their music videos below). This...
Posted on December 29, 2023 at 23:12. | Released on December 13, 2023
Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods "Hello City Lights" (12"/Download)
Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods, of which the leader Joe Nakamura is formerly of 90s band The Happies, has just released a first album titled "Hello City Lights". Taking inspiration from music of the 60s to 80s, such as soul, funk...
Posted on December 4, 2023 at 00:04. | Released on December 1, 2023
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.42
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 18, 2023 at 13:44.
°C-want you! "Peppermint Patty Telephone / Tokimeki" (7")
℃-want you! (also a member of Magic, Drums & Love) is releasing a new 7" single. The A-side is a cover of The Good-Bye's "Peppermint Patty Telephone" (a song released in 1986 as B-side of single "Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!"),...
Posted on August 11, 2023 at 01:20. | Released on August 16, 2023
Takeshi Nakatsuka "Parade" (2CD)
Takeshi Nakatsuka has just released a brand new original album, titled "Parade". Included are the Toyota TV commercial song "Dreaming of the Future", a collaboration with orange pekoe titled "Forever and Ever", Pac-Man tribute song "Ladies and PAC-MAN" (from the...
Posted on August 2, 2023 at 23:56. | Released on August 2, 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
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.38
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 21, 2023 at 12:33.
Wack Wack Rhythm Band "at the Friday Club"
Wack Wack Rhythm Band has just released a brand new album, which is actually their first cover album! "at the Friday Club" contains covers of Marvin Gaye, The Friday Club, Cold Blood, The Supremes, Essence Of Capricorn, Frankie Valli, Georgie...
Posted on April 4, 2023 at 21:13. | Released on April 4, 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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.35
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 20, 2023 at 00:04.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.34
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 December 16, 2022 at 21:03.
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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.30
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 12, 2022 at 09:00.
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
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.27
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 13, 2022 at 12:49.
Record Store Day 2022
It's time for Record Store Day! This weekend on Saturday April 23 is the worldwide Record Store Day, and like always there are many releases happening in Japan too! Below is a list of recommended picks. Many releases in Japan...
Posted on April 23, 2022 at 01:33. | Released on April 23, 2022
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.26
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 14, 2022 at 23:51.
Mondo Grosso "Big World"
Mondo Grosso, the solo project of Shinichi Ōsawa (lately also active with RHYME SO), is back with a brand new album! Each song is a collaboration with different singers, Takao Tajima (Original Love), Yoshie Nakano (Ego-Wrappin')), CHAI, RHYME, DONGURIZU, and...
Posted on February 9, 2022 at 23:26. | Released on February 9, 2022
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.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Noël Nippon" édition 2021
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 December 19, 2021 at 02:42.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.22
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 December 9, 2021 at 23:13.
Record Day 2021 Day 1
Record Day, previously happening only on November 3 for "Culture Day" (a public holiday), is being held on two separate days in 2021: November 3 and 27. Items can be ordered online without any delay. Below is a list of...
Posted on November 3, 2021 at 00:44. | Released on November 3, 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.12
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 December 24, 2020 at 00:34.
Record Day 2020
Record Day 2020, ran by Japan's long-running record factory Tōyōkasei, is just about to happen this November 3rd. Being on the same day as Japan's "Culture Day", it's a day off well spent doing record shopping. Record Day items are...
Posted on November 3, 2020 at 01:59. | Released on November 3, 2020
Interview: Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi
Original interview text by Takashi Ikegami Translated from Japanese by Patrick Benny (Tokyo's Coolest Sound) Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi (below "Mimi") is an interesting artist from actually many perspectives. First, there is the one where she expresses original works as the...
Posted on November 2, 2020 at 00:25.
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.
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.6
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 25, 2020 at 01:32.
Various Artists "Casiotunes!"
This is a fan-made indie compilation of new recordings that use Casiotone keyboards, a series that celebrates its 40th anniversary (the CT-201 was first sold in 1980). As the catch copy says it best: "Cute and Pop Music by Casiotone...
Posted on May 6, 2020 at 21:41. | Released on May 5, 2020
Dé Dé Mouse "Hello My Friend" (Download)
DÉ DÉ MOUSE has just released a brand new EP digitally! This EP was actually inspired by a friend of his from China who mentioned they wanted something to focus their feelings on. DÉ DÉ MOUSE got to work...
Posted on April 4, 2020 at 16:46. | Released on April 3, 2020
Les Childish Tones avec Beni Usakura "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (7")
Childish Tones (Twitter), band that using only toy instruments, has a new single featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram) about to be released! This time they cover Jane Birkin's "Ex Fan Des Sixties" (1978) and The Spiders' "Nati Bati...
Posted on March 16, 2020 at 00:52. | Released on March 25, 2020
SOLEIL "Live at Veats" (DVD), "Lollipop Sixteen" (12")
SOLEIL, a great band that has put a stop to its activities at the end of 2019, has two releases coming this February 26, 2020! The first is a live DVD which consists mainly of the last show held on...
Posted on February 9, 2020 at 17:17. | Released on February 26, 2020
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.
Wakita Monari "Right Here"
Wakita Monari has a 3rd album being released at the end of July! With Arai Toshiya (Count Joke) as the main producer and songwriter of several tracks, the album also includes latest single "Espadrille de tsukamaete" that has music written...
Posted on July 24, 2019 at 23:16. | Released on July 31, 2019
Kaji Hideki "Goth Romance"
Kaji Hideki has a brand new album being released! With the title "Goth Romance", he revisits his early music days and also invites a whole lot of friends to participate. The album is produced by Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza),...
Posted on June 5, 2019 at 00:04. | Released on June 5, 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
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.
Crazy Ken Band "Going To A Go-Go"
Crazy Ken Band, which has been celebrating its 20th anniversary, has a brand new album out now! In terms of original albums, this is the follow-up to "mō sukkari are nandayone" (2015). Included are four recent tie-up songs: "Soul Train"...
Posted on August 6, 2018 at 23:28. | Released on August 1, 2018
The Geno London "Geno London EP"
The Geno London is the latest band of guitarist Geno Satō (previously known as Ai Satō of The Hair) and features boy-girl vocals. After having been active live for some years, here's a first release of 5 original songs! The...
Posted on April 15, 2018 at 00:16. | Released on April 11, 2018
Wakita Monari "I am ONLY"
After three great singles, here comes Wakita Monari (ex-Especia)'s 1st solo album! All songs are said to be worth single cuts. Included are songs written by Hase Hajimu, Microstar, Fukutomi Yukihiro, Yafune Tetsurō, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Count Joke, Hase...
Posted on July 22, 2017 at 23:38. | Released on July 26, 2017
Various Artists "Ace", Pizzicato Five "couples ep" (7"), "Bellissima! ep" (7")
Konishi Yasuharu supervises a new 7" single project on the Great Tracks label (Sony). First of all comes a compilation called "Ace", named after monthly event (((((((A))))))) held at Organ bar the 3rd Friday of each month. Having been playing...
Posted on February 16, 2017 at 23:30. | Released on February 22, 2017
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
Various Artists "Monchhichi Birthday Party"
Here's what looks like a fun compilation, put together for the 40th birthday of popular Japanese doll Monchhichi. Featured are cool girly indies tracks from the last few years, making it a good opportunity to catch up with the scene...
Posted on September 20, 2013 at 23:20. | Released on September 18, 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
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: 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.
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.
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
Gig report: Yellow Magic Orchestra U.S. shows, with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter, Towa Tei
Text, photos and videos by Nicholas D. Kent (Japanese Electronic Music) for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Two reports of Yellow Magic Orchestra shows held in California last month (June 26 at Hollywood Bowl, L.A., with Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter and Towa...
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 20:13.
Merpeoples "Metropolis"
This is the 2nd mini-album from Merpeoples, is an indie-pop band of 4 girls in their 20's formed in 2008. This release contains a cover of "i-ke-na-i Rouge Magic", a classic techno-kayō track by Imawano Kiyoshirō and Sakamoto Ryūichi. Watch...
Posted on June 14, 2011 at 00:12. | Released on April 13, 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.
