Various Artists "ALFA Music Live - ALFA 50th Anniversary Edition" (2 Blu-ray + 2 CDs)
In September 2015 was held a special concert for the 70th birthday of composer and music producer Murai Kunihiko, founder of the record company Alfa Music. The show was planned by Matsutoya Masataka, and featured performances of many artists close...
Posted on March 2, 2021 at 22:35. | Released on March 4, 2021
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
SOLEIL "Twinkle Heart" (7")
SOLEIL has a brand new 7" single being released! The title song is Christmas-themed, and it's a brand new original written by Ijichi Hiromasa, known for writing many songs for idol group Speed. The B-side is a cover of...
Posted on October 10, 2019 at 23:21. | Released on November 20, 2019
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi compiled by Hoshino Gen"
This is a greatest hits album of Hosono Haruomi works, including his solo music and also Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. This first release, which comes as a 2-CD or 3-LP set of 38 songs, was compiled by singer-songwriter...
Posted on August 29, 2019 at 22:01. | Released on August 28, 2019
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Neue Tanz"
This is a compilation of songs by Yellow Magic Orchestra (and solo ones by each member too) selected by Towa Tei for YMO's 40th anniversary. The album was remastered by Sunahara Yoshinori. The jacket artwork was done by Tomoo Gokita...
Posted on October 20, 2018 at 21:07. | Released on October 17, 2018
Towa Tei "Lucky"
Towa Tei has a brand new album out now! "Lucky" is full of brand new songs including latest single "Radio". Many artists are featured, including all three of YMO, Dorian, Sugar Yoshinaga (Buffalo Daughter), Sheena Ringo, Predawn, Bakubaku Dokin, visual...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 11:49. | Released on July 10, 2013
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
YMO "YMONHK" (Blu-ray/DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra have a new Blu-ray and DVD out today of a studio-recorded show aired last year on NHK in front of an audience of 1000. The three original members were backed by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondo Tomohiko (anonymass)...
Posted on July 18, 2012 at 23:33. | Released on July 18, 2012
Yellow Magic Orchestra "Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in San Francisco 2011" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's June 27, 2011 show, at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., is getting a DVD release! It had been 31 years since YMO performed in the U.S. The band featured support members Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass,...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:05. | Released on February 15, 2012
Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
Led by Sakamoto Ryūichi, this charity single covers The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" in an electronic arrangement, and featuring some 30 big names participating on vocals and production. Profits are said to be donated for children victims of...
Posted on February 1, 2012 at 22:59. | Released on March 7, 2012
YMO "Technodon Live In Tokyo Dome" (DVD)
A YMO show held at Tokyo Dome in 1993 is being released for the first time on DVD. It had been available before on VHS back in the day. This show had a huge screen on which was projected CG...
Posted on November 20, 2011 at 23:34. | Released on November 30, 2011
Various Artists "YMO Rewake"
Here's a tribute album to YMO featuring their most famous songs in brand new covers by various electro artists including Riow Arai, Calm, Tobeta Bajune as Macho Robot, etc. Coming this week on mysterious young label electric sheep. Check out...
Posted on August 30, 2011 at 23:10. | Released on September 1, 2011
Yellow Magic Orchestra "YMO"
Here's yet another greatest hits album from Yellow Magic Orchestra selected by the 3 members. Worth of mention are the inclusions of HASYMO's "Tokyo Town Pages" (2008) and some tracks from live albums (tracks 4, 5 from "Faker Holic" and...
Posted on June 4, 2011 at 01:16. | Released on June 15, 2011
kotringo "picnic album 1"
Pianist and singer-songwriter kotringo has a cover album coming this week. Included are her takes on hit songs by Flipper's Guitar, YMO, Yuming, Clammbon, Epo and more. Audio samples on official site kotringo "picnic album 1" 1. koi to Machinegun...
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 20:47. | Released on September 22, 2010
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 "Attractions! Konishi Yasuharu Remixes 1996~2010"
Konishi Yasuharu has started a new label called Readymade V.I.C., hosted under major label Victor. This first release is a 2-CD collection of his best remixes from 1997 until now. Included are 6 brand new remixes using Victor's catalog (marked...
Posted on January 11, 2010 at 19:14. | Released on March 3, 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
HMO toka no naka no hito (PAw Lab.) "Hatsune Miku Orchestra"
The virtual idol with a software voice, Hatsune Miku sings on these covers of YMO, born from Japan's leading video sharing social network Nico Nico Dōga. The album was mastered by an engineer who worked with YMO and Sketch Show....
Posted on September 3, 2009 at 22:29. | Released on August 26, 2009
Yellow Magic Orchestra "POSTYMO ~ Yellow Magic Orchestra Live in London 2008 + ~" (DVD)
Yellow Magic Orchestra's performance at the London Royal Festival Hall from 2008, part of the Meltdown Festival, is now out on DVD! This was their first show in London in 28 years. The band features of course the three original...
Posted on August 25, 2009 at 21:55. | Released on August 26, 2009
8bit Project "Spicy Innovator VS Superior Marionette"
Here's a 2nd album by 8bit Project, the unit of Itō Toshiharu (ex-Mansfield), Matsutake Hideki (Logic System, and also the said "4th member of YMO") and Saitō Hisahi (of YMO homage band Y Setsu O). Like their first album "Familiar...
Posted on April 27, 2009 at 21:46. | Released on April 29, 2009
Full-text search results for YMO
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.
usabeni "Because my Idol"
Solo idol usabeni (a.k.a. Beni Usakura) has just released her first full-length album, titled "Because my Idol". Having been active solo since 2022 (after being in groups avandoned and Apokalippps), creating her musical world in lyrics, dance, design and video,...
Posted on October 18, 2025 at 10:14. | Released on October 17, 2025
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.59
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, 2025 at 14:04.
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.57
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 12, 2025 at 13:17.
3776 "The Birth and Death of the Universe through Mount Fuji"
3776 (minanaro), the idol unit performed solo by Chiyono Ide, has released this month a brand new and mysterious album titled "The Birth and Death of the Universe through Mount Fuji". Checking the tracklist confirms that this is a deep...
Posted on December 31, 2024 at 10:45. | Released on December 11, 2024
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.
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.
DJ event announcement: "POLY-810" Nov. 10, 2024
DJ 810 of Tokyo's Coolest Sound is organizing the event below with longtime friend polymoog (ELEKTEL/CTO LAB.). Come by for a late-afternoon/early-evening of good music (with lounge, electro, pop, Shibuya-kei, and beyond). Check out the details below in Japanese &...
Posted on October 12, 2024 at 22:50.
Record Store Day 2023
Record Store Day will be held worldwide on Saturday April 22! Below is a list of recommended releases coming from Japan. The full list of Record Store Day Japan can be found here. As always, there are no online pre-orders,...
Posted on April 15, 2023 at 23:40. | Released on April 22, 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.
Rattana "Rainbow Eyes (feat. hitomitoi)" (Download)
Thai singer-songwriter Rattana Chanprasit (aka Na Polycat) (Instagram), a member of band Polycat, has collaborated with hitomitoi on his latest solo single as Rattana, titled "Rainbow Eyes". The song's original version was sung by himself in Thai (music video),...
Posted on December 30, 2022 at 00:15. | Released on December 20, 2022
Hoshikuzu Scat "eki / Tattoo"
Hoshikuzu Scat has released this month two new covers, "eki" and "Tattoo", both of which were oriiginally sung by Nakamori Akina in 1986 and 1988 respectively. "eki" was written by Takeuchi Mariya who also did a self-cover in 1987....
Posted on December 26, 2022 at 23:30. | Released on December 7, 2022
Sally Kubota Group feat. Natsumi Kiyoura "Just What I Always Wanted"
Here's a 2nd release from the "Girls At Our Best" series of cover EPs produced by Sally Kubota (The Scooters, ex-SOLEIL, The Phantom Gift, Les 5-4-3-2-1). This one features singer Natsumi Kiyoura (of Tweedees), and includes covers of "Just What...
Posted on November 25, 2022 at 22:21. | Released on November 25, 2022
Beni Usakura "NEW" (Download)
Beni Usakura (Instagram, Twitter) has just released a solo mini-album of 6 songs! Included are the recent "open mind" and on the "Passion" 2-song single, which were released in digital form (and also physically via Beni's online shop and at...
Posted on November 17, 2022 at 11:56. | Released on November 16, 2022
"Readymade mirai no ongaku Series - CD Book hen 09 'ocha to okashi to ongaku to'" (CD+Book)
Here's the 9th of the CD+Book series of "Readymade mirai no ongaku" has been released today! The guest this time is dessert expert Kaede Fujisawa, and the book and CD contents are said to fit perfectly together. The book has...
Posted on October 28, 2022 at 21:59. | Released on October 28, 2022
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.
Emerson Kitamura "porthole / stupid fingers" (Download)
Emerson Kitamura has released two new songs on download/streaming platforms. "porthole" is an instrumental with drummer Suganuma Yuta, while "stupid fingers" features singer mmm. The single is also available via his Bandcamp, just digitally or also as a "download...
Posted on August 5, 2022 at 13:12. | Released on August 3, 2022
COUNTJOKE "One" (CD)
COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), released last year their first album "ONE" as an LP for Record Store Day which had since sold out. Here it is back as a CD, and...
Posted on July 17, 2022 at 22:36. | Released on July 13, 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.
Beni Usakura "Passion"
Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram), who is active in idol group Apokalippps (also ex-Frun Frin Friends and avandoned) and the featured vocalist of Childish Tones (Twittter, Instagram), has just released a first solo single! Both of these songs have music...
Posted on April 17, 2022 at 10:05. | Released on April 17, 2022
Various Artists "A Girl's Favourite Oldies Vol.1: The Musical Roots of SOLEIL"
Bassist and producer Sally Kubota revisits the roots and inspirations of his band SOLEIL, which was active from 2017 to 2019, in this compilation selected, supervised and designed by himself. This collection consists of 30 songs from the 60s, which...
Posted on March 25, 2022 at 10:34. | Released on March 25, 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.
Yukihiro Takahashi "Grand Espoir" (CD/12")
This is a compilation album of Yukihiro Takahashi (YMO, METAFIVE) from 1980 to 1985. The songs were selected and remastered by Yoshinori Sunahara (METAFIVE). The CD edition has two discs, the first one of music from YT's own albums and...
Posted on October 29, 2021 at 23:13. | Released on October 27, 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.
Sketch Show "'audio sponge' 'tronika' 'LOOPHOLE'" (3CDs+DVD)
The three albums of Sketch Show (Haruomi Hosono & Yukihiro Takahashi), which were re-issued on vinyl in July, have just been released as one boxed set of three CDs. It's been 20 years since the release of 3rd and latest...
Posted on September 23, 2021 at 10:19. | Released on September 22, 2021
Various Artists "Kyohei Tsutsumi Song Book"
Famous songwriter Tsutsumi Kyōhei passed away last October at the age of 80. This album is a tribute made of brand new recordings, featuring the work of producers Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato One), Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Takebe Satoshi, Kameda Seiji,...
Posted on March 25, 2021 at 10:14. | Released on March 24, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.15
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 25, 2021 at 00:36.
Fritz von Runte "The Last Album"
Fritz von Runte is a Manchester-based producer who has previously done remixes for New Order, 808 State, Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie, etc. Fritz has recently released a new solo album which includes a collaboration with Nagoya artist Dentaku Miyakawa,...
Posted on February 28, 2021 at 21:19. | Released on February 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.
SOLEIL "SOLEIL in STEREO 2"
Following last year's "SOLEIL in STEREO" album which remixed into stereo all songs from already legendary band SOLEIL's first two albums ("My Name is SOLEIL" and "SOLEIL is Alright"), as the originals were recorded and mixed in mono, here comes...
Posted on December 25, 2020 at 22:19. | Released on December 23, 2020
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.10
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 28, 2020 at 21:52.
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.
Posted on September 21, 2020 at 12:36. | Event held on Monday September 21, 2020 at 13:40 (JST)
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "The Secret Life of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC" (12"+Download code)
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC is releasing a vinyl edition of his 4th album "The Secret Life of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC" (2019) (Spotify, ), but not without a twist. Several of the songs were re-mixed, the order changed, and the jacket also renewed for 2020. Also...
Posted on September 15, 2020 at 20:10. | Released on September 18, 2020
Posted on August 15, 2020 at 11:46. | Event held on Saturday August 29, 2020 at 21:00 (JST)
METAFIVE "Environmental" (Download)
Almost 4 years since mini-album "METAHALF", METAFIVE just came back suddenly with a brand new song that features Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) on main vocals, with Takahashi Yukihiro and Leo Imai also singing along. The band had hinted a return...
Posted on July 24, 2020 at 00:25. | Released on July 24, 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.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.
Towa Tei "Magic" (7")
Coming in June is a brand new single by Towa Tei! Titled "Magic", it's said to be an uptempo track with synths and guitar, and it's the first cut from an upcoming 10th album expected around fall 2020. Featured...
Posted on May 23, 2020 at 23:08. | Released on June 17, 2020
YMC "Yellow Magic Children #01"
YMC, or Yellow Magic Children, was a special tribute concert featuring artists who were influenced by or have strong ties with Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), for the 40th anniversary of the legendary group. The show was held at the Shinjuku...
Posted on December 30, 2019 at 23:20. | Released on December 25, 2019
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.
Hasegawa Hakushi "Air Ni Ni"
Eclectic 20-year-old singer-songwriter Hasegawa Hakushi (Soundcloud) has a first full-length album being released! This is his 2nd CD release and follows mini-album "sōmoku hōdō" (2018) (which contained a cover of YMO's "Cue"). Included is a self-cover of "itsukushii hibi", a...
Posted on November 11, 2019 at 22:46. | Released on November 13, 2019
Various Artists "Ban Hiroshi presents Columbia Rockin' Kayo Collection"
Kyoto rock'n'roller Ban Hiroshi (of Bambino) brings us a compilation of rocking kayō songs selected from Columbia's historic collection. The collection includes the first Japanese cover of Elvis to various covers and original songs that were influenced by rockabilly and...
Posted on September 16, 2019 at 11:02. | Released on September 18, 2019
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC "The Secret Life Of VIDEOTAPEMUSIC"
VIDEOTAPEMUSIC has a new 4th album coming this week, most of which is vocal! A large number of collaborators are featured including vocalists Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Takagi Shōhei (cero), Robochū, mmm, etc., and musicians such as Emerson Kitamura,...
Posted on July 22, 2019 at 23:04. | Released on July 24, 2019
Mom "Detox"
21-year-old singer-songwriter/trackmaker Mom has a new 2nd album being released this month! Check out his cool tracks & smooth vocals that are quite irresistible. This album follows "Playground" released in November 2018 (CDJapan, Spotify, ). HMV gives away a promo...
Posted on May 1, 2019 at 22:39. | Released on May 22, 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
Various Artists "Non-Standard collection - Non-Standard no hibiki -" (4CD)
Here comes a massive compilation of the Non-Standard label, which was produced by Hosono Haruomi (YMO) during the 80's. With genres covering techno-pop, ambient and improvised music, the label featured artists such as World Standard, Koshi Miharu, Mikado, Urban Dance,...
Posted on March 24, 2019 at 12:47. | Released on March 27, 2019
Chikada Haruo "Chikada Haruo Best ~ The Baddest Guy In The World"
Chikada Haruo, an artist active musically since 1970, released last November vocal album "chō jōdan dakara" which was his first original album under his name in 38 years. Just two months later he also released an instrumental album as unit...
Posted on February 12, 2019 at 22:24. | Released on February 27, 2019
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara / konya mo tenteten" (7")
A 7" cut from Chikada Haruo's recent solo vocal album "chō jōdan dakara". Included are title track "chō jōdan dakara", which features singer Himeno Tama, and disco-kayō track "konya mo tenteten". Check out the video below, and hear a...
Posted on January 3, 2019 at 12:12. | Released on December 26, 2018
Chikada Haruo "chou joudan dakara"
Chikada Haruo, a singer-songwriter famous for his "hoshikuzu kyōdai no densetsu" album (1980) which was turned into a cult rock opera movie in the mid-80's, but also for many hits he wrote for other artists, has a brand new solo...
Posted on November 11, 2018 at 00:10. | Released on October 31, 2018
Takahashi Yukihiro "Saravah Saravah!"
Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO, Metafive) has re-recorded the vocals of his debut solo album "Saravah!" (1978) 40 years later with his current voice. Included are strings arrangements by Sakamoto Ryuichi, and features appearances of Hosono Haruomi, Yamashita Tatsuro, Takanaka Masayoshi and...
Posted on November 4, 2018 at 19:51. | Released on October 24, 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
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
Cutie Pai "megane myboy"
Cutie Pai has a new single being released! The title song is of course glasses-themed ("megane"). The single comes in two different versions, the Type A contains a remix of "This Is Megane" by CANDLES, while Type B instead has...
Posted on September 24, 2018 at 11:50. | Released on September 25, 2018
Halfby "Last Aloha"
Halfby is releasing a brand new album, 3 years after the excellent "Innn Hawaii" (2015). This 6th album features collaborations with Oh shu, Takai Kōki (Ahh! Folly Jet), Morino Yoshitaka (Handsomeboy Technique), Homecomings and Kikuchi Hitoshi (ex-Hotel Mexico). This is...
Posted on August 19, 2018 at 16:05. | Released on September 5, 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
Nomiya Maki "Nomiya Maki, Holiday Shibuya-kei o utau."
Nomiya Maki's new album is coming this month, and this time she sings Shibuya-kei standards that share a winter theme. Included are duets with Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken Band), Watanabe Marina, Takano Hiroshi and Suzuki Masayuki, with also chorus by...
Posted on October 8, 2017 at 21:11. | Released on October 18, 2017
CTO LAB. "The Theme of Ma.K." (Download)
CTO LAB. released this song last year as a limited cassette tape edition, but it's now finally available for download on iTunes, etc.! This is a theme song for Ma.K., aka Maschinen Krieger, a science fiction universe created by...
Posted on October 4, 2017 at 21:53. | Released on October 4, 2017
Shibata Satoko "Do You Need a Rest From Love?"
Singer-songwriter Shibata Satoko has a 4th album out today! This is the follow-up to her eponymous album released in 2015. Two songs were arranged by Kishida Shigeru (Quruli), and one by Yamamoto Seiichi (Boredoms). In June she will tour Japan,...
Posted on May 17, 2017 at 23:05. | Released on May 17, 2017
Record Store Day 2016
This year again Record Store Day is being held in Japan, this time on Saturday April 16! A lot of special and limited vinyl editions are being released on that very day, and at first only available in physical shops....
Posted on April 14, 2016 at 23:15. | Released on April 16, 2016
Aoi "Girl"
And while Tarte Tatin release new album "re:10 tartetatin", Aoi (aka Ishikawa Aoi (Twitter)) took some distance by becoming a "honorary member", not further taking part in Tarte Tatin anymore. Instead she went solo and made a first mini-album with...
Posted on March 5, 2016 at 12:46. | Released on March 2, 2016
Metafive "Meta"
Happy New Year 2016!!! Here we go! Metafive finally have a first original album coming! Metafive is an all-star band featuring Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko and Leo Imai. All songs are brand...
Posted on January 1, 2016 at 12:40. | Released on January 13, 2016
Yano Akiko "Welcome to Jupiter"
Yano Akiko has a brand new album out now! With a concept of "adult techno music", this time she has the support of young trackmakers such as tofubeats, Seiho (Sugar's Campaign), Azuma Hitomi, Tomita Keiichi (Tomita Lab), Fukasawa Hideyuki and...
Posted on September 17, 2015 at 23:55. | Released on September 16, 2015
Yano Akiko "Tong Poo" (7")
Yano Akiko has a new album coming this month, but first here comes a 7" single of her version of YMO's "Tong Poo", this time arranged in collaboration with producer Seiho (Sugar's Campaign). The B-side is an instrumental version...
Posted on September 9, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on September 5, 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
Hosono Haruomi "Hosono Haruomi x Sakamoto Ryuichi at EX Theater Roppongi 2013.12.21" (Blu-ray/DVD)
A live collaboration show of Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto Ryūichi (both of Yellow Magic Orchestra) has been released on Blu-ray and DVD. The show was held on December 21, 2013 at EX Theater Roppongi, and featured appearances of Oyamada Keigo...
Posted on March 21, 2015 at 00:27. | Released on March 18, 2015
U-zhaan "Tabla Rock Mountain"
Tabla musician U-zhaan (formerly of Asa-chang & Junray) has a first solo album out now. Featured are guest artists Sakamoto Ryūichi (on a cover of YMO's "Technopolis"), Cornelius, Hanaregumi, De De Mouse, Hifana, Kakato (Tamaki Roy & Chinza Dopeness), Ametsub...
Posted on October 23, 2014 at 22:49. | Released on October 8, 2014
Quruli "The Pier"
Band Quruli has an 11th album coming this week! The limited edition comes with a 7"-sized 300-page booklet of all of the songs' sheet music, and also a download code for song "Liberty&Gravity" in an "hi-res" audio format. HMV gives...
Posted on September 14, 2014 at 22:45. | Released on September 17, 2014
Towa Tei "Towa Tei 94-14 Remix"
This new release from Towa Tei is a collection of remixes of his songs from over his 20 years active as a solo artist. Remixes by Cornelius, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), and many more are included, as well as a remix...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 23:37. | Released on July 23, 2014
Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive "Techno Recital", Takahashi Yukihiro with In Phase "Phase" (DVD+Blu-ray+2 CDs)
In January this year, Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) formed a super-group under the name Takahashi Yukihiro & Metafive, also featuring Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Towa Tei, Sunahara Yoshinori, Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass, pupa) and Leo Imai. The concert they played at Ex Theater...
Posted on July 20, 2014 at 20:01. | Released on July 23, 2014
fox capture plan "Wall"
fox capture plan, the instrumental jazz-rock trio of Kishimoto Ryo (Jabberloop), Kawai Hidehiro (Immigrant's Bossa Band) and Inoue Tsukasa (direction of the chord, nhhmbase), have a 3rd album coming this month. While mostly consisting of originals, covers of Radiohead's "Paranoid...
Posted on July 6, 2014 at 14:05. | Released on July 9, 2014
Old Monk "Posing as Love" (12"+download code)
Brooklyn 3-piece indie rock band Old Monk has a 2nd album out now! Their bassist is Tsugumi Takashi (ex-PINE*am), which is more than enough of a reason to mention them here. Well of course they're truly great too, so check...
Posted on June 10, 2014 at 23:41. | Released on June 10, 2014
Record Store Day 2014 in Japan
Record Store Day in Japan has been getting bigger every year. This year there are dozens of exclusive vinyl releases to be found on the shelves of these record shops on Saturday April 19. Below is a selection of releases...
Posted on April 13, 2014 at 13:46. | Released on April 19, 2014
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
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
Horie Hirohisa "At Grand Gallery"
This is a first solo album by Horie Hirohisa (SoundCloud), better known as half of band Neil & Iraiza (together with Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji aka cubismo grafico) and as keyboardist for The Cornelius Group and pupa (band of Takahashi Yukihiro...
Posted on October 24, 2013 at 04:28. | 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
Takahashi Yukihiro "Life Anew"
Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) has a new solo album out today. His back band consists of James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) on guitar, Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza, The Cornelius Group) on keyboards, Gondō Tomohiko on euphonium (etc.), and Takakuwa Kiyoshi (Curly...
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 22:23. | Released on July 17, 2013
Various Artists "Getz/Gilberto + 50"
This year celebrates 50 years since the recording of Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto's "Getz/Gilberto" album (recorded in 1963 and released in 1964). Here is a tribute album produced by Itō Gorō (naomi & goro) covering all of the 10...
Posted on July 14, 2013 at 22:31. | Released on June 19, 2013
CTO LAB. "sekai wa BON HI-BON! ~ dai! tensai TV-kun no Theme 2013"
CTO LAB., the "compact" electro-pop unit of unit of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils), has a new single out now! This is the first single by the band, and the first release in their name...
Posted on July 7, 2013 at 19:58. | Released on July 3, 2013
Towa Tei "Radio (Edit) with Yukihiro Takahashi & Tina Tamashiro" (Download)
Towa Tei has a new album on the way, "Lucky" to be released on July 10! Here's a new track to enjoy meanwhile. "Radio" features Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO) and model Tina Tamashiro, and is available now on iTunes Japan. Be...
Posted on June 21, 2013 at 23:22. | Released on June 19, 2013
Hosono Haruomi "Heavenly Music"
Hosono Haruomi (YMO) has a new solo vocal album out now! The album consists mainly of covers, including ones of Kraftwerk's "Radio Activity", The Carpenters' "Close to You" and Bob Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece". The album's main recording...
Posted on June 16, 2013 at 01:26. | Released on May 22, 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.
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? "Instantaneous" (DVD)
Yumiko Morgan Oscillators? ("YMO?") is a project formed of Minimoog maestro Ohno Yumiko (Buffalo Daughter) with rare vintage electronic instruments collector Morgan Fisher. This first show of theirs was held on November 3, 2012, and recorded using 10 video cameras....
Posted on April 23, 2013 at 23:26. | Released on April 24, 2013
"The Selection of DE DE MOUSE Favorites performed by Rokugen Club with Farah a.k.a. RF vol.01"
This is an album produced by De De Mouse consisting of songs that influenced the artist, but all of these are re-arranged and performed by an "instrumental hip-hop jazz band" named RF. "Floats & Falls" from De De Mouse's latest...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 00:07. | Released on March 20, 2013
Denki Groove "Missing Beatz"
This month Denki Groove are back with a new single coming, a pop tune titled "Missing Beatz". This comes ahead of a new 13th album to be released on February 27, about which full details have yet to be announced...
Posted on January 4, 2013 at 17:24. | Released on January 16, 2013
