Various Artists "Café Après-midi meets Studio Ghibli"
This is a compilation of covers of songs that appeared in Ghibli movies. Selected and supervised by Toru Hashimoto (𝕏) (Café Après-midi, Suburbia), it features all new recordings by many Shibuya-kei related artists and more: Konishi Yasuharu, Keiichi Sokabe, Tetsurō...
Posted on June 10, 2026 at 13:26. | Released on June 3, 2026
City Pop on Vinyl 2024
City Pop on Vinyl was held for the 5th time on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Below are just a few recommendations that shouldn't be missed by Tokyo's Coolest Sound's readers. There's also a lot more to find on the official...
Posted on August 10, 2024 at 18:07. | Released on August 3, 2024
Mondo Grosso "Reborn Again and Always Starting New"
Mondo Grosso, the solo unit of Ōsawa Shinichi, has just released a brand new album! It had been some 14 years since his latest works under the Mondo Grosso name, and then suddenly came the "Labyrinth" single released on Record...
Posted on June 9, 2017 at 23:51. | Released on June 7, 2017
Hirado Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"
Hirado Yūsuke is the pianist and leader of jazz band quasimode. Here's a first solo album that features appearances of bird, Hatakeyama Miyuki (Port of Notes) and more. Included are covers of Amy Winehouse, Burt Bacharach, Carole King among others,...
Posted on January 8, 2012 at 01:18. | Released on January 11, 2012
Kirinji "~Connoisseur Series~ Kirinji 'Songbook'"
Kirinji have often composed songs for other artists. In this 2-CD album they self-cover some of those songs on the 1st CD, while the 2nd CD is a compilation of 10 songs they wrote performed by others. Audio samples of...
Posted on October 16, 2011 at 00:39. | Released on October 19, 2011
Various Artists "Velvet Songs"
This cover compilation from Grand Gallery consists of new recordings of songs from the repertory of Alfa label. Featured artists include Nakatsuka Takeshi, Cubismo Grafico feat. Kushibiki Sayaka, Sokabe Keiichi, Nanao Tavito, Shimazaki Hitomi with Nanase feat. Kinbara Chieko, Chocolat...
Posted on April 14, 2011 at 21:36. | Released on April 20, 2011
Scha Dara Parr "11"
Scha Dara Parr are back this year with an 11th album (as says the title)! Featured are guests including Halcali, Kimura Kaela, bird, Tsukamoto Isao (Sly Mongoose), Robochū (Dassen 3) and more. A limited edition includes a bonus DVD with...
Posted on March 10, 2009 at 22:36. | Released on March 25, 2009
Various Artists "Jobiniana ~ai to hohoemi to hana"
This tribute album to Antonio Carlos Jobim will feature artists from the club-jazz scene, and then some. Interpretations by Cubismo Grafico, Ino Hidefumi, Toki Asako, akiko, Minami Yoshitaka, bird, Monday Michiru, ... should make this a must for bossa nova...
Posted on August 30, 2007 at 20:03. | Released on October 10, 2007
Full-text search results for bird
Chie Horiguchi "Where Is The Hummingbird?" (7"+Download)
Guitarist and singer-songwriter Chie Horiguchi (Instagram, 𝕏) (Learners) has just released a brand new single, titled "Where Is The Hummingbird?". Like for her previous, "Cosmic Highway", she is accompanied by her backband The Desperado Gentlemen. Both the title song...
Posted on October 3, 2026 at 00:19. | Released on October 2, 2026
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
Record Day 2025 Day 1
This year again, Record Day has been held. Previously coinciding with the public holiday Culture Day (November 3), this year it came a few days early on November 1st to start the long weekend on a good foot. Below are...
Posted on November 26, 2025 at 00:07. | Released on November 1, 2025
Chie Horiguchi "Cosmic Highway" (7"+Download)
Guitarist and singer-songwriter Chie Horiguchi (Learners) is releasing her new song "Cosmic Highway" as a 7" single! The B-side is a cover of country favorite "Why You Been Gone So Long". The 7" includes a download code. The new...
Posted on January 7, 2025 at 20:54. | Released on January 10, 2025
Chie Horiguchi and The Desperado Gentlemen "We Saw The Light"
Chie Horiguchi, known as the super guitarist of Learners (band currently on hiatus), has released a live album with her band Chie Horiguchi and The Desperado Gentlemen. This is a recording of a show held on July 13, 2023 at...
Posted on May 17, 2024 at 00:33. | Released on May 15, 2024
Various Artists "Série Teorema #08: Senyum Harapan"
Série Teorema, the label recently started by mastering engineer Nagano Beat of Clinck Records, has released a new compilation CD just recently. This time it is selected by Hibiki Tokiwa (𝕏) — photographer, designer and DJ (long ago also known...
Posted on January 7, 2024 at 22:27. | Released on December 22, 2023
Various Artists "Roots of London Nite Vol.2: Archive - The Birth of British Beat"
"Roots of London Nite" is a CD compilation series selected and supervised by rock DJ pioneer Kenshō Ōnuki (Instagram, Twitter) who started in 1980 the "London Nite" event which is still continuing to this day. This 2nd edition focuses on...
Posted on July 29, 2023 at 00:32. | Released on July 28, 2023
Maika Loubté "Rainbow Light Eyes" (Download)
Maika Loubté has a new song out today, titled "Rainbow Light Eyes". This song follows "Ice Age". Both should appear on a new mini-album (so far having been referred to as "mani mani") to be released in October. The...
Posted on June 29, 2023 at 00:32. | Released on June 28, 2023
Various Artists "Roots of London Nite vol.1: Archive"
"Roots of London Nite" is a new CD compilation series selected and supervised by rock DJ pioneer Kenshō Ōnuki (Instagram, Twitter) who started in 1980 the "London Nite" event which is still continuing to this day. The music played at...
Posted on February 28, 2023 at 21:48. | Released on February 22, 2023
Various Artists "A Girl's Favourite Oldies Vol.3: SOLEIL Juke Box"
This is the 3rd of a trilogy of compilations of music from which the band SOLEIL (active from 2017 to 2019) took some of its inspiration. This compilation contains 30 songs from the 60s selected by the band's bassist and...
Posted on January 31, 2023 at 22:15. | Released on January 27, 2023
Lullatone "Shapes & Time"
A brand new album by Lullatone has just been released! On their Bandcamp you can find it as a zine with CD (or with just a download code) or as a cassette edition. The zine has 32 pages and was...
Posted on November 15, 2022 at 23:15. | Released on November 11, 2022
City Pop on Vinyl 2022
"City Pop on Vinyl" is a campaign organized by Japan's famous record press Toyo Kasei. It takes place again in 2022, for the 3rd tme. Below is a selection of some titles not to be missed by readers of this...
Posted on August 6, 2022 at 00:55. | Released on August 6, 2022
Reina Nosa "The Closet Music" (Download)
Reina Nosa has built a studio in her closet, from which she has been regularly delivering countless fun ukulele covers via her YouTube channel and Instagram. Meanwhile, she has found the time to make this charming and beautiful mini-album of...
Posted on February 24, 2022 at 23:56. | Released on December 20, 2021
Mondo Grosso "Mondo Grosso Official Best" (2CD)
Mondo Grosso, the solo unit of Shinichi Ōsawa (lately also active with RHYME SO), has just released a greatest hits album that's filled with tracks taken from the project's 30 years of history. Some new remixes, new mixes and re-edits...
Posted on November 8, 2021 at 09:16. | Released on November 3, 2021
Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.20
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 23, 2021 at 00:37.
Port of Notes "Two", Miyuki Hatakeyama "Song Book #1"
Port of Notes, the unit of singer Miyuki Hatakeyama and guitarist Daisuke Oshima (aka DSK), is celebrating this year its 25th anniversary! This new album titled "Two" was recorded by just the two, and consists of self-covers of their previous...
Posted on July 8, 2021 at 23:48. | Released on July 7, 2021
Latin Quarter "pattern01" (Cassette/Download), "Mock" (Cassette+Download), "Hearty Party"
Latin Quarter (Twitter), trackmaker/DJ of the Pan Pacific Playa collective from Yokohama, has a brand new album being released! His first original release in 13 years, "pattern01" is available either on cassette or digitally (via Bandcamp). Jet Set also has...
Posted on April 12, 2021 at 23:26. | Released on April 14, 2021
Various Artists "Lake Of Illusions Vol.3"
Here comes a 3rd compilation of the "Lake of Illusions" (aka "maboroshi no mizuumi") series, this time consisting of all newly written songs by the featured artists, with a common theme of "jazz" in various perspectives. Artists include Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 13, 2021 at 13:57. | Released on March 12, 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.
Towa Tei "Birthday" (7")
Towa Tei is releasing this month a new 7" single titled "Birthday"! The new song features Hosono Haruomi, Koike Mitsuko (Beautiful Hummingbird) and HANA. The B-side is "Luv Pandemic" from album "CUTE" (2015), which featured vocals by Hosono Haruomi, Takahashi...
Posted on February 1, 2021 at 22:32. | Released on February 10, 2021
Childish Tones feat. Beni Usakura "God Bless the Girls" (CD/10")
Childish Tones (Twitter) has just released a full-length album, titled "God Bless the Girls", and it's the first featuring singer Beni Usakura (Twitter, Instagram)! Following the early-bird cassette edition released for Cassette Store Day, here it comes on CD and...
Posted on October 28, 2020 at 23:59. | Released on October 28, 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.
Posted on October 22, 2020 at 21:18. | Event held on Sunday October 25, 2020 at 18:30 (JST)
sugar me "Wild Flowers"
Singer-songwriter sugar me is releasing a brand new album, her first original album since "Around the Corner" (2015) which had been followed by cover mini-album "6 femmes". Featured musicians include Horie Hirohisa (Neil & Iraiza) on keyboards, Kamiya Jumpei (Akai...
Posted on October 5, 2020 at 21:35. | Released on October 7, 2020
Posted on September 4, 2020 at 23:51. | Event held on Thursday September 24, 2020 at 20:00 (JST)
COUNTJOKE "ZERO" (Download)
COUNTJOKE (Facebook page), the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya (SoundCloud, Mixcloud), has just released digitally a compilation of previous 7" singles including rare track "city line" that was only released on CD-R. All songs were newly remastered or...
Posted on August 19, 2020 at 21:14. | Released on August 19, 2020
Posted on August 7, 2020 at 22:24. | Event held on Saturday September 5, 2020 at 18:00 (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
Cinema and Boy CQ "The Picture Show of Chronic Deja Vu"
Cinema and Boy CQ (named denei to shōnen CQ in Japanese) is a boy-girl idol duo with a cinematic approach, singing music of imaginary movie soundtracks. Their 2nd album has just been released. Check out the music videos below. There's...
Posted on June 8, 2020 at 21:02. | Released on June 8, 2020
sugar me "Follow The Rainbow EP" (Download)
Singer-songwriter sugar me has just released a new digital EP of two songs! The title song was arranged by Hayashibe Tomonori (Plus-Tech Squeeze Box), while the B-side is a home recording featuring bassist Ray, pianist Kashiwa Saori and drummer...
Posted on May 8, 2020 at 21:09. | Released on May 8, 2020
Watauchi Katsuyuki "almost green"
Singer-songwriter Watauchi Katsuyuki has just released a brand new album. It was recorded with musicians who played with him back when he did his solo debut (around 1994), such as guitarist Aoki Takaaki, bassist Ori Makoto (aka Francis, ex-The Collectors)...
Posted on May 3, 2020 at 21:36. | Released on April 4, 2020
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
Lullatone "Music for Museum Gift Shops"
Nagoya-based unit Lullatone has already been around for 20 years (when counting their early days)! It seems like it was the right time to revisit their vast repertory, as does this 52-song album of almost 2½ hours. All songs were...
Posted on March 30, 2019 at 13:32. | Released on March 22, 2019
Buffalo Daughter "Pshychic" (12"+7"), "Euphorica" (12"+10")
Buffalo Daughter's 4th and 5th albums "Pshychic" (2003, Amazon) and "Euphorica" (2006) are being released for the first time on vinyl! They come as two-disc sets (12"+7" and 12"+10" respectively) and each is limited to 300 copies. Buffalo Daughter "Pshychic"...
Posted on February 22, 2019 at 22:42. | Released on March 13, 2019
Hoshino Michiru "gyakkou"
Hoshino Michiru, who just started her very own label "yoi Record gaisha" (translates to "Good Record Company") at the end of last year, has a brand new EP being released! Included are three songs of which she wrote the music...
Posted on February 20, 2019 at 22:38. | Released on March 6, 2019
Shuntaro Okino "The Spark"
Okino Shuntarō (ex-Venus Peter) has a brand new album is being released! "The Spark" is entirely performed and mixed by himself, with all lyrics in English. It's the follow-up to "F-A-R" (2015, CDJapan), which had been followed by a remix...
Posted on June 4, 2018 at 21:52. | Released on June 6, 2018
kotringo "ame no hakoniwa"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has recently released new album "ame no hakoniwa", the follow-up to "birdcore!" (2014). All songs can be sampled at CDJapan and other retailers. kotringo "ame no hakoniwa" コトリンゴ 「雨の箱庭」 1. ame agaru 2. maigo ni natta onna...
Posted on December 30, 2017 at 23:47. | Released on November 8, 2017
Various Artists "Throw Away Your CDs Go Out To A Show"
Call And Response Records has a new compilation out now! Curated by Ian Martin, author of the book "Quit Your Band! Musical Notes from the Japanese Underground", this album features 17 bands from various areas of Japan, revolving around genres...
Posted on August 20, 2017 at 00:37. | Released on August 16, 2017
Chie & The Wolf Baits "Chie & The Wolf Baits"
Chie & The Wolf Baits is a rock'n'roll girl trio led by Learners' guitarist Horiguchi Chie. This first album comes in a mini-LP sleeve with a 12-page booklet. HMV gives away a signed 7" sleeve (while supplies last). On June...
Posted on June 16, 2017 at 22:43. | Released on June 21, 2017
little moa "Trampoline"
little moa is a trio formed of singer Okada Shion, keyboardist 5MBS, and euphonium player Kanna. This 2nd album is the follow-up to "good evening" (2013, Rallye Label), and features appearances by Iceland-based French singer Olèna, singer-songwriter Matsuki Ayumu, and...
Posted on May 6, 2017 at 12:18. | Released on May 31, 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
sione "ode"
Yukawa Shione releases a first full-length album under the sione name, a new project in which she sings without using words. The album was produced and arranged by world's end girlfriend who also produced EP "Golden Age" released last year....
Posted on April 11, 2017 at 23:37. | Released on April 15, 2017
Count Joke "nikyu tenshi no Theme / ame ni hohoemi o" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) have released yet another 7" single this month! "nikyū tenshi no Theme" is a brand new original, while "ame ni hohoemi o" is a Japanese lyrics disco cover of Neil Sedaka's "Laughter in...
Posted on December 30, 2015 at 21:53. | Released on December 9, 2015
Halfby "Innn Hawaii"
Halfby aka Takahashi Takahiro has a brand new 5th album out now! This successes "Leaders Of The New School" (2014), and features VIDEOTAPEMUSIC, Alfred Beach Sandal, Hashimoto Tsubasa (cero) and Electric Sisters. Expect danceable exotic soundscapes of Halfby's trademark, with...
Posted on November 15, 2015 at 18:23. | Released on November 11, 2015
Cornelius "Constellations of Music"
Cornelius has a new collection of his recent works coming. At a first glance it seems to be part of the "CM" series (the previous was "CM4" in 2012), though this one is distinguished by bringing a good share of...
Posted on August 15, 2015 at 22:11. | Released on August 19, 2015
Tomita Isao "Space Fantasy", "Tomita on NHK"
Two albums by synthesizer maestro Tomita Isao were released this month. The first, "Space Fantasy", is a 2-CD release of which the 1st CD is a collection of tracks from his "Planets" trilogy ("Cosmos", "Bermuda Triangle" and "Firebird") remastered in...
Posted on March 14, 2015 at 16:07. | Released on March 4, 2015
Count Joke "LED c/w nagisa" (7"+CD)
A 2nd 7" from this trilogy by Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page), unit of Maezono Naoki & Arai Toshiya, was released this week! Also check out the January-released "bird man c/w ameagari". The next will be released on...
Posted on February 27, 2015 at 22:38. | Released on February 25, 2015
Count Joke "bird man c/w ameagari" (7"+CD)
Count Joke (aka jōdan hakushaku) (Facebook page) is the unit of Maezono Naoki and Arai Toshiya. Starting this January they are releasing a series of 7"'s (coming with a bonus CD) of songs limitedly released on CD throughout last year....
Posted on February 6, 2015 at 23:50. | Released on January 28, 2015
kotringo "birdcore!"
Pianist singer-songwriter kotringo has a new album out now! This contains the title track from latest single "dare ka watashi o", and guest artists include Aoki Takamasa, Murata Shige (Kuchiroro), Tabata Yoshiaki (Beautiful Hummingbird), and toy instrument player Yoshihara Rie....
Posted on April 30, 2014 at 23:29. | Released on April 30, 2014
Various Artists "Snow Monkey Beer Live!"
"Snow Monkey Beer Live!" is a music and beer festival that's been held every year since 2012. This genre-less compilation CD contains tracks by related artists including Kaji Hideki, Kushibiki Sayaka Trio (feat. Matsuda "Chabe" Gakuji and Furukawa Taichi), Predawn,...
Posted on March 9, 2014 at 01:04. | Released on March 5, 2014
Dorian "midori"
MC-909 maestro Dorian, aka Mr. Tropical Disco, has a brand new full-length original album out this week! On "midori" he explores more exotic and lounge themes, while expanding his world to sampling techniques. Guest musicians include Kashif (aka StringsBurn) and...
Posted on November 4, 2013 at 17:06. | Released on November 6, 2013
Yashiro Aki "yume no yoru Live In New York"
This is a live recording of Yashiro Aki's first jazz show abroad, following the release of album "Songs Around Midnight" produced by Konishi Yasuharu. The show was held at Birdland in New York on March 27 this year, and featured...
Posted on August 18, 2013 at 01:04. | Released on August 21, 2013
Toki Asako "Heartbreakin'"
Singer Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals) has a new original album that was released in June. With an 80's city pop taste, the album has two songs of which the music was written by EPO. Check out the video for "Tokyo Drive"...
Posted on July 13, 2013 at 22:34. | Released on June 12, 2013
Muro "Diggin' Salsoul Breaks"
Following Towa Tei's recent Salsoul mix CD, here comes another one from DJ Muro. This features a unique selection by the "King of Diggin'", and the right dose of his top mixing skills. The art direction was done by Shindō...
Posted on April 21, 2013 at 22:40. | Released on April 10, 2013
Gig report: Takako Minekawa & Dustin Wong debut live w/ Living Astro
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Sunday, I finally got to see an artist I had been wanting to see for about 15 years, ever since I got "Cloudy Cloud Calculator"! That's right, Takako Minekawa...
Posted on March 26, 2013 at 21:04.
Predawn "A Golden Wheel"
Female singer-songwriter and guitarist Predawn has a first full-length album coming. This follows mini-album "te no naka no tori" ("A Bird In The Hand", iTunes) released in 2010. Check out the brand new video below! Other audio samples can be...
Posted on March 24, 2013 at 14:58. | Released on March 27, 2013
Tomoki Kanda "Interstellar Interlude"
Kanda Tomoki (Being Borings) has a new solo album out now. Included are "Ride A Watersmooth Silver Stallion" previously released on the "Crue-L Café" compilation, and a cover of Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants To Rule The World", for a...
Posted on January 3, 2013 at 00:00. | Released on December 21, 2012
Akane Hosaka "pikkonoco"
Independent electronic artist Akane Hosaka from Tokyo's underground Enban scene has a 4th album that was released this month, follow-up to "niko niko denki muzic" (2008 label Sonore). Recorded, manufactured (CD-R) and distributed by the artist herself, the new 10-song...
Posted on October 30, 2012 at 23:51. | Released on October 1, 2012
milk "greeting for the sleeping seeds"
This is the first album by milk (official Facebook page), the solo unit of composer/pianist Umebayashi Tarō known for having worked with naomi & goro and Harada Tomoyo. Featured are several guests such as Au Revoir Simone and Sally Seltman...
Posted on August 14, 2012 at 21:16. | Released on August 15, 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
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
Nakamura Kazuyoshi "6 Remix'n Birds"
Singer-songwriter Nakamura Kazuyoshi, leader of J-rock band 100s, has a remix mini-album out just now. The originals aren't something I'd recommend, but the impressive list of remixers here is sure to draw attention, with Ishino Takkyu (Denki Groove), FPM, Yakenohara,...
Posted on March 27, 2012 at 23:04. | Released on March 28, 2012
Kinbara Chieko "Best Mix"
Club-style violinist Kinbara Chieko has a greatest hits album out now. This is actually a non-stop mix by DJ Spinna, with each track selected by "25 of the world's greatest DJs". The selection covers her entire solo career that started...
Posted on February 12, 2012 at 01:21. | Released on February 8, 2012
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"
For a 4th month in a row here's another compilation selected by Sunaga Tatsuo, of songs from the catalog of Japanese jazz label Venus Records which releases works by foreign artists. Tracks of the previous installments can be sampled on...
Posted on January 20, 2012 at 21:54. | Released on January 21, 2012
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus III"
This is a 3rd in the series of Sunaga Tatsuo's compilations selected from Japanese jazz label Venus Records, which releases works by foreign artists. Sunaga Tatsuo's unit Sunaga t Experience has a new cover album that was released earlier this...
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 19:53. | Released on December 21, 2011
Sunaga t Experience "Choice"
Sunaga t Experience (the jazz unit produced by Sunaga Tatsuo) is back with a new album, this time backed by Billboard Japan part of a series of cover albums on its recently started Billboard Records label. The album features collaborations...
Posted on November 27, 2011 at 23:33. | Released on December 7, 2011
Tucker "Tucker Plays 19 Post Cards"
The latest from Crue-L Records is a 3rd album by multi-player/keyboardist Tucker, who performed and recorded everything by himself. The genre-less instrumental album contains hints of soul, rock, rare groove, lounge, cosmic and soundtrack-like sounds, with a touch of Asian...
Posted on November 1, 2011 at 23:20. | Released on October 28, 2011
Jazztronik "Dig Dig Dig"
Jazztronik, the solo unit of Nozaki Ryōta, has a new album coming next week with a theme of "dancing" and sounds of funk, disco, acid-jazz, techno and hip-hop. This features guests such as Swedish-Japanese singer Maia Hirasawa, and also the...
Posted on June 3, 2011 at 00:03. | Released on June 8, 2011
Gig report: Farm Party #6: Abikyokan, Hosaka Akane, Young Fratellis, N'toko
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound On Friday April 22 was a fun event held at Asagaya GaMuSo, of the Farm Party series organized by the great Tokyo Gig Guide. Started just last year, it was...
Posted on April 29, 2011 at 11:49.
Various Artists "Nagisa ongaku-sai presents In The Mix mixed by Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM)"
Tanaka Tomoyuki aka FPM has a new mix CD out today, put together for beach rave event Nagisa Music Festival where he will be DJing. The event is to be held in Tokyo on April 10 and in Osaka on...
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 22:42. | Released on March 23, 2011
Gig report: Ohno Yumiko "The Rainy Table" release party
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Friday was a public holiday, Japan's National Foundation Day, and early evening I went to Roppongi SuperDeluxe for an event organized by multi-talent Ohno Yumiko of Buffalo Daughter. Yumiko...
Posted on February 14, 2011 at 22:52.
Various Artists "Grrrls Talk (compiled by Twee Grrrls Club)"
Twee Grrrls Club (MySpace) is a grrrls unit doing what indie grrrls do: make cassette mix tapes, fanzines, collect records and DJ. The unit features Yuppa (HNC, Love And Hates), Miila (Love And Hates), Sumire and Satomi. This is their...
Posted on October 4, 2010 at 20:56. | Released on October 6, 2010
Various Artists "Love Songs from Marunouchi -The Lounge-"
This compilation is themed around "adult love songs to be played in a large city's lounge". Selected by Nakatsuka Takeshi, it contains mainly previously released tracks, mostly by Japanese jazz/lounge/club artists. A previously unreleased long version of Nakatsuka's cover of...
Posted on September 21, 2010 at 22:35. | Released on September 22, 2010
Various Artists "Kill your T.V. meets felicity EP -curated by Aiha Higurashi-"
Higurashi Aiha (ex-Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her) selects this nice-priced compilation EP of songs from label felicity's catalog. Included are yet unreleased new songs by her unit LOVES. (from upcoming album to be released on July 28), and also...
Posted on June 6, 2010 at 18:32. | Released on June 16, 2010
Original Love "Volare! The Best Selections of Original Love"
A new greatest hits album is coming from Original Love, containing songs from 1995 to 2006. Included is title track "Volare", a Japanese lyrics version of popular Italian song "Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu". Original Love's version was used in...
Posted on May 4, 2010 at 12:25. | Released on May 19, 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
Various Artists "House Disney"
Fantastic Plastic Machine has contributed a track to this house cover compilation of Disney tunes! Also featured are Meg, Q;indivi, Ayuse Kozue, Osawa Shinichi and more. The FPM track only has been specially released in advance on iTunes Japan. That's...
Posted on January 22, 2009 at 21:58. | Released on January 28, 2009
Various Artists "Speed Racer Japan ~Mach GoGoGo Tribute~"
Anime series "Mach GoGoGo", known to the rest of the world as "Speed Racer", is being paid homage on this tribute album featuring Fantastic Plastic Machine, Halfby, Kaji Hideki, Kiiiiiii+DJ Codomo, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove, InK), Kawanabe Hiroshi (Tokyo No.1...
Posted on August 24, 2008 at 23:37. | Released on August 27, 2008
Various Artists "JANT."
Featured are mostly previously released songs by Nomoto Karia, Qypthone, Nakatsuka Takeshi, Groove Unchant (new track), April Set, Le3, Bond Expo '60 feat. Pecombo, and more. Various Artists "JANT." 1. Bougain Ville-A / kimi to Drive 2. Bond Expo '60...
Posted on June 23, 2008 at 13:26. | Released on June 21, 2008
Hosono Haruomi "Archives Vol.1", Various Artists "Daisy Holiday"
Hosono "Harry" Hauromi (YMO, Sketch Show) brings his label daisyworld back from the dead. The first releases will coincide with his 61st birthday on July 9. These are a collection of rare musical works of his, ranging from TV shows...
Posted on April 22, 2008 at 15:51. | Released on July 9, 2008
Various Artists "Beautiful Girls -The Strictly Best Works Collection-"
Reggae Disco Rockers, the funky club-reggae band, has a compilation of works with other artists coming out. The theme is female vocals, and included are songs by Toki Asako (ex-Cymbals), eico, Jazztronik, bird, Mansfield, dorlis, Wada Akiko, their Pizzicato Five...
Posted on March 27, 2008 at 10:48. | Released on April 2, 2008
Various Artists "Diva"
Ide Yasushi's label Grand Gallery brings us a new compilation focusing on Japanese female vocalists of the dance/club scene. Various Artists "Diva" 1. Monday Michiru / You Make Me 2. bird / Beats 3. AK / say that you love...
Posted on February 7, 2008 at 12:10. | Released on February 6, 2008
DJ Sora-Mimi "Groove Party"
DJ Sora-Mimi, a new-comer of the scene who recently released a first 7" and also participated to the "Christmas Will Be Just Another Day" 12" compilation, has a first mix CD out now! 32 tracks of soft rock, groovy pops,...
Posted on December 28, 2007 at 11:08. | Released on December 26, 2007
Mr. Beats a.k.a. DJ Celory "Beautiful Tomorrow"
Who is Mr. Beats a.k.a. DJ Celory? To tell the truth I'm not too sure, except that he's a member of hip-hop unit Soul Scream. But, this new album of his will feature the likes of Yokoyama Ken (Crazy Ken...
Posted on December 20, 2007 at 22:45. | Released on January 16, 2008
Various Artists "Grand Gallery presents New Wave"
Grand Gallery is to bring us a compilation of Japanese club/dance scene artists performing covers of new wave hit songs. All new recordings, this features Mansfield, Akakage, Tycoon To$h & Sugimoto Kuni, Coldfeet, Tica and many more. Various Artists "Grand...
Posted on October 13, 2007 at 20:14. | Released on October 24, 2007
Fatboy Slim "The Greatest Hits Remixed"
FPM has a remix that made it even on the international release of Fatboy Slim's new 2-CD remix album! The remix has been heard before at least on "Sound Concierge #702". The Japanese edition of the remix album includes a...
Posted on September 5, 2007 at 14:14. | Released on September 19, 2007
