Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Rocketman "thank you for the music!"

2010-07-29T14:05:41Z

Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) has a greatest hits album coming soon. Aside from 7 songs from his two solo albums ("Love, sea & music" (2006) and "The Sound of Musique" (2007)), included are 3 songs he produced by Cosmetics, 3 recent non-album tracks (previously available for download), 1 song featuring Suzuki Ami (from her album "Dolce"), and perhaps (unless I missed something) one brand new song. Still some "album edits" suggest that these could be versions different than those previously released.

A release party titled "Rocketman Summer Fes 2010" will be held at Ebisu Liquid Room on August 22, featuring DJs Konishi Yasuharu, FPM, Nakatsuka Takeshi, and more. Details at Tokyo Gig Guide. Rocketman celebrates his 10th anniversary in music, since his debut with Konishi Yasuharu.

Rocketman "thank you for the music!"

(Title / Artist)
1. dancemusic / ROCKETMAN
2. FLY AWAY (album edit) / ROCKETMAN feat. KARIN
3. EVERYDAY (album edit) / ROCKETMAN feat. eico
4. IN THE LIGHT / ROCKETMAN feat. Sakai Yu
5. LOVE IS ALL / COSMETICS produced by ROCKETMAN
6. kako wa iranai (album edit) / ROCKETMAN
7. tomorrow / COSMETICS produced by ROCKETMAN
8. itsumo no asa / ROCKETMAN feat. Hitomitoi
9. kumo wa nagarete (album edit) / ROCKETMAN
10. korekara otozureru subete no kanashimi e / ROCKETMAN
11. ai no uta / Suzuki Ami joins ROCKETMAN feat. YOU THE ROCK★
12. LOVE IS ALL II ~korekara hajimaru story~ / ROCKETMAN feat. COSMETICS
13. Romantique 66 / ROCKETMAN
14. thank you for the music! / ROCKETMAN
15. LifegoesON2.0 (album edit) / ROCKETMAN

Victor VICL-63645
Out 8/4, ¥2500
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

[via Twitter] New Uniqlo Calendar with FPM's music, a cover of "Toreador Song"! http://www.uniqlo.com/calendar/ @tomoyukitanaka @FPM_report

2010-07-29T22:19:44Z

New Uniqlo Calendar with FPM's music, a cover of "Toreador Song"! http://www.uniqlo.com/calendar/ @tomoyukitanaka @FPM_report

pupa "dreaming pupa", "floating 6 pupas ~Live in Tokyo 2008~" (DVD)

2010-07-28T13:50:40Z

All-star band pupa (*), that was believed by many to be a one-time thing, is back with a 2nd album out now! Released at the same time is a live DVD containing a full show held in November 2008.

Also available as a download release is a remix EP of songs from the new album. Remixers include Miyauchi Yuri and i am robot and proud.

(*) pupa is Takahashi Yukihiro (YMO), Harada Tomoyo, Takano Hiroshi (HAAS), Takada Ren, Horie Hirohisa (Neil and Iraiza) and Gondō Tomohiko (anonymass).

Audio samples at HMV

pupa "dreaming pupa"

1. Meta
2. Changing Skies
3. Azalea ~5gatsu no hikari - kimi no inai michi~
4. Mr. Epigone
5. dreaming pupa ~yume o miru bokura~
6. Current
7. Circadian Rhythm
8. Your Favorite Pain
9. All It Takes
10. If
11. Away Into Yesterday
12. Dun
13. Let's, Let's Dance
14. Kaleidoscope Waltz

EMI TOCT-26960
Out now (7/28), ¥3000
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), , CDJapan, YesAsia

pupa "floating 6 pupas ~Live in Tokyo 2008~" (DVD)

pupa Live Tour 2008 "floating 6 pupas" Shibuya C.C.Lemon Hall 30 November 2008
1. Jargon -What's pupa-
2. Unfixed Stars
3. At Dawn
4. Home Of My Heart
5. Tameiki
6. marimo
7. Lov
8. floating pupa
9. Laika
10. Cicada
11. Sunny Day Blue
12. Glass
13. Are You There?
14. Creaks
15. Anywhere
16. Eternally
17. New Order
18. It's Gonna Work Out (Encore)
19. Romance (Encore)
20. How? (Encore)

Bonus Movie
pupa Live 2008 "Preparation ~Before Floating~" at LIQUIDROOM, Ebisu June 2, 2008
Jargon / What's pupa- / Unfixed Stars / At Dawn ~MC / Glass ~MC / Home Of My Heart / How?

EMI TOBF-5677
Out now (7/28), ¥4800
Order: Amazon (27% off on pre-orders), HMV (23% off on pre-orders), Tower (Japan only), CDJapan, YesAsia

pupa "dreaming pupa pre-remix e.p."

1. Mr. Epigone -miyauchi yuri ael_remix-
2. Kaleidoscope Waltz -GND remix-
3. dreaming pupa -i am robot and proud remix-
4. Meta -GND remix-

EMI DD-01221
Out now (7/14), ¥450
Sample/buy:

[via Twitter] RT @ZacBentz: New Perfume song/video "Voice." Watch it while you still can! http://bit.ly/coFl1b

2010-07-27T00:08:57Z

RT @ZacBentz: New Perfume song/video "Voice." Watch it while you still can! http://bit.ly/coFl1b

[via Twitter] Club Aloe is a new band of 5 members of Modern Choki Chokies! Many songs up on MySpace: http://is.gd/dJJZ9 Show on Aug. 10 @ Mandala 2!

2010-07-26T21:55:12Z

Club Aloe is a new band of 5 members of Modern Choki Chokies! Many songs up on MySpace: http://is.gd/dJJZ9 Show on Aug. 10 @ Mandala 2!

[via Twitter] Great new video by Kinoco Hotel, "mayonaka no Angel Baby", from upcoming cover album "Marianne no kyuujitsu" http://youtu.be/UsySlDDrjO0

2010-07-25T23:58:16Z

Great new video by Kinoco Hotel, "mayonaka no Angel Baby", from upcoming cover album "Marianne no kyuujitsu" http://youtu.be/UsySlDDrjO0

SUNAHARA Yoshinori "Subliminal"

2010-07-25T14:41:43Z

Sunahara Yoshinori is back with a first original solo release since "Lovebeat" (2001)! That's if you don't count soundtrack "No Boys, No Cry" (2009) and the collaboration single "kamisama no iu tōri" out recently.

This new EP consisting of 4 brand new tracks! The release is said to be a time limited edition until January 2011, so it's best to buy early. A new album is rumored to be coming soon...

Sunahara Yoshinori "Subliminal"

1. The First Step
2. subliminal
3. Unconscious Fragment
4. Capacity

Ki/oon KSCL-1665
Out 7/28, ¥1223
Order: Tower (Japan only), HMV , Amazon, YesAsia, CDJapan

Rocketman "dancemusic" (Download)

2010-07-25T02:12:21Z

2 weeks ahead of an upcoming greatest hits album, Rocketman offers an iTunes-only collection of 8 recent works.

Aside of 6 that can be found on the upcoming album ("thank you for the music" is previously unreleased though), there's a previously released remix of "Love Is All", and then there's a new remix of "dancemusic" that won't be included on the album.

Rocketman "dancemusic" (Download)

1. dancemusic
2. LOVE IS ALL ~summer breeze~
3. LOVE IS ALL II ~korekara hajimaru story~
4. tomorrow
5. thank you for the music
6. LifeGoesON2.0
7. LOVE IS ALL
8. dancemusic remix

Victor VEAML-24246
Out now (7/21), ¥800
Sample/buy:

TAKANAMI Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Ryōma no hanauta (akaban)"

2010-07-23T15:49:16Z

Where did Takanami K-tarō go? He's doing fine, back to his hometown of Nagasaki since last year. And it seems like he fell in love with the roots he found there, as he offers this surprising new album consisting of traditional Japanese music, many songs featuring only Nagasaki singer and gekkin player Kotone. Still Takanami's pop sound we know can be found in several tracks performed with a band, including a cover of Burt Bacharach's "Me Japanese Boy" which he sings in duet translated into Nagasaki dialect. Guests include Kawaguchi Yoshiyuki (Kuricorder Quartet), Watanabe Masami (the fascinations) and Groove Unchant.

Sub-titled "Lounge music of Bakumatsu" (referring to the end of the Edo period), this album is out on his new label Playtime Rock (blog) and a follow-up release is expected around July-August.

Takanami Keitarō to Nangasaki Five "Ryōma no hanauta (akaban)"
高浪慶太郎となんがさきふぁいぶ「龍馬のハナ唄（赤盤）」

1. sanminkyo
2. Nagasaki buraburabushi ~ sono ichi
3. meriifuhaa
4. sasō ~haru wa 3gatsu~
5. yosakoibushi ~ sono ichi
6. peepanchau (Instrumental)
7. Nagasaki buraburabushi ~ gekkin hen
8. suisenka
9. sakurazaka (Instrumental)
10. kinzuenfahaa
11. Me Japanese Boy
12. aru hareta hi ni (Instrumental)

Playtime Rock PTR-001
Out now (6/16), ¥2800
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only)

[via Twitter] Interesting article about Omodaka in the Japan Times! RT @fareastrecordin http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20100723a3.html

2010-07-23T23:30:15Z

Interesting article about Omodaka in the Japan Times! RT @fareastrecordin http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20100723a3.html

[via Twitter] Budo Grape new video for song "sushiya sushiya" http://youtu.be/Kj_szrvx5P0 from album "himitsu Gallery" Info: http://tinyurl.com/35pdu2q

2010-07-21T22:57:03Z

Budo Grape new video for song "sushiya sushiya" http://youtu.be/Kj_szrvx5P0 from album "himitsu Gallery" Info: http://tinyurl.com/35pdu2q

Sweet Jam Style "Shibuya-kei Bossa"

2010-07-20T13:10:23Z

Bossa nova cover project Sweet Jam Style's first release is a collection of Shibuya-kei classics. Included are hit songs by Pizzicato Five, Cornelius, Kahimi Karie, Original Love, Flipper's Guitar and Ozawa Kenji. The album features various female vocalists, and is produced by Bajune Tobeta, an artist who has worked with Sakamoto Ryuichi. Out now!

Sample songs on iTunes Japan or on release official page

Sweet Jam Style "Shibuya-kei Bossa"
Sweet Jam Style 「渋谷系BOSSA」

1. konya wa Boogie Back (Ozawa Kenji)
2. bokura ga tabi ni deru riyū (Ozawa Kenji)
3. Lovely (Ozawa Kenji)
4. Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (Pizzicato Five)
5. Baby Portable Rock (Pizzicato Five)
6. seppun Kiss (Original Love)
7. koi to Machinegun (Flipper's Guitar)
8. Camera! Camera! Camera! (Flipper's Guitar)
9. Star Fruits Surf Rider (Cornelius)
10. Humming ga kikoeru (Kahimi Karie)

Blowgrow XNBG-10003
Out 7/21, ¥1890
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan,

[via Twitter] Motocompo will be playing live tonight on Ustream from 22:00 (in 1 hour) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/motocompo-live-20100719

2010-07-19T20:57:26Z

Motocompo will be playing live tonight on Ustream from 22:00 (in 1 hour) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/motocompo-live-20100719

SMAP "We are SMAP!"

2010-07-19T02:46:24Z

Boy idol group SMAP has a new album featuring a bunch of interesting artists, such as Sōtaiseiriron, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), CMJK (ex-Denki Groove), Fukutomi Yukihiro, Nishidera Gōta (Nona Reeves), Rip Slyme, Love Psychedelico, and more. Last but not least, "DJ Parody Gag", Konishi Yasuharu in disguise, produces a cover of The Folk Crusaders.

SMAP "We are SMAP!"

CD 1
1. We are SMAP! -Funky Lude-
2. Swing (Words and music co-writted by Nishidera Gōta)
3. boku no subarashii jinsei
4. sotto gyutto
5. Trust (Words, music and arrangement by Komuro Tetsuya)
6. Feel It
7. GAIA ni onegai
8. hinageshi
9. mijikai kami
10. Magic Time
11. Love & Peace Inside?
12. We are SMAP! -Bounce Lude-
13. SMAP no Positive Dance (Music by Ishino Takkyū, arrangement by CMJK)
14. Going Over（Words and music by Rip Slyme, arrangement by Fukutomi Yukihiro)
15. Cry for the Smile
16. We are SMAP!

CD 2
1. Memory ~June~
2. kimi no mama de...
3. ai ya koi ya
4. kaettekita yopparai (Arranged by DJ Parody Gag)
5. No Way Out (Words, music and arrangement by Love Psychedelico)

Victor VICL-63666/7
Out 7/21, ¥3600
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower, CDJapan, YesAsia

Clémentine "Animentine ~ Bossa du animé", Meja "AniMeja ~ Ghibli songs"

2010-07-18T10:50:52Z

Clémentine's latest is a cover album of popular anime songs, arranged in a bossa nova style. Themes from "Sazae-san", "chibi Maruko-chan", "Doraemon" are included amongst many others.

Released at the same time is also a cover album by Swedish singer Meja who covers Ghibli songs. Her album's jacket shows a landscape from "majo no takkyūbin" ("Kiki's Delivery Service"), which was modeled after Stockholm. Even a cover of a song from just-out film "The Borrower Arrietty" is included.

Clémentine "Animentine ~ Bossa du animé"
クレモンティーヌ「アニメンティーヌ～ボッサ・ドゥ・アニメ」

1. Lum no Love Song (from "Urusei yatsura")
2. Bakabon Medley
3. gake no ue no Ponyo (from "gake no ue no Ponyo" ("Ponyo"))
4. odoru ponpokorin (from "chibi Maruko-chan")
5. kaze no tani no Nausicaa (from "kaze no tani no Nausicaa" ("Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind"))
6. hajimete no chuu (from "kiteretsu daihyakka")
7. Romantic ageru yo (from "Dragonball")
8. Sazae-san Medley
9. Doraemon no uta (from "Doraemon")
10. tonchinkanchin Ikkyū-san (from "Ikkyū-san")
11. Touch (from "Touch")
12. Cat's Eye (from "Cat's Eye")

Sony SICP-2770
Out 7/21, ¥2520
Order: HMV, Amazon, Tower, CDJapan, YesAsia

Meja "AniMeja ~ Ghibli songs"
メイヤ「アニメイヤ～ジブリ・ソングス」

1. tonari no Totoro (from "tonari no Totoro")
2. Arrietty's Song (from "karigurashi no Arrietty" ("The Borrower Arrietty"))
3. mononoke hime (from "mononoke hime" ("Princess Mononoke"))
4. Rouge no dengon (from "majo no takkyūbin" ("Kiki's Delivery Service"))
5. Therru no uta (from "Gedo senki" ("Tales from Earthsea"))
6. kimi o nosete (from "tenku no shiro Laputa" ("Castle in the SKy"))
7. gake no ue no Ponyo (from "gake no ue no Ponyo" ("Ponyo"))
8. kaze no tani no Nausicaa (from "kaze no tani no Nausicaa" ("Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind"))
9. Country Road (from "mimi o sumaseba" ("Whisper of the Heart"))
10. itsumo nando de mo (from "sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi" ("Spirited Away"))
11. sekai no yakusoku (from "Howl no ugoku shiro" ("Howl's Moving Castle"))

Sony SICP-2769
Out 7/21, ¥2520
Order: HMV, Amazon, Tower, CDJapan, YesAsia

KOR=GIRL "KOR=GIRL I"

2010-07-18T02:57:33Z

A first mini-album from KOR=GIRL (MySpace) is coming this week! KOR=GIRL is a new unit of 2 girls who sing while banging Korg Wavedrums. It's produced by Terukado (Aira Mitsuki, Saori@destiny).

It seems that the release had to face some trouble as the tracks found their way online a bit too early. The producer has put a message on the official site together with download links for all full-length tracks (with a "Free Download Edition" note). If you like them please show your support and buy the album, I will!

KOR=GIRL "KOR=GIRL I"

1. NANBA
2. TENJIN
3. WADA
4. MIYAJIMA
5. OUMI
6. KIYOMIZU

D-topia VUCD-60009
Out 7/21, ¥1575
Order: Tower, Amazon, HMV, CDJapan, YesAsia,

"NANBA" teaser clip

Gig report: SHINOHARA Tomoe's Ultra Relax Day 2010

2010-07-17T12:07:26Z

Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Last Wednesday, July 14, was a show celebrating the 15th anniversary of Shinohara Tomoe's debut album "Super Model". The album was reissued just recently with bonus tracks and an added DVD of rare footage.

This show was held at Liquid Room and featured a dozen of guest musicians, some who collaborated with her through her career and other close friends. People who came wearing "shinorer" fashion (two watches or more, colorful bracelets, shorts, stickers on the face, etc.) were given a ¥500 cashback. Of course I participated in the fun. :)

]]> It all started with a video first showing Tomoe posing as the Statue of Liberty holding a mic, and then some funny old self-introductory footage from her debut. The white curtain opened and the show began with her accompanied by agraph (a young electro artist who I had seen a year ago opening for Sunahara Yoshinori) and percussionist Steve Etō. Members of dance unit Condors appeared for "yaruki Sensation" and "Kurekure Takora". Keyboardist Asakura Daisuke also joined from "wasurechau mon".

kurukuru Miracle / yaruki Sensation / wasurechau mon / Alphabet de B.A.S.S. / Shinohara Tomoe no Kurekure Takora

Next was time for a costume change, during which was shown Tomoe's photos from throughout her career, selected from some 20000 photos and arranged into a fun slideshow by VJs team DeviceGirls. The BGM was marumouke (Shinoland Punk).

Then we had right to some comedy with actor Issey Ogata, who did as he was in his car changing radio channels (improvised by Steve and tablaist U-Zhaan), until he found the song kokoro no usagi that Tomoe played on her guitar. Issey later accompanied on ukulele.

See photos of the show up to here on this post on Tomoe's blog (part 1/3).

The next part was to be with a full band featuring guitarist Shimizu Hirotaka (The Cornelius Group), drummer Araki Yūko (mi-gu, The Cornelius Group), bassist Clammbon's mito, and keyboardist Hosomi Sakana, still with U-Zhaan and Steve. They performed 3 songs that Tomoe had written lyrics/music for.

An Audio (music written by mito) / Anything / Story Book ("Happy Point" B-side)

Then the stage was left empty for Tomoe to come back alone. She sang Stereo Phonics, a song she had written together with Kagami with who she had a unit called Tokyo Flash. For those who don't know, Kagami died just recently at a very young age. The upbeat song ended with tears in her eyes as she pointed to the video behind that said "Tomoe X Kagami". She left the stage for a few minutes while the audience never stopped applauding. I really hoped Kagami would hear this from above...

See photos of the show up to here on this post on Tomoe's blog (part 2/3).

agraph and Steve came back on stage for jam along samples from Chime, her debut song produced by Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). After a few minutes Tomoe came back dressed up looking more Shinorer than ever! Takkyū was listed as a guest to the show and I had been expecting him to show up at electronics in the back, but agraph remained there, until Takkyū arrived on stage with nothing but one of those South African horns!!! That was just too hilarious! Laughter wouldn't stop for the whole song.

The next song was Ultra Relax! Tomoe announced the secret guest which turned out to be Pierre Taki (the other half of Denki Groove) dressed up as Shinorer just like Tomoe, down to the red schoolbag with angel wings, except that he's a really big guy! Again there was nothing to stop the laughter. Through the song he and Tomoe threw lots and lots of colorful bracelets in the audience. Takkyū had switched to play the cowbell..!

That was it, but there was a one-song encore featuring again the full band, plus guitarist Naka Shigeo (The Surf Coasters) and singer Moriwaka Kaori (Go-Bang's) who wrote the song rararu Rainbow! That was a really powerful ending to an amazing show!

See photos of the show up to here on this post on Tomoe's blog (part 3/3).

Thanks for all the great entertainment Tomoe, and here's looking forward to the next 15 years!

Crazy Ken Band "1107", "Honmoku Massive" (DVD)

2010-07-17T02:04:10Z

Marking the 1st anniversary of moving to a major label, Crazy Ken Band has a new single coming this week. Released at the same time is a set of 4 DVDs containing 2 entire shows from last fall: "Honmoku Massive" outdoor festival (September 12, 2009) and "Girl! Girl! Girl! 009" (October 25, 2009).

The single's limited edition includes a bonus DVD with the video for title song as well as studio footage, and an alternate sexy jacket.

Crazy Ken Band "1107"

1. 1107
2. bariki
3. Crazy Ken Band's Information
4. 1107 (Karaoke)
5. bariki (Karaoke)

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Double Joy International UMCK-9362
Out 7/21, ¥1500
Order: Amazon (16% off on pre-orders), HMV, YesAsia, Tower, CDJapan

Regular edition (CD only)
Double Joy International UMCK-5282
Out 7/21, ¥1000
Order: Amazon, HMV, YesAsia, Tower, CDJapan

Crazy Ken Band "Honmoku Massive" (DVD)
(Region 2 / NTSC)

P-VINE 2010-07-21
Out 7/21, ¥8190
Order: Amazon (27% off on pre-orders), HMV (21% off on pre-orders), Tower, YesAsia, CDJapan

[via Twitter] CTO LAB. album release party this Friday! RT @tgg_latest CTO LAB., Pyokn, Rose-Unlimited, Genius, etc. http://bit.ly/97jhOr

2010-07-14T00:14:14Z

CTO LAB. album release party this Friday! RT @tgg_latest CTO LAB., Pyokn, Rose-Unlimited, Genius, etc. http://bit.ly/97jhOr

CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"

2010-07-13T15:11:36Z

There's a new techno-pop unit called CTO LAB., formed of Okada Tōru (Moonriders), Polymoog (Elektel) and Imai Kentarō (The Aprils).

"CTO" standing for "Compact Techno Organization", the concept is to use small synthesizers and electronic instruments for making their music. These include the SX-150 (a mini-synthesizer included with magazine "otona no kagaku"), Korg DS-10 (a Nintendo DS software synth), Kaossilator, iPod Touch, a Nintendo Wiimote, etc. This first album comes on Okada Tōru's own label Valb.

A release party will be held at Aoyama Mandala on July 16 (Friday). Details at Tokyo Gig Guide.

CTO LAB. "Okie Dokie!"

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
2. Crash Bandicoot
3. Flashback
4. C.DISCO
5. Chemi-con
6. one more thing
7. Dream Child
8. Pack up my sorrow
9. TELEVOX
10. Theme of SX-150
11. shinsetsu na hito

Valb DDCZ-1694
Out 7/28, ¥2300
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

"Crash Bandicoot" music video starring Genius

Trivia!
Early temporary title: "Spiral Development".
The band was earlier known as "CTO Branch".

pal@pop "feat. PLUS"

2010-07-12T15:08:57Z

pal@pop (aka Takano Kenichi) has a new album out imminently, a collection of collaborations with various female singers. Featured are Halcali, Inagaki Saki (aka Sakura), Makino Yui, comedians Morisanchū and more. Note that the previously released Halcali track comes in a different version!

The limited edition contains a bonus DVD with the video for "hatsukoi".

Sample all tracks at label Victor (click the green WMP links)

pal@pop "feat. PLUS"

1. Zipper feat. Makino Yui
2. hatsukoi ~ Pure na Saki-chan Ver. ~ feat. Inagaki Saki
3. Re: yasashii kimochi ~ pal@pop Mix ~ feat. Halcali
4. dai kirai! ~ B-gata no kare ga hitorikko datta ken ~ feat. RSP
5. SORA feat. ACO&Tabuchi Hisako
6. ibukuro feat. Morisanchū
7. kyō mo ichinichi dai suki deshita. feat. Hatsune Miku
8. hatsukoi ~ monomane Saki-chan Ver. ~ feat. Inagaki Saki

Limited edition (CD+DVD)
Victor VIZL-382
Out 7/14, ¥2940
Order: Amazon (20% off on pre-orders), HMV (10% off on pre-orders), Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

Regular edition (CD only)
Victor VICL-63638
Out 7/14, ¥2415
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan,

"hatsukoi feat. Inagaki Saki" promo clip

Jazztronik "Bon Voyage!"

2010-07-12T13:43:41Z

Jazztronik (MySpace) collaborates with select shop Tomorrowland to bring this album of rearranged versions of Jazztronik tracks and also Nozaki Ryōta solo piano works.

Jazztronik "Bon Voyage!"

1. Butterfly Dance
2. Sign of Tomorrow
3. Beira Mar
4. Abyssal Hill
5. Mermaid
6. The Night of Tallin
7. toki-no-iro
8. Stay in the bath too long
9. Evanescence
10. The Memory

Pony Canyon PCCA-03202
Out 7/14, ¥2500
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan,

HOSOKAWA Fumie "The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'HOSOKAWA Fumie' Best Collection"

2010-07-12T13:18:59Z

Big-chested gravure idol Hosokawa Fumie was only active musically for 2 years in the early 90's, but she had some great songs including ones produced by Konishi Yasuharu (Pizzicato Five) and Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove). Greatest hits album "Hit & Heal" (1994) has been a rarity itself for a long time, but here comes a new edition containing bonus B-sides and a DVD of rare footage.

Hosokawa Fumie "The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'Hosokawa Fumie' Best Collection"
細川ふみえ「The Best Hit & Heal + Clips 'Hosokawa Fumie' Best Collection」

CD
1. niko niko nyan nyan
2. sukisukisu-
3. dakko shite cho
4. Love Shock Drop
5. Cherry Vanilla
6. Melon no kirime
7. Peach ga bakuhatsu
8. ubu ubu ubu
9. onemu ha dengon zzz...
10. pochi ni yatsu atari
11. tenshi no yo~ ni!
12. dakishimete Balloon
13. niko niko nyan nyan (Deep and Roughness UnderGround dub mix)
14. dakko shite cho (Fumin's "Dub To Dub You Baby" mix #1)
15. sukisukisu- (ready made mix)
16. sukisukisu- (ready made underground mix)

DVD
"Suki Suki Scope"
1. Sukisukisu- (Pv)
2. Image Scene (#1)
3. Sukisukisu- (Pv Making)
4. Image Scene (#2)
"kamehama nyan nyan"
5. niko niko nyan nyan (PV)
6. In HawaII (#1)
7. niko niko nyan nyan (PV Making #1)
8. In HawaII (#2)
9. niko niko nyan nyan (PV Making #2)
10. In HawaII (#3)
11. niko niko nyan nyan (PV Making #3)
12. In HawaII (#4)
"Fumiecchi Film Musicale"
13. Talk (#1)
14. dakko shite cho (PV)
15. Talk (#2)
16. niko niko nyan nyan (PV)
17. Talk (#3)
18. sukisukisu- (PV)
19. Talk (#4)
"Hosokawa Fumie no no kaitai shinsho ~kyodaiken to kimyō na seikatsu~"
20. Opening
21. ninsō uranai
22. pochi ni yatsu atari (PV)
23. tesō uranai
24. Original "Fuming Movie"
25. chūgoku senseijutsu
26. Making
27. seiyō senseijutsu
28. pochi ni yatsu atari (PV Version)

Polystar PSCR-6242
Out 7/14, ¥4980
Order: Amazon (18% off on pre-orders), HMV (10% off on pre-orders), Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan

"sukisukisu-"

DJ Codomo "Play"

2010-07-12T12:40:06Z

DJ Codomo, best known for a remix featured on Cornelius "PM" and also producing Kiiiiiii, has a 2nd album coming this week. Cornelius himself comments "colourful, cheerful & playful" on this new release.

A short sampler can be heard at MySpace

DJ Codomo "Play"

1. Voyager
2. Rush
3. Umbrella
4. Hear
5. A
6. Turtle
7. Lock
8. Wow
9. Signs
10. Empty
11. Carnival
12. SOS

Word Is Out! WIOC-9702
Out 7/14, ¥2300
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only)

[via Twitter] PINE*am's Tsugumi officially joined NY band Old Monk as a bassist! Congrats! http://bit.ly/av1KKl

2010-07-10T19:05:21Z

PINE*am's Tsugumi officially joined NY band Old Monk as a bassist! Congrats! http://bit.ly/av1KKl

[via Twitter] CTO LAB. "Crash Bandicoot", first video from upcoming album "Okie-Dokie!" http://youtu.be/IMgGSOC3vHk

2010-07-10T09:38:21Z

CTO LAB. "Crash Bandicoot", first video from upcoming album "Okie-Dokie!" http://youtu.be/IMgGSOC3vHk

Rocketman feat. Cosmetics "Love Is All II ~korekara hajimaru Story~" (Download)

2010-07-07T15:13:19Z

Rocketman (aka comedian Fukawa Ryō) is back with the 3-girl unit he produces, Cosmetics, that he had just disbanded last year stating for reason that their first CD (a limited release at Tower Records) failed to make the charts, even though it had topped the iTunes charts...

This time he features three new girls, and starts by releasing a rework of song "Love Is All", now available for download on iTunes.

Rocketman feat. Cosmetics "Love Is All II ~korekara hajimaru Story~"
ROCKETMAN feat. COSMETICS 「LOVE IS ALL II～これからはじまるstory～」

Victor
Out now (7/7)
Sample/buy:

Buy iTunes Japan Music Cards at Amazon
Buy iTunes Japan Music Cards at J-List

"Love Is All II" promo clip

Various Artists "Tarot World"

2010-07-07T15:12:35Z

New indies label Dusk Records has a first release, a compilation featuring Elektel and other electro artists.

Audio samples of all songs at label site

Various Artists "Tarot World"

(Title / Artist)
1. Science et Divertissements / ELEKTEL
2. MAHO / Vanno
3. JUSTICE / BlueSky
4. Hermit feat. kiwako kaneda / k7
5. Lovers / BlueSky
6. tank1984 / ELEKTEL
7. Power21 / Vanno
8. 2 ~TORA~ / Toshiki Yoshizawa
9. tsuki no shizuku / R&T Factory
10. Temperance feat. Yukari Akinaga / k7
11. Judgement / BlueSky

Dusk Records
Out now (7/7), ¥2000
Order: Amazon,

Buy iTunes Japan Music Cards at Amazon
Buy iTunes Japan Music Cards at J-List

[via Twitter] Towa Tei on Dommune now! SAKAMOTO Ryuichi and NOMIYA Maki in the audience? Stand-by? http://www.dommune.com/

2010-07-08T00:10:23Z

Towa Tei on Dommune now! SAKAMOTO Ryuichi and NOMIYA Maki in the audience? Stand-by? http://www.dommune.com/

kazunari SETO "Black de ikō"

2010-07-05T23:47:22Z

Osaka trumpeter Seto Kazunari (MySpace) presents his first mini-album which describes as instrumental techno-pop with catchy melodies.

Audio samples at MySpace

kazunari seto "Black de ikō"
瀬戸一成「ブラックでいこう」

1. nusumareta jitensha wa tsugi no hi mitsukatta
2. Balkan Merengue
3. Señorita
4. sore wa sore de ari ka
5. osanpo no uta
6. Black de ikō

Floating Orchestra Records FOJ-001
Out 7/11, ¥1050
Order: HMV, Amazon, Tower (Japan only)

Cubismo Grafico Five "Double Dozen"

2010-06-23T13:05:43Z

Cubismo Grafico Five has a new album coming. Having recently sized down to 4 members, and feeling like a brand new band, they call this a "first album", and it comes with no less than 24 tracks, hence the title "Double Dozen"!

Already available is 7" single "Life Is Like A Season".

Release official page

Cubismo Grafico Five "Double Dozen"

1. New Decade
2. Stick By You
3. Green Monster
4. Aoi Kagi
5. Can's Can Badge
6. Say What
7. Life Is Like A Season
8. Move Your Body
9. Wake Up Shige!
10. Victims Of Coffee Beans
11. Frozen Time
12. Super Duper Cool
13. The Catcher In The Riot
14. May Day (LeMai68)
15. Left Right Up Down
16. Insanit L.Y. (EVONIKE)
17. Personal Computer
18. 1234 Omnichord
19. Couple Of Weeks
20. Woodstock
21. Lip Service
22. Young At Heart
23. Chukit
24. Ticket To Sound

NIW! NIW-55
Out 7/7, ¥2625
Order: Amazon, HMV , Tower (Japan only), CDJapan