Tokyo's Coolest SoundJapanese music and movie release and event announcement blog.Find out what's happening now in Tokyo and Japan's club, electro-pop, and Shibuya-kei-related scenes.Movable Typetag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4Patrickhttp://coolestsound.jp/2012-02-10T13:37:58ZTokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85932012-02-10T13:37:58Z2012-02-10T13:47:56ZHere's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are NAKATA Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, ISHINO Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X. 4 of the...
Here's an interesting remix album from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. The all-star remixers are Nakata Yasutaka (capsule), Cubismo Grafico, Sunaga t experience, Ishino Takkyū (Denki Groove), Shinco (Scha Dara Parr), De De Mouse, and Dub Master X.
4 of the remixes have been previously released, but the ones by Ishino Takkyū, Cubismo Grafico and Dub Master X are brand new. Previously unreleased song "Lonesome Eddy" is also included. That song was written for the movie hardromanticcer that was shown in theaters last November.
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
東京スカパラダイスオーケストラ 「On the remix」
1. All Good Ska is One (Chabe's Paradise Mix) Remixed by Cubismo Grafico
2. Storm Rider (Takkyu Ishino Remix) Remixed by Takkyu Ishino)
3. ryusei to Ballad (Yasutaka Nakata remix) (Remixed by Yasutaka Nakata (capsule))
4. Twinkle Star (sail away mix) (Remixed by De De Mouse)
5. Lonesome Eddy (Bonus track)
6. Break into the Light(SWG Not Screwed Remix) (Remixed by Shinco)
7. zutto (Sunaga t experience Remix) (Remixed by Sunaga t experience)
8. Lonesome Eddy (Dub's No creation without destruction Remix) (Remixed by Dub Master X)
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salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85752012-02-10T13:10:57Z2012-02-10T13:38:07Zsalyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by OYAMADA Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer...salyu x salyu ("salyu by salyu"), the project of singer Salyu produced by Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) has a live DVD out now! This contains an entire show from the tour that supported the excellent album "s(o)un(d)beams". The show features singer Salyu along with 3 look-alikes, the "salyu x salyu sisters", who make it possible to recreate the layered vocals as heard on recording. Of course Cornelius is part of the band, playing guitar and other instruments.
The DVD also contains 5 video clips.
salyu x salyu "s(o)un(d)beams+" (DVD)
(Region 2 NTSC, 150 min.)
"s(o)un(d)beams+" at Yokosuka Arts Theatre (Nov. 1, 2011)
1. overture
2. tada no tomodachi
3. muse'ic
4. Sailing Days
5. kokoro
6. utaimashō
7. Our Prayer ～ Heroes And Villains
8. Rainboots de odorimashō
9. s(o)un(d)beams
10. Hostile To Me
11. Hammond Song
12. hanashitai anata to
13. dorei
14. tsuzuki o
15. Mirror Neurotic
16. Calling
17. May You Always
Video clips
1. tada no tomodachi (bunwari ver.)
2. tada no tomodachi (gōsei ver.)
3. Sailing Days
4. hanashitai anata to
5. muse'ic (muse'ic visualiser ver.1.0 demo)
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TAKANAMI Keitarō to Playtime Rock meets SHIBATA Kenichi "Evening Primrose"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86412012-02-09T14:39:57Z2012-02-09T14:44:59ZTAKANAMI Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog) seems to put aside his Nangasaki Five project to work on this new unit called Playtime Rock, which features vocalist and flutist ICHIBA Mina. This first album is a collaboration with Nagasaki trombonist SHIBATA Kenichi,...Takanami Keitarō (ex-Pizzicato Five) (blog) seems to put aside his Nangasaki Five project to work on this new unit called Playtime Rock, which features vocalist and flutist Ichiba Mina. This first album is a collaboration with Nagasaki trombonist Shibata Kenichi, and is said to contain jazzy and pop sounds with instrumental and vocal tracks.
Takanami Keitarō to Playtime Rock meets Shibata Kenichi "Evening Primrose"
高浪慶太郎とプレイタイム・ロック・ミーツ・柴田健一 「Evening Primrose」
1. yoimachigusa (chindon ver.)
2. Two Time Lines
3. kaerimichi
4. December Preparation
5. Both Sides Now
6. Yoimachigusa (O.stricta ver.)
7. motto zutto
8. Evening Primrose
9. yoimachigusa (yūgeshō ver.)
10. Playtime Rock no Theme
Playtime Rock PTR-004
Out now (2/10), ¥2000
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)
Digest sampler of all tracks
TV commercial (K-taro is the gardener!)
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Crazy Ken Band "furyō Club"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85842012-02-08T13:48:48Z2012-02-08T13:59:30ZCrazy Ken Band has a new single, with a title that translates to "Bad guys club". The new video clip seen below stars actor ASANO Tadanobu. The CD includes a B-side and the usual jingle and information. The jingle's seems...Crazy Ken Band has a new single, with a title that translates to "Bad guys club". The new video clip seen below stars actor Asano Tadanobu. The CD includes a B-side and the usual jingle and information. The jingle's seems to be asking fans to refer to Crazy Ken Band as "kukeba".
Also look out for a new album titled "Italian Garden" coming at the end of February. ii ne!!
Crazy Ken Band "furyō Club"
クレイジーケンバンド 「不良倶楽部」
1. furyō Club
2. Sabo-san maittana
3. eye catch -kukeba to yonde kurenai ka-
4. Crazy Ken Band's Information
5. furyō Club (Karaoke)
6. Sabo-san maittana (Karaoke)
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capsule "STEREO WORXXX"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85802012-02-07T14:55:29Z2012-02-07T14:55:08ZHere's a new album from capsule, follow-up to "World Of Fantasy" released May last year. With a title like "STEREO WORXXX", we're definitely in for some dancing material! The album is said to include the theme song from upcoming movie...
Here's a new album from capsule, follow-up to "World Of Fantasy" released May last year. With a title like "STEREO WORXXX", we're definitely in for some dancing material! The album is said to include the theme song from upcoming movie "Liar Game -saisei-" starting in theaters March 3.
Sure enough, the limited edition comes with a bonus CD of 6 extended mixes for just an extra 300yen. To those who want this one, it's recommended to pre-order just in case.
One song, "Step on The Floor" is already available in advance on iTunes Japan.
capsule "STEREO WORXXX"
1. Feelin' Alright
2. Never Let Me Go
3. In The Rain
4. Dee J
5. Step on The Floor
6. Tapping Beats
7. All The Way
8. Motor Force
9. Transparent
Limited edition bonus CD
1. Feelin' Alright (Extended-Mix)
2. Never Let Me Go (Extended-Mix)
3. In The Rain (Extended-Mix)
4. Dee J (Extended-Mix)
5. All The Way (Extended-Mix)
6. Motor Force (Extended-Mix)
Regular edition (main CD only)
contemode YCCC-10024
Out 3/7, ¥2625
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan
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NAKATA Yasutaka "Panoramic Experience" (Download)tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86262012-02-07T14:24:10Z2012-02-07T14:27:03ZNAKATA Yasutaka (capsule) has a new track released exclusively for download on iTunes Japan. This is a theme song written especially for an exhibition about popular manga and anime One Piece to be held from March 20 to June 17...Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) has a new track released exclusively for download on iTunes Japan. This is a theme song written especially for an exhibition about popular manga and anime One Piece to be held from March 20 to June 17 at Mori Arts Center Gallery. The song will be available on a CD to be sold exclusively at the exhibition.
A new capsule album, titled "STEREO WORXXX" is coming on March 7, and also Nakata has produced a new soundtrack for "Liar Game" to be released on March 2. Stay tuned for details very shortly.
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[via Twitter] RT @EeL_Staff: EeL Remix Competition -Track 8 is your track - we want one more song!!!!! http://t.co/NcIMcxuqhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1656034639197143042012-02-04T10:11:57ZRT @EeL_Staff: EeL Remix Competition -Track 8 is your track - we want one more song!!!!! http://t.co/NcIMcxuqEeL_Staff: EeL Remix Competition -Track 8 is your track - we want one more song!!!!! http://t.co/NcIMcxuq
]]>Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86042012-02-01T13:59:40Z2012-02-01T14:01:23ZLed 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...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 the earthquake.
Those include the three of Yellow Magic Orchestra (Takahashi Yukihiro, Hosono Haruomi and Sakamoto himself), Bonnie Pink, Verbal (m-flo), 4 members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Yashiki Gōta (Mute Beat, Melon), Salyu, Imai Miki, Koizumi Kyōko, Hotei Tomoyasu,... just to name a few.
This will also be released on CD on March 7, including a DVD of the music video, but the song is already available in advance on iTunes Japan. Preview it below.
Japan United with Music "All You Need Is Love" (CD+DVD)
1. All You Need Is Love
AYNIL Production Committee XNAP-00001
Out 3/7, ¥1575
Order: Amazon (18% off), HMV (10% off), Tower (Japan only), YesAsia, CDJapan
"All You Need Is Love"
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[via Twitter] RT @loveandhates /// LOVE AND HATES REMIX AWARD 2012 << in English >> /// http://t.co/HQrD4fQm #LAHRMXhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1643331618939863042012-01-31T22:04:13ZRT @loveandhates /// LOVE AND HATES REMIX AWARD 2012 << in English >> /// http://t.co/HQrD4fQm #LAHRMXloveandhates /// LOVE AND HATES REMIX AWARD 2012 << in English >> /// http://t.co/HQrD4fQm #LAHRMX
]]>[via Twitter] I put up a short clip of FAMICO-MAN DJing using Gameboys at Fami-mode last weekend. Unique skills! http://t.co/CkPyfbu3 @FAMICO_MANhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1643251860432568322012-01-31T21:32:32ZI put up a short clip of FAMICO-MAN DJing using Gameboys at Fami-mode last weekend. Unique skills! http://t.co/CkPyfbu3 @FAMICO_MANhttp://t.co/CkPyfbu3 @FAMICO_MAN
]]>[via Twitter] RT @EeL_Staff: EeL new remix album [Love The World Remixes] FREE DOWNLOAD http://t.co/jhSF9Yauhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1639949160856944642012-01-30T23:40:09ZRT @EeL_Staff: EeL new remix album [Love The World Remixes] FREE DOWNLOAD http://t.co/jhSF9YauEeL_Staff: EeL new remix album [Love The World Remixes] FREE DOWNLOAD http://t.co/jhSF9Yau
]]>[via Twitter] A nice sampler clip of SHINOHARA Tomoe's album "-:*Better*:-"! http://t.co/ejO7trPQ Album info: http://t.co/AcGzyRSM @tomoeshinoharahttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1634647258485350402012-01-29T12:33:22ZA nice sampler clip of SHINOHARA Tomoe's album "-:*Better*:-"! http://t.co/ejO7trPQ Album info: http://t.co/AcGzyRSM @tomoeshinoharahttp://t.co/ejO7trPQ Album info: http://t.co/AcGzyRSM @tomoeshinohara
]]>[via Twitter] Today, NOMIYA Maki free in-store mini-live at Tower Records Shinjuku from 19:00! http://t.co/vEfEMP0n @missmakinomiyahttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1631326337007779842012-01-28T14:33:45ZToday, NOMIYA Maki free in-store mini-live at Tower Records Shinjuku from 19:00! http://t.co/vEfEMP0n @missmakinomiyahttp://t.co/vEfEMP0n @missmakinomiya
]]>[via Twitter] New video by café music unit elect-link, "Forever Friend" http://t.co/gWdP6RmD Directed by ASAHI Taichi (Genius)http://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1631060221714759692012-01-28T12:48:00ZNew video by café music unit elect-link, "Forever Friend" http://t.co/gWdP6RmD Directed by ASAHI Taichi (Genius)http://t.co/gWdP6RmD Directed by ASAHI Taichi (Genius)
]]>Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo Hall 2011.05.05 'hi no tama Boy Concert'"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85852012-01-22T15:00:00Z2012-01-22T15:00:43ZThe Moonriders have officially retired indefinitely at the end of 2011. Here's a 2-CD live album of a special concert held in Tokyo on May 5 last year to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary. Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo...The Moonriders have officially retired indefinitely at the end of 2011. Here's a 2-CD live album of a special concert held in Tokyo on May 5 last year to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary.
Moonriders "moonriders Live at Mielparque Tokyo Hall 2011.05.05 'hi no tama Boy Concert'"
ムーンライダーズ 「moonriders LIVE at MIELPARQUE TOKYO HALL 2011.05.05 "火の玉ボーイコンサート"」
1. daisan no shokutaku ~ machigawanasa ~ Poincaré yosō
2. miwaku no minato
3. ano ko no Love Letter
4. sukanpin
5. yoidore Dance Music
6. hi no tama Boy
7. gogo no kifujin
8. chichūkai chihō no tenki yohō
9. Ramutei no mama
10. Wedding Song
11. miwaku no minato
12. kami to kuchibeni to Balcony
13. Ramutei no Theme
14. hotaru no hikari
15. hamabe no uta
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Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD)tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85572012-01-20T15:23:57Z2012-02-04T15:27:58ZTrauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage. A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March...
Trauma techno-pop unit Urbangarde has a first DVD coming, which contains all of their numerous video clips from their indies days to now, plus various previously unseen footage.
A one-man live show will be held at Shibuya AX on March 20.
Urbangarde "Propaganda Video 2012" (DVD) アーバンギャルド 「プロパガンダヴィデオ2012」
A.D.SIDE.
Skirt kakumei
datenshi Pop
kodomo no renai (2012 Edit)
tokimeki ni shisu (2012 Edit)
sono shōjo, ningyō ni tsuki
B.C.SIDE.
shūsei shugisha
Sailor fuku o nuganai de
mizutama byō
Commercial Song
4gatsu sensō
Concrete Girl
koi o shi ni iku
Lovecraft no sekai
kizudarake no Maria (OFF AIR ver.)
Print Club (OFF AIR ver.)
koi o shi ni iku (afternoon ver.)
momoiro Chronicle (ending roll)
Bonus tracks
datenshi Pop (BAND Performance ver.)
ouchi de dekiru! Urban Dance Lesson (mizutama byō, onna no ko sensō, Robot to watashi)
osoto de dekiru! Urban Dance Lesson (Skirt kakumei, tokimeki ni shisu, Vagabond, Virgin)
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http://www.chipple.net/mt/commentsrss.php?8557Various Artists "SUNAGA Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86172012-01-20T12:54:49Z2012-01-20T12:58:39ZFor 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...
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 the label's site by choosing a CD and clicking the track titles.
Various Artists "Sunaga Tatsuo no yoru Jazz digs Venus Jazz Opus IV"
オムニバス 「須永辰緒の夜ジャズ digs Venus Jazz Opus Ⅳ」
(Title / Artist)
1. Sayonara Blues / David Hazeltine Trio
2. Afro Blue / Eric Alexander Quartet
3. Fly Me To The Moon / Nicki Parrott
4. Two Love Birds / Simone Kopmajer
5. Road Song / Dan Nimmer Trio
6. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To / Barney Wilen
7. I'm A Fool To Want You / Brian Lynch Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra
8. Blue For You / Adela Dalto
9. My Favorite Things / Harold Mabern Trio
10. Speak Low / Bill Crow Quartet
11. Ugetsu / One For All
12. NO.1 Gymnopedie No.1 / Steve Kuhn Trio
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[via Twitter] Plus-Tech Squeeze Box has done the music for the new Frapbois 2012 SS Collection! Hear it in this clip. http://t.co/rv7j7EOAhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1599990007816601612012-01-19T23:01:49ZPlus-Tech Squeeze Box has done the music for the new Frapbois 2012 SS Collection! Hear it in this clip. http://t.co/rv7j7EOAhttp://t.co/rv7j7EOA
]]>[via Twitter] orange pekoe x Toshiyuki YASUDA "secret session" available for free courtesy of Hennessy! http://t.co/BqcsqCbFhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1596047362392104972012-01-18T20:55:09Zorange pekoe x Toshiyuki YASUDA "secret session" available for free courtesy of Hennessy! http://t.co/BqcsqCbFhttp://t.co/BqcsqCbF
]]>[via Twitter] Now Google Maps lets you walk around inside Jet Set Kyoto! http://t.co/oOccNcS0http://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1585654822308454402012-01-16T00:05:31ZNow Google Maps lets you walk around inside Jet Set Kyoto! http://t.co/oOccNcS0http://t.co/oOccNcS0
]]>Various Artists "Ryuichi SAKAMOTO Tribute"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86022012-01-14T16:13:12Z2012-01-14T16:14:38ZHere's a tribute album to SAKAMOTO Ryūichi, produced by TOBETA Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features ŌNUKI Taeko. The album is released on SAKAMOTO's...
Here's a tribute album to Sakamoto Ryūichi, produced by Tobeta Bajune and featuring plenty of great electronic artists such as Atom, MimiCof, DJ Yogurt and more. A cover of "dennōgiwa" also features Ōnuki Taeko.
The album is released on Sakamoto's 60th birthday, and comes from the electric sheep label that released "YMO Rewake" last year.
Various Artists "Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute"
オムニバス 「坂本龍一トリビュート -Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute-」
(Title / Artist)
1. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence / Tobeta Bajune
2. War and Peace / yuanyuan
3. Riot in Lagos / Atom (Atom Heart)
4. Perticepation Mistique / Hanno Yoshihiro
5. bibō no aozora / Ngatari
6. Self Portrait / Fugenn & The White Elephants and Shintaro Aoki
7. Ballet Mecanique / MimiCof
8. 1919 / Sabi
9. saru to yuki to gomi no kodomo / antennasia
10. Thatness and Thereness / DJ Yogurt
11. Tibetan Dance / no.9
12. The Last Emperor / Sabi
13. The Other Side Of Love (feat. Cokiyu) / Tobeta Bajune
14. dennōgiwa (feat. Ōnuki Taeko) / Tobeta Bajune
electric sheep ELSP-0011
Out 1/17, ¥2800
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)
Sampler clip
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Gig report: Kyarypamyupamyu in-store live at Tower Records Shinjukutag:coolestsound.jp,2012://9.86092012-01-13T13:17:18Z2012-01-13T15:11:53ZText by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyarypamyupamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time seeing her....
Text by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound
Tonight I dropped by Tower Records in Shinjuku for a free in-store live by Kyarypamyupamyu, in promotion for her first single "tsukematsukeru" out this week! It was my first time seeing her.
Tower Records' 7th floor was more packed than I've seen it at any event before, I believe. I estimate there must have been some 500 people in there! I saw some people waving from almost as far as the large information counter at the other end of the floor! Poor staff struggled to keep free a narrow corridor for people to be able to enter the store... and also to prevent people from taking photos.
Kyary was accompanied by two energetic male dancers wearing colorful short pants, tiny tops and wigs, making Kyary look almost normal in a pinkish red dress (photo she posted on Twitter). I stood about 10 meters from the stage and could barely see her face directly once in a while, but thanks to the large screen above the stage everyone could watch the cute choreography.
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The show opened with Kyary's march, the intro of first mini-album "moshimoshi Harajuku" and enchained with "Cherry Bonbon", still my favorite song so far. Kyary looked very cute and was all smiles for the vast audience of fans.
She then talked a little bit, about how the song "tsukematsukeru" was provoked by an email exchange with producer Nakata Yasutaka (capsule) in which she told him she had been into using fake eyelashes. Nakata liked the sequence of words she used, and the next day she was called into studio for recording the song! She also did a hint of promotion for orange taste i-lohas water, I wouldn't be surprised to see her on a commercial for it sometime soon..!
The show went on with "PONPONPON" to close with "tsukematsukeru", clocking in at about 20 minutes.Then followed a handshake session for everyone who had bought her CD, though I gave up since it was probably going to take an hour or more.
Set list: Kyary no March / Cherry Bonbon / PONPONPON / tsukematsukeru
The new single contains 3 good tracks produced by hit-maker Nakata Yasutaka, including an extended version of "Cherry Bonbon". The limited edition at first looks like a small magazine, but it's made of thick paper that unfolds revealing fun and surprising photos of the girl in crazy outfits.
If I could have shook her hand I'd have given her a word of encouragement for her singing career. I'm definitely looking forward to what's to follow this year!
Live information:
Kyarypamyupamyu will hold her first one-man live on February 25 at Club Quattro in Shibuya. Tickets go on sale on February 4 at 10:00 (Lawson 79174, Pia 154-955).
"tsukematsukeru"
"PONPONPON"
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Gig report: Tokyo Outbound vol.02, with CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, etc.tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://9.85992012-01-11T14:36:45Z2012-01-11T14:56:01ZText and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build...
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound
Last Saturday was event "Tokyo Outbound vol.02" at Koenji High, presented by CTO LAB. and Otona no kagaku, a popular magazine that always comes with something that you can build yourself (even down to a theremin, small synthesizer SX-150, the Arudino computer, etc.). CTO LAB makes its music mainly using small instruments (therefore the name which stands for "Compact Techno Organization"), making this a perfect match.
This time featured aside from CTO LAB were Open Reel Ensemble, and many mini-live acts. Start time was a bit early and I got there late, unfortunately missing a mini-live by trauma techno-pop band Urbangarde.
The first I caught was Hitorimisaki who played two songs, the 2nd for which he was joined by singer Ruby. Next was band of three little moa, who played quiet electric tracks with female vocals. They gave away a 2-song demo CD-R. Next on stage was Tenorierie, who had also played at the previous event. She played a similar set of songs all sequenced on her Tenorion.
Hitorimisaki feat. Ruby, little moa, Tenorierie
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The event being presented by Otona no kagaku, there were a few corners with demonstrations of the ready-to-build instruments or toys that are included in the magazine. There was also a unit of two guys, named sharin no saihatsumei (means "Reinventing the wheel") who made electronic music including various small synthesizers, Japanino (Arduino) computers, using screwdrivers to tweak tiny knobs.
Otona no kagaku rep., sharin no saihatsumei
Then came Open Reel Ensemble, a performance unit that uses several large open reel tape recorders to make live music. They record on stage using various instruments, and then play and scratch the recorded sounds. As I often played with one of those tape recorders when I was little, their great show brings a lot of nostalgia to me. This time within the set they did a minimal session where they used only guitar and the tape recorders, playing along with the event's do-it-yourself theme. The show used live instruments such as guitar, bass, percussions, pianica, a vacuum cleaner, and the members' voices as sampling sources, soon being sequenced live into upbeat tracks.
Open Reel Ensemble
While the next band was setting up, Uda Michinobu did an intermission presenting his unique instrument, the Udar which produces a beautiful sound (hear it in a clip below). It's still a prototype, always getting more sophisticated. The latest version (4.4) stopped using MIDI and instead has its original sound that can change depending on velocity. He played the theme of game Mother, written by the Moonriders. There's a plan for Otona no kagaku to release a more compact version of the Udar with its magazine sometime this year. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
UDA Michinobu
Last up was CTO LAB.! As you probably know already it's the super-unit of polymoog (Elektel), Imai Kentarō (The Aprils) and Okada Tōru (The Moonriders). They played a fun set as usual, this time including a new song made for a game to be released later this year. Two dancers from unit Genius also appeared at the beginning and end of the show, and there was a collaboration with Udar for a cover of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile". Also Okada-san revealed during the show that he's really the one behind the nickname Thomas O'hara, responsible for the Hatsune Miku cover album of the Moonriders out recently.
CTO LAB.
Set list: C.DISCO (with dancers from Genius) / itoko dōshi (Moonriders cover) / One More Thing / Smile (Charlie Chaplin cover with Udar) / New song for game / Flashback
Encore: A Space Odyssey / Crash Bandicoot (with dancers from Genius)
Here's looking forward to more of the Tokyo Outbound series!
sharin no saihatsumei (live at Tokyo Outbound #02)
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tokyo pinsalocks "Hallelujah Girls"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.86032012-01-10T14:19:41Z2012-01-10T14:26:37Z
New wave/post-rock band tokyo pinsalocks has a new album out just now! This is produced by Miura Shunichi of Kera & The Synthesizers.
Two tracks can be sampled at MySpace. Also, recent non-album track "Salon de Tokyo (remixed by miurashun)" can be downloaded for free at Diesel:U:Music.
tokyo pinsalocks can be caught live in Tokyo on Valentine's day (Feb. 14) at Sangenjaya Heaven's Door, opening bands include (M)otocompo and Merpeoples.
tokyo pinsalocks "Hallelujah Girls"
tokyo pinsalocks 「ハレルヤガールズ」
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[via Twitter] Kahimi Karie sings the ending of 3DS game "Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure" (non-Japan only) Amazon US: http://t.co/O6VOZNXihttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1567147673760645122012-01-10T21:31:26ZKahimi Karie sings the ending of 3DS game "Rhythm Thief and the Emperor's Treasure" (non-Japan only) Amazon US: http://t.co/O6VOZNXihttp://t.co/O6VOZNXi
]]>[via Twitter] NOMIYA Maki poses in Shibuya for Tower Records! http://t.co/gO1imfdp @missmakinomiyahttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1566876861224837122012-01-10T19:43:50ZNOMIYA Maki poses in Shibuya for Tower Records! http://t.co/gO1imfdp @missmakinomiyahttp://t.co/gO1imfdp @missmakinomiya
]]>[via Twitter] Love And Hates have a remix contest going! http://t.co/POfozbAj Watch #LAHRMX for details & entries!http://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1559488558406123522012-01-08T18:47:59ZLove And Hates have a remix contest going! http://t.co/POfozbAj Watch #LAHRMX for details & entries!http://t.co/POfozbAj Watch #LAHRMX for details & entries!
]]>HIRADO Yūsuke "Speak Own Words"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85952012-01-07T16:18:13Z2012-01-08T01:48:56ZHIRADO 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,...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, and also originals such as lead track "umaretate no Melody" that features singer bird (see video below).
Some songs can be sampled on the official release page (click the buttons next to song titled).
A show will be held at Blue Note Tokyo on January 29 (also at Billboard Live Osaka on Jan. 26, and Blue Note Nagoya on Jan. 27).
Hirado Yusuke "Speak Own Words"
平戸祐介 「Speak Own Words」
1. Taxi Driver Theme
2. umaretate no Melody feat. bird
3. I'm In Love
4. Against The Invisible Wall feat. Tomoki Seto (Cradle Orchestra)
5. And Far Away
6. A House Is Not A Home feat. Motoharu (Soil & "Pimp" Sessions)
7. Down To The South
8. Love Will Bring Us Back Together Feat. mabanua
9. Spectrum
10. No More Sadness (Solo Piano Version)
11. Music feat. Hatakeyama Miyuki
12. Love Is A Losing Game
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Various Artists "01:11"tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85942012-01-07T04:22:34Z2012-01-07T04:22:40ZJapanese electro label PROGRESSIVE FOrM has a first label greatest hits compilation coming that covers from the label start in 2001, hence the title of "01:11" (reads "one eleven"). Included are tracks by MimiCof, AOKI Takamasa (one song featuring Tujiko...
Japanese electro label PROGRESSIVE FOrM has a first label greatest hits compilation coming that covers from the label start in 2001, hence the title of "01:11" (reads "one eleven"). Included are tracks by MimiCof, Aoki Takamasa (one song featuring Tujiko Noriko), and many more.
Several now-rare tracks are included, the whole at a nice price. Check out the sampler clip below.
Various Artists "01:11"
1. Ryoichi Kurokawa / Sea In You
2. Ametsub / Lichen with Piano
3. Aoki takamasa / Pipe Tale - Indigo Rose feat. Tujiko Noriko
4. RADIQ aka Yoshihiro Hanno / Till The Dawn feat. Damiana Terry
5. Shuta Hasunuma / Exchange Groove
6. MimiCof / Pulled Up (Serph Remix)
7. Nao Tokui / Pan Pacific
8. Caelum / Kyrie (Exclusive Mix)
9. Pleq / Good Night (Go-qualia Lucid Dreamin Non Rem Sleep Mix)
10. 30506 / VVV
11. Fugenn & The White Elephants / Narcissus
12. eater / Schoolyard
13. Aoki takamasa / Kes.
14. Ametsub / Sahsanoha
PROGRESSIVE FOrM PFCD-29
Out 1/11, ¥1575
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower (Japan only)
Album trailer
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Gig report: Sally Soul Stew and The Fave Ravestag:coolestsound.jp,2012://9.85882012-01-06T14:30:30Z2012-01-07T03:53:22ZText and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally KUBOTA (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had...
Text and photos by Patrick Benny for Tokyo's Coolest Sound
The last show I went to in 2011, on December 28, was one organized by Sally Soul Stew, band of bassist Sally Kubota (Les 5-4-3-2-1, The Phantom Gift). I had been to their previous show last May, also held at Shinjuku Red Cloth.
The opening band was The Fave Raves, led by singer Aoyama Haruhiro. I realized only later that this band has been around for a long time, since around 1990, though they had a 9-year hiatus on the way. The band mostly covers U.S. soul classics, and the singer has a great voice and presence that's best experienced live. This time they the band was supported by soul chorus trio The Favelettes and also trumpet and saxophone, taking the audience right back to the 60's.
The Fave Raves
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The show opened with "I Found A Love" Al Green's "L-O-V-E (LOVE)", and I already felt like that they gave it all right from the beginning, wondering how they could keep this up for the rest of the show. But it continued with a full set of great songs one after another, until the show closed with a powerful 2-song homage to J. Blackfoot, who just passed away last November. The ending was perfect and left me with a tear in my eye.
Set list (partial): L-O-V-E (LOVE) (Al Green) / Let's Stay Together (Al Green) / If I Could Reach Out (Otis Clay) / Mustang Sally (Mack Rice) / Super Soul (J. Blackfoot) / Taxi (J. Blackfoot)
The stage's garage door curtain came down for the next band to set up while DJ Jimmy Mashiko spinned. Sally Soul Stew had the same members as last time: Nakayama Tsutomu (Hammond organ), Nakamori Yasuhiro (guitar, from Hicksville), Shirane Kenichi (drums, from GREAT3), and vocalists Mashiro Megumi (Hicksville) and Lemon (Wack Wack Rhythm Band, also part of The Favelettes above).
Their repertory also had many songs in common with last time. There were also several new covers that I couldn't pick up the names of, and maybe a new song. Again I had a great time hearing these songs played by these great musicians. Mashiro Megumi's talk is also always funny, sometimes asking Sally a question out of the blue.
Sally Soul Stew
Set list (partial): Golden Cup (original) / Boy and Girl (Wada Akiko) / I Can't Keep From Crying (The Blues Project) / Bye Bye Adam (Wada Akiko) / anata dake de ii (Sawada Kenji) / New song ? / hitori no kanashimi (Zoo Nee Voo) / anata ni maketa no (Koyama Rumi) sekai wa boku no ryōte ni (The Tempters)
The band came back for an encore and called The Fave Raves' singer and The Favelettes on stage to perform Ray Charles' "What'd I Say".
A great show, and a nice way to end the year! Goodbye 2011.
A lot more of The Fave Raves' live shows can be found on YouTube.
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[via Twitter] Live performance of Kyarypamyupamyu's "Cherry Bonbon"! http://t.co/6fCjyqQRhttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1552715992165253122012-01-06T21:56:48ZLive performance of Kyarypamyupamyu's "Cherry Bonbon"! http://t.co/6fCjyqQRhttp://t.co/6fCjyqQR
]]>[via Twitter] Recommended show: Jan. 7 (Sat.) - CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, Urbangarde, etc. @ Koenji High http://t.co/0s6Oh2nx RT @tgg_latesthttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1538324622529167362012-01-02T22:38:11ZRecommended show: Jan. 7 (Sat.) - CTO LAB., Open Reel Ensemble, Urbangarde, etc. @ Koenji High http://t.co/0s6Oh2nx RT @tgg_latesthttp://t.co/0s6Oh2nx RT @tgg_latest
]]>[via Twitter] RT @acocream: spoon + official web site OPEN ＞＞＞http://t.co/SL2Ub03Ahttp://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1537173241411788802012-01-02T15:00:40ZRT @acocream: spoon + official web site OPEN ＞＞＞http://t.co/SL2Ub03Aacocream: spoon + official web site OPEN ＞＞＞http://t.co/SL2Ub03A
]]><![CDATA[NOMIYA Maki "30 ~Greatest Self Covers & More!!!~"]]>tag:coolestsound.jp,2012://4.85342012-01-02T04:00:56Z2012-01-15T02:58:01ZLet's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by NOMIYA Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, KAJI Hideki, TAKAHASHI Yukihiro,...
Let's start 2012 with a bang! Finally here's a new album by Nomiya Maki! This time she celebrates 30 years of her singing career by doing self-covers in collaboration with various other artists. Featured are Cornelius, Kaji Hideki, Takahashi Yukihiro, DJ Fumiya (Rip Slyme), Kuchiroro, Suzuki Keiichi & Sokabe Keiichi, Your Song Is Good and more. Also included are a few new songs: one produced by Towa Tei, used recently in a TV commercial for drink Soysh, and a bonus track performed by Maki's 80's band Portable Rock! Intro and outro tracks are produced by Rekishi (ex-Super Butter Dog).
A premium show will be held on March 19 at Shibuya O-East. That's almost exactly 11 years since Pizzicato Five's last show at the same place (I was there!). All details at Tokyo Gig Guide.
An LP edition of this album seems to also be planned for March. Details will be posted when available.
1. Maki no rekishi / Produced by Rekishi
2. Tokyo wa yoru no 7ji (The night is still young) / Produced by DJ Fumiya (Rip Slyme)
3. watashi no shiranai watashi / Produced by Towa Tei
4. Baby Portable Rock / Produced by Hyadain
5. Superstar / Produced by Miyavi
6. Sweet Soul Revue / Produced by Daishi Dance
7. Magic Carpet Ride / Produced by Cornelius
8. Twiggy Twiggy / Produced by Kuchiroro
9. minna waratta (They all laughed) / Produced by Takahashi Yukihiro
10. usagi to watashi / Produced by Suzuki Keiichi & Sokabe Keiichi
11. kanashii uta (Triste) / Produced by Ōhashi Trio
12. Message Song / Produced by Kaji Hideki
13. hi no ataru ōdōri (On the sunny side of the street) / Produced by Your Song Is Good
14. Maki no yabō / Produced by Rekishi
15. Sweet Renaissance / Performed by Portable Rock
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http://www.chipple.net/mt/commentsrss.php?8534[via Twitter] RT @missmakinomiya: Happy New Year From Tokyo‼‼
(^_−)−☆http://twitter.com/coolestsound/statuses/1533007491226787842012-01-01T11:25:21ZRT @missmakinomiya: Happy New Year From Tokyo‼‼
(^_−)−☆missmakinomiya: Happy New Year From Tokyo‼‼
(^_−)−☆
]]>Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"tag:coolestsound.jp,2011://4.85252011-12-30T13:17:13Z2011-12-30T13:24:06ZVanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning...Vanilla Beans will have a new single released in January! This adds a rare (first?) minor scale song to their repertory with title track "toki no kakera", which can be seen performed in the clip below from a recent morning TV show.
The single comes in two editions ("Rena" and "Lisa"), each with a different jacket, but also with a different cover of songs by Yamashita Kumiko. Rena sings "hoshi ni natta uso" (YouTube) and Lisa "Stop Stop Rock'n'Roll" (YouTube), and each sings chorus on the other's. Which will you choose?
Vanilla Beans "toki no kakera"
バニラビーンズ 「トキノカケラ」
Rena ver.
1. toki no kakera
2. Yes? No?
3. hoshi ni natta uso
4. toki no kakera (Instrumental)
5. Yes? No? (Instrumental)
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Scott Goes For "Scott Goes For"tag:coolestsound.jp,2011://4.85122011-12-30T12:19:11Z2011-12-30T12:20:14ZScott Goes For is a new band started in 2010, though you might already know its experienced members from their previous bands: ARAI Hitoshi (from N.G.Three, Ron Ron Clou, The Automatics, Northern Bright) on vocals and guitar, OKII Reiji (from...Scott Goes For is a new band started in 2010, though you might already know its experienced members from their previous bands: Arai Hitoshi (from N.G.Three, Ron Ron Clou, The Automatics, Northern Bright) on vocals and guitar, Okii Reiji (from Frog, Cymbals) on bass, Sakaki Makoto (from Nudge'Em All) on guitar, and Hara "Gen" Hideki (from Northern Bright) on drums.
Beyond names, it's said that the band's melodies should be able to please Shibuya-kei fans, while being a bit punkish in sound. HMV has audio samples of several tracks.
Scott Goes For "Scott Goes For"
1. Seventeen
2. Take Enough Time
3. THE CLOWN
4. Red Balloon Song
5. Together
6. Days of America
7. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) (Christpher Cross cover)
8. DRILLS
9. BIG TIME
10. Crazy Lazy Summer
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra "On the remix"
