Japanese Music - Recommendations/Discussion

[gaijinmark]

Proof the end of the age is near:

Kyary Paymu Paymu number 1 on Oricon charts

Singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 2nd album "Nanda Collection" (released on June 26th) sold 126,000 copies in the first week, grabbing the No.1 spot on Oricon's weekly ranking.

This album became her very first chart-topping release since she made her CD debut in August of 2011. The first week sales are not only her best, but also the best record for the albums released this year by solo singers.

Kyary commented, "I was able to top the Oricon weekly album ranking chart thanks to the support from many people! Thank you very very much!!! To top the Oricon ranking was one of my goals as an artist, so I'm really happy!!! From here on, I would like to continue sending out interesting things that could surprise people."

[gaijinmark]

Nice story about the late, great Kyu Sakamoto and his #1 hit "Sukiyaki":http://www.npr.org/2013/06/28/196618792/bittersweet-at-no-1-how-a-japanese-song-topped-the-charts-in-1963

[gaijinmark]

Ikimonogakari grabs #1 spot on Oricon charts with new album

Ikimonogakari's 6th album, "I" (released July 24th), sold 112,000 copies in its first week and has grabbed the number 1 spot on Oricon's album chart for the week of August 5th.

Since releasing their album "My Song Your Song" (released December 2008), Ikimonogakari has topped the album chart 6 consecutive times. The last gender mixed group who achieved this feat was DREAMS COME TRUE ("MILLION KISSES" in November 1990 ~ "LOVE UNLIMITED��" in April 1996) 17 years and 4 months ago.

"I" marked Ikimonogakari's first album release in a year and 5 months. It includes a total of 14 songs such as "Egao" which was the theme song for movie 'Pocket Monsters Best Wish - Shinsoku no Genesect Mewtwo Kakusei' and "Kaze ga Fuiteiru" which was the theme song for NHK London 2012.

Source: Oricon

[gaijinmark]

Superfly to release 'Best Of' Album

Superfly will be releasing her first best-of album, titled "Superfly BEST", on September 25.

The album will come as a two-disc set with all 26 singles she's released since her 2007 major debut, "Hello Hello". Disc 1 will come with a new song (currently untitled), which was made with the theme "now", as well as a new song called "Always", which was made with the theme "past". Meanwhile, Disc 2 will come with "Starting Over", which was made as J-WAVE's 25th anniversary song with the theme "future".

The limited edition will also come with a DVD containing 24 music videos. Furthermore, all versions will enclose a booklet with commentary by Superfly for each song.


<Superfly BEST>

DISC 1:
01. New Song
02. Hello Hello
03. Manifesto
04. i spy i spy
05. Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo
06. Hi-Five
07. How Do I Survive?
08. My Best Of My Life
09. Alright!!
10. Koisuru Hitomi wa Utsukushii
11. Yasashii Kimochi de
12. Dancing On The Fire
13. Free Planet
14. Wildflower
15. Always

DISC 2:

01. Tamashii Revolution
02. Roll Over The Rainbow
03. Eyes On Me
04. Beep!!
05. Sunshine Sunshine
06. Rollin' Days
07. Ah
08. Ai wo Kurae
09. Sasurai no Tabibito
10. STARS
11. Kagayaku Tsuki no You ni
12. The Bird Without Wings
13. Force
14. Starting Over


DISC 3: Limited Edition Only
01. Hello Hello
02. Manifesto
03. i spy i spy (Superfly�~JET)
04. Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo
05. Hi-Five
06. How Do I Survive?
07. My Best Of My Life
08. Alright!!
09. Koi Suru Hitomi wa Utsukushii
10. Dancing On The Fire
12. Free Planet
13. Wildflower
14. Tamashii Revolution
15. Roll Over The Rainbow
16. Eyes On Me
17. Beep!!
18. Rollin' Days
19. Ah
20. Ai wo Kurae
21. STARS (Superfly & Tortoise Matsumoto)
22. Kagayaku Tsuki no You ni
23. The Bird Without Wings
24. Force

Source: natalie

[SquallAdv]

Galneryus | Deep Affection ��♫
_________________

'Every Mug Of Cofee May Be Your Last, So Live Life To It's Full, Sweet Flavour... That's One Of My Rules.' �\ Godot

[gaijinmark]

HY establish their own record label

HY has announced that they have established a new label called 'ASSE!! Records'. They have also launched their official fan club 'HY HUB CLUB' and a smart phone site 'HY Queeners'.

In April, the band's contract with their former management TV Asahi Music ended. By establishing 'ASSE!! Records', they plan to work on a global scale with Universal Music Japan's Universal J as their support.

The label's name 'ASSE' means 'surprise' in Okinawan. The members came up with this name as they want to "deliver music that would surprise people."

Source: Natalie

[gaijinmark]

EXILE to release new single in September

EXILE has announced they will release a new single on September 25.

The group's last single, "Flower Song" served as the theme song for the tv drama, '35-sai no Koukousei' and was released about 3 months ago. Their upcoming single is being used in the CM for Coca Cola Zero which star the members themselves. It's described as an aggressive upbeat that brings out ATSUSHI's feelings of "continue challenging persistently".

The coupling track is EXILE ATSUSHI's solo number, "Colorful Love". This song was chosen as the CM song for 'L'EST ROSE', and it's ATSUSHI's first a catchy pop song in awhile.

The single will be released in both CD+DVD and CD-Only versions. The DVD will contain the PV for "No Limit".

CD:
1. EXILE "No Limit"
2. EXILE ATSUSHI "Colorful Love"
3. EXILE "No Limit (Instrumental)"
4. EXILE ATSUSHI "Colorful Love (Instrumental)"

DVD:
1. No Limit (Video Clip)

Source: Tower Record

[gaijinmark]

Kazuyoshi Saito to simultaneously release two new albums

Saito Kazuyoshi will simultaneously release two original albums on October 23rd.

This was announced on August 25th during his arena live "Saito Kazuyoshi 20th Anniversary Live 1993-2013 '20ku21' ~Korekara mo Yorochikubi~" at Kobe World Memorial Hall. After making the announcement, he revealed, "I have a few choices in mind for the title, but I haven't decided yet~." More details on the two albums will be announced later.

The live was held to commemorate the 20th anniversary since Saito's debut. He sang his new song "Always" as well as his his representative songs "Yashiku Naritai", "Zutto Suki Datta", and "Uta Utai no Ballad". He stated, "It's been 20 years, but The Rolling Stones have been doing it for 50. I'm still an amateur, so please continue to support me!"

This live will broadcast via WOWOW Live on October 13th at 9:00 pm.

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

EXILE'S Atsushi to release new album in the Spring of 2014

EXILE ATSUSHI's new album is set for release in early spring of 2014.

The album will be comprised of songs like "Real Valentine", "Living in the moment", "My 'SHERO'", "Futari no Mirai", "Michishirube", "Kirameki no Uta", "MELROSE ~Aisanai Yakusoku~" and "Furusato." It will also include ATSUSHI and pianist Tsujii Nobuyuki's collaboration song "Soredemo, Ikiteyuku", and reportedly, it will have a song that is themed with the "spirit of Japan."

[gaijinmark]

Ikimongakari to release PV collection in December

Ikimonogakari will be releasing a PV collection called "Tottemo Eezou 2" on December 11.

The group's previous PV collection "Tottemo Eezou" was released back in March of 2009. Their upcoming one will contain a total of 16 PVs from "Futari" (May 2009) to their latest single "Egao". It will also include the PVs' different versions as well as audio commentary from the members.

Additionally, Ikimonogakari will also release a Blu-ray version titled "Kaette Kita Tottemo Eezou". This will contain HD videos of their debut single "SAKURA" to "Kimagure Romantic" (December 2008).

[Tottemo Eezou 2]

MUSIC VIDEOS

�EFutari
�EHotaru no Hikaru
�EYELL
�EJoyful
�ENakumonka
�ENostalgia
�EArigatou
�EKimi ga Iru
�EKaze to Mirai
�EWarattetainda
�EAruite Ikou
�EItsu Datte Bokura wa
�EKISS KISS BANG BANG
�EHaru Uta
�EKaze ga Fuiteiru
�E1 2 3 ~Koi ga Hajimaru~
�EEgao

�E"Hajimari no Uta", "Ikimonobakari ~Members BEST Selection~", "NEWTRAL", "Balladon", "I"

Special Footage
�E"Egao -Yoshioka Kiyoe ver."

�EAudio commentary by Ikimonogakari

[Kaette Kita Tottemo Eezou]

MUSIC VIDEO
�ESAKURA
�EHANABI
�EKoi Suru Otome
�ERyuusei Miracle
�EUruwashiki Hito
�ENatsuzora Graffiti
�ESeishun Line
�EAkaneiro no Yakusoku
�EHana wa Sakura Kimi wa Utsukushi
�EKaeritaku Natta yo
�EBlue Bird
�EPlanetarium
�EKimagure Romantic

�E"Sakura Saku Machi Monogatari", "Life Album", "My Song Your Song"

Special Footage
�EKaeritaku Natta yo -Konni Tour!! 2008 LIVE ver.-
�EKaeritaku Natta yo -Another Take ver.-
�EKaeritaku Natta yo -Kurabetaku Natta yo ver.-

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

Sheena Ringo to release to 'best of' albums

To commemorate her 15th anniversary, Sheena Ringo will simultaneously release a collaboration best-of album "Ukina" and a live best-of album "Mitsugetsushou" on November 13.

"Ukina" will feature a collection of collaboration songs with other artists since her debut in 1998. These songs include "CRAZY DAYS CRAZY FEELING" with ZAZEN BOYS, "Kiken Sugiru" with Asai Kenichi, and "Koroshiya Kiki Ippatsu" with SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS. It will also come with new songs, such as "IT WAS YOU" provided by Burt Bacharach.

Meanwhile, the track list for "Mitsugetsushou" will include a variety of selected live audio tracks. This will be the first time that her performances from 'SONGS' on NHK Sougou in 2009 will be released.

In addition, her live DVDs and PV collections will be released in Blu-ray form. There will be a total of 7 live Blu-rays and 1 documentary as well as a Blu-ray box including all 8 titles.

Furthermore, Sheena will be holding her 15th anniversary live 'Sheena Ringo Jyugo Shuunen Toutaikai Heisei Nijyugonen Kamiyamacho Taikai' starting on November 18 over 5 days at Bunkamura Orchard Hall.

[Ukina]

�Ebecoming / Taniguchi Takashi
�ERock & Hammer / Taniguchi Takashi
�ECRAZY DAYS CRAZY FEELING / ZAZEN BOYS
�EYou make me feel so bad / ZAZEN BOYS
�ERockin' Luuula / MO'SOME TONEBENDER
�EKiken Sugiru / Asai Kenichi
�EAmai Yamai feat. Sheena Ringo / Maboroshi
�EMY FOOLISH HEART ~crazy on earth~�~Sheena Ringo / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS
�EMY FOOLISH HEART ~crazy on shibuya~ / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS�~Sheena Ringo
�EKira Kira Bushi feat. Deyonna / Rekishi
�EKoroshiya Kiki Ippatsu / SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS & Sheena Ringo
�EAPPLE / TOWA TEI
�EYasashii Tetsugaku / Tomita Lab
�EIT WAS YOU / Composed by Burt Bacharach (New Song)


[Mitsugetsushou]
�EHonnou ("Gekokujou Ecstacy" 2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
�EAozora ("Gekokujou Ecstacy" 2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
�ETsumiki Asobi ("Gekokujou Ecstacy" 2000.4.26 NHK Hall)
�EKonya Tabu (Hatsuiku Status "Okiritsu Japan" 2000.7.8 Shinjuku Liquid)
�EAkane Sasu Kiro Terasaredo... ("Zazen Ecstacy" 2000.7.30 Kaho Theater)
�EKabukicho no Joou ("Zazen Ecstacy" 2000.7.30 Kaho Theater)
�EYokushitsu ("Zazen Ecstacy" 2000.7.30 Kaho Theater)
�EPoltergeist ("Baishou Ecstacy" 2003.5.27 Kudan Kaikan)
�EMarunouchi Sadistic ("Electric Mole" 2003.9.27 Nippon Budokan)
�ETsumi to Batsu ("Electric Mole" 2003.9.27 Nippon Budokan)
�EMeisai ("Daiikkai Ringohan Taikai no Moyou" 2005.12 Ebisu Garden Hall)
�ERingo no Uta ("Daiikkai Ringohan Taikai no Moyou" 2005.12 Daikanyama UNIT)
�EKuki (STEM) (Ringo EXPO 08"2008.11.30 Saitama Super Arena)
�EKono Yo no Kagiri (Ringo EXPO 08"2008.11.30 Saitama Super Arena)
�EMittei Minogatari (NHK�uSONGS�v 2009)
�EArimamaru Tomi (NHK�uSONGS�v 2009)


[Sheena Ringo Jyugo Shuunen Toutaikai Heisei Nijyugonen Kamiyamacho Taikai]

Monday, November 18th - Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)
Tuesday, November 19th - Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)
Wednesday, November 20th - Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)
Monday, November 25th - Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)
Tuesday, Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

Yuzu to release double-A side single in November

Yuzu will release their new single "Ame Nochi Hallelujah / Mamotte Agetai" on November 13th.

"Ame Nochi Hallelujah" has already been picked up as the theme song for NHK's morning drama 'Gochisousan' which starts on September 30th. It's written by Kitagawa Yujin and composed by bamboo flute player Sato Kazuya. To bring out sadness and lyricism, the song uses various instruments such as the trumpet, piano, and bamboo flute

Meanwhile, "Mamotte Agetai" will be used as the theme song for the movie 'Subete wa Kimi ni Aeta Kara' that's scheduled to open in theaters on November 22nd. It's described as a love ballad that has the strong message "to protect our loved ones". Yuzu has provided a different version of this song to JUJU which will also be used in the movie.

For its coupling track, the single will include a song called "Hikouki Gumo" written and composed by Iwasawa Koji. It's said to be a number with a soft melody and Iwasawa's transparent singing voice.

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

One guy has talent and one guy doesn't:

Koji Tamaki and Kazuya Kamenashi form duo

On September 22nd, it was announced that KAT-TUN's Kamenashi Kazuya and actor/singer Tamaki Koji have formed a new unit. This was announced during a press conference for NTV's new drama 'Tokyo Band Wagon ~Shitamachi Daikazoku Monogatari~'.

In the drama, Tamaki and Kamenashi will play a father and son who always fight. Their unit is called 'Hotta-ke BAND' and they will be in charge of the drama's theme song "Sayonara��Arigatou".

On his first time collaborating with Tamaki, Kamenashi commented, "I bought Tamaki-san's CDs when I was a child, so I was nervous to sing a song with someone I used to watch. I was able to have an exciting experience."

When the unit was announced, Tamaki's first words were, "We will disband Anzen Chitai and KAT-TUN." Immediately, Kamenashi said, "We won't!" and brought laughter among the crowd.

Kamenashi also reflected on the recording with Tamaki, "We recorded it a total of about 10 times, but it didn't even take an hour." Tamaki added, "I thought we had to live up to expectations so we remade it 3 times."

The first episode of 'Tokyo Band Wagon ~Shitamachi Daikazoku Monogatari~' will air on October 12th at 9:00 pm.

Source: Oricon

[gaijinmark]

Details on Kimura Kaela's collaboration/cover album

"ROCK" is Kimura's first release from her private label 'ELA' that she established under Victor Entertainment. She covered songs from foreign artists of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s that have influenced her. A total of 12 artists such as Saito Kazuyoshi, Chatmonchy, and Kishida Shigeru (from Quruli) have joined her to cover the songs.

Additionally, Kimura has launched a special website for "ROCK" that features footage of recording sessions. This website will be open until March 31st of next year.

Kimura will release her new album on October 30th.

[Track List]

01. Take On Me / a-ha (Kimura Kaela/Okamura Yasuyuki)
02. Girls Just Want To Have Fun / Cyndi Lauper (Kimura Kaela/N'Shukugawa BOYS)
03. FUNKYTOWN / Lipps, Inc. (Kimura Kaela/Ishino Takkyu)
04. Two Of Hearts / Stacey Q (Kimura Kaela/Chara)
05. Heart Of Glass / Blondie (Kimura Kaela/Chatmonchy)
06. Crazy Little Thing Called Love / Queen (Kimura Kaela/Saito Kazuyoshi)
07. SUNDAY MORNING / The Velvet Underground (Kimura Kaela/Hosono Haruomi)
08. You Really Got Me / The Kinks (Kimura Kaela/Okuda Tamio)
09. Fight For Your Right To Party / Beastie Boys (Kimura Kaela/CSS)
10. SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THIS) / Eurythmics (Kimura Kaela/POP ETC)
11. MY GENERATION / The Who (Kimura Kaela/Kishida Shigeru (from Quruli))
12. RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS / Carpenters (Kimura Kaela/Predawn)

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

Porno Graffitti to release 'Best Of' album in November

Rock band Porno Graffitti has just entered the 15th year of their major debut. They have revealed that they will release a best-of album titled "PORNOGRAFFITTI 15th Anniversary 'ALL TIME SINGLES'" on November 20.

The album will be a 3-disc set including title tracks from 41 singles and 1 new song. It will contain all the singles they've released so far from their debut song "Apollo" (released September 1999) to their latest "Seishun Hanamichi" (October 2013).

In addition, Porno Graffitti will kick off their nationwide arena tour 'Love�EE�EMail�EFrom�E1999' on December 14 in their hometown of Hiroshima.

Episode 1 (Disc 1):
01. Apollo
02. Hitori no Yoru
03. Music Hour
04. Saudade
05. Saboten
06. Ageha Chou
07. Voice
08. Shiawase ni Tsuite Honki Dashite Kangaete Mita
09. Mugen
10. Uzu
11. Oto no Nai Mori
12. Melissa
13. Ai ga Yobu Hou e
14. Luck

Episode 2 (Disc 2):
01. Sister
02. Tasogare Romance
03. Neo Melodramatic
04. ROLL (double A-side with Neo Melodramatic)
05. NaNaNa Summer Girl
06. Jobairo
07. DON'T CALL ME CRAZY (double A-side with Jobairo)
08. Haneuma Rider
09. Winding Road
10. Link
11. Anata ga Koko ni Itara
12. Itai Tachiichi
13. Gift
14. Love,too Death,too


Episode 3 (Disc 3):
01. Koyoi, Tsuki ga Miezu Tomo
02. Kono Mune wo, Ai wo Sasu yo
03. Anima Rossa
04. Hitomi no Oku wo Nozokasete
05. Kimi wa 100%
06. EXIT
07. One More Time
08. Yuki no Iro
09. 2012Spark
10. Kage Boushi
11. Mabataku Hoshi no Shita de
12. Seishun Hanamichi
13. Tokyo Destiny
14. New Song (Untitled)

Source: Oricon

[gaijinmark]

Rip Slyme's new album 'Golden Time' to be released in December

Hip-hop group RIP SLYME is set to release their 9th original album "GOLDEN TIME" on December 4, the first time in 2 years and 9 months since they released their previous original album.

The album will include their singles from this year - "Long Vacation" (released for sale in May), "Jungle Fever" (released in July) – as well as the song "SLY" (goes on sale November 13), which was chosen as the theme song of Sakai Masato's starring drama "Legal High". The 13 songs in the album also include limited digital song "RUN with�c," which was used as the Tokyo Marathon 2013 theme song in February.

The first press limited edition CD will also come with a DVD that includes live footage from their first-ever group-hosted summer festival "RIP SLYME presents Manatsu no WOW at STUDIO COAST," which took place in July, along with other footage.

The group also announced that there would be a linked plan between the album release and their nationwide tour "DANCE FLOOR MASSIVE IV" (18 stops in total) which they will kick off on October 11 at the Yokohama BLITZ. Those who pre-order/purchase the upcoming album at CD stores or the performance venues will receive a card that gives access to download various videos, sound clips, and photo content.

Source: Oricon

[gaijinmark]

Miura Daichi to release 4th album in November

Miura Daichi will be releasing his 4th album "The Entertainer" on November 20.

In September, Miura successfully held his first independent live at Yokohama Arena. During this concert, he announced the release of his new album.

"The Entertainer" will be Miura's first album since "D.M.", which was released about 2 years ago. It will come with a total of 14 songs including the ballad song "Two Hearts", which was used as the theme song for the drama 'Answer ~Keishichou Kenshou Sousakan~', and the dance tune "Right Now".

[The Entertainer]

CD:
�ETwo Hearts
�EElevator
�ERight Now
�EGO FOR IT
�ECan You See Our Flag Wavin' In The Sky?
�EBaby Just Time
�EI'm On Fire
�EListen To My Heartbeat
Total 14 songs


DVD / Bluray:
�ETwo Hearts
�ERight Now
�EGO FOR IT
�ENew music clip
�EBonus footage

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

JUJU announces new single, live album and tour

On October 10th, JUJU wrapped up her collaboration tour with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra at Bunkamura Orchard Hall. During this performance, it was announced that the singer will be releasing her new single "Mamotte Agetai" on November 20th, her live album on December 11th, and that she will be holding a nationwide hall tour next year.

The three big news were announced by JUJU herself during the encore. Her single "Mamotte Agetai" will be used in the movie 'Subete wa Kimi ni Aeta Kara'. The song was provided by Kitagawa Yujin (Yuzu) and it's described as a ballad that conveys a strong message: "I want to protect the people who are important to me". For its coupling track, the single will include the movie's opening song "Silent Night", as well as a cover of DREAMS COME TRUE's "Yuki no Christmas".

The details on JUJU's live album and hall tour will be revealed at a later date.

[Mamotte Agetai]

01. Mamotte Agetai
02. Silent Night
03. Yuki no Chrismas

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

Golden Bomber to release new single on New Year's Day

Golden Bomber will be releasing a new single titled "101 Kaime no Noroi" on January 1 of next year.

Golden Bomber are known for their New Year's releases. They've previously released their album "Golden Album" in 2012 and their single "Dance My Generation" in 2013. Details on their upcoming single haven't been revealed yet, but it's known that the demo for the title track will be included as the preset song in the NINTENDO 3DS game 'Daigassou! Band Brothers P' scheduled to hit stores on November 14.

Additionally, it was revealed that Golden Bomber will be in charge of the new theme song for 'Mezamashi Doyoubi'. Their song "Ano Subarashii Asa wo Mou Ichido" will be used on the program starting on its October 12th broadcast. They wrote this song during the live broadcast of special program '20 Shunen Mezamashi Yoru no Dai Dousoukai! Uragawa Subete Misemasu & Chou Gouka Janken Matsuri' on October 5.

Their new song "Kataomoi de Ii" has been picked up as the CM song for 'Iichiko Hita Zenkouji'.

Source: natalie

[gaijinmark]

Bump of Chicken to release their 7th album in January

BUMP OF CHICKEN will be releasing their 7th album titled "Ray" in January of 2014.

This was announced on October 29th during the finale of their nationwide concert 'BUMP OF CHICKEN 2013 TOUR: WILLPOLIS' at Nippon Budokan. The announcement was made after exciting their fans by performing the new uptempo song "ray".

This will mark 3 years since releasing their previous album "COSMONAUT". It will include a total of 13 songs including "Tomodachi no Uta", "Smile", "Zero", "Good Luck", "firefly", "Niji wo Motsu Hito", and "ray".

Source: natalie