Shintai Sokutei
Artist: 40mP
Release Date: 3/20/13
Price: 1905 yen
Third album from 40mP under the Exit Tunes label. Bonus items include a cell phone strap (1 of 6 designs), mousepad, clear file, and poster. Visit the official website for samples and more info. There are some interesting retailer-exclusive bonuses as well, including a piano arrange CD from Animate or a PV DVD from Tsutaya.
Pretty standard set of 80s tracks that Dancemania fans have seen countless times. Judging by the track lengths, this won’t be a non-stop mix. Also available on iTunes Japan for 900 yen.
The third release in the EDM series was delayed a week to March 20. Expect EDM hits from David Guetta, Deadmau5, Moby, Calvin Harris, and…Duran Duran?! I wish Tomo Hirata would choose some more recent songs, though. I’m sure EMI force him to choose from their catalogue, but there’s really no reason to have “Teenage Dream” on a 2013 album. -_-
On a related note, EMI Music Japan were recently acquired by Universal Japan as part of Universal’s global acquisition of EMI. It’ll be very interesting to see how the acquisition will affect EMI’s compilations in the future. At best, it means they’ll be able to draw on Universal’s large catalogue of artists. At worst, they’ll neglect EMI altogether. 🙁
Update: An interview with Tomo Hirata confirms that EDM 4 is already in the works.
Interesting new house compilation from VillageAgain. All of the tracks are licensed from the seemingly ubiquitous American label, Power Music. However, some of the tracks have been remixed by Japanese producers. The non-stop mix is by DJ Satoshi, previously known as half of the Mega Trance act, Glutton Boyz, and he even contributes some remixes of his own. The Mega Trance connection doesn’t end there, as there are also tracks by DJ U*Hey?, both under his main alias as well as under his Threemason alias. DJ ET-Q, perhaps best known for his Hime Trance appearances, is also present with a remix. Unfortunately, the remixes aren’t trance, but more garden variety house and EDM.
Sekai Seifuku
Artist: Neru feat. Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len
Release Date: 3/6/13
Price: 1905 yen
New album from Vocaloid producer, Neru, best known for “Tokyo Teddy Bear”. Bonus items include a cell phone strap charm (1 of 2 designs), mouse pad (1 of 7 designs), poster, and clear file. There are also a number of retailer-exclusive bonus items, including a PV DVD. Visit the official website for samples and more info.
Second solo album from Glutamine. Bonus items include an original strap (1 of 5 designs), pass case (1 of 6 designs), clear file, and poster. There are also retailer-exclusive bonus items, ranging from bonus CDs to lunch mats. Visit Glutamine’s official website fir more info.
New compilation from Victor Japan. Features R&B and electro house songs from around the world. I was expecting mostly covers, but a lot of the original artists were used. Mixed by DJ Fumi*Yeah!
A new EDM compilation from FARM Records that will be sold exclusively at Tsutaya Records. The tracks have been selected by ?Taku Takahasi, best known as a member of m-flo. Looks like the final list is the same one that was originally announced months ago.
The latest in the surprisingly popular Age mix series, this time focusing on Yogaku (Western) hits. I was expecting all repeats, but there are actually a few new productions. I just wonder if Antoki no Inoki will actually be MCing over the entire album, as he does in the commercial.
New compilation from FARM Records with house covers of classic and current pop hits. Includes the usual FARM artists like Minimum Cox, Daiki × ZK, and I.T.T. Also features new productions from NRG Factory.
New EDM compilation from Universal Japan. A lot of mainstream US artists are signed to the label, so expect tracks from familiar names like LMFAO, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj. Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on the listener. Check out Universal’s official EDM Anthem website for more info.
The third release in the EDM series has been delayed a week. Cover art and the final track list have been revealed, though. Expect EDM hits from David Guetta, Deadmau5, Moby, and others. Also includes a new song and remix by Tomo Hirata. Hmm, I wonder how long before we start seeing more new remixes by Japanese producers?
Cover art and final list have been released for this compilation of 90s pop and dance classics. It’s the usual fare from Smile.dk, Me & My, MC Hammer, Bellini, and more. Nothing terribly interesting.