Polyvinyl is pleased to announce the fourth full length by Brooklyn-based shoegaze quartet Asobi Seksu, and the addition of Japanese pop-experimentalist Shugo Tokumaru to the Polyvinyl Family!
Asobi Seksu's highly anticipated fourth full-length, Fluorescence, out February 15, 2011 in the US, features the lead single "Trails"--catchy and chaotic to the core, paying homage to the pitch-perfect songwriting of the ‘60s. “Coming Up” sets the scene by plowing into beehive-like synth lines and warp speed washes of dream-pop that leave you wondering just what the hell is going on. The album features artwork from acclaimed designer Vaughan Oliver (Cocteau Twins, Pixies), and will be available on CD, LP (Gatefold Jacket, 180 gram pink vinyl limited edition of 1,500), and digital formats. Click the link below to receive a free download of "Trails."
Also set for release on February 15, 2011, is Port Entropy, the 4th album from critically-acclaimed songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shugo Tokumaru, the newest addition to the Polyvinyl family. Throughout Port Entropy, Tokumaru's arrangements soar to new heights -- most prominently in the coda of standout track “Lahaha.” Conversely, the twinkling piano lullaby "Linne" showcases a quieter, more introspective side of Tokumaru's songwriting. Listen to "Lahaha" for free by clicking the link below.
Both albums are available for pre-order below. Check out the sweet package deals that include both albums + 4 other Asobi Seksu titles, all for super cheap.Hide More
Static Multimedia pretty much hit the nail on the head with their title of the recently published Port Entropy review: "Shugo Tokumaru - Japan's Paul McCartney?"
The glowing Beatles comparison isn't the only thing Static Multimedia had to say about Port Entropy. The review also touches on Tokumaru's wonderful ability to showcase completely different sides of his music while maintaining a cohesive feel throughout the entire album. Check out the review for yourself at the link below and don't forget to pre-order your copy of Port Entropy on limited green vinyl!
Shugo Tokumaru's new video for "Linne," a track pulled from his upcoming full-length Port Entropy, premiered on Stereogum earlier today. The video takes a subdued approach to the track, with fuzzy animations cloaked in autumn colors, and follows a boy's silhouette through an underwater wonderland. Port Entropy will hit streets February 15, but you can pre-order a copy below. This video's perfect for the season, so click the link below and check it out over at Stereogum.
If you haven't gotten a chance to check out Shugo Tokumaru's insanely catchy new single, "Lahaha," now is the best time! The song is Today's Top Tune on KCRW and can be downloaded for free. Click the link below to check it out. If you like what you hear, head on over to our online store where you can pick up a copy of Port Entropy on green vinyl.
Coke Machine Glow crafted an awesome review of Shugo Tokumaru's Port Entropy that delves deep and takes a serious look into Tokumaru's bedroom constructions. Coke Machine Glow said the album "strides boldly in a new direction, both more frenetic and more focused. It’s a big, relentlessly surging folk-pop song suite." Click the link below and read the full review.
UTNE Reader compiles a list of their favorite songs every month for their monthly mixtapes, and Shugo Tokumaru's "Lahaha" was featured in their March 2011 edition. Other bands on the playlist include Lia Ices and Parts & Labor. Click the link below to listen to and download "Lahaha" and the rest of the playlist.
Our favorite Japanese pop wizard, Shugo Tokumaru, is back with a new album, In Focus?, and it's available for pre-order now!
The album will be released throughout North America, UK, and Europe early next year (1/22/13) on CD, LP (clear vinyl), and digital formats. All pre-orders receive an instant MP3 download for the entire album at checkout, so you can listen right now while you wait for your package to ship!
Check out the video for the first single "Decorate" above, or stream it on Soundcloud below.
The new Shugo Tokumaru album, In Focus?, will be our first release of 2013, and we couldn't be more thrilled! Stereogum just posted the album's second track "Katachi" and called it a "lush piece of bliss..." Check it out HERE.
The album comes out 1/22 on CD / LP (clear vinyl) / digital formats. Grab a copy from our online store RIGHT HERE.
And don't forget about Shugo's upcoming US tour with Kishi Bashi. Check out the dates & get tickets on our TOUR PAGE.
The new Shugo Tokumaru video for "Katachi" made its debut on Pitchfork today (watch it above). The video was directed by Kijek / Adamski and features some SERIOUS stop motion animation skills. This thing will blow you away for sure.
"Katachi" is featured on Shugo Tokumaru's new album, In Focus?, which comes out tomorrow!
Today's the day! Shugo Tokumaru's latest (and finest) album, In Focus?, is officially out today in the US, UK, and Europe. Look for it at your favorite local record shop, or order directly through the PV online store RIGHT HERE (check out the clear vinyl above).
Pitchfork recently debuted the incredibly intricate new video for "Katachi," which features amazing stop-animation work by directors Kijek / Adamski. Watch it above!
"Shugo Tokumaru is one of those rare people who can pile instruments all over each other in a way that makes no sense on paper and then make it come off as the most natural thing in the world." - Pitchfork (7.6)
And don't forget, the album is streaming in its entirety over at Under the RadarHERE!
The Line of Best Fit just posted a great interview with Shugo TokumaruRIGHT HERE. If you've ever wondered what goes on in Tokumaru's mind while he's writing / recording, you'll definitely enjoy this interview. He explains it all.
“Imagery or stories which I see in my dreams becomes a clue for writing the lyrics. I frequently try to do a cover of a live performance of an unknown band which I see in my dreams by keeping it in mind as it was.”
MTV 81 just posted part 1 of their video interview with Shugo TokumaruRIGHT HERE. The interview touches on Tokumaru's writing process and how he got started making music. Be on the lookout for part 2 coming soon!
