Up-and-coming ambient fusion band la la larks released their latest single “Hallelujah” last week on July 29th.  “Hallelujah” was the group’s first release of new material in over a year since their debut single “ego-izm” dropped back on June 4th of 2014.

In support of their return to the scene, the band also chose to record and upload a live performance showcasing the release’s lead track.  This special performance allows for a glimpse at the group’s live skills and places an additional spotlight on the horn section which joined the band to record the song.

You’ll find the studio live of “Hallelujah”, as well as the single’s track list, just below the jump.  In addition, please keep an eye out for the band’s collaboration track with Kondo Akihisa; titled “TOKYO LIGHT”, the song was released for digital download today in Japan.

This just in! Crystal Kay and reigning J-pop queen, Namie Amuro are collaborating. Despite the news being leaked mid-July, not many fans knew the details exception there was a collaboration at work. However, the curtains has risen and more information has been revealed.

Namie will be the featured artist on Crystal Kay’s Septermber 16th single, REVOLUTION.

REVOLUTION is described as a powerful, rooters’ song with uptempo dance music. The song is reinforced with the red and black outfits that these two lovely ladies are wearing. Crystal was quoted saying that “this is a dream come true. This dream is amazing”.

Last night, NHK aired a special music show titled “Inochi no Uta.” The show commemorated the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The show took place in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Tokyo. Performers were split between the 3 cities. Hiroshima’s performers were KinKi Kids, Nikaido Kazumi, and Morning Musume ’15. Nagasaki’s performers was Sada Masashi. Tokyo’s perfomers were Ohara Sakurako, Hata Motohiro, Makihara Noriyuki, and MISIA.

KinKi Kids – Flower

Sada Masashi – Inochi no Riyuu

Ohara Sakurako – Hitomi

Hata Motohiro – Himawari no Yakusoku

Morning Musume ’15 – Ame no Furanai Hoshi de wa Aisenai Darou?

Makihara Noriyuki – Remember My Name

Nikaido Kazumi – Ippon no Enpitsu

MISIA – Sakura Hitohira

Sada Masashi – Hiroshima no Sora

KinKi Kids – Family ~Hitotsu ni Naru Koto

On Recochoku, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “I Really Like You” took the top spot for the second week in a row.

On iTunes, Shiina Ringo topped the chart with “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri.”

And since July just ended, we also have the monthly Recochoku chart!

Today, Shiina Ringo will release her new single, “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri / Kamisama, Hotokesama.” She released the short music videos for the songs a few days ago, but the full clips have now been revealed. The music video for “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri” revolves around a woman’s night out on the town that ends in a twist. The clip for “Kamisama, Hotokesama” is an homage to Japanese culture. Check them out after the jump!

Base Ball Bear is set to release a series of monthly singles starting in August and ending in October. These will be the band’s first releases since their album “Nijuukyusai” in June 2014. August’s release is titled “‘Sorette, for Dare?’ part.1” and it is out on the 5th. September’s release is titled “Bunkasai no Yoru” and it is out on the 2nd. Finally, “Fushigi na Yoru” will be released on October 7.

All of these singles will come in a 2CD format, with the first CD being comprised of the title track, its instrumental, and a teaser for their new album. The second CD for “‘Sorette, for Dare?’ part.1” will be a live CD which was recorded at a concert this past June. The second CD for “Bunkasai no Yoru” will contain the instrumentals for the band’s album from last year. The details on the second CD for their October single have yet to be announced.

Today, Base Ball Bear released the music video for “‘Sorette, for Dare?’ part.1.” The clip for the groovy song is set in a parking lot. It revolves around a girl in a telephone booth and features the band performing the song outside of it. Check it out after the jump along with the covers and tracklists for the forthcoming singles!

Back in April, Suiyoubi no Campanella released their EP, “Triathlon.” Over the past few months, they’ve released music videos for the EP’s first 2 songs, “Diablo” and “Napoleon.” Now the trio has released the music video for the EP’s third and final song, “Utah.” The song features a water drop sample, elements of world music, and a lot of bass. The music video for “Utah” is like a hallucinogenic trip. It features lots of flashes, colors, and movement. Check it out after the jump!

This week’s guests were Yu Takahashi, Inoue Sonoko, Tomomi Itano, and this is not a business.

Yu Takahashi – Fukuwarai

Inoue Sonoko – Futari

Tomomi Itano – Gimme Gimme Luv

this is not a business – Don’t Mind