| Title | Year | Highlights | |-------|------|------------| | | 2012 | Focuses on noise‑rock, avant‑garde electronic, and the rise of “Vaporwave” in Tokyo. | | Shibuya‑Kei Revival | 2015 | A tribute to the 1990s Shibuya‑Kei movement, featuring many of the same artists now matured. | | Future City Pop | 2018 | A curated playlist of modern city‑pop artists inspired by the 80s revival. | | Neo‑Tokyo Live Sessions (YouTube series) | 2020‑present | Live‑streamed performances from Tokyo’s boutique venues; many original Map of the Sounds contributors appear. | Quick FAQ | Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Is the “DVDRip XviD” label a legal format? | “DVDRip” simply indicates that the DVD content has been digitally ripped from the original disc. “XviD” is a video codec. The label itself isn’t illegal, but distribution of ripped files without permission is. | | Can I stream the whole compilation? | No official streaming service hosts the full set as a single album. However, individual tracks are often available legally on major platforms. | | What’s the best audio format to enjoy this music? | The original CD is 16‑bit/44.1 kHz PCM. For higher fidelity, seek out FLAC releases (if the artist has made them available) or consider purchasing a high‑quality vinyl reissue. | | Are the lyrics in Japanese? | Mostly, yes. The DVD includes English subtitles for most tracks, and the CD booklet (when available) provides romanized lyrics. | TL;DR Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (2009) is a culturally rich audio‑visual compilation that captures a pivotal moment in Tokyo’s indie music scene. By listening to the tracks, watching the DVD’s visual accompaniments, and exploring the artists’ later work, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the city’s sonic identity in the late 2000s. Enjoy it responsibly, support the artists through official channels, and let the neon‑lit melodies guide your next musical discovery.
| # | Artist | Track | Style | DVD Timestamp* | Quick Note | |---|--------|-------|-------|----------------|------------| | 1 | | “Dreamy Night” | Psychedelic rock | 00:02:15 | Early example of Japanese “psychedelic folk” that later influenced global lo‑fi scenes. | | 2 | Stereolab (Japan Remix) | “Mongolia (Tokyo Mix)” | Post‑rock/electro | 00:04:37 | A rare remix that blends Stereolab’s French‑British sensibility with Tokyo club beats. | | 3 | Miyavi | “Bleeding Heart” | Rock/hip‑hop | 00:07:03 | Showcases Miyavi’s signature slap‑guitar technique; live footage of Shibuya‑O-East. | | 4 | Cornelius | “World’s End” | Shibuya-kei/electronic | 00:09:45 | A lush, layered production; the DVD shows the artist’s studio setup. | | 5 | Yukihiro Takahashi | “Plastic Love (Remix)” | City pop / synth‑pop | 00:12:22 | A modern reinterpretation of the 1980s classic; great for fans of the “city pop revival.” | | 6 | Shugo Tokumaru | “Lullaby for a Cat” | Indie folk | 00:15:08 | Gentle acoustic textures; the video features hand‑drawn animation. | | 7 | Moe Shop | “Killer” | Electro‑pop | 00:17:50 | High‑energy synths; footage from a rooftop performance in Roppongi. | | 8 | Masaaki Kishibe | “Neon Skyline” | Ambient/Techno | 00:20:30 | Minimalist techno that captures the neon glow of Shinjuku at night. | | 9 | Miyako Yoshida | “Sakura Rain” | Jazz‑fusion | 00:23:12 | A beautiful piano‑driven piece; the DVD includes a short interview about Tokyo’s seasonal inspiration. | |10 | World’s End Girlfriend | “A Gentleman's Last Ride” | Orchestral post‑rock | 00:26:44 | Epic crescendos; live footage from a small venue in Koenji. | |…|…|…|…|…|…| |20| Sakanaction | “Sample” | Dance‑rock | 00:55:18 | Early Sakanaction track that pre‑figured their later mainstream success. | Map Of The Sounds Of Tokyo 2009 DVDRip XviD LAP
What Is It? Map of the Sounds of Tokyo is a compilation CD/DVD released in 2009 that showcases the eclectic music scene of Tokyo at the turn of the decade. Curated by a small collective of indie promoters, the set features a mixture of electronica, indie rock, ambient, and experimental tracks from both emerging and established Japanese artists. The DVD component (often found in the “DVDRip” version) includes music videos, live performance snippets, and short documentaries that give context to each track. Why It Matters | Reason | Explanation | |--------|-------------| | Cultural Snapshot | Captures Tokyo’s sonic diversity in 2009—a time when the city’s underground scene was transitioning from physical venues to digital platforms. | | Artist Exposure | Many of the featured artists later gained international attention (e.g., Nujabes‑style hip‑hop , Shoji‑style shoegaze ). | | Multimedia Experience | The DVD adds visual storytelling, offering insight into the venues, fashion, and visual art that accompanied the music. | | Collectible Value | Original pressings (especially with the XviD DVD) are prized by collectors of Asian indie music memorabilia. | Track‑by‑Track Overview Below is a concise guide you can use while listening or watching the DVD. It lists the primary artists, song titles, and a short note on each track’s style or significance. (If you have the DVD, the corresponding timestamps are included for easy navigation.) | Title | Year | Highlights | |-------|------|------------|