It's a new sub-genre! Toy Folk! Okay sort of, but I'm pretty sure someone already thought of that. Shugo Tokumaru is another example of awesome Japanese folk pop that has been popping up everywhere. He's got this synth pop sound with loads of wonderful melodies. You can distinctively hear toy instruments well arranged with electronic sounds, recorded overlays, and with Japanese verses that I completely do not understand! It's the appropriate happy song you've find in the funny or awkward scenes in films like Little Miss Sunshine or The Darjeeling Ltd.

Tokumaru was playing with Gellers but after two successful solo albums, solo isn't a bad route at all! Exit came out late October in Japan and hasn't been released in the states yet but be hopeful for early 08'. You can pick up the album at the P-Vine Label's website. You can get his 2nd solo 2005 release L.S.T. on iTunes! And of course, While you wait we got some great tracks of the new album!

Hidamari
Parachute

Bonus:
Young Folks (PB&J Cover)
Typewriter (from the Night Piece Album)

Check out some of the really fun music videos now!

Labels: Electronic, Folk, indie, Pop, toy