Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Janelle Monáe - Crazy Robot Lady


Janelle Monáe's music is a combination of throwback sensibilities with modern production values, and the result is outstanding. Her EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite is based on the Fritz Lang movie from the early 20th Century of the same name. I've never seen the movie, but I know it involves robots and stuff.

Monáe's voice is reminiscent of Shirley Bassey. In fact, when I played one of her songs for a couple of the kids on my XC team, they said it sounded like a James Bond theme, which makes sense since Bassey sang at least three that I know of.
*** Bonus points for anyone who can name which Bond themes Shirley Bassey sang without looking them up on the Interwebs.
Sincerely, Jane is by far the standout track. It combines a full orchestra with amazing vocals and DJ breaks. It's just not often you hear horns that.... brassy.



I also recommend Many Moons and Violet Stars Happy Hunting.

At some point, Monáe made her way to Atlanta, and not surprisingly, she's been involved in projects with Big Boi of Outkast. When I listen to her music, I can definitely hear the musical connection. She appears on Big Boi's Got Purp? Vol II with an incredible dance track called Lettin' Go. It sounds like she's channeling Rock With You era Michael Jackson, and she's almost as good as MJ here.

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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousDecember 14, 2009 at 8:47 PM

    Janelle Monae is a beast! Her music is so original just like her:)

    ReplyDelete

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