Our favourite android, Janelle Monáe hits us with the new video for the big tune, “Cold War,” taken from her new album The ArchAndroid Suite II & III. Simply shot, beautifully lit, with an equally stunning face that evokes pure and raw emotion. We all know what it feels like to laugh and simultaneously burst into tears with sadness. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
The android Cindi Mayweather, the alterego of Janelle Monáe, is here in the funky and eclectic The ArchAndroid Suite II & III, the followup to Monáe‘s debut EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite, which takes us back (and forward) to a futuristic world like one that was depicted by Fritz Lang in his 20s silent film, Metroplis. If the film was remade today and with sound, The ArchAndroid Suite II & III would be apropos. Covering all types of musical genres, from rock to punk to afrobeat to pop and ambient, her clean vocals and lyrics make you have to listen to it a few times as you enter the world of Cindi Mayweather.
If some of you are missing Björk, with The ArchAndroid Suite II & III, we have gained a new artist who is just as eccentric, yet Monáe still applies her soul and R&B influence, capturing an array of moods as the cinematic story of Cindi Mayweather unfolds. The album highlights are with afropunk headliner, poet, singer, and musician Saul Williams on “Dance or Die,” which is an afrobeat infected tune, where Monáe speaks her lyrics in unison to the beat of the drum. “Mushrooms and Roses” with its ode to Hendrix in sound and “57821” which recreates the flower power era is refreshing as it is relaxing. The debut song off the album, “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi from Outkast, has that funky James Brown type funk where you just want to get up and dance. The robotic arrangement and youth-like vocals for “Wondaland” makes you wonder, “Where is Andre 3000 on this album?!” Monáe‘s sound is Atlanta and more. “Cold War” is one of those tunes that let you know, a star has been born on The ArchAndroid Suite II & III.
Check out a couple of tunes below, then head over to iTunes and get yourself a copy of The ArchAndroid Suite II & III; it will be money well spent!
“Wondaland”
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“Dance or Die” feat. Saul Williams
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A little late in posting this one but as always, Janelle Monae gives a stunning performance in the video for “Tightrope.” The album, The ArchAndroid hits stores May 18th, but can be pre-ordered from here – you’ll get immediate downloads of the singles “Coldwar” and “Tightrope,” plus artwork.
The “Year of the Eargasm” is in full swing. New music from Janelle Monáe!! “Tightrope” features Big Boi (Outkast) and is the first taste from her forthcoming album The Arch Android, to be released on her own independent label, Wondaland Arts Society, a subsidiary of Bad Boy/Atlantic, May 18. Not sure if with this release will be the start of the original plan — which is to serialize releases due to the changed face of how people buy music now; we would gladly welcome receiving music from Ms. Monáe quarterly and hope that plan still stands.
“Tightrope” is typical high energy Monáe, with that funky James Brown-esque flavour. I can see her performing this already and I can’t wait! You’ll be able to purchase the single from Jonelle Monáe‘s website as of tomorrow. But in the meantime, check it out below and let me know if you’re excited! I know I am!
“Tightrope” feat. Big Boi
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Any artist given the opportunity to be affiliated with P. Diddy and be signed to his Bad Boy Entertainment label, would think his muscle would be a sure symbol of success. I was skeptical of this Bad Boy/Janelle Monáe union as major labels generally don’t know what to do with eclectic artists and this woman cannot, nor would we want her to be tamed. And that is exactly what happened with Janelle Monáe; her Metropolis: The Chase Suite received moderate sales leading her to pursue other options to continue her musical endeavors.
Despite this, Monáe won hearts through her tireless schedule of performances throughout the country. I’m now constantly checking her website for updates on new releases. She recently performed at the My Coke Fest earlier this month and from that event, collaborated on the pop single “Open Happiness,” with a few artists who also performed at the Fest (Cee-Lo, Brendon from Panic At the Disco, and Travis from Gym Class Heroes).
Now working independently through her Wondaland Arts Society label, where their plans are to release material quarterly, like serialized programs, due to the changed face of music distribution and consumers having the ability to buy single songs at a time or get free downloads.
If, by some strange fluke, you do not own Metropolis: The Chase Suite, do get it. I’ve got a strong feeling some noodles will hit by summer.
