Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sci-Fi Soul

Looking for music that's "out of this world?"



Try Janelle Monae, a true original, who is planning a 4 EP story arc telling the tale of android Cindi Mayweather who falls in love with a human.  This is forbidden in the future "Metropolis" (inspired by the silent film "Metropolis") so she is on the run after being ordered to be hunted down and disassembled.



Janelle, who went to American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NY, was featured in the movie "Idlewood" and released some previous music, but this is her breakout moment.  She wanted to create her own world and released part one "Metropolis - The Chase" independently in 2007.  Last year Sean "Puffy" Combs took interest and helped put the music in wider release.



Ms. Monae is a fresh new force on the music scene.  Yet, there is definitely a throwback to artists such as Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland, and even a little James Brown.  Favorite song on the cd is this dynamic cover of "Smile" - music written by silent film star Charlie Chaplin.



Here's another version that is a little more close up. This definitely makes you think of Judy Garland in "A Star is Born."

I call this the "YES MAM" version.



Must download tracks from the album are "Smile" and "Sincerely Jane" (which is very Shirley Bassey-esque!)

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