Album of the Week (2010/05/18)

Janelle Monįe, ‘The ArchAndroid’ (Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy)

If Janelle Monįe would just settle down and conform to the stereotypical Beyonce-style soul music, she would have a huge career ahead of her. She is not interested in that though, oh no, this chick is pushing the boundaries. I mean, when did you last hear a Beyonce song in which the arrangements referenced Star Wars? That’s right, never!

‘The ArchAndroid’ switches genres and vocal styles in a kind of schizophrenic overture that leaves you breathless and wanting more. This is a masterpiece, pure and simple. Don’t just take my word for it though, listen to snippets of the album below.

The National, ‘High Violet’ (4AD)

Sometimes an album comes out and gets such epic reviews that you immediately run out to purchase it, take it home, give it a listen, and think “What the hell is this?” You might pretend to people that you enjoy it and find it very meaningful, but secretly you just don’t get it. ‘High Violet’ is one of those albums. In some music circles, it is already being called album of the year.

While admittedly being a huge leap forward for the band, there is something that seems to be lacking. You get the sense that they are trying so hard that it just cancels out the whole thing.

There is no real depth. “Afraid of Everyone” is the most interesting track on the album and is the only high point.

Karen Elson, ‘The Ghost Who Walks’ (XL)

You will know Karen Elson as either the wife of Jack White or as a popular supermodel from the nineties. You probably were not aware that she has a decent set of pipes on her. It would be easy to shrug your shoulders at Karen and mutter about how she only got a record deal because of her famous husband. That maybe true, but it does not detract from the quality of her songs (which she wrote herself) and the bluegrass/Doors/folk influence that shines through out the album. This isn’t the glitterly pop sound that you would expect from a model, this is the real deal.

“The Ghost Who Walks” is the first single from the album is quite addictive. It is one of those tracks that sound classic but original at the same time. I give this album the thumbs-up. It really is well worth the price of a download.

Marina & the Diamonds, ‘The Family Jewels’ (Chop Shop/Atlantic)

Marina’s music is endearingly catchy, but can be annoying in large doses, mainly due to the fact that she does have quite a whacky voice. The production is very 80’s pop, but the song subjects are pure naughties. You see, Marina is obsessed with herself and on becoming very, very, very famous. She is the Lady Gaga of the hipster crowd. It’s worthwhile making a note of her in your mind, because she is going to around for awhile.

– Emma Pollard

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