I Get Monae, Monae I Got

Janelle Monae: Sincerely Jane



From: Metropolis Suite 1 [Wondaland Arts Society, 2007]

Janelle Monae: Lettin' Go
From: Got Purp Vol 2 [Virgin, 2005]

First of, excuse the title pun, what can I say, it's been one of those weeks. Following on from J.'s post earlier this week about newer music that's been catching the ear I give you Janelle Monae's new EP on the Wondaland Arts Society label. Slated to be the first section in a four part series, the EP once again showcases her talents for offering up something different to the mainstream.

I first heard Janelle's work on her two tracks on Big Boi's Got Purp vol 2 and while Time Will Reveal left me pretty cold Lettin' Go was a definite highlight of the compilation with it's upbeat, dare I say it, Acid Jazz overtones and throwback swing production of strings and 4/4 beats. I've included it here just in case you missed it first time round. On a side note Got Purp has some great tracks hidden away in there, don't sleep.

Needless to say I was intrigued when I got a heads up on Janelle releasing her debut solo work and it's a pretty wild bunch of various styles and genres. However, the stand out track for me by a mile is the EP's closer, Sincerely Jane; it's a difficult trick to merge classic soul with something more modern but I think this track achieves it with aplomb. The song's stylings actually remind me of Nicole Willis with an incredibly catchy chorus and great horn section. Throw in some scratching for good measure and you've got a song which promises great things for the future releases. As the EP is only a few tracks long and you can get the whole lot for $4.99 I thought it only fair to stream it for now.

Back with some older, dustier, selections next week.