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DAILY RECORDS : Janelle Monae, Melvins, & We Were Promised Jetpack

by | May 26, 2010 | MUSIC

Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
Retro-soul (featuring non-synthesized instruments!) meets ambient sci-fi production on this slice of futuristic funk by P. Diddy’s latest protege. Straight-up dance tracks like “Tightrope” are the immediate hits, but psychedelic curiosities like “Mushrooms And Roses” reward repeat listens. The most intelligent, creative R&B record in recent memory.

Melvins – The Bride Screamed Murder (Ipecac)
Their legacy long since assured, the Melvins are free to be bizarre. To that end, this album veers rapidly between legit rockers and total weirdness–extended drum fills, ridiculous vocalizations, etc. Can you enjoy having your mind messed with? The answer will determine your enjoyment of this album.

We Were Promised Jetpacks – The Last Place You’ll Look (Fat Cat)
This EP is somewhat insubstantial. The songs it contains are more like skeletons than finished songs. And yet, it’s hypnotic at points, even strangely beautiful. I’m not sure if there’s really enough there to make it worthwhile as a whole, but it’s certainly not a complete waste of time either.

Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (Bad Boy/Atlantic)
Retro-soul (featuring non-synthesized instruments!) meets ambient sci-fi production on this slice of futuristic funk by P. Diddy’s latest protege. Straight-up dance tracks like “Tightrope” are the immediate hits, but psychedelic curiosities like “Mushrooms And Roses” reward repeat listens. The most intelligent, creative R&B record in recent memory.

Melvins – The Bride Screamed Murder (Ipecac)
Their legacy long since assured, the Melvins are free to be bizarre. To that end, this album veers rapidly between legit rockers and total weirdness–extended drum fills, ridiculous vocalizations, etc. Can you enjoy having your mind messed with? The answer will determine your enjoyment of this album.

We Were Promised Jetpacks – The Last Place You’ll Look (Fat Cat)
This EP is somewhat insubstantial. The songs it contains are more like skeletons than finished songs. And yet, it’s hypnotic at points, even strangely beautiful. I’m not sure if there’s really enough there to make it worthwhile as a whole, but it’s certainly not a complete waste of time either.

R. Anthony Harris

R. Anthony Harris

In 2005, I created RVA Magazine, and I'm still at the helm as its publisher. From day one, it’s been about pushing the “RVA” identity, celebrating the raw creativity and grit of this city. Along the way, we’ve hosted events, published stacks of issues, and, most importantly, connected with a hell of a lot of remarkable people who make this place what it is. Catch me at @majormajor____

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