IM // UR | Janelle Monae wages a Cold War on a Tightrope

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Janelle Monae wages a Cold War on a Tightrope

Monday // July 12, 2010 at 16:43 // filed under Music

Hiya Janelle

Despite being somewhat underrated in the eyes of the general public until now, it seems that Janelle Monáe is slowly, slowly gathering steam to claim some well deserved recognition and praise for her mad skillz.

Her first proper full length release, concept album The ArchAndroid is one of my favourites of the year so far; and gives me the feeling that OutKast's The Love Below//Speakerboxxx release did - I still listen to it, and I have a feeling Monáe's will yield the same long life.

One of my favourite tracks from the album is 'Cold War'.

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Janelle Monae - Cold War

Here's the Wondamix edit of the track, which, whilst extracting the very verve and nerve of the song, puts Monáe into a more 'traditionally' soul-ish context. An interesting juxtaposition when you're looking at this super talented character.

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Janelle Monáe - Cold War (Wondamix) [mp3]

I guess this song is kinda indicative of how I interpret her approach to conquering pop music. Go girl, I'm gunning for you all the way!

BONUS: Here's a cool new remix of 'Tightrope' by Organized Noize who capitalise on the jittery tension on the original track amp up the intensity and giving it a live feel. The original does a ssick shuffle, and Organized Noize give it a bit more kick.

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Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (feat. Big Boi) (Organized Noize Remix) [mp3]

POSTED BY CHRISTEL ESCOSA

TAGS: Janelle Monae, Organized Noize, Wondamix // LINKS: Janelle Monáe