The latest edition of the CL Music Team's weekly compendium — what are we jamming to get us through the Monday? Check out this week’s selections.
– Janelle Monáe, The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) (2010)
Rarely does a release bounce between genres as successfully as this album does. It's grounded by Monáe's stunning voice and a sci-fi concept, but the unexpected elements are what make it so much fun to listen to. The ArchAndroid reminds me of Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) in the way it delivers something new on every spin. This one's definitely worth the hype it's receiving.
Amber – The Doors, Strange Days (1967), Morrison Hotel (1970), L.A. Woman (1971)
Finally got to see When You're Strange, a new rock-doc on the band. Great stuff. Can't get The Doors out of my head now. Stay tuned for a review on the film.
Jeff – Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, Live (1978)
After spending a little time with The Scorpions last night, I felt the need for some more rock from my teenage years. One of my favorite live albums of all time, Live is among the best Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush recording available. It captures Marino's raw energy, stunning guitar work and some great cover tunes, like Slim Harpo's (aka James Moore) "I'm a King Bee" and Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze." It also offers a great version of "Electric Reflections of War," which features THE definitive rock guitar solo of all time.
Shawn – Home Movies Bonus CD
I was cleaning out all the CDs in my trunk and found this, an item I misplaced months ago. Remember that awesome television show that used to be on Adult Swim that no one ever watched called Home Movies? Of course you don't. But included in the Season 4 DVD was a 50-plus track CD that included the songs and musicals of the series. The epically absurd tale of Robin Hood and King Arthur becoming friends is hilarious even without the visuals [check out the video AFTER THE JUMP], but regardless of the… wait, did you see Inception? Man! Inception is cool.
This article appears in Jul 15-21, 2010.