POP/ROCK
Janelle Monae, "The ArchAndroid" (Bad Boy)
The 24-year-old ragingly talented singer/dancer synthesizes a wealth of influences -- including Afro-futurism, David Bowie glam rock, '50s easy listening, MGM-style orchestrations, bebop jazz and slickster-hip-hop -- on her concept fantasia, "The ArchAndroid."
Loosely telling the story of Cindi Mayweather, an android fulfilling her destiny on Metropolis, Monae channels every mood, from the contemplative splendor of "Oh Maker" to the freak-out of "Come Alive (The War of Roses)," which finds our femme-bot veering between hysterical belting and near-whispers. On "Tightrope," with guest Big Boi, she turns in a stylish performance that astounds with her strutting but mellifluous flow.
With 18 tracks, "The ArchAndroid" is parts two and three of a four-part series Monae has envisioned; she released the first part as an EP in 2007. At times, the fumes of ambition are so thick it's hard to absorb in one sitting. All the same, it's a starmaking debut. Monae has the same high-wattage potential as Lady Gaga, her spiritual sister in outlandish concept, although the complexity of her vision is ultimately more rewarding.
MARGARET WAPPLER, LOS ANGELES TIMES
Band of Horses, "Infinite Arms," (Columbia)
After two expansive, if too-similar, records on Sub Pop, Band of Horses makes its major-label debut. From the sweeping chamber pop of "Factory" to the neo-country ballad "Neighbor," this disc is a slight departure. The dreamy, spaced-out heart is still there, but the group might have thrown away certain guitar and vocal effects. "Evening Kitchen" is a lovely lullaby, while "Older" is the most nuanced mix of the band's previous sound and its new approach: stunning harmonies, a hint of a twang and clever guitar interplay. And that's a combination we don't mind one bit.
RICARDO BACA, DENVER POST
