16.06.10

The Shuffle

Janelle Monae

I spent most of last night watching vintage footage of the legendary James Brown doing "The Shuffle" and working the crowd into a frenzy. You see, in choosing between the revolutionary music of the past or more contemporary present day works, older music would win every time.  I just feel music today is lacking something that artists like James Brown, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, and Etta James had.

It’s not very often that I watch a new music video and get excited or inspired. I often think that I’m living in the wrong era. The thing is, I can’t stop watching the funk infused genius that is Janelle Monae. Her video ‘Tightrope’, from the newly released album ‘The Archandroid’, not only combines an original (yet inspired) sound, great musicians, and James Brown style moves, but also has some smooth fashion. I am convinced that my next purchase must be a tuxedo and some spats. If only I could get my hair into that larger than life quiff, and crack open a tin of dancing beans, because that girl can dance. Not in the sexy-girl-in-video kind of way either, but in an I’m leading this band and I can shuffle just like the guys, but look even cooler, kind of way. Being the pessimist that I sometimes can be (especially when it comes to music) I figured that maybe this highly electric, and energetic performance was pure video magic, along with the strong vocal ability. I was proven wrong – the live performance is just as good, if not better. I am kicking myself though since she is playing in my favourite city New Orleans Halloween weekend. If there are two things New Orleans is known for its live music and voodoo, damn, anyone have a spare a ticket?

Posted by Leanne Boulton

Tags: James Brown Janelle Monae