Somethin' like a Menomena

I've spent much of today listening to the new Menomena album, Mines, which is really pretty good. Sounds less abstract and willfully experimental than their previous record, Friend and Foe, although this isn't meant to denigrate that album which is still a favourite of mine. Having said this, the new songs maintain all the classic Menomena characteristics: tinkly pianos, deep sax, yelps and croons, all delivered in staccato fashion. Reminded me of the funk of Liquid Liquid at times, particularly this track, but that may just be beacuse the "something like a phenomenon" line reminds me of the name Menomena. Anyway, here's the band in action.

LOL, that was a pretty funny joke.
This gives a better representation of what they're actually like:


Another album, that's been out a little longer, but that is also "really pretty good", is Archandroid by Janelle Monae. Check out the video for the storming Cold War. It's a wonderfully simple video that contrasts with the high drama and energy of the song, with the sort of performance not seen since Karen O's near break down in Maps.