For The Record: July

Whilst everybody was out and about playing festivals, getting sunburned and generally enjoying the Summer they appear to have forgotten to release any decent albums. Still, we did manage to get a stellar third album from a band fast emerging as one of Britain's finest, the UK release of one of pops most engaging new stars and the solo debut from Outkast's Big Boi - one that sees him emerge from Andre 3000's shadow and possibly even usurp him as the true star of that duo.

Mystery Jets - Serotonin (Album of the month)
Health - Disco (2)
Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son Of Chico Dusty
Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
M.I.A - Maya
Mount Kimbie - Crooks and Lovers

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Janelle Monae

As much as I love The National (see post below) it's a fucking nightmare trying to find a good picture of them. Janelle Monae has the opposite problem, there are too many great images of her online to choose from. I went for this one because everyone loves a good hat.

There is not much to say about Monae that hasn't been said elsewhere but suffice to say 'The Archandroid' is an album you must hear at least once this Summer. Yes it's heavily in debt to the past and the 'concept' is a tad flimsy but as far as pop in 2010 goes this is as classy, clever and fun as it gets. Below is a little widget where you can sample the two stand out tracks from the record alongside a slightly unnecessary but not unwelcome remix.

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