In Episode 87 of the Crooked Table Podcast, Robert Yaniz Jr. takes another detour from the world of movies to lavish praise on Dirty Computer, the third studio album by Janelle Monáe. Released back in April, this latest work is a concept album — complete with a 49-minute “emotion picture” — celebrating individuality, free expression and being true to who you are. For Monáe, Dirty Computer represents her most ambitious project to date, as the music reflects her own journey to embrace her sexuality and truly come into her own as an artist. Listen in as Rob shares why he’s fallen hard for the album and Monáe’s authentic-as-hell masterwork.
Dirty Computer synopsis, courtesy of IMDB:
An Android, Jane 57821, attempts to break free from the constraints of a totalitarian society that forcibly makes Jane comply with its homophobic beliefs.
Dirty Computer – an emotion picture* by Janelle Monáe.
*EMOTION PICTURE (definition): a narrative film and accompanying musical album
Starring Janelle Monáe as Jane 57821, Tessa Thompson as Zen and Jayson Aaron as Ché
Directed by Andrew Donoho Chuck Lightning
Written by Chuck Lightning
Additional Story Ideas and Vision by Janelle Monáe, Nate “Rocket” Wonder and Alan Ferguson
Music Videos Written and Directed by Alan Ferguson, Emma Westenberg, Andrew Donoho and Lacey Duke
We’re excited to hear your feedback as the Crooked Table Podcast continues to evolve. As usual, the show does feature explicit language and, as such, is best considered NSFW.
Thanks for listening!
SHOW NOTES
Previously on the Crooked Table Podcast: http://www.crookedtable.com/2018/07/16/podcast-sorry-to-bother-you-satire-film/
Watch Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer film: https://youtu.be/jdH2Sy-BlNE
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