We cannot deny the genius of the Gorillaz—the virtual animated band that can only exist on screen, has now become somewhat of a cult musical favourite. We have to give props where it’s due – Damon Albarn and visual artist Jamie Hewlett definitely struck gold with the Gorillaz concept.

Plastic Beach, Gorillaz’s third release, continues with their genre-bending sounds, and enlisting a large host of talent from legendary soul singer Bobby Womack, Little Dragon, Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys (of Super Furry Animals), The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music, to De La Soul to name a few.

Plastic Beach skillfully caters to everyone in some way or another, masterfully blending different cultures and genres together, but also giving the Gorillaz a level of maturity within all the gimmickry. The ultimate highs on Plastic Beach are “Empire Ants” featuring Little Dragon, which starts off with metaphorical, breezy lyrics, then launches into a bass-driven Euro-pop dance track where Yukimi’s vocal lullaby floats beautifully over the song. “Sweepstakes” comes with three musical changes, starting with futuristic repetitive chimes that build into a full clash of percussions, drums, bass, horns, and keys, then add Mos Def‘s matter-of-fact repeat of “You’re a winner,” is quite clever, because the tune is a winner. Putting The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music together with UK rappers Kano and Bushy on “White Flag” is an instantaneous head nod.

Overall, Plastic Beach is a happy listen, although Danger Mouse is missing on the production (Danger Mouse has been busy with his new band, Broken Bells, whose self-titled debut album comes out today as well), but to Albarn’s defense, he still managed to push the envelope in sounds and bought in a great mix of artists to assist in unfolding the story of our beloved 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel. Now, can we get Gorillaz: The Movie, please?

Check out the Little Dragon and Mos Def tunes below, then get yourself a copy; it’s available everywhere!

“Empire Ants” feat. Little Dragon

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“Sweepstakes” feat. Mos Def and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Let’s just say, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the return of Gorillaz and they’ve started off on the good foot. Just hearing that the legendary Bobby Womack would be featured on their debut single, “Stylo,” is testament that Damon Albarn would be pushing Gorillaz further than before.

It’s hard to believe that this somewhat virtual band hit in 2001, bringing all influences into their production, with amazing visuals through video and live performance, and a vast array of musical artists. The next thing Gorillaz should do with the release of the Plastic Beach album, is complete the whole stylo with an animation movie. The band’s story is legend, “world-storming band born out of the sick mind of foul-smelling bass-player and ego-driven mastermind Murdoc Niccals.”

If you didn’t hear the single, check out the two versions below and let me know your thoughts on which one you prefer. The Chiddy Bang remix is available for free download, courtesy of RCRD LBL.

“Stylo” feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack

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Stylo” feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack (Chiddy Bang Remix) DOWNLOAD

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