Gorillaz – “Plastic Beach” (Audio)
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
“Sweepstakes” feat. Mos Def and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Roseann V. Warren
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