37. Gorillaz

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Their first album was pretty big and the idea of creating a musical project where all the members are cartoon characters is innovative to say the least.

There is a lot going on in this album. Lots of electronics combined with some hip hop and some rock to create a very pop-friendly fusion of sound. "Re-Hash" is quite playful with vocal repetition and varying rhythms.

"Clint Eastwood" is one of the highlight tracks featuring Del the Funky Homosapien. I sometimes wonder what Clint Eastwood thinks of this song. It definitely has a really cool sound obviously influenced by the music of the old Sergio Leone westerns along with a sort of haunted carnival melody with player pianos and other effects in the background.

"New Genious (Brother)" borrows from some old soul song and has some DJ scratch work that reminds me a little of DJ Spooky.

Another notable track is "19-2000", an exceedingly pop-happy song with child-like vocalizations and computer-like blips and beeps. While "Punk" attempts to emulate punk music, it falls short.

"Sound Check (Gravity)" has a nice heavy bass beat that I like. While I'm not so much a fan of the vocals, the music is likable.

"Latin Simone (¿Que Pasa Contigo?)" is different and probably the least expected of all the tracks. The crooning, melancholic Latin vocals are a nice departure from the rest of the album.

"M1 A1" cracks me up with the sample of the guy calling out "Hello... is anyone there???" over and over again. It's the most rockin' track with the best drum and guitar work.

Overall, this album is okay. Not brilliant by any means, but very pop-friendly, which explains its mainstream appeal.

Track listing:

1. Re-Hash
2. 5/4
3. Tomorrow Comes Today
4. New Genious (Brother)
5. Clint Eastwood
6. Man Research (Clapper)
7. Punk
8. Sound Check (Gravity)
9. Double Bass
10. Rock the House
11. 19-2000
12. Latin Simone (¿Que Pasa Contigo?)
13. Starshine
14. Slow Country
15. M1 A1

U.S. Bonus Tracks:

16. Dracula
17. Left Hand Suzuki Method
18. 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix)
19. Clint Eastwood (Ed Case/Sweetie Irie Refix)

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Who are the Gorillaz?