by Author Name Withheld 7

Created on: July 03, 2008

The Gorillaz are perhaps one of the most unique concepts for a band I've ever encountered. To begin with, they're cartoon characters - and I don't mean that in the sense of the four members having animated alter-egos. The Gorillaz are actually the ongoing brainchild of Damon Albarn (from Blur), and are the musical concoction of various deejays, artists, animators, and computer geniuses. Although each of the four characters have a specific part to play in the band to account for the different sounds ("2D" on vocals and keyboard, "Noodle" on guitars, "Murdoc" on bass, and "Russel" on drums"), one can hear various voices and instruments that differ from track to track.

However, these differences do not discourage the creators whatsoever. The audience is expected to accept that 2D has an extremely flexible voice, and that the rest of the musicians have every instrument imaginable at their studio. In fact, if you visit the Gorillaz' official website (www.gorillaz.com), you can explore the studio and bedrooms of the band members, as well as the hallways and bathrooms. There are hidden games throughout the site, as well as opportunities for guests to earn discounts on merchandise.

Nonetheless, the extensive ploy to promote that the Gorillaz are indeed real characters and not animated creations is not what keeps me interested. If you weren't a fan of "Feel Good, Inc.", do NOT let it deter you from listening to this band. True, a good portion of the songs do have a very hip-hop feel to them, but there are enough musical styles on the other tracks to still attract different genres of listeners.

Honestly,I really am not a fan of rap or R&B, but the Gorillaz do not have any of those stereotypical radio beats in their music - you know, the stupid bass line and synthesized singer that makes about 45% of all "new" hip-hop on the radio to sound exactly alike? You won't find them here, which is very refreshing, because I have little siblings that LOVE to blast today's "fresh" rap music that all have similar themes and melodies.

Another aspect of this music that I enjoy is the fact that the lyrics deal with subjects other than girls dancing in clubs, being rich, and getting laid. There are songs dealing with drugs, depression, and human nature.

One of my favorite songs by them is "New Genious (brother)". It opens up with a catchy riff of drums and what I imagine to be a keyboard, and within the first few measures, some haunting "Ooo"s begin to flow over the beat. The lead vocalist

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>