Demon Days (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Gorillaz

Explosive debut album for this interesting band who use 3D graphics on stage, Gorillaz always try to push the boundaries of crazy and different, with mixed consequences. Some tunes are more listenable than others but overall I enjoy this album when I am in a particular mood.

--My track by track analysis--

The album begins with aptly named "Intro", which is mainly instrumental until it nears the end of the track, where some gruff voices come in. It then fades sharply into "Last Living Souls", a catchy and upbeat track asking the questions "Are we the last living souls" which could refer to the lack of discovery of life in outer space and Earth, the lonely planet or it could relate to the album's "story". The next track is lowkey "Kids with Guns", this track is repetitive and explores the theme of children taking over (think Lord of the Flies) or perhaps the controversy surrounding guns and schools in America.

"O Green World" starts with a variety of digital sounds and musical experiments, building a musical sensation complete with backing guitar. "Dirty Harry" starts on a similar note, with some quite cheerful note patterns and culminates into chanting and a bouncy tune.

The chart hit "Feel Good Inc" follows, easily the best track on the album, this summery hit is probably the only one I listen to on a regular basis. It reminds me simultaneously of summer camp as a kid, as this is when it was in the charts, and of a hot car driving home and a shocking conversation.

"El Manana" - my friend once told me this song made him feel very philosophical, and I sort of get where he's coming from. The ominous notes accompanying this less upbeat song contribute to the effect.

"Every Planet We Reach is Dead" starts deliberately with slow, heavy pace and the clues in the title to
what the theme of this track is about. The lyrics are riddled with metaphor.

"November has Come" is a reference to darker days I would assume, and this starts with average rapping and echoey sounds, which changes to singing later in the track. An average track.

"All Alone" utilises some musical effects but I really really hate that "chipmunk" effect so I can't listen to the start of this. This track also contains the average rapping.

As I further the end of the album, I've started to realise why I haven't really listened to each track religiously!
I quite like "White Lights" if only for the images it conjures up of strobe lights and clubs. It captures the dark edge of nightlife if you're going to look into the track in detail.

"Dare" is a good track, and this has also been popular in the past, it sounds very familiar anyway! Catchy beat, tune and pleasant vocals. Download this.

"Fire Coming Out Of The Monkeys Head" - this track is another which makes me think the songwriter is slightly mad, but possibly in a good way! A jokey track, a story about a monkey.

"Don't Get Lost In Heaven"
Warning track with the theme of mistakes and getting over confident. About the perils of hedonism.

"Demon Days" - The album name, this track leaves something to be desired. Mainly consists of high pitched singing and white noise.
"Clint Eastwood" - A popular track by Gorillaz, this is another sunny weather song, which is just brilliant.

--Price and availability--

Widely available and probably pretty cheap now as it has been out for years and years. Check Amazon for a good deal!

--Summary--

An average album, with some great hits in there to compensate for the patchy individual tracks.