Gorillaz [ECD] [PA] - Gorillaz > Reviews > Take it easy, maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan

Author's product rating:   

Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great for chilling out, inventive
Disadvantages:	Not much variation  -  how do they play live? !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Whoa! This album is so laid back it's lying down with its feet sticking up in the air! The brainchild of Damon Albarn of 'Blur' fame, Gorillaz are actually billed as a cartoon band featuring several unsavoury looking characters. Despite that they are scheduled to be playing live later this year though I'm not quite sure how if they are cartoon characters?!

Anyway, back to their debut album, it took a couple of listens for me
but now I love it although I may be seen as biased being a great fan of
Blur/Damon Albarn. In fact, this album reminds me greatly of recent/later
Blur work, especially the "13" album.

So, here we go with a few highlight and lowlights for you, although, to be fair, this album holds little in variation, both in pace and style.

"Tomorrow Comes Today" is typically laid back and plodding with Damon sounding very tired and sexy throughout to those of us that way inclined!

In contrast "New Genius", like many of the tracks, sees Damon in high
pitched mode against a casual funky beat.

Probably the best known track here is the debut single "Clint Eastwood"
an impossibly catchy song featuring rapping and an endearing "ooh,ooh,ooh"
at the beginning.

"Man Research" is a slight more pacey, upbeat number, very bassy with Damon on the high notes again.

One of my favourites is "Punk" - very racey and catchy - it reminds me
somewhat of T-Rex's "Jeepster" and "21st Century Boy" at the same time!
It's a short track though - with Damon sounding like he is singing through
a tin can.

"Soundcheck" is another high pitched one though much slower with a heavy bass backing.

"Double Bass" is another favourite of mine - chiefly instrumental but
engaging with Damon announcing that "all this makes me somewhat anxious"
here and there!

Damon sounds a bit strangled on backing vocals during "Starshine" - not
one of the high points of the album.

"Slow Country" gives us a catchy piano beat throughout with Damon
sounding tired again, a restful "ssssshing" sound in the background - "can't stand loneliness" - VERY relaxing.

On the whole some people may find this album very samey with no great
definition between tracks the style being very bass/rap orientated
and very relaxed - however it's a great chill-out album. If it's not
your cup of tea you'll probably hate it although it's very light.
The pace never really changes - it's a mid to slow beat throughout, but
if you want something hip to relax to - go for it! :o)