Gorillaz [ECD] [PA] - Gorillaz > Reviews > STRANGE but I like it.

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:	Albarn's quirky characteristic style
Disadvantages:	A bit too quirky for about 90% of the music population

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have to say that anything a bit off-key and zaney usually gets my vote, so if you are expecting a review on an eclectic album of pure symphonic heaven then go and read an opinion on Orf!

The Gorillaz album is a definate strange one - and it will either grab you with a giggle or make you hate it straight away. I am a real lover of strange little noises and irrelevant sentances stuck in for fun (they usually have meaning to the performers and absolutely no-one else but hey, I like 'em). The members of the band are those fabulous cartoon creations that are along the lines of uncouth Manga characters - you will have met them in the music videos to the Gorillaz songs. The whole thing is an entertaining set-up, you can go to the Gorillaz website (www.gorillaz.com) and check out the other versions of the albums most popular songs, the visit is a little slow but really good fun, someone with a brilliant sense of humour came up with this band!

It shouldn't be too much of a surprise to learn that Damon Albarn provides the lead vocals for 2D, and if you've ever REALLY listened to Blur albums you shouldn't be surprised with the wacky and surreal effect that goes on throughout the Gorillaz album (although it's much more prominent and more upbeat than the Blur offerings). I have not got a clue who the other members are (Russel, noodle and Murdoc) but their cartoon images are great! Over all the album has a laid-back feel but with these sort of funky beats and strange little additions that continue to creep up on you even after you've played it a hundred times.

I hate giving song-by-song breakdowns so I'll stick to just a few, give you a taster as such...

track 5 - Clint Eastwood - 8/10
Great tune! Slower than the released version but you get an upbeat version at the end with a bit of a funky MC over it (in that 'hidden track' format that really pees me off!) The rap by Del Tha Funky Homosapien is easy to listen to and pads the song out amicably. Albarns vocals are of that listless melodic quality he is famous for. Guaranteed to have you singing 'I ain't happy, feeling sad' over and over again whether you want to or not! The only link with Clint Eastwood I can possibly fathom is that Eastwood always looks moody so the lyrics demonstrate this??? poor I know!

track 7 - Punk - 6/10
Punk sound (tinny vocals) three cord guitar thrash with clapping in the intervals, short but sweet! Punky fun.

track 10 - Roack the House - 7/10
Del The Funky Homosapien again, inviting us to just get down while the DJ is spinning. The brass instrument in the background together with the guitar bass funk, recorder and Del's laid back rap gives an atmosphere of seventies lounge music with a modern twist. Nice, laid back and easy to listen to.

track 11 - 19-2000 - 9/10
Man I love this song! I bought the album purely because of this. This version is, again, slower than the released version (WHY do they do that??) The psychadelic bubble sounds in the back and the 'la la's' mixed in with that really catchy synthesiser tinkle give a really fun feel to the song but the vocals give it a bit more of a laid back feel again. I have no idea what they are singing about but if anyone can figure out what 'get the cool shoeshine' means in English please let me know!!

track 12 - Latin Simone - 8/10
Where did this song come from?? We get this latin chap crooning over your two-step three-step piano and guitar tempo (with an attractive brass accompanyament - spelling, I know). I really like this song but it doesn't go witht he rest of the album! Albarn's there in the background singing his 'ahs'.

track 15 - M1 A1 - pure strangeness
This track has a distinct Pink Floyd feel to it, with a constant guitar strum, sinister synthesiser tinkles and a chap who shouts 'hello, is anyone there?' throughout the track, he's either lost or desperately looking for someone. Then the customary Blur tempo/tune, Albarn beat kicks in with Albarn at vocals sounding stoned. I like this but can tell that not many other people will!

Overall though, as an objective opionator, not many people will like this album as much as I do. If you don't mind a bit of way out there listening that has a couple of almost mainstream attractions mixed in for luck then try it, if you like Dr Pepper, you might like this. Don't buy it yet, borrow it first.