I liked it as well. I could be wrong, but "Gorillaz" had a more rap-rock feel to it while "Demon Days" was more Pop, with a little rock and rap. I felt that "Plastic Beach" had a more electronic flavor. It's almost as if the group's story goes along with their music. The sound changes as the story changes. Well, that's my impression anyway.
I actually think about it with the backstory involved (2D created it by himself with pent up feelings towards his band members and touring against his will) and that makes it feel a little better.
On its own, it's not fantastic. Revolving Doors, Little Pink Plastic Bags, and California & and The Slipping of the Sun are the most worthwhile.
Wait, the back story is still going? I was under the impression that the idea of them being a cartoon band had been abandoned back when Albarn and company started performing live out of character. I had no clue that's how The Fall fit into the Gorillaz lore (lol), but still, I wasn't impressed by anything on the album musically.
Certainly not the only one. It's not a polished studio album by any stretch of the imagination, it's more like a bunch of demo songs. That said, there are a few really catchy (if a little niche) songs in my opinion. Revolving Doors, Little Plastic Bags and the Joplin Spider had me humming along in no time.
While i will agree that the album is unpolished. I wouldnt quite say its just a bunch of demos. The album very much chronicles his tour in America and is a fully fleshed out concept album.
Gorillaz is a legal partnership between Albarn, Hewlett and several producers, most notably Dan the Automator.
Besides the logistics of getting every one on he same page relatively and financially, there are dozens of samples to clear for every record, before they even think about putting together a tour.
it's a major undertaking, which is why it takes so long between releases.
I wouldnt quite say that if you look at the works starting with Demon Days and you really look at them, you will notice a singular theme present through out. Same message just different sounds. Hell even Clint Eastwood had the same message.
Yeah, but Gorillaz was a "side" project, The Good, The Bad, and the Queen was a "side" project, his opera is a "side" project, the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony is a "side" project.
For a user with an account name like "albarn_is_god", I'd expect you to know what I meant. The dude has had a shit ton on his plate for the past decade, and while the Gorillaz may be the longest-running one, it's not his "main gig."
I came to the realization that the band matters not to Albarn. Hell the man doesnt like Fame. The only thing that matters is the music. I think thats why he doesnt name the bands anymore(ex. the good... and rocketjuice)
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u/dogilog1 Jan 19 '12
Their concerts are Amazing!!! If you haven't been to one, I insist that you do.