Multi-dimensional Gorillaz experiment on G-Sides
By TOM O'CONNELL
Scene Music Critic
Gorillaz is a band that exists on two planes of reality. The first is that of the characters who make up the band: lead singer 2-D, drummer and rapper Russel, bassist and mastermind Murdoc and child guitar prodigy Noodle. Their self-titled debut album has sold millions of copies worldwide since this summer. They are currently in the middle of their first world tour, have appeared at numerous press conferences and have experienced the same successes and problems that a normal band would.
There is only one thing about them that is different. The four members of Gorillaz are cartoon character fabrications; each with their own invented story and personality. In other words, they do not really exist.
In the second plane of reality, Blur lead singer Damon Albarn, beat producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, animator Jamie Hewitt and several other human collaborators invented Gorillaz as a way to take the concept album to new heights. Blending many genres of music, including rock, rap, pop, techno and jazz, Gorillaz debut album was an eclectic, original and likeable mix. At concerts, the human musicians would appear backlit behind a series of translucent screens while the animated frontmen were projected in different two and three-dimensional ways. This is not just a concept album; it is a completely conjured concept band.
G-Sides is a nine song B-side album that contains re-mixes, alternate versions and original music that had previously only been available in the U.K. There are two versions of the current single "19-2000." The first is a light, upbeat, pop version of the original, while the second is a fast-thumping techno remix. "It's the music that we choose" is repeated again and again during the chorus, and it tells a bit about what this song, as well as the whole album is meant to accomplish. Both songs are interesting in their ability to make completely different songs with opposite moods out of the same original material.
A new version of last summer's hit "Clint Eastwood" is one of the most interesting songs on the album. The familiar harmonica, bass and drum beats that made up the melody is all present, but acoustic guitar and additional electronic sound effects have been added. Missing is the memorable hook and chorus sung by 2-D, and replacing it are two new rappers who trade fast-paced rhymes back and forth. The result is a catchy song that is as good if not better than the original.
The new song "Faust" tends to get repetitive because it stays instrumental for several minutes before bringing in lyrics. "Hip Albatross" is a casual song with a smooth, electric guitar-led melody.
"Ghost Train" is the best new song on the album. It starts out stripped down, slow and creepy with a hollow chorus backing up 2-D. Soon the drumbeat enters and the song takes a techno turn. New sounds and instruments are added periodically, and the eventual arrival of the electric guitar turns the song into a full-blown rock anthem.
"12D3," the album's final song, slows down the pace to a stroll. Led by acoustic guitar and piano, this song and puts the album to bed on a good note.
The world tour is reportedly experiencing some technical and stylistic problems, and the people behind Gorillaz are still working out the kinks of how to present the visual aspect of their concept to the world. However, the musical side of Gorillaz is still a breath of fresh air and has the ability to entertain fans of almost any musical genre.
(three out of five shamrocks)
Contact Tom O'Connell at toconne1@nd.edu
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, March 26, 2002
