In 1998 a very unusual band was formed not far from Notting Hill in the UK. Unlike traditional groups that are comprised up of only human musicians, this band would live in the virtual world as well. Gorillaz is according to the Guinness Book of World Records the most successful virtual band of all-time and now that they’ve broken up the record will probably stick for quite a while.
Of course “real people” create the music. An especially talented group of musicians, headlined perhaps by their biggest draw, formerly of the brit-pop mega group Blur, Damon Albarn. The second helmsmen would be the co-creator of the legendary comic book Tank Girl Jamie Hewlett. The rest of the band is comprised of a host of artists and musicians that have be woven in and out of the Gorillaz line-up over the years.
The virtual band is made up of four rather devious and bazaar looking rascals. 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, and Noodle are the face and public persona of Gorillaz, they’re probably what got the ball rolling as far as world-wide attention is concerned, but it was the bands musical skills and song power that gave them their critical acclaim. I don’t think people would have listened at first if they hadn’t had the animated platform to jump from. The Gorillaz sound back in 1998 was just too progressive and innovative to sell wholesale to an at that time, NSYNC and Backstreet Boy addicted America.
Looking back it seems crazy to think of a pop world without a group like Gorillaz around to liven up and change around the status quo in the music universe. In 2001 Gorillaz released their first album, the self-titled LP was an instant smash, catapulted forward by their ingenious use of animation in the videos, and of course their first single Clint Eastwood featuring Del Tha Funkee Homosapien. In 2005 they released their sophomore venture Demon Days which was an even bigger hit then the first album. With a slew of B-sides and remix albums chunked in between the release of their two studio LP’s it’s at this point we pick up the story.
In 2007 a new and ultimate collection of Gorillaz B-sides and remixes was put together in a wonderful box set and called D-Sides. A 2-disc monster of a set, it virtually leaves no stone unturned. I couldn’t possibly cover every song on the album but I will give you a little cliff-notes version, a Jeff’s personal favorites kind of thing.
Disc 1 is the collection of B-sides, an older album containing a couple of tracks was released and called g-sides, but not to fear there are no songs from that album on this. These are a collection of never released songs that for any true Gorillaz fan must be owned. All 13 tracks are outstanding but a couple of them shine through like crazy diamonds and sound perfectly album worthy, it makes me wonder why they were b-sides in the first place.
68 State is the first song on disc-1 and reminds me of the Chemical Brothers or Daft Punk, a very electronic and danceable song that makes you feel like cruising or clubbing it up as soon as it comes on. Track 2 is an alternate version of DARE from Demon Days, although some lyrics have been changed and the title is People, the song still grooves along just like DARE. Another note worthy number is track 5 Hong Kong, a real special treat it’s most likely the best song on disc-1. A much softer and harmonized song, Hong Kong shows you that Gorillaz are much more than just a dance band. Highway (Under Construction) is a masterpiece as well, it’s hard to believe it never found its way on to a studio album, and makes one wonder how songs are chosen for a particular LP and how others get discarded. Song number 8 a tribute, in title only, to Bill Murray is another great song, a funky reggae influenced number that when added with a bit of green smoke can enhance anyone’s vibe. The last song on disc-1 Stop the Dams is a wonderful closer, soft and beautiful, it’s the lyrics that get to shine through as well as Damon Albarn’s vocal chops.
Disc 2 is the Remix CD, limited in its variety of different songs, but extremely savvy in its delivery of high quality mixes and creative new looks for some already terrific songs. DARE gets a couple of do overs, a DFA, Soulwax, & Junior Sanchez remix of the song is showcased throughout the second disc. Kids with Guns from Demon Days is also heavily remixed, the Quiet Village mix is my personal favorite, although on Itunes most people seem to prefer the Hot Chip Remix. Feel Good Inc, El Manana, & Dirty Hairy are the other songs to receive remixes on the second disc
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B-Sides and remixes are very different things, although a remix might end up becoming a b-side. When a band becomes very popular and has a decent run as working musicians their going to inevitably stockpile mounds of unused material, whether or not the fact it was unused was because of the quality of the song or because of available space on an album is a major deciding factor. Nevertheless, D-Sides is an astonishing collection of tracks, I thoroughly advise you buy this album. After several listens I still find myself discovering new favorites and guarantee it will become one of your regular albums for the car. See ya next time.
Photos by Wikipedia
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1 response so far ↓
1 jose sanchez // Mar 22, 2008 at 11:51 am
Sounds dope. Let me burn that shit.
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