To: Dave
Love: Adam
Date Sent: 9/24/2018
Gorillaz – Gorillaz (Self-titled)
Release Date: March 26th, 2001
I am not really sure what to make of this album, even as I listen to it for a 3rd time through. It is everything that I expect to hear as far as this group goes, but there are so many minor details and quick changes of pace that this album continuously leaves you guessing (i.e., the hints of Bowie in M1-A1). The sound is my biggest takeaway, as I believe that this is an incredible attempt at a 1st album. Normally when we feature #DebutAlbums, we use descriptors like “raw,” “vague,” & maybe even “ambitious.” To me, none of those words really fit this album. Maybe ambitious… but positively! They set a tone early and often, and may stray from it for a song or two before refocusing with a song that knocks you off your feet (See: Sound Check into Double Bass, followed by Rock the House). With that said, I am not really sure there’s any 1 song that I feel the need to skip, or even point out its flaws. Gorillaz is a cohesive, hour-long compilation of jams that is nothing short of professional. It leaves me asking the question: Do the Gorillaz deserve more acclaim? If not at least from 2 brothers who have never disliked their music, but never necessarily highlight it for others? #WeDigMusic
Quick read. I researched a bit and discovered that Damon Albarn had been on a hiatus from Blur and was highly involved with a side project, the Gorillaz, although “Early reports suggested that Albarn contributed to only a few songs, but he could rightfully be called the band’s frontman.” This article then goes on to claim that Gorillaz is “a conceptual failure,” if you care to read on, but I chose to show this because it’s a website (Pitchfork) that I use for album reviews from time to time. It also dates back to 2001, when the album was released. MOVING ON! I am torn on favorite songs from this project, considering that there are currently 3 out of 8 possible songs on my playlist for us this weekend coming from this album. #Adamaniacs
Dave’s Reaction:
I am not fully finished listening to Gorillaz THIS time through. I had this album saved on Spotify, so NICE PICK! I figured that you would not mind me writing the reply as I listen. I really like the album, but it isn’t love… yet. Like, Albarn’s voice can’t be loved right? The beats are smooth and make me groove. Hard. Hard grooving. I am enjoying the flow of the album a lot already. Damon Albarn is obviously extremely talented and a vibrant mind in music not just in 2001, but today, two decades later as the Gorillaz keep pumping out albums, along with a select release from Blur in 2015! Gorillaz is so experimental right off the bat that I think it is difficult to garner the publicity we think the Gorillaz SHOULD receive. I am vibing to this album right now and it is definitely not mainstream, save for like 3 tracks. I doubt Xtina could listen to this and be happy. That should be the mainstream barometer.
The guitar work and unique sounds that come through the samples and beats that are put together give me a real Spoon vibe. You know, where it kind of hurts your ears and you are wondering why they are fucking up a completely perfect song by throwing some off-kilter distortion in the middle of the second verse (See: Knock, Knock, Knock). I am currently listening to Rock the House and I just want to stand up and dance. I think I might. The horn sounds beautiful through headphones. Rock the House has to be a single off of this album.
This really is a tremendous #DebutAlbum Adam. I was upset that the author of the Pitchfork article was quotes by you as saying Gorillaz was a “conceptual failure,” but through further reading, he goes on to speak highly of the album’s efforts. He does close by saying, in so many words, that this should be a “one-off” for Albarn & crew. The future absolutely hurts this review, as the Gorillaz have since released 7 or 8 albums and have risen to critical acclaim, with Albarn essentially making this band his full-time gig, leaving Blur as the side-project.
The Favorites:
Adam:
Dave: Rock The House