The Gorillaz

The Band I chose for my electronic music innovation post was the Gorillaz.  The main reason being is that they were the first virtual band.  Unlike cartoon bands of the past, such as Josie and the Pussycats, Gorillaz were made for music and not for TV.  The genius is that they have become an extremely popular band.  Their first two albums sold millions of copies and their third, which was just released, has been selling well too.  Damon Albarn, of the band Blur, originated the band.  He fronted the music aspect while Jamie Hewlett, animator, designed the band.  The band took form as four comic book gorillas.  With these designs it expanded into a whole universe of which these gorillas lived in.  The dark setting of many of their videos went along with their relatively experimental sound.  That is one of the aspects I enjoy most about their albums.  They have a fair number of radio singles but also have many tracks on the album that tend to push the limits of the electronic, pop, and rap genres.  Their albums remind me of mix cds I’ve made for my friends where I give them a few songs I know they will like, but then I also put songs that may expose them to new genres.  This is how I feel the Gorillaz help expose the public to music they may never give the time of day before.  For instance, their song “White Flag” off their most recent album Plastic Beach starts off with a foreign sounding instrumental that reminds me of some pacific themed hotel lobby music.  It quickly translates into a very odd electrically synthesized beat while two rappers lay down a verse in a very heavy English accent. This took me a few listens to start to enjoy but I’m glad it was included because now I could potentially enjoy that type of music more.  Another thing they do to draw in the masses, which is my second aspect, are their collaborations with many of today’s stars.  Their most recent album is a testament to this with cameos from Mos Def, an introduction track by Snoop Dogg, and a live band held up with half of the original members of The Clash.  They continue to take their time between records, but always deliver a great product.  I find them extremely interesting and plan on listening to anything they really right.