Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach is Plastic Pop Awesome
Thanks to NPR I have been listening to Gorillaz’ new album, Plastic Beach, non-stop. On my first listen I went the whole thing through and I’m finding myself doing that again and again. Like Gorillaz past two albums, this one is pretty different with a lot of awesome new collaborations but still strung together quite nicely with Damon Albarn.
Collaborations include: Snoop Dogg, Little Dragon, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, Gruff Rhys, Mark E. Smith, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Kano, Bashy, De La Soul, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, sinfonia ViVA, and the Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music.
I like the album as a whole but if I had to pick some favorites I’d say: “Empire Ants” which features Little Dragon. Yukimi Nagano’s voice is amazing here and sounds really great with Albarn’s. “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach” because Snoop Dogg is awesome. “Superfast Jellyfish” because that chorus is ridiculously infectious. Also have to mention On “Melancholy Hill”, this track is great and features no collaborations, just Albarn’s voice and production.
Best line in Superfast Jellyfish: “Shower my habits while you dine like rabbits with the crunchy, crunchy carrots (oh, that’s chicken!)”
Although the first Gorillaz album is still probably my favorite, this album is definitely some pop awesomeness. I love that Gorillaz always manages to pop out sweet albums that feature very different sounds. Looking forward to hearing them bonus tracks. I’m hoping this release will bring some new Kidrobot Gorillaz toys. I am such a nerd.
I assume we can expect the next album in 2015?
LISTEN:
Gorillaz - Empire Ants (feat. Little Dragon)Stream the entire album on NPR
