Gorillaz - Demon Days
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Free Music Notes for Demon Days
Free Music Review: This review will tell you all you wish to know
Hit: 5 Stars
We all remember the Gorillaz first self-titled debut Album. It was quirky, hip and a good listen. Some songs were kinda weak though and I hear a lot about people pressing the skip button. Personally, I was dissapointed with that album only b/c the other songs were so good that I couldn't see why the Gorillaz would shame themselves with the weaker songs like "Double Bass" and "M1-A1"
Enter "Demon Days".
Where "Gorillaz" seemed like one crazy quirky party, Demon Days is a somewhat solemn and introspective look at life. In particular, at the Demon Days/Bad Days. It's not so depressing that you can't bob your head to the poppy "Feel Good Inc." but somber songs like "Kids with Guns", "Fire Coming out of a Monkey's Head" and "Every Planet We Reach is Dead" make you really reavaluate things.
No, Del the Funky Homo Sapien is no longer involved, but thats okay b/c Damion Albarn (who is the singing voice for 2-D) has compiled a multifarious cast of rappers, choirs and music mixers to fill the gap.
To be specific, the children's choir used in "Dirty Harry" really give it that extra push that makes it just right.
I've never heard ANYTHING like this before, so the uniqueness in itself is quite refreshing.
Also, quite possibly the best thing about this album is whereas "Gorillaz" was more of a "surface album" with little to no depth in the lyrics, "Demon Days" really makes you think. Its full of metaphors and commentaries on society. Some disturbing, others possibly fulfilling in some strange sense.
Do what I did and listen to the samples provided on this site. They'll give a general feel of the album before you buy it.
Free Music Review: Yeah? So it's different...
Hit: 5 Stars
I absolutely loved the first Gorillaz album, it is without a doubt one of my favorite albums, so of course, when I saw they were coming out with a new album, I wanted it. However, when I first heard the backstory for this new album (The Automator out, Danger Mouse in), I was a tad discouraged. Then, I read the reviews ("Different...much different"; "Completely new sound"), a was even more skeptical. However, I bought it anyway, almost out of sheer curiosity. Within 5 minutes into the CD, you know that old sound is completely out, Danger Mouse is NOT Dan The Automator and therefor will NOT sound the same, but I got into it, and it wasn't hard, not in the least. This album is as extremely accessible as the first one, and almost every song has that same "single worthy" sound to it. Yes, it is different. Yes, it tends to seem much darker. But, I believe that simply by the makeup of the band (4 cartoon characters, none of which (except 2D (Damon Albarn) having a set human counterpart portraying them), it should be expected that this album would be a completely new sound. I know that Danger Mouse only got the job because Dan and Damon had a falling out, but I truly believe that every Gorillaz album should have Albarn partnering with a new producer, it would definitely exponentially enhance my enjoyment of this band and the abstract concept of it. All in all, if you're already a Gorillaz fan, this should be a very welcomed change, and if you're not, pick up this CD, because it's really fantastic and diverse, and be sure to get the original as well.
PS. I will however admit that I miss Del basically being a part of the band, no offense, but they really do take a hit from losing him.
Free Music Review: Funk, Rap, and melody all rolled into one
Hit: 5 Stars
From a distant perspective I never knew who the Gorillaz really were: a cartoon trip-hop band or a cartoon experimental funk band? Nevertheless I didn't pay much attention to them since I wasn't exploring different areas of music then as I am now. It forced me to deduce that the band was pretty clever and unique to sell themselves as cartoon characters, but wouldn't be able to make up for their charisma with good musical riddance.
I accidentally came across "Demon Days" a couple of days ago, so I didn't formulate any expectations since all I had heard from them was "Clint Eastwood" back in 2001. Let's just say that I was in for a very pleasant surprise and haven't been happier listening to a CD in some time.
There's virtually no filler tracks present with the exception of a so-so intro, but from then on in it's a non-stop barrage of everything you've ever dreamed of and has a goodie for everyone who comes across its path. Although "Feel Good Inc." is destined for heavy rotation on the radio (If you're mired in the sounds of War's "Lowrider" and want a suitable replacement for when you're cruising the streets, then this song will make you turn that bass all the way up), I can't get over how good "Dirty Harry" is. It's a song that shifts gears with a catchy children-driven melody, violin samples, and an explosion of toe-tapping rap. It manages to give you a whiff of the 70's and then shoves the 90's down your throat in the "old-skool" bridge. It's mind-blowing.
If you're new to Gorillaz or skeptical of the mish-mash genre, then I assure you it is worth your dime and a whole lot more.
Free Music Review: Riviting! (whatever that means)
Hit: 5 Stars
This is, by far, one of the greatest albums in the past year. The range of songs are broad, and every one good.
"Last Living Souls" is one of the greatest uses of cowbell since Fatboy Slim's "Weapon Of Choice".
"Kids With Guns" is a catchy song you can have stuck in you head for hours on end.
"O Green World" was a pretty good song, nothing revolutionary.
"Dirty Harry", apparently a follow-up to the song "Clint Eastwood" is one of the greatest children choir/rapper collaborations ever!
"Feel Good Inc." Is one of the greatest songs of 2005. It's catchy, It's got a flying windmill in the video, and they performed a crossfade with Madonna......what else is there to say?
"El Manana" is a slower song, but It's my personal favorite of the album.
"Every Planet We Reach Is Dead" is another good song.
"November Has Come"....it's got else can I say
"All Alone" another great rap collaboration.
"White Light" is much different than the rest of the songs, and it's not really a song in terms of lyrics, but it's so freaking catchy.
"Dare" whenever I hear this I HAVE to dance, or else I go insane
"Fire Coming Out of The Monkey's Head" this is one of the creepiest songs I've ever heard, and I love it.
"Don't Get Lost In Heaven", a short song, but I like it
"Demon Days" The first time I listened to this, I felt as if I was in some sort of Existensial mindwarp.
if you don't have this album, you have not led a full life.
Free Music Review: I'm Getting Dizzy...
Hit: 5 Stars
The Gorillaz second effort at stardom won't put them there, but it may be the best album of 2005. In the new Demon Days, a different approach is taken. Albarn has ditched Del, Dan Nakamura, and Kid Koala from the album, meaning any fans of the band who come along just for hip-hop, will be very disappointed. I was happy with a good medium. Rap is still present, but rock dominates the album. All rapped verses now come in the form of guest appearances. De La Soul obviously fares the best of Feel Good Inc., but the album also features the likes of Roots Manuva and Bootie Brown, appealing to hip-hop enthusiasts. However, hip-hop gets in the way for me, because the sheer beauty of the music is the best presence. Sweeping strings and itchingly catchy melodies abound, this is one feel good album. On the flipside, its intentions are dark and inconspicuous. My favorite tracks are Kids With Guns, O Green World, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc, and El Manana because of the delicate nature of the songwriting. On songs such as Feel Good, you are almost scared to listen to them, because you are afraid they will break, as they are the porcelain egg of the music world. Also, it is painfully obvious to me that Albarn is doing his best to make the Gorillaz appear animated, like in the videos. While a nice touch, the music is outright too good to be coming from a cartoon group. Personally, I don't care about the animation. The point is, you will be hard-pressed to find a better album in 2005, and Demon Days is music at its best. I don't care who you are, this music needs to be in your collection.