Gorillaz — Gorillaz (Debut 2-LP)

Debut Reissue on Double Black Vinyl

What do you get when you combine Damon Albarn (singer from Blur) with hip-hop producer Dan The Automator? The Gorillaz, of course! Albarn takes a busman’s holiday and avails himself of the opportunity to take the kind of sonic risks one would be unlikely to find on a Blur album. This isn’t hip-hop or dance music per se, though "”Rock the House” is a bona-fide party rap tune, and Dan The Automator adds plenty of hip-hop elements and trip-hop beats throughout.

Ultimately, Gorillaz is occupied by Albarn’s arch, twisted pop vision filtered through a dizzying array of electronic sounds and studio manipulations. There are some interesting stylistic experiments, too, as on the Latin-style “Latin Simone,” which features a guest vocal from Cuban legend Ibrahim Ferrer, and “Slow Country,” which, despite its title, is an excursion into the atmospheric land of dub reggae. This is a far cry from Britpop — imagine Blur in a sonic kaleidoscope.

Originally released in 2001, Gorillaz is the band’s debut album. The album reached #3 in the UK and #14 in the US, and includes the hit single “Clint Eastwood,” which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.

Released: 3/17/15