GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Gorillaz is a virtual band created in 1998 by Damon Albarn of Britpop band Blur, and Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of the comic book Tank Girl. The band is composed of four animated band members: 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russel. The band's music is a collaboration between various musicians with Albarn being the only permanent member.

The band's first album, self-titled “Gorillaz� in 2001, sold over 7 million copies and earned them an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band. Their second studio album, Demon Days, was released in 2005 and included the hit singles "Feel Good Inc.", "DARE", "Dirty Harry" and "Kids With Guns / El Mañana".

D-Sides, released this November, is their new album and contains B-sides, rarities and remixes from singles and bonus tracks from Demon Days.

For me, I struggle to fully grasp the concept and practicality of a virtual band, especially when it comes to live performances. And for the practical thinker in me, I realise that even for a cartoon character that’s given a name and a personality, that still had to have come from an actual person. However we can do amazing things with technology and warped perception these days and a little imagination never hurt anyone.

The Gorillaz sound has always seemed extremely abstract to me anyway. Somewhere between dance, pop, underground, electronic, trip-hop, alternative rock, punk (you name it), they have made a niche all of their own. And to this extent, it is an acquired taste. I can comfortably say that if you have enjoyed the sounds of their previous albums (and plenty of people have), then D-Sides will not disappoint. Despite being remixes of songs previously released, there is plenty of variety and new sound to whet the appetite of fans, but doesn’t stray enough from the winning Gorillaz formulae to not keep them loyal.

Disc one
"68 State" – 4:48
"People" – 3:28
"Hongkongaton" – 3:34
"We Are Happy Landfill" – 3:39
"Hong Kong" – 7:15
"Highway (Under Construction)" – 4:20
"Rockit" – 3:30
"Bill Murray" – 3:53
"The Swagga" – 4:58
"Murdoc Is God" – 2:26
"Spitting Out the Demons" – 5:10
"Don't Get Lost in Heaven" (Original demo version) – 2:29
"Stop the Dams" – 5:39

Disc two
"DARE" (DFA Remix) – 12:15
"Feel Good Inc." (Stanton Warriors Remix) – 7:25
"Kids with Guns" (Jamie T's Turns to Monsters Mix) – 4:23