A crusty old dude raps with the gangstas
Do you have interest in a form of media that is a complete departure from what you normally listen to or view? My dad never liked my music from the 70's or 80's and I can't say there's very much out there today that I like unless it's being produced by the 'hangers on' from my hey day or contemporary blues artists. There are few exceptions to that rule.
In early 2007 I saw the 'Gorillaz in Harlem' concert on HBO. The 60 minute live performance is followed by 4 animated music videos. The band is difficult to label. They deal in three areas I have virtually no interest in, rap music, anime and fiction yet I found their music and animation to be somewhat interesting. Another year passed before I saw the Harlem concert again on HBO. Aside from that video and an occasional song on the radio I had very little exposure or knowledge of this band. Not long ago I stumbled across the video on HBO for the third time. I asked my son, "Hey, are you familiar with this band Gorillaz? I think they're good."
As it turns out my 18-year-old has their debut CD. He explained that no one really knows who the band is and they play behind backlit screens, as they do in the video, when appearing live. We speculated they may be a compilation of famous artists from well known rap and alternative bands who prefer to keep their moonlighting project secret. I was just guessing. According to my son there's a fair amount of mystery, rumor and falacy behind this band. I copied his CD to my I-pod listened through and then purchased a few songs on I-tunes from a more recent CD. This band is very versatile. They fuse rap, punk, alternative, reggae and electronic into a diverse sound and repertoire. I really like this band and they represent a total departure from my music collection.
I recently learned the depth of their creativity, fiction and the mystery is quite deep. As it turns out Gorillaz is not a band at all. They're the work of two Englishman, Damon Albarn a musician and animator Jamie Hewlett, who have created a 'virtual band' of animated characters with an intricate web of fictional history, personalities, music, animation and the real life mystery of "Who's behind Gorillaz?" Their website is very unique, fictionally in depth and they've used the internet to perpetuate the myths and rumors surrounding their audio-visual creation. They've been around ten years but it's all new to me.
This isn't the first time a band was invented. The Monkees and Partridge Family were 'made for TV' pop bands with hits and modest success many years ago. The Archies were an animated pop band creation. I think the big difference is the genre and level of success Gorillaz has without television or a media giant behind them. The internet is their tool, their music and lyrical content more serious than "Hey hey, we're the Monkees!". Their debut CD sold 7 million copies worldwide. A later release "Demon Days" went platinum 5 times in the UK, double in the US. Gorillaz was nominated for 5 Grammy Awards in 2005. This 'virtual band' is enjoying actual success I don't believe the aforementioned 'invented' bands can boast.
Some of their music is very strange and the videos often portray militaristic mayhem, not stuff I usually consume. They dominated my I-pod over my vacation. I guess it's possible for a crusty old dude, who's been listening to mostly the same genres of music for many years, to appreciate contemporary music his kids listen to. Gorillaz aren't the first band my young gangsta people have exposed me to. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Offspring, Bare Naked Ladies, Linkin Park and Muse are contemps I wouldn't normally associate with but the youngstas have influence. An open mind and willingness to listen is a good way to find new stuff when the oldies get moldy.
If you're interested, these are links to Gorillaz music videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01C4RPEinM4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCy928QJCDE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x419f-nLhgE&feature=related