264.
While listening to the new Gorillaz album I did a track by track review on Twitter. I'm reposting it here as reference and if anyone would like to chime in with their opinions.
"Orchestral Intro": Really pretty, out of sync with the intros Gorillaz have used in the past, but has weird, warbly feel typical of them.
"Welcome...Plastic Beach": ohai Snoop. His presence doesn't distract, though, and the song itself is really polished and cool!
"White Flag": Liking the Asian influence. It's simple and fun. Rappers out of nowhere, they're okay. Like Bootie Brown, but less aggressive.
"Rhinestone Eyes": There you are, Gorillaz! Makes me think of "Demon Days" which is a good thing. Mid-tempo electronica. Fav song so far.
"Stylo": More akin to their b-sides. It's growing on me. Guest singer impersonating Screamin' Jay Hawkins? Distant second fav song so far.
"Superfast Jellyfish": Silly. Rappers taking the fore again. The chorus makes me smile. Saturday morning cartoon theme. Tied for second fav.
"Empire Ants": Really like this; very chill and ambient. Gorillaz again! OFFICIAL second fav. I could listen to this on repeat.
"Glitter Freeze": FFF reminds me of early Cibo Matto. <3 Loud and invasive in a good way. Sadly too short. Third fav, though!
"Some Kind of Nature": Drones/wails on. Not awful, but not very memorable. Will probably habitually skip this track when/if I get the CD.
WHOOPS, I GOT SOME KIND OF NATURE MIXED UP WITH ANOTHER TRACK.
"Some Kind of Nature" FOR REAL: Damon is definitely channeling his Blur days here. Peppy in that drowsy Albarn way. Digging this.
"On Melancholy Hill": Mild New Wave 80s sound. Good follow-up to "Nature". I like this more, but I miss the edge "Demon Days" had.
"Broken": Another delectable dub-ambient track. They are pandering to my love for downtempo music hardcore. Flawless.
"Sweepstakes": Token blah Gorillaz song. Guest rappers are engaging enough to make me change my mind, though. Runs too long.
"Plastic Beach": Vintage 60s mod soundtrack. Groovy, dreamy. I'm glad the title song got good treatment, as usual. The edge is still there!
"To Binge": Funny title for a pleasant song. Martina Topley-Bird is featured, I think. Love her. Comes off as more of the same. A love duet?
"Cloud of Unknowing": Lovely composition, cheesy lyrics. I hope the instrumental gets leaked.
"Pirate Jet": Equate this to Murdoc for some reason. Not the strongest closing song, but perfectly fine for what it is.
FINAL VERDICT: Solid B. The long list of guest singers had me worried, but this is still a Gorillaz effort. Will definitely be buying!
I'm just sad that doot-doot beep-beep club noise seems to be attached to "Glitter Freeze". :(
Despite the five-year span between albums, Gorillaz have evolved appropriately. :)
"Orchestral Intro": Really pretty, out of sync with the intros Gorillaz have used in the past, but has weird, warbly feel typical of them.
"Welcome...Plastic Beach": ohai Snoop. His presence doesn't distract, though, and the song itself is really polished and cool!
"White Flag": Liking the Asian influence. It's simple and fun. Rappers out of nowhere, they're okay. Like Bootie Brown, but less aggressive.
"Rhinestone Eyes": There you are, Gorillaz! Makes me think of "Demon Days" which is a good thing. Mid-tempo electronica. Fav song so far.
"Stylo": More akin to their b-sides. It's growing on me. Guest singer impersonating Screamin' Jay Hawkins? Distant second fav song so far.
"Superfast Jellyfish": Silly. Rappers taking the fore again. The chorus makes me smile. Saturday morning cartoon theme. Tied for second fav.
"Empire Ants": Really like this; very chill and ambient. Gorillaz again! OFFICIAL second fav. I could listen to this on repeat.
"Glitter Freeze": FFF reminds me of early Cibo Matto. <3 Loud and invasive in a good way. Sadly too short. Third fav, though!
"Some Kind of Nature": Drones/wails on. Not awful, but not very memorable. Will probably habitually skip this track when/if I get the CD.
WHOOPS, I GOT SOME KIND OF NATURE MIXED UP WITH ANOTHER TRACK.
"Some Kind of Nature" FOR REAL: Damon is definitely channeling his Blur days here. Peppy in that drowsy Albarn way. Digging this.
"On Melancholy Hill": Mild New Wave 80s sound. Good follow-up to "Nature". I like this more, but I miss the edge "Demon Days" had.
"Broken": Another delectable dub-ambient track. They are pandering to my love for downtempo music hardcore. Flawless.
"Sweepstakes": Token blah Gorillaz song. Guest rappers are engaging enough to make me change my mind, though. Runs too long.
"Plastic Beach": Vintage 60s mod soundtrack. Groovy, dreamy. I'm glad the title song got good treatment, as usual. The edge is still there!
"To Binge": Funny title for a pleasant song. Martina Topley-Bird is featured, I think. Love her. Comes off as more of the same. A love duet?
"Cloud of Unknowing": Lovely composition, cheesy lyrics. I hope the instrumental gets leaked.
"Pirate Jet": Equate this to Murdoc for some reason. Not the strongest closing song, but perfectly fine for what it is.
FINAL VERDICT: Solid B. The long list of guest singers had me worried, but this is still a Gorillaz effort. Will definitely be buying!
I'm just sad that doot-doot beep-beep club noise seems to be attached to "Glitter Freeze". :(
Despite the five-year span between albums, Gorillaz have evolved appropriately. :)