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Gorillaz
G-Sides
label:
Virgin
released: 02.26.02
our score: 3.0 out of 5.0
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With the release
of their self-titled album less than a year ago, Gorillaz finally
made the statement "Animated bands are cool" true. Such
ill-conceived ideas such as The Archies and Josie and the Pussycats
were forgotten, and an imaginary world was created. One that had
some cool-as-shit tunes to boot.
They've only
just started their U.S. in support of their self-titled album
recently, yet they've already released a second album. True, G-Sides
really is more of a companion piece to the first than a followup,
since it consists of a collection of remixes and previously released
B-Sides. But on the other hand, they're some damned good B-Sides
and remixes.
The disc opens
with the Soulchild remix of "19-2000" - the version
they've been playing on the radio. It's quite a bit faster than
the album version, making it more friendly for pop radio. Those
who've heard the song on the radio will be happy to know they
can finally get their grubby paws on it in cd format.
The English
version of "Latin Simone" follows, featuring Damon Albarn
on vocals this time around. It's definitely an improvement over
the original. The Wiseguys remix of "19-2000," however,
is not. Featuring a few samples from the original pasted over
a steady 4/4 house beat, this remix is by far the biggest disappointment
on the album.
The brightest
gems on G-Sides are by far the rereleased B-Sides, especially
the hip-hop edged "The Sounder" featuring rhymes by
Phi Life Cypher and a strung-out falsetto hook from 2-D (Albarn).
Japanese vocals populate "Faust" - a track with a mean
bassline (an obvious favorite for Murdoc).
A remix of
Clint Eastwood featuring all new vocals - raps from Phi Life Cypher
- showcases some stellar rhyming skills, while the trip-hop spiritual
of "Ghost Train" takes the Gorillaz to territories left
previously unexplored by the band.
G-Sides
could easily be overlooked as something only the biggest Gorillaz
fans could appreciate. But don't be misled, most of the tracks
are just as good as those found on their debut. The group just
doesn't seem to make any bad songs.
07-Mar-2002
4:15 PM
If you
liked G-Sides...
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