 If someone asks me to describe the Gorillaz sound, I will probably say that it is a mixture of alternative rock/hip-hop and electronica. Since their first studio album in 2001 which is sold over 7 million copies, a huge group of people have admired this virtual group's music.
Gorillaz was created by comic book designer Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn, formerly a member of the British band, Blur. Band members consist of 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs and Noodle characters, which are Hewlett's drawings. They never show their faces. They perform behind shadows and camouflage them with light shows.
 With their two studio albums Gorillaz (2001) and Demon Days (2005), the band has won many awards including a Grammy. However, after a concert in New York City, 2006, they disappeared. Split up rumors spread since their last show but now, after four long years, Gorillaz is back with the Plastic Beach album. At least 50 percent of them are. Bands members and Hewlett do not want to talk much about who is missing in this album, but even Hobbs has appeared in album drawings. Rumors have him as the one who is not involved in this album.
“Plastic Beach is a magnet for all things rotten. I needed somewhere isolated,” said Murdoc Niccals.
Plastic Beach is a concept album full of pop and features collaborations with Snoop Dogg, De La Soul, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, The Lebanese National Orchestra of Oriental Arabic Music and various other singers.
The resulting 16-track record is Gorillaz' most glorious work yet, but it is probably the last because Murdoc Niccals announced that “Plastic Beach will be the last Gorillaz album ever released. You've heard it from me…direct.” So do not miss this album which is shown as one of the best records of 2010, already.
BY BURAK ŞAHİN (IR/II)
burak_s@ug.bilkent.edu.tr 
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