It's plastic...must be fantastic: a reveiw

Alright, since Interpol’s new self titled album came out yesterday, thought I would review…if I had the record. Sadly I don’t and rather not download it since I support Paul Banks work. So I thought I would stay on the topic of pop albums. Had to get rid of the taste Katy Perry left in my mouth and nostrils.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Goriilaz’s Plastic Beach.



I will be reviewing the “Experience Edition” which features Plastic Beach cover art at night, booklet with partial cut up lyrics, and a DVD with a making of the album. The standard edition features Plastic Beach cover art at sunset without a booklet and DVD. Very flimsy, in my opinion. The Japanese edition (if your able to get a copy) is the same as the “Experience Edition” but has the Plastic Beach at daytime while the iTunes features Plastic Beach at dawn.

Plus the album is, you guessed it, a digipak…which I fucking hate but I can bite the bullet since I love Gorillaz. But one with the songs…

Orchestral Intro : The albums opener featuring ocean ambiance , seagulls, and fog horns, the things you would hear at the docks, along with some nicely placed orchestral strings. Really sets the mood until it transitions to the next song…

Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach : Now for the ear-candy by none other by the one and only: Snoop Dogg with Damon Albarn backing vocals. People, if you want any song that involves Snoops guest vocals on a current album, this song would be a safe bet. You get his classic vocals that make him the legend he is along with the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble backing him up with, dare I say it, a nice dope chill beat. A great follow up.

White Flag : For some strange goddamn reason I love the beginning orchestral strings by Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music in this song. Probably due the fact that I watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom over and over till the tape wore out when I was a kid, or I let the Bollywood channel play in the background when I have nothing to do in my room. But none the less, after the intro you get assaulted with amazing raps by Kano and Bashy until the track fades out to the Arabic orchestra. Picking up its pace.

Rhinestone Eyes : 2D (Damon Albarn) takes the front stage by taking the pace with a much slower but upbeat mix of synthesizers and vocals. Slightly undercooked but still stands on its feat.

Stylo : When this song was one of the first singles that was released on January 26, I thought this album would suck epically. Let it be taken by a grain of salt since I took a quick second listen and didn’t give it a chance. I was wrong. Incredible flow with a legendary vocalist, Bobby Womack, taking the wheel with his powerful voice. Plus Bruce Willis was in the video. Sold.

Superfast Jellyfish : Features vocals by De La Soul (the one who provided the vocals on Gorillaz classic: Feel Good Inc.) For some reason, I found this one to be a dud and entirely forgettable and if not by Damon, I wouldn’t give a second glance. Hit and miss if you want to place it that way.

Empire Ants : Absolutely perhaps one of the albums highlights. One of the best. The track starts of very quiet with light acoustic guitar strumming, light piano, with Damon providing relaxing dreamlike vocals. Now heres the auditory orgasm at the 2:11 mark. Little Dragon takes over the entire track by with Yukimi Nagano’s voice and electric keyboards until the song sadly fades out. You won’t believe how many times I had this on repeat. In other words: I FUCKING LOVE THIS SONG. Fanboy moment over.

Plus check out the Loofslaw Remix of the song if your interested

Glitter Freeze : No vocals here, just more beats and synth for four minutes. Could be a DJ samplers delight for them but I lost interest after the minute mark since it was the same beat repeated. An instant skip.

Some Kind Of Nature : Lou Reed provides the lead vocals with Damon sings the chorus. A reminiscing of "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head" of the Demon Days album, which isn’t a bad thing.

On Melancholy Hill : This song reminds me of all those “so bad but its good” songs from eighties due to the intro but like I said, it’s a guilty pleasure song. Feel good lyrics masked by melancholy themes. A great track.

Broken : I wish I could say much about this track but it reminds me WAY too much of Lil Wayne's godawful “Lollipop” song which I fucking loath. A mediocre at best track that could take a few more listens to fully digest.

Sweepstakes : Mos Def at it again with his mumbling voice he’s known for. A very mellow, chill song.

Plastic Beach : The album’s title track, what’s an album without one? Usually they tend to suck trying to tack on the the none existent theme the album wont follow but this doesn’t disappoint. You get two and I repeat, TWO, punk rock legends from The Clash, Mick Jones & Paul Simonon, playing on this song. Do I need to say anymore? Nonetheless, very groovy song with piano that will makes ones head nod to the beat.

To Binge : A song that will convey images of the carnival by dreamy guitar pluckings. A Sonny and Cher inspired piece between Yukimi Nagano & Damon Albarn. Yukimi’s vocals alone makes this a gem for the ears.

Cloud Of Unknowing : Bobby Womack provides a quiet melancholy vocals backed by Sinfonia ViVA, who also provide the albums intro. A daring bet from going from an upbeat song to a ballad that pays off well.

Pirate Jet : The albums closer starts of with the oh so cozy synthesizers this album has provided throughout along with Damon Albarn giving out some closing lyrics until the songs fades out. A slightly bittersweet ending for this album.

Now...the DVD itself.

I won't say much about since its just snippets of home video of everyone in the studio which provides insight on how and why the album was made. Also induces how the artwork was created, not a photoshop, an actual model of Plastic Beach. Plus theres footage of the recording sessions which sound exactly like the tracks on the album. Thats talent for ya, not Auto-Tuned crap. But nonetheless, I found it to be forgettable and a bit unnecessary since you can see said DVD footage up on YouTube.

In conclusion, this sleeper hit that came out unnoticed at the begging of this year is definite purchase if your into well produced pop music. And if your one those "rap is crap" people, please go fuck yourself, run into a jagged knife through your gut, or throw yourself off a skyscrapper because ignorance is not needed. Open your eyes to all kinds of music, or unless your one of those close minded metal d00ds who still think Metallica kicks ass.

Hell, the album introduced me to Little Dragon which I now love. Music does make the world go round, or least to other competent musicians.

DelinquentAntagonist out…

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