Day 1 – I got sunshine in a bag

Artist: Gorillaz

http://gorillaz.com

Song: Clint Eastwood

Album: Gorillaz

Gorillaz are probably my favourite band of all time. They are a ‘virtual’ band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett consisting of Murdoc Niccals (a diabolical musical genius), Stuart Pot (aka 2D who is the main vocalist), Russel (a possessed drummer) and Noodle (An expert guitarist who just happens to be an assassin and 8 years old). Really, it didn’t matter what their first song that I heard was. I was destined to be a fan. What I love most about their music is that it defies definition. It’s a heady mix of electronic, rock, hip-hop, latin, punk, pop and a wide variety of other influences. Clint Eastwood, while not being the most representative song of their genre was an excellent starting point because it shows their potential. Their sound has matured and changed in later years, but still retains that core quality, even with their more esoteric, concept albums. They really should be a genre by themselves.

Their videos are insanely fun and always have a ton of easter eggs for fans to enjoy with every song and every album telling a story. It’s also nifty to have the band members age and change over time. It infuses a sense of realism and makes it easier to invest emotionally in them.

Clint Eastwood is a surprisingly introspective song that looks at our fascination with materialistic things and their ultimate futility as we match on to an ever uncertain future. The video is even better, showcasing all that is right with Gorillaz. I was barely 12 when I first heard it, and I would stay up late listening to the radio, just so I could hear it again. This song was like a gateway drug, and once I moved to Canada and had access to their entire library, I jumped in feet first. Fittingly, like most gateway drugs, I moved on, and this song alas, is no longer my favourite. That honour would have to go to ‘El Manana’. In conclusion, if you’re not listening to Gorillaz, you really should be.

P.S. Don’t mess with noodle

Best Lyrics:

I ain't happy. I'm feeling glad.
I got sunshine in a bag.
I'm useless, but not for long.
The future is coming on.

NOTHING MORE DIFFICULT THAN BEGINNINGS

A month of first impressions

Our taste in music is so intensely personal and is intricately connected with our sense of self. Speaking for myself, I rarely get defensive about a lot of things, but I do tend to get my hackles up when I have to defend my music choices. A few days ago, I was browsing through my current playlists and wondering why I like the bands I listen to. This started as a simple mental exercise, but then I decided to expand on it and to see how my enjoyment of a band/singer’s music is highly dependent on when I was first introduced to them, but more importantly, the first song of theirs I was exposed to. Going through and making this list, I was amazed how rarely the first song I heard of an artists ended up being my favourite. They hold a lot of nostalgic memories, however, and had enough of a hook to draw me in and give me an incentive to try and learn more about a band.

So without further ado, for every day of the great month of July, I will walk you through my favourite artists, give you a brief overview of why I love them, my first experience with them and my favourite song. They’re really in no particular order