Despite Blur's many highs, there was always a suspicion Damon Albarn was a pony equipped with a solitary trick.
Sure, he could fire off a Kinks-ean lament at the drop of a Cockernee cap. But when he and Graham Coxon separated and Damon dabbled with "cartoon" dance, it made many fans despair.
The first Gorillaz album was gimmicky, but this is a dark, broody stunner. Albarn's aching vocals on Feel Good Inc. and November Has Come feature melodies not bettered since Beetlebum.
The dance beats, fuelled by co-producer Danger Mouse, are so crisp and funky they wouldn't shame Beck. Add cameos from De La Soul, a gospel choir, Shaun Ryder (yes) and Dennis Hopper (on a spooky narrative), and you've got a genre-defying epic.
Forget one-trick ponies: Gorillaz are turning into one talented multi-tasking monkey.
Updated: 12:45 Thursday, May 26, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article