Our Favorite Things: Plastic Beach by Brandon Neil

Brandon Neil
EMF 330W

Torn

All hail King Neptune and his water-breathers.

            For the last week or so, one album has been featured on my repeating iPod playlist: Plastic Beach by Gorillaz. This 2010 release dug deeper than their other dark pop records Demon Days and their self-titled debut, Gorillaz, that were only half focused on music and stapled together by sometimes unmemorable alt rap. While their 2005 hit, Feel Good Inc. allured a popular mainstream fan base and caught the attention of the music industry, this revamping of the band brings the listener closer, and communicates messages coded in riddles and poetry.   

            Co-produced by rapper Del (The Funky Homosapien), who appeared on Gorillaz’ debut single “Clint Eastwood,” Plastic Beach features cameos from hip hoppers such as De La Soul and Mos Def. The appeal of the band  comes from the innovative, creativity and original concept of “the world’s first virtual band.” , British musician Damon Albarn whose previous projects included being the lead singer of Blur, the 90s prog-alt-punk-rock band, supplies the vocals for cartoon frontman 2DOther members include bassist Murdoc Niccals, percussionist, Russel Dobbs, and guitarist Noodle. Artist and co-founder, Jamie Hewlett, illustrates all of these  into the virtual Gorillaz universe. All of these characters have a backstory that brings them all together. That story happens in three phases: the first phase, Celebrity Takedown, introduced themselves to the scene. “Clint Eastwood” was released among collaborations with familiar artists. Slowboat to Hades, the second phase, released an illustrated autobiography of the Gorillaz story in the mid 2000’s. Their second album, Demon Days was a smash hit, going five times platinum in the UK. This was the financial high point for the group. But Plastic Beach, thierthird and most ambitious studio album, is their artistic high point, bringing all of his experience and collaboration artists together to form a project with depth, moving beyond the cartoons and stunt cameos to seriously consider the future of planet Earth

The carefree sensation dispensed by most pop music is sobering contrast to the messages that Gorillaz put out in this album. Plastic Beach is a concept piece with organic melodies laced with electronic vibes that puts the listener into the tainted art that Mother Nature has become. The song “White Flag” epitomizes the style of the record. There is no sign of synthetic music in the beginning of the track, as acoustic drums and wind instruments lightly introduce a sensation of peace and harmonious unity. Suddenly, the voice of a human male breaks up the unity with rap lyrics accompanied by sounds of distortion and upbeat junky rhythms. The rapper represents a natural component with unnatural tendencies; and in the case of planet Earth, the distortion is man-made industrialization and its inclination to push nature aside to make way for a Charles Darwin-type of natural selection. The lyrics stating, “No Castaway, no Survivor. I ain’t Lost and this ain’t Shipwrecked,” are referencing the television shows that take place on islands. 

The themes of these shows simulate humans living on a deserted island fighting for survival. The lyricist, Bashy, is claiming himself to be the real deal, unlike the imitations attempting to connect with nature meanwhile producing the contaminated media that is polluting this world, rejecting the competitiveness that reality television epitomizes. More cunning lines follow in the song with, “Uh-huh, no war. No guns, no corps. Just life, just love. No hype, just fun.” He exemplifies the simplicity of natural life, as it existed before mechanism was brought on by humanity. “Look, respect the island, no stealing. Don’t bring religion here, no three kings. Integrated and we ain’t leaving; we come on a peace thing. White flag.” It’s another great line that personifies the subject matter of this album. “White Flag” can be interpreted as surrender to the consumerism of humanity and living life carefree with a “hell in a hand basket” attitude. Or, it could be a song of peace and respect for the sanctity of nature, and using a white flag to signify the acceptance of its harmony.

There is an obvious, powerful, yet underlying message of the human habits regarding disposability throughout the album.  In the song, Melancholy Hill, Albarn sings“Up on Melancholy Hill there's a plastic tree.” The song suggests that pollution will one day file down the natural beauty of the world to a hill with a plastic tree on it; the way of the “plastic world” ensures a safe, artificial alternative to the unstable mess that is life. In Some Kind of Nature, Albarn preaches the paradoxical effects of the chemical waste that man produces. Plastic is inexpressive, just like nature; but if we could make nature out of plastic, maybe it could last. Suggesting that, though, these lyrics are also comparing the vigor of human beings with the chemical waste we produce.    

            Lyrics from Superfast Jellyfish implicate the instant satisfaction that today’s generation demands. “All hail King Neptune and his water-breathers. No snail thing too quick for his water-feeders.” The Gorillaz and featured rapper, De La Soul, symbolize “King Neptune” as the massive music industry that feeds its audience with quick, disposable pop music. And the “water-feeders” are the brainwashed listeners that stuff anything in their ears that is released by a popular artist, regardless of their lack of talent. Bobby Womack, the Motown artist, has also featured on Gorillaz tracks. His soulful voice brings power and feeling to the lyrics. Stylo and Cloud of Unknowing are the songs that include Womack. It was only appropriate for a socially aware artist from his own era to be collaborating with Damon Albarn on his socially aware concept album with the Gorillaz. In his time, Womack’s social struggle was black exploitation in the 70’s. In his songs, he made references to the daily battles that crowded his surrounding society. And now, in his old age, he aids the voice of a new generation.

            The Gorillaz left an impression on me with Plastic Beach. Its mission statement of mankind’s wastefulness not only applies to the ecosystem, but to the music industry as well. I agree with every lyric composed by the Gorillaz when it comes to Plastic Beach. Hence, their firm spot at the top of my playlists, and the echoing of melodies and lessons that ring in the back of my head nonstop as I carry out my daily rituals, causing me to stop and consider the impact they might have on the future