Gorillaz In the Mix

I don’t know who’s big idea it was to group less traditional music into the alternative category. The powers that be (record labels) are probably so lost when they get music from “experimental” artists that when it’s shipped to retailers, they figure it should sit either in the back of the store with rap, or next to the CD cleaners with the cashier. Before groups like De La Soul, Radiohead, the White Stripes, and OutKast changed the way our ears listened to music, it was simply lyrics and an image. Today, only through our brave new world of CGI and viral marketing can a hair-brained idea like a virtual band exist as all-walking, talking, singing, dancing, rapping, fully functional artists we call the Gorillaz. Depending on where you cop your music, they’re probably sandwiched between Feist and Ghostface, thanks.

Two multi-platinum albums deep, a bevy of remixes, and a collection of Kidrobot vinyl figures, the animated soul of pop music goes one step further with their autobiography, the “Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre.” After flipping through the first 30 pages alone (spoiler alert!) we learn the origins of Murdoc, 2-D, Noodle, and Russel through funny interviews that have the feel of an E! True Hollywood Story with the visual pacing of a graphic novel. As of press time, there are rumors of the band’s breakup and the new “D-Sides” album (Nov. 19th) of unreleased material touted as the last official release, that is unless they decide to reunite for their forthcoming documentary, “Bananaz.” For answers to all your Gorillaz inquiries, log on to Facebook tomorrow at 1PM where Murdoc, the band’s bassist will be holding an online forum. Until then, it looks like music will be in search of a new “alternative.”