The roots of Gorillaz can be traced back to 1990, when guitarist Graham Coxon asked cartoonist Jamie Hewlett to interview his newly formed band, Blur. Coxon knew of Hewlett's work drawing the Tank Girl comic strip in Deadline magazine. When Jamie first met the band's lead singer Damon Albarn, the two did not hit it off well. Hewlett initially thought Albarn was "arsey" and "a wanker," but the two remained acquainted and would eventually become roommates in 1997, living in London.
Both Jamie and Damon tell the story of Gorillaz came to be about the same way. They were in their flat watching TV, specifically MTV, and came up with the idea of a "virtual band" as commentary on the vapidity of popular music at the turn of the millennium. Previously the best-known '"cartoon bands" were animated versions of The Monkees and The Beatles that kids could watch on Saturday mornings. But Gorillaz (initially called just "Gorilla") was to be an ambitious musical project with eclectic, genre-bending tunes, unique visuals, and a detailed backstory for how the virtual band came to be.
With Gorillaz, Albarn departed from the distinct Britpop of Blur and explored influences including hip hop, electronic music, and world music through an "eccentrically postmodern" approach. The band's 2001 debut album Gorillaz sold over seven million copies worldwide. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was withdrawn at the band's request. Their second studio album, Demon Days (2005), went six times platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US, and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. The band has won other awards, including one Grammy Award, two MTV Video Music Awards, an NME Award and three MTV Europe Music Awards.
The third Gorillaz studio album, Plastic Beach, was released in March 2010. The fourth, The Fall, was released in December 2010 as a free download for fan club members, then in April 2011 as a physical release. In 2017, after a five-year hiatus, Gorillaz announced their fifth studio album Humanz. Their sixth studio album, The Now Now, was released on 29 June 2018. Their seventh album, Song Machine, Season 1: Strange Timez, was released in 2020 through a series of episodical music videos. Cracker Island, the band's eighth album, was released on February 24, 2023. Gorillaz have been nominated for ten Brit Awards and won Best British Group at the 2018 Brit Awards.
The Gorillaz characters only appear in animated form and are not alter-egos of real people, as is often mistakenly assumed. There is an extensive fictional back-story behind these band members, written by Albarn and Hewlett. Their albums, several of their music videos, and their autobiographical book Rise Of The Ogre all tell the saga. Damon Albarn is the only permanent musical contributor to the band, which is also a collaboration between various musicians. Their style is broad with a large number of alternative influences including rock, hip-hop, and electronica.
They have released eight studio albums: Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (Also in 2010), Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018), Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez (2020), and Cracker Island (2023). Additionally, they have put out two B-side collections, G-Sides (2001) and D-Sides (2007), and a reggae remix of the Gorillaz album entitled Laika Come Home (2002). The band has also released three DVDs: Phase One: Celebrity Takedown, Demon Days: Live at Manchester Opera House, and Phase Two: Slow Boat To Hades. At the end of 2010, Gorillaz released their next album, The Fall, which was recorded during their US 'Escape to Plastic Beach' tour. It is promoted as being the first album made entirely on iPad. The album is streamed on the Gorillaz website.
The band's first single, Clint Eastwood, was released on 5 March 2001. This single was the first of four from Gorillaz, which was released on 26 March 2001. The other three singles were released over the next year. These were: 19-2000, Rock the House, and Tomorrow Comes Today. The album sold over 7 million copies worldwide and has gone platinum twice in the United Kingdom earning them an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the Most Successful Virtual Band. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, but the nomination was later withdrawn at the band's request. Collaborators on the first album included Del tha Funkee Homosapien (often mistaken for a full-time band member), Miho Hatori (formerly of Cibo Matto), Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads.and Ibrahim Ferrer. The album was produced by Dan the Automator of Deltron 3030.
At the end of 2001 the band released another single, 911, which was a collaboration between Gorillaz and rap artists D12, Eminem and Terry Hall. The single would find its way onto the soundtrack to the 2002 action comedy Bad Company.
Their second studio album, Demon Days, was released on 11 May 2005 and included the hit singles Feel Good Inc., DARE, Dirty Harry and Kids With Guns / El Mañana. Demon Days went five times platinum in the UK, double platinum in the United States, and earned five Grammy award nominations for 2006 and won one of them (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals). Collaborators on this album – produced by Dj Danger Mouse – include De La Soul, Bootie Brown of The Pharcyde, Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, Neneh Cherry, Ike Turner, MF Doom, Roots Manuva, and Martina Topley-Bird, among others. DARE – the first Gorillaz track featuring lead vocals by Noodle – reached #1 in the UK charts.
In late 2007, Albarn and Hewlett began working on Carousel, a new Gorillaz project which eventually evolved into the band's third studio album, Plastic Beach, which was released 9 March 2010. Albarn said, "I'm making this one the most pop record I've ever made in many ways, but with all my experience to try and at least present something that has got depth.” The album features guest performances by Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, Gruff Rhys, Mark E. Smith, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Bashy, Kano, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, sinfonia ViVA, and The Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music.
A 3D projection of the group was shown at the 2005 MTV Music Awards and the 2006 Grammys. They also performed at the Brits, in a different format, using screens rather than projections. Gorillaz have performed live in other occasions as well: in 2001 & 2002 they did tours where the musicians played behind screens, and in 2005 & 2006, Gorillaz had five nights in Manchester and New York respectively. This time the screens were behind the musicians, who were visible to the audience only as silhouettes (except for the guest-stars).
Since the band began to achieve mainstream success, there have been rumours of them working on a full-length movie. Some of these have been confirmed, but nothing has gotten beyond planning stages, mainly due to conflicts between the band and studios involved. In 2008, Hewlett said "Ultimately we didn't think that feel we're in a position to make the kind of movie we want to make with Gorillaz at the moment. [...] But I'd still like to make a full, lavishly-animated Gorillaz movie someday."
Albarn and Hewlett created a Pop Opera called Monkey: Journey to the West, which premiered in the summer of 2007 at the Manchester International Festival. A soundtrack album was recorded in the summer as well (initially only digitally available though a CD version was released in 2008). The production went on to show at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in September-October 2007, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, USA in May 2008, and the Royal Opera House in London in July 2008.
The duo behind the Pop Opera built on ideas from Monkey: Journey to the West to release a short film in the Summer of 2008 which accompanied the United Kingdom's coverage of the BBC Olympic Coverage in Beijing. It featured a basic outline of the main plot elements of the Opera, reworked into a "Journey to the East", with the characters finishing in the Beijing Olympic Stadium.
Gorillaz headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2010, as an immediate replacement for U2, who dropped out of performing at the festival.
At the end of 2010 Gorillaz released their next album The Fall made in the hotel rooms during their US tour. It was, when released, the first album to be recorded entirely on an iPad. The album was made available for free to Gorillaz fan club members for a limited time as a digital download – and hard copies were released to worldwide markets in the following year.
In April 2012, Albarn told The Guardian that he and Hewlett had fallen out and that future Gorillaz projects were "unlikely". However, it was later announced by the duo that they had reconciled their difference – and that Noodle, Russel, Murdoc and 2-D would return with a new album in 2017. Featuring collaborations by artists such as album Grace Jones, Kali Uchis, Popcaan, Vince Staples, Mavis Staples, Peven Everett, Pusha T, Kelela, Jamie Principle, D.R.A.M. and Graham Coxon, Humanz was released to critical acclaim; the album would go on to win Gorillaz the 2018 Brit Award for Best British Group. Gorillaz would also collaborate with Carly Simon, Kilo Kish and Rag'n'Bone Man on the Deluxe edition of Humanz, while Little Simz would feature on the single Garage Palace. Another 2017 release was the single Sleeping Powder – supposedly written and recorded in a day. Meanwhile, a solar energy-themed collaboration with E.ON, released in 2017, would later win Gorillaz a Webby Award.
A new album, The Now Now, would follow in 2018. Written by Albarn whilst touring Humanz – and featuring two collaborations, including the return of Snoop Dogg and Jamie Principle as well as George Benson and Graham Coxon – The Now Now spawned six singles, including Humility, Tranz, and Lake Zürich. Murdoc was unable to enjoy the band's success for the time being as he was undergoing a stint in jail for an undisclosed malefaction; he was replaced on bass for Ace Copular – who most famously played Ace of the Gangreen Gang in the Powerpuff Girls TV series – for the recording of The Now Now; however, Murdoc would later break his way out of prison. Gorillaz saw the year out by securing another Brits nomination for Best British Group as well as winning a second consecutive Webby Award; this time, for the FreeMurdoc chatbot, which provided a way for Gorillaz fans to interact with Murdoc Niccals during his incarceration.
19.2000
Gorillaz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered
To the days I've tried to lose
My mama said to slow down
You must make your own shoes
Stop dancing to the music
Of Gorillaz in a happy mood
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump
Here you go, get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
There's a monkey in the jungle
Watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict
Between his brain and his tail
And if time's elimination
Then we got nothing to lose
Please repeat the message
It's the music that we choose
Keeping my groove on
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump (la-la, la-la)
They do the bump
Okay, bring it down here
We'll come back out
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
They do the bump
They do the bump
They do the bump
They do the bump
The lyrics of "19-2000 Remix" by Gorillaz is all about the power of music and how it can serve as an escape from the hectic pace of modern life. The song starts with a repetitive statement that "It's the music that we choose" which emphasizes the central message of the song. The lyrics then go on to describe how the world is spinning too fast, and people need to slow down and find their own way of navigating through life. The singer mentions buying Nike shoes to keep himself grounded, but his mother advises him to create his own path in life.
The second verse talks about a monkey caught in a conflict between his brain and his tail. This is used as a metaphor for the internal conflicts that people experience and how music can serve as a way to escape these conflicts. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the power of music in bringing people together and allowing them to enjoy themselves without worrying about the stresses of everyday life.
Overall, "19-2000 Remix" is a fun and upbeat song that encourages people to let loose and enjoy themselves through the power of music, which is a message that can be appreciated by people of all ages.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the music that we choose
Our choice of music reflects who we are and what we stand for.
The world is spinning too fast
Life is moving too quickly and it's hard to keep up.
And I'm buying Nike shoes
I am trying to stay current and trendy, but perhaps at the expense of my own unique style.
To keep myself tethered
I am trying to anchor myself, to keep from being swept away by the chaos of the world around me.
To the days I tried to lose
To the times in my past when I felt lost or disconnected from myself.
My mamma said to slow down
My mother counseled me to take things at a more reasonable pace.
You must make your own shoes
You must forge your own path in life and not simply follow those around you.
And stop dancing to the music
And stop following trends or popular opinion without first examining your own desires and beliefs.
Of Gorillaz in a happy mood
Of a band whose music may be enjoyable and uplifting, but whose messages or values may not necessarily align with my own.
Here you go
Take a listen or a look at what I have to offer.
Get the cool
Embrace what is hip, fashionable or trendy.
Get the cool shoeshine
Embrace a stylish image or persona, and project a carefully curated identity to the world.
There's a monkey in the jungle
There are primitive or instinctual parts of ourselves that can be at odds with our rational minds.
Watching a vapor trail
Observing something fleeting or insubstantial, such as a memory or a dream.
Caught up in the conflict
Trapped between warring forces, unable to reconcile opposing desires or feelings.
Between his brain and his tail
Between his conscious thoughts and his primal impulses, unable to fully control or understand either.
And if time's elimination
If time were to cease to exist, if all moments were equal and indistinguishable from one another,
Then we've got nothing to lose
Then we would not have the pressure to accomplish anything, to strive or succeed, but would instead be free to simply be and experience.
Please repeat the message
Please emphasize and reinforce the point being made, the importance of music in shaping us and our worldviews.
They do the bump
They follow a popular dance trend without necessarily questioning its meaning or origin.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Anniebtw
lyrics:
The world is spinning too fast
I'm buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered
To the days I've tried to lose
My mama said to slow down
You must make your own shoes
Stop dancing to the music
Of Gorillaz in a happy mood
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
There's a monkey in the jungle
Watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict
Between his brain and his tail
And if time's elimination
Then we got nothing to lose
Please repeat the message
It's the music that we choose
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
@jokotechnotube
LYRIC:
The world is spinning too fast
I'm buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered
To the days I've tried to lose
My mama said to slow down
You must make your own shoes
Stop dancing to the music
Of Gorillaz in a happy mood
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
There's a monkey in the jungle
Watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict
Between his brain and his tail
And if time's elimination
Then we got nothing to lose
Please repeat the message
It's the music that we choose
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
@Dan_prizek
Lyrics:
The world is spinning too fast
I'm buying Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered
Trough the days I tried to loose
My mama said to slow down
You must make your own shoes
And stop dancing to the music of Gorillaz
In a happy mood
(Keepin my groove on)
Get the coool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
There's a monkey in a jungle
Watchin' a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict
Between his brain and his tail
And if the times elimination
Then we've got nothing to loose
Please repeat the message
"It's the music that we choose"
(Keepin my groove on)
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the coooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cooool
Get the cool shoeshine
Edited:
THANK YOU FOR 470 LIKES, GUYS!
@Mehithose
Lyrics
The world is spinning too fast
I'm buying lead Nike shoes
To keep myself tethered
To the days I've tried to lose
My mama said to slow down
You must make your own shoes
Stop dancing to the music
Of Gorillaz in a happy mood
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
There's a monkey in the jungle
Watching a vapor trail
Caught up in the conflict
Between his brain and his tail
And if time's elimination
Then we got nothing to lose
Please repeat the message
It's the music that we choose
Keeping my groove on
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Get the cool
Get the cool shoeshine
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
Day doo de bop
@threemad
GET THE COOL
@poxia1622
Boomers be like
@minniekaboom1075
GET THE COOL SHOESHINE
@scoonie6186
Holy shit, it's that one YouTuber. What is his name? I forget.
@scoonie6186
Shoeshine btw
@halo7372
man wtf
@Nooctae
I was always fascinated by the mix of 2D cartoon and the 3D elements of those Gorillaz clips. It's so unique looking.
@spaceman4390
Yeah I agree, which is why gumball is one of my favourite shows
@ray_tbhmylifeisafeverdream
haha 2D.
@user-gv7fh3vx3h
Very good somg get the cool