What's Not: Gorillaz

Damon Albarn became famous as a member of Blur, during the 1990s. He pioneered Britpop with Graham Coxon, Dave Rowntree and Alex James, but when they parted ways he started something that had never been done: he created an animated band.

Gorillaz, until 2010, were a band of animated characters that performed on-stage through clever videos and light manipulation. This idea became to complex and idiotic for fans to fathom, and before long the real Gorillaz resorted to performing on stage in person. Damon Albarn's luck with Blur was seemingly not present when Gorillaz formed. Their first single was called 'Clint Eastwood', and featured heavy drums, a droning chorus and rap-inspired verses. I actually like this song but I don't think it is anything special. Their next single was '19-2000', and is arguably one of the worst songs in recent memory. With a chorus repeating "He's got the cool shoe shine", it failed to chart as well as its predecessor.

In 2005, Gorillaz returned with Demon Days, which proved more successful than their first album. 'Feel Good Inc' immediately voided all previous efforts because of its catchy chorus, better quality music and more interesting verses. It showed a Gorillaz that had matured in their almost five year absense.

Skip ahead another five years and you reach the present day. At the start of the year, Gorillaz released Plastic Beach, or did they? I don't know many people who can name a single song from this album. I know they released 'Stylo', but it is by no means a memorable track. Perhaps the only thing saving distinctly average album is a collaboration with Snoop D-o-double-g. As touring began to Plastic Beach, the band famous for being animated, U-turned the whole idea and dropped the only interesting trait they had. 

To make things worse, when U2 were dropped from Glastonbury, Gorillaz were asked to takeover. Are Gorillaz and U2 even close to being in the same league? No. After a lack-luster set at the biggest festival in the world, Gorillaz were slated by the press. As an attendee of Glastonbury, I can tell you they were less than impressive, in fact, Albarn's Blur were better on the television in 2009!

Gorillaz might have their day, but it is not this day!

What's Hot: U2

U2 should have headlined Glastonbury in 2010. They were announced in late 2009, but were removed from the line-up after surgery meant their lead singer, Bono, would not be able to perform.

Even without headlining the biggest music festival in the world, U2 were announced as the top-earning band of the last year! Is anyone surprised? They've sold millions of albums worldwide and almost everyone can name at least one of their songs. 

The $130 they earned was mostly due to their 360 Degree Tour, which boasted the most ambitious stage set-up of all time. No wonder they were asked to play at Glastonbury's 40th Anniversary celebration. It appears they can't release a bad song anymore, and that their status as music legends will always be secure.

The U2 songs I'm currently listening to are mostly from their 2005 album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The album is overshadowed by The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, even though it produced two number one singles, one of which being their most successful song yet. Pushing past 'Vertigo' however, the track 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' shows a U2 that have matured since the Pop and Zooropa days. It shows a band that can write classic songs, such as 'Beautiful Day', but also pump all their energy into meaningful, emotional tracks. The later single, 'Original Of The Species' shows the same emotional grip, albeit not as meaningful. 

As I write this, I'm also listening to 'Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of' and 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me', which show a more mellow at their finest.

I have purposely ignored all classic U2 songs from the 1980s, as a way of showing how incredible this band are in the 21st century.

They truly are, a band that cannot be faulted.