| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that the lyrics contain some violent imagery and references to drugs and alcohol.
The Gorillaz' self-titled debut album, a quirky little side project populated by animated characters devised by illustrator Jamie Hewlett and Blur frontman Damon Albarn, surprised the world by becoming a platinum-selling hit. Expectations were high for this follow-up project -- and DEMON DAYS more than meets expectations. Albarn (a.k.a. 2D) and DJ Danger Mouse co-produced this time around, with some lively and innovative tracks. Some surprise guest singers perform (Dennis Hopper takes a spoken-word spin on "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head," for example), but the real stars of the show are innovation and creativity.
Lyrics explore darker themes than on the previous CD, with many references to guns, drugs, and alcohol. But the underlying messages seem to be neither anti nor pro, and the lyrics are nonsensical enough to soften the visceral power of any violent imagery. "Drinking out/Pacifier/Sinking soul/There you are/But it won't be long/Cause kids with guns/Kids with guns/Easy does it, easy does it, they got something to say mental," bouncing along over bright, perky instrumental tracks ends up sounding pretty ineffectual and cartoony, as violent lyrics go. Demon Days does not sound like anything else out there, and that's a refreshing and wonderful thing.
Families can talk about what musical elements combine to make the Gorillaz sound so fresh and innovative.
| Artist: | Gorillaz |
| Release date: | May 24, 2005 |
| Label: | Virgin Records |
| Genre: | Alternative Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |