Note: This Danger Mouse-produced project features Damon Albarn (Blur frontman/Gorillaz mastermind), Paul Simonon (bassist of The Clash), Simon Tong (guitarist of The Verve) and Tony Allen (Afrobeat drumming pioneer).
Sound: As adventurous and hard-to-classify as the mellower stuff on the Gorillaz and last couple Blur albums. Damon’s vocals glide and airy harmonies float over a hodgepodge of complex rhythms, futuristic haze, throwback bouncy pianos and much, much more.
Heavy Rotation tracks: none
Medium Rotation tracks: “Three Changes”; “80s Life”; “Herculean”
Explicit Lyrics*: none
Recommended: If you liked the more obtuse and laid back stuff on the Gorillaz and last couple Blur albums, The Good, the Bad and The Queen may really speak to you. The endless supply of fresh and captivating sounds is invigorating. Few of the songs evolve beyond a good vibe or groove, though, and even fewer will stick with you after you’re finished listening.
Grade: B-

Hear The Good, The Bad and The Queen in rotation on 3wk.com

Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On barnesandnoble.com

* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.