Welcome To The World Of The Plastic Beach
by Gorillaz (featuring Snoop Dogg)

Album: Plastic Beach (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Plastic Beach is an environmentally conscious project set on a metaphorical floating South Pacific island made of rubbish and [the] washed-up remnants of humanity. Gorillaz co-creator Damon Albarn got the idea for the record while on a beach next to his house: "I was just looking for all the plastic within the sand," he explained. Albarn went on to give details of the record's concept to The Guardian: "[It's] sort of about the mythical aspects of Britain. Obviously, because it's Gorillaz we've moved it to a different place, but it still maintains a lot of that melancholy."
  • This track features Snoop Dogg and Chicago soul jazz instrumentalists the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Gorillaz bassist Murdoc explained: "Snoop's the grandaddy, isn't he? Doggystyle was for many people the record that got them into rap and G-funk. The track also features The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, a Chicago nine-piece brass group featuring eight sons of Phil Cohran (who played trumpet with The Sun Ra Arkestra).
    This is a proper soundtrack: brass-laden, pimped out, plastic funk, mixing the organic with the plastic to form something new and shiny. And who better to open up this world than Snoop?"
  • The theme of Plastic Beach is false promises. On Gorillaz website they have an Escape to Plastic Beach game. When you talk to the seagull, it says "It seemed ideal," and then he complains about how truly horrible it is. The beach, from afar, looks very cute and happy, but the closer you get, the nastier it appears. Soplastic would mean fake, and in the song "Rhinestone Eyes," the rhinestones are like false diamonds. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Stella - Beverly Hills, CA

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?