"Gorillaz" is a virtual band created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. One of their most popular songs is "Clint Eastwood," released in 2001. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Virtual Band Members: Gorillaz is known for its unique concept of having animated characters as band members. The character who provides the vocals for "Clint Eastwood" is 2-D, the lead singer and keyboardist of the virtual band.
Del the Funky Homosapien's Collaboration: "Clint Eastwood" features a guest rap verse from Del the Funky Homosapien. His distinctive contribution helped make the song a hit and introduced many listeners to the concept of the virtual band.
Inspiration from Clint Eastwood: The song's title, "Clint Eastwood," is a reference to the iconic actor and director Clint Eastwood. The song incorporates a sample of Eastwood's 1966 film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," specifically a vocal line by actor Eli Wallach saying, "I see you, baby...shakin' that ass."
Chart Success: "Clint Eastwood" was a commercial success for Gorillaz. It reached the top 10 in multiple countries' music charts, including the UK and the US, helping to establish the band's popularity worldwide.
Debut Album: The song is from Gorillaz's self-titled debut album, which was released in 2001. The album received critical acclaim and helped Gorillaz earn a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Animated Music Video: The music video for "Clint Eastwood" features the animated band members in various surreal and supernatural situations. It was directed by Jamie Hewlett, who is known for his work on the comic book series "Tank Girl" and his contributions to the visual aesthetic of the Gorillaz project.
Genre-Blending: "Clint Eastwood" is known for its genre-blending style, combining elements of hip-hop, alternative rock, and electronic music. This eclectic sound is characteristic of Gorillaz's music as a whole.
Legacy: "Clint Eastwood" remains one of Gorillaz's most recognizable and enduring songs. It has been covered and sampled by other artists and continues to be a staple of the band's live performances.
Cultural Impact: The song and its music video had a significant impact on popular culture in the early 2000s, helping to cement the Gorillaz brand as a boundary-pushing, multimedia music project.
Virtual Band Evolution: Since the release of "Clint Eastwood," the Gorillaz virtual band has continued to evolve, with new members and storylines added to their narrative, making them a fascinating and ongoing experiment in the fusion of music and animation.