Gorillaz
Album: The Singles Collection: 2001-2011
Label: Parlophone
Tracks: 15
Website: www.gorillaz.com

Time was back in the mid-1990s when you would've been laughed out of Camden Town for suggesting Damon Albarn might turn into a 21st century Renaissance Man and all round, whisper it who dares, national treasure. These days though it's hard to argue with more than a decade of post-Blur projects behind him that he cares passionately about, is devoted to and, it has to be said, executes with no small measure of style and substance. And, if there was any lingering doubt, the 2009 reunion proved that Blur had plenty to shout about as well.

The writing was on the wall long before Blur went on hiatus. Mali Music, the soundtrack for 101 Reykjavik, various remixes, the score for Ravenous… the chap always had something going on - even if he wasn't always sure what it was. Gorillaz, his cartoon band with Tank Girl graphic artist Jamie Hewlett was announced in 1998 and debuted in 2001 with Clint Eastwood, an instant earworm of a hit single.

The debut album and its 2005 follow up Demon Days were marked by arch pop hooks with the half-life of weapons grade plutonium, no shortage of literate lyrics and some simply stunning animation. Rock the House, 19-2000, DARE, Kids With Guns, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc… these were quality songs built on a fine appreciation of pop ethics and a clear love for sparse beats, hip hop, dub and the Chinese music that later found a home in Monkey: Journey to the West.

Plastic Beach, from last year, was arguably the best realisation yet of whatever Gorillaz is, was or will be, yet its singles never really took off. For me, On Melancholy Hill manages to distil a mass of Albarn influences into one deliciously bittersweet pop statement - everything from early 70s Bowie to Grandmaster Flash, The Clash, Amadou & Miriam and a taste of what was to come in Doctor Dee.

All of which is a very roundabout way of welcoming this party-startin' compo.

Sunshine in a bag? Hell, yeah…

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk