Guardian Gorillaz

The new album by Gorillaz, Plastic Beach, is currently being streamed in full over at the Guardian's music site, and, as long as you've recovered from the pinches and punches of earlier today, it's well worth a listen. From the few chances i've been able to give it, the record seems to be the strongest they've yet produced, although it has a more restrained feel than their previous attempts, and so far no one track has stood out in a way that other previous singles have. However, this is no bad thing, and as a whole the album works well, although i have to admit that i prefer the Damon Albarn-led tracks on what is a rather collaboration-heavy album. Saying this, the mid-section is perhaps the strongest (and my favourite) part of the record, a section in which Lou Reed, Mark E Smith and Little Dragon all guest. Anyway, don't take my word for it, head on over to Guardian Music, where Gorillaz have initiated a takeover.

Out March 8th