Electro – mantric rover

track review

Synth-pop isn’t something that I’ve ever been the biggest fan of. It can get overly corny, as well as overly produced; so when I hear a song like “On Melancholy Hill”, I’m not only impressed but surprised. This romantic 80’s shrine of a song manages to harbor melodic synthesizers and tightly-produced drum machines while maintaining a sense of intimacy and compassion. In addition to it being without a doubt my favorite Gorillaz track, it features some very clever and endearing lyrics, even if simple: “Well you can’t get what you want / But you can get me / So let’s set out to sea / ‘Cause you are my medicine / When you’re close to me”.”On Melancholy Hill” serves as a simple love-song with all the tenderness and joviality to keep you hooked on that special someone. The song’s message and mood are emotionally familiar to everyone because, simply put, we’ve all sat on Melancholy Hill. 10/10

©Parlophone / 2010

track review

We are North American Scum! The pride-filled yet misunderstood lyrics along with one of the most danceable drum beats from “North American Scum” already make it a very interesting song, but I feel as if this track has something that not many other tracks achieve. For one thing, it’s an indie anthem, but for another, more important thing, it’s an American anthem. Even if it’s not exactly the most American song in existence, it’s still one with pride running throughout it’s lyrics. There are many who think that this song is about how frontman James Murphy sees North Americans as scum, but really it’s Murphy giving the bird to people who generalize North Americans into exactly that. Of course, he’s doing all this whilst crafting a indie dance classic and screaming “WE ARE NORTH AMERICANS”. Murphy has crafted this funky, criminally catchy song saying: “You know what? I don’t care what any of you think!”. “North American Scum” is the American attitude. 9/10