Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. - 2005
Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. - 2005
"Feel Good Inc." is a song by British virtual band Gorillaz, released in May 2005 as the lead single from their second studio album, "Demon Days." The song features a catchy bassline, unique vocal styles from 2D (lead vocals) and rap verses from De La Soul. It's known for its eclectic mix of alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music. The song's lyrics offer a critique of consumerism and the media, encapsulated in the metaphorical "Feel Good Inc." tower.
Background
"Feel Good Inc." was written by Gorillaz, produced by Danger Mouse, and features rap verses by De La Soul. It quickly became one of Gorillaz's most successful singles, charting worldwide and winning various awards, including a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2006.
Composition and Lyrics
The song is notable for its blend of different musical styles. The main guitar riff and bassline provide a groove that carries the track, while 2D's melancholic vocals and De La Soul's energetic raps create a contrast that adds depth to the song. The lyrics depict a dystopian world, represented by the Feel Good Inc. tower, where people are trapped in a cycle of mindless entertainment and consumerism.
Music Video
The music video for "Feel Good Inc." is an animated masterpiece that showcases the virtual band performing in the Feel Good Inc. tower amidst a post-apocalyptic landscape. It won several awards and nominations for its innovative animation and storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
"Feel Good Inc." is widely regarded as one of Gorillaz's signature songs. It played a significant role in defining the band's sound and thematic concerns, blending social commentary with musical innovation. The song's success helped propel "Demon Days" to critical and commercial acclaim, solidifying Gorillaz's place in the music industry.
Critical Reception
The song received widespread acclaim from music critics and fans alike for its unique sound and meaningful lyrics. It has been included in numerous "best of" lists and has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years.
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Feel Good Inc." released? (2005) (!2004) (!2006) (!2007)
Who produced "Feel Good Inc."? (Danger Mouse) (!Pharrell Williams) (!Rick Rubin) (!Damon Albarn alone)
Which band collaborated with Gorillaz on "Feel Good Inc."? (De La Soul) (!OutKast) (!Blur) (!The Roots)
What genre does "Feel Good Inc." mainly belong to? (Alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic) (!Pop and jazz) (!Rock and blues) (!Reggae and funk)
What is the main theme of "Feel Good Inc."? (Critique of consumerism and the media) (!Love and relationships) (!Political activism) (!Personal freedom and independence)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Who is the fictional lead vocalist of Gorillaz? (2D) (!Murdoc Niccals) (!Russel Hobbs) (!Noodle)
In what year was Gorillaz formed? (1998) (!2000) (!1996) (!2002)
Who are the real-life creators of Gorillaz? (Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett) (!Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood) (!Jack White and Meg White) (!Brian Burton and Mike Shinoda)
What is unique about Gorillaz as a band? (They are a virtual band) (!They only perform live) (!They exclusively use acoustic instruments) (!They record all their music in one take)
How did Gorillaz primarily release their music videos? (As animated shorts) (!Live action only) (!Still images with music) (!Interactive web experiences)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does the "Feel Good Inc." tower symbolize in the song? (Mindless entertainment and consumerism) (!A safe haven from the outside world) (!Technological advancements) (!A music recording studio)
Which line from the song suggests a critique of shallow happiness? ("Laughing gas these hazmats, fast cats, lining them up like ass cracks") (!"Jump with them just for kicks") (!"Love forever, love is free") (!"Turn forever hand in hand")
How is the mood of the song's chorus different from the verses? (It's more upbeat and contrasts with the rap verses) (!It's slower and more melancholic) (!It's instrumental only) (!It's spoken word)
What do the rap verses by De La Soul add to the song? (Energy and contrast) (!A soft melodic harmony) (!Background noise) (!Classical music elements)
Which part of the song features a criticism of consumer culture? (The entire song) (!Only the intro) (!Only the outro) (!Only the guitar solo)
Memory
| 2005 | Year "Feel Good Inc." was released |
| Danger Mouse | Producer of "Feel Good Inc." |
| De La Soul | Collaborated with Gorillaz on "Feel Good Inc." |
| Virtual Band | What makes Gorillaz unique |
| Consumerism | Main theme of "Feel Good Inc." |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a playlist: Compile a playlist of songs that share themes with "Feel Good Inc." such as consumerism, media critique, or dystopian views.
- Design your own virtual band: Imagine and sketch your version of a virtual band. Consider their personalities, music style, and the messages they might convey.
- Explore music videos: Watch three music videos by Gorillaz and describe how they use animation to tell a story or convey messages.
Standard
- Write a song analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Feel Good Inc." and discuss the societal critiques it presents.
- Create a digital artwork: Inspired by Gorillaz's animated music videos, create a piece of digital art that reflects the themes of "Feel Good Inc."
- Research project on virtual bands: Research other virtual bands or projects and compare their approach to music and visuals to that of Gorillaz.
Difficult
- Compose your own song: Write and record a song that addresses themes similar to those in "Feel Good Inc." such as the impact of consumerism on society.
- Produce an animated music video: Create a short animated music video for a song you like, inspired by the style of Gorillaz.
- In-depth analysis of Demon Days: Conduct a detailed analysis of the "Demon Days" album, focusing on its thematic content and musical style.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the impact of virtual bands: How do virtual bands like Gorillaz challenge the traditional concept of music and performance?
- Analyze the role of animation: What role does animation play in Gorillaz's identity and storytelling?
- Evaluate the critique of consumerism: How effectively does "Feel Good Inc." critique consumer culture? Provide examples from the song and its video.
- Explore the evolution of music genres: How does "Feel Good Inc." blend different musical genres to create its unique sound?
- Examine the social commentary: Discuss the social and political commentary in Gorillaz's music, with "Feel Good Inc." as a primary example.
MUSIC QUIZ
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