Damon Albarn is three for three with The Good the Bad and the Queen

This piece was originally named a top-ten finalist in Rolling Stone Magazine's writing competition, "I'm From Rolling Stone" (2/18/07). Full list of the top ten can be found here

The genre-clashing turbulence of “History Song,” the first track off The Good, the Bad & the Queen’s self-titled debut, is the first indication that this latest British rock band goes against the musical grain. The song is a boiling stew of styles stirred into a thick, layered three minutes of sound that, to say the least, starts things off quite strong for the quartet.

The Good, the Bad & the Queen is the latest vehicle for Britpop mastermind Damon Albarn, who enjoyed previous success with his creations Blur and Gorillaz. Albarn is one of those musicians like Josh Homme (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) who have a seemingly endless stream of creativity that can transcend multiple bands and lineups. Whether it’s the Flaming Lips psychedelia and Beach Boys harmonies in “80’s Life” or the Danny Elfman-sounding Halloween gloom of “Bunting Song,” Albarn is creating his own boundaries and than perpetually destroying them.

The Good, the Bad & the Queen explores the different facets within rock, all the while throwing in such curveball styles as polka, classical, avant-garde and burlesque. Often the album feels like the soundtrack to some twisted, off-kilter cabaret. But despite the post-recording efforts – the record is produced magnificently by Danger Mouse – the set seems a bit more organic than, say, Gorillaz. Think Arcade Fire meets Postal Service, and you begin to see this distinctive marriage of sounds.

It’s simply nice to know there are people like Albarn making music in the world today. It’s not just the music he creates but the intensity and fervor that he possesses for this creation. That is why, no matter how many personas he takes on or styles he challenges himself with, Albarn’s music will always remain interesting.