Gorillaz “Dirty Harry”

Damon Albarn and his pack of “Gorillaz” have always been a mysterious crew. Appearing as cartoons that appear in early all of their videos, they have maintained a rather elusive career. Their music has tackled many genres in the past and present but has always kept close to a hip hop, beat driven effort. You might recall their massive early 2000’s hit that featured Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, "Clint Eastwood"; a timeless song that introduced many people to Gorillaz, including myself.

Here we have another “Clint Eastwood” referenced song called “Dirty Harry”. I’m not sure if there is some sort of fascination with Clint Eastwood or if he just happened to pop up again in a later song but the use is intriguing. The song, which many believe has a strong reference to the war in Iraq during the Bush years, is a fun and funky beat driven song, regardless of the undertones.

“I need a gun, to keep myself among, the poor people burning in the sun" the lone Damon Abarn sings in the beginning. As he continues a child choir joins in and gains more voices near the end of the verse right before the song really starts bumpin singing "I need a gun, cause all I do is dance, cause all I do is dance".

Further along in the song Bootie Brown from The Pharcyde comes in and the whole song seems to shift towards a more sinister feel.

 "Impulsive don't ask wild wonder, orders given to me is, strike and thunder with lightning fast reflexes, on constant alert from the constant hurt". 

This is just a sample of the lyrics Bootie Brown raps, raising more awareness towards the possible war topic. He ends the verses strong and things transition right back into the fun and funky, child choir singing chant that is impossible not to bump your head to. Definitely one of Gorillaz' most creative and catchy songs. Hope ya dig it.