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emalvick t1_jdyxt43 wrote

Considering Albarn has been making music for one act or another for 30+ years, one probably has to hold their expectations in check. He's been a part of some great albums, it's unlikely he'll have any more that top what he's done in Gorillaz, Blur, or God Save the Queen (and anything else he's touched) in the past. Just doesn't seem to happen for even the best artists.

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Fooking-Degenerate OP t1_jdyydbj wrote

I don't know about that, most of my fav artists seem to only get better with time;

But maybe you're right, maybe after decades there's nowhere to go but down. Or maybe you do end up losing some of your passion, idk.

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emalvick t1_jdyyole wrote

He has never been one to thrive under constraints, so perhaps Gorillaz maybe has just run its course.

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Fooking-Degenerate OP t1_jdyywsj wrote

Agreed

Also Idk much about behind-the-scenes but it feels like with big money comes big executives constraining you; some of the collabs feel "imposed"..

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NonagonSerif t1_jdz3ufn wrote

I think most artists DON’T tend to get better after 20+ years, or at least after they’ve hit their creative heyday. Damon’s had skin in the game since the 90s, and most of the best 2000s bands I can think of just don’t even hold a candle to their old stuff. Seems like a pretty natural progression of artistry tbh.

Also what about Song Machine? That was pretty fire.

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thegroovemonkey t1_jdzw6ne wrote

Being able to stay relevant for multiple decades is an accomplishment in itself.

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IdleBonobo t1_jdzo2ca wrote

Just curious, what artists have got better for you that have been making music for over 30 years?

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Fooking-Degenerate OP t1_jdzphe2 wrote

The last Daft Punk album (25 years in iirc?) didn't feel at all neglected, you can still feel a lot of passion in what they're doing.

Brian jonestown massacre is 35+ iirc and their latest single (Fudge, 2022) is absolutely fantastic.

Godspeed you! Black emperor is about 30, yet their latest album (2022) is just incredible, best thing they did since Storm.

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IdleBonobo t1_jdzq9uz wrote

Yeah good examples of artist making good music after their peak. I’d still say they did their best stuff earlier in their career though. ‘Discovery’ and ‘Lift your skinny firsts…’ are better in my opinion. I can’t comment on ‘Fudge’ though as I’m not familiar.

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Fooking-Degenerate OP t1_jdzx3of wrote

"Discovery" and "Storm" were more groundbreaking at the time, they defined their genre for a decade, but imho the latter albums shows more complexity and growth as artists, both for Daft Punk and Godspeed. Or maybe I'm liking them more because they have a more contemporary sound... probably both imho

> I can’t comment on ‘Fudge’ though as I’m not familiar.

Man you're in for a treat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1nl-rN2hpU

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emalvick t1_je0afqw wrote

I feel like it is a matter of perspective and what one likes. I personally like the last Daft Punk album most, but I'm not well versed in that kind of music, and I don't know that I'd argue it is better (but it could be).

Brian Jonestown Massacre really haven't been much different than your argument about Gorillaz. Of course, like any act that's been around there will still be great songs, but the albums have hardly been that consistent. Aside from the recent album, which is a bit better than other recent releases, I feel like the past 10 years have been up and down. And, I guess that's how I feel about a lot of bands that have been around for over a couple of decades.

Doesn't mean Albarn won't make another great album with someone, just means I don't expect them to all be great.

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NonagonSerif t1_je05ocl wrote

Well with the Daft Punk record, they’d only released like 3 albums total before Random Access Memories. But even then, Damon had been releasing albums with Blur way before all those other bands. It’s important to keep in mind just how many projects he’s came out with. Also he’s the sole musical contributor to Gorillaz, while all those other bands have multiple members, too. I think cases like BJM are pretty rare cases tbh.

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Fooking-Degenerate OP t1_je0de4s wrote

> they’d only released like 3 albums total before Random Access Memories

You're not counting the Tron soundtrack here and I def think you should

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