Lou Reed
From three rejections to a tea-fueled collaboration on 'Some Kind of Nature'.
Lou Reed's collaboration with Gorillaz stands as a pivotal moment on Plastic Beach, the group's third studio album released on 3 March 2010. After three initial rejections where he cited a lack of interest in the song ideas sent to him, Albarn persisted by sending a demo of 'Some Kind of Nature' in his fourth attempt. This time, Reed responded positively and accepted the invitation to work with the band. The encounter took place at Chung King Studios in New York City, marking a significant turning point where a rock legend finally joined the virtual band's eclectic roster.
- Role
- Guest Vocalist / Collaborator
- Affiliation
- The Velvet Underground (Real World), Gorillaz Collaboration
- First Appearance
- Plastic Beach Era
Lore & Background
The path to Reed's involvement was far from smooth. Over the course of a year, Damon Albarn emailed Lou Reed a total of three times about a possible collaboration, but Reed declined each time due to disinterest in the initial concepts. The dynamic shifted on the fourth attempt when Albarn sent a demo version of 'Some Kind of Nature'. Upon arriving at Chung King Studios in New York with producer Remi Kabaka Jr., Reed initially declined entry for both Hewlett and Kabaka, allowing only Albarn into the room. After sitting down and drinking tea together, Reed left briefly to take a taxi ride uptown. During this short trip, he wrote lyrics for the song based on his 'thoughts on plastic' before returning to record with Albarn.
In Their Own Story
The recording session at Chung King Studios in New York was defined by strict boundaries and spontaneous creativity. When Albarn, Hewlett, and Kabaka Jr. arrived, Reed insisted that only Albarn enter the studio space. Inside, the two sat down and drank tea together, establishing a quiet rapport before the work began. Reed then stepped out to take a taxi uptown, using the ride as a writing retreat where he composed lyrics centered on his observations of plastic. Upon returning with these new thoughts, he joined Albarn to finalize the track. This specific interaction highlights how Reed's contribution was born from a moment of isolation and personal reflection within the bustling city environment.
Reader's Guide
To understand Lou Reed's role in Plastic Beach, one must look at the specific conditions of his participation. He recorded 'Some Kind of Nature' at Chung King Studios in New York after rejecting multiple prior offers. The process involved him entering the studio alone with Albarn while excluding other crew members. His lyrics were composed during a taxi ride uptown immediately before recording.
Did You Know?
- Lou Reed initially declined three separate collaboration offers from Damon Albarn before accepting the fourth.
- Reed insisted that only Albarn enter the studio with him at Chung King Studios, excluding Jamie Hewlett and Remi Kabaka Jr.
- The lyrics for 'Some Kind of Nature' were written by Lou Reed during a short taxi ride uptown in New York City.
- Albarn sent a demo version of 'Some Kind of Nature' to Reed, which prompted his positive response after previous rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Lou Reed play in Gorillaz?
He acted as a guest vocalist and collaborator specifically for the Plastic Beach album cycle. His participation linked the virtual group with established rock history through his legendary status.
How was he convinced to join the project?
Damon Albarn persisted after three initial rejections by sending a demo of Some Kind of Nature as a fourth attempt. Reed finally responded positively to this specific track and agreed to participate.
On which track can his vocals be heard?
His voice appears on the song Some Kind of Nature, released on the 2010 studio album Plastic Beach. This collaboration marked a unique moment where a rock legend joined the virtual band's roster.
Where did the recording session take place?
The encounter occurred at Chung King Studios located in New York City. This meeting point served as a significant turning point for finalizing his contribution to the project.
Why is this collaboration considered pivotal?
It stands as a major moment on Plastic Beach, highlighting the group's eclectic mix of real and virtual artists. The story of overcoming multiple rejections adds a unique layer of dedication to their shared history.
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