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D-Sides
D-Sides
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D-Sides
Compilation album by
Released19 November 2007 (2007-11-19)
Recorded2004–2005
StudioStudio 13, London, England and Hong Kong
Genre
Length117:07
LabelParlophone, Virgin
Producer
Gorillaz album chronology
Demon Days
(2005)
D-Sides
(2007)
Plastic Beach
(2010)
Damon Albarn chronology
The Good, the Bad & the Queen
(2007)
D-Sides
(2007)
Journey to the West
(2008)
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic69/100[1]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[2]
The A.V. ClubB−[3]
Drowned in Sound5/10[4]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[5]
MojoStarStar[6]
NME8/10[7]
Pitchfork6.0/10[8]
PopMattersStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[9]
UncutStarStarStar[10]
Under the Radar7/10[11]

D-Sides is a 2007 compilation album by the British virtual band Gorillaz. The album contains B-sides and remixes from singles and bonus tracks for the band's second studio album Demon Days, as well as previously unreleased tracks recorded during the same sessions. It was released on 19 November 2007 in the UK and on 20 November in the United States and is available in standard and deluxe editions.[12] The Japanese deluxe edition includes three extra tracks, plus the video for 'Rockit'.[13] D-Sides performed similarly to its 2002 predecessor, G-Sides, reaching No. 63 on the UK Albums Chart, while it reached No. 71 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Background

[edit]

In an interview with Verbicide magazine,[14] band members were asked if a new remix album would be produced for Demon Days as there was for Gorillaz. They answered that it was a possibility and that might involve the Spacemonkeyz again. In the same interview, they were asked if there might also be another G-Sides. Again, their answer was that it might be possible.[15] In January 2007, websites began listing a March release date for a Phase 2 B-sides album.[16][17] One of the websites, musictap.net, later pushed this back to 3 April.[18] According to Gorillaz-Unofficial, the reaction of official parties behind Gorillaz is that the release date is just a rumour for now.[19] On 29 August, musictap.net reported that the B-side album would be titled D-Sides and would be released on 20 November.[20] On 18 September 2007, the official Gorillaz fan site confirmed the release of the album, as well as unveiling the album artwork and track listing. D-Sides was released on 19 November 2007 in the UK and on 20 November 2007 in the United States.[21][22]

Track listing

[edit]

All songs are written by Gorillaz.

D-Sides – Standard edition – Disc one
No.TitleOriginal releaseLength
1."68 State"Feel Good Inc.4:48
2."People"Dare3:28
3."Hongkongaton"Dirty Harry3:35
4."We Are Happy Landfill"Demon Days (limited edition exclusive)3:39
5."Hong Kong"Re-recorded; originally released as part of Help: A Day in the Life compilation7:13
6."Highway (Under Construction)"Dare4:17
7."Rockit"Promotional single3:33
8."Bill Murray" (featuring The Bees)Feel Good Inc.3:51
9."The Swagga"Demon Days (limited edition exclusive)4:57
10."Murdoc Is God"Feel Good Inc. / Dirty Harry2:26
11."Spitting out the Demons"Feel Good Inc.5:10
12."Don't Get Lost in Heaven" (Original Demo Version)El Mañana / Kids with Guns2:29
13."Stop the Dams" (featuring Ghostigital)El Mañana / Kids with Guns5:39
Total length:55:05
D-Sides – Standard edition – Disc two
No.TitleOriginal releaseLength
1."Dare" (DFA Remix)Promotional single12:14
2."Feel Good Inc." (Stanton Warriors Remix)Promotional single7:24
3."Kids with Guns" (Jamie T's Turns to Monsters Mix)Promotional single4:22
4."Dare" (Soulwax Remix)Dare5:48
5."Kids with Guns" (Hot Chip Remix)Promotional single7:09
6."El Mañana" (Metronomy Remix)Promotional single5:44
7."Dare" (Junior Sanchez Remix)Promotional single5:26
8."Dirty Harry" (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix)Promotional single3:53
9."Kids with Guns" (Quiet Village Remix)Promotional single10:02
Total length:62:02

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
D-Sides is a by the British , released on 19 2007 in the and 20 2007 in the . The album collects B-sides, remixes, demos, and unreleased tracks primarily drawn from the sessions for 's second studio album, (2005), along with material from associated singles. Spanning 22 tracks across two discs in its standard edition, D-Sides showcases the band's eclectic style, blending elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Notable inclusions feature collaborations such as "Bill Murray" with British band The Bees and "Hong Kong" originally recorded for War Child charity efforts, as well as remixes like the DFA's take on "Dare" and Stanton Warriors' version of "Feel Good Inc." Issued by Parlophone Records, the album was available in various formats including CD, vinyl, and digital, with a deluxe edition incorporating additional content. In 2020, D-Sides received a remastered 3×LP vinyl reissue as part of Record Store Day's "Drops" event, limited to 15,000 copies worldwide, highlighting its enduring appeal among fans of Gorillaz's experimental output. This compilation serves as a companion to Demon Days, offering deeper insight into the creative process behind Gorillaz's multi-platinum success during that era.

Background and Production

Concept and Development

D-Sides originated as a featuring tracks from the 2004–2005 recording sessions for Gorillaz's second studio album, , including B-sides, early demos, and previously unreleased material that did not make the final cut of the main release. The project served as a companion to , extending its creative output in a manner similar to the earlier collection for the band's debut album. Gorillaz co-creators and played key roles in curating the content, selecting material to encapsulate and prolong the era's eclectic blend of hip-hop, electronic, and alternative influences. This included decisions to incorporate rare tracks such as the instrumental "68 State," originally a bonus track on the Japanese edition of , and "," which was initially recorded in early September 2005 during the band's world tour for a War Child charity compilation. Development began in the aftermath of Demon Days' May 2005 release, with compilation efforts progressing through 2006 and into 2007 amid rumors of an earlier launch date. By early 2007, initial release speculation pointed to March, though delays pushed the finalization to later that year, culminating in the album's debut on November 19, 2007.

Recording and Personnel

The recording of D-Sides primarily took place at Studio 13 in and Kong Studios in , with additional sessions occurring at Avon Studios in and Studios B109 in Reykjavik. These locations facilitated the compilation's diverse B-sides and remixes, drawing from outtakes and bonus material associated with Gorillaz's era between 2004 and 2007. Engineering efforts were overseen by Jason Cox, who handled much of the core production alongside mixing at facilities like Pierce Rooms and Schtung Music Ltd., while mastering occurred at The Town House in . Key creative personnel included , who provided vocals and keyboards across multiple tracks, and , responsible for visual elements and contributions like the "ray gun" performance on "Hongkongaton." Producers such as Danger Mouse led sessions for tracks including "" and "Hongkongaton," with additional production from figures like James Dring and Tung Tang. Engineering support came from assistants including Charles Lam and Steve Sedgwick, ensuring the integration of varied instrumentation such as by Izzi Dunn, by Al Mobbs, and by Mr. Chen Wei-Man on select pieces. Guest artists enriched specific tracks, with De La Soul featured on the Stanton Warriors remix of "Feel Good Inc.," Rosie Wilson contributing backing and additional vocals to remixes of "DARE" (including those by Soulwax and Junior Sanchez), and Shaun Ryder appearing on "DARE" variants. Other collaborators included Neneh Cherry on additional vocals for "Kids with Guns" remixes, The Bees on "Bill Murray," and M.C. YAN on rap for "Dirty Harry (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix)." Instrumentation featured live elements like huqin (erhu) by Hou Shih Chieh and guzheng by Morton Wilson, emphasizing the album's eclectic, global sound.

Musical Content

Composition and Style

The B-sides collection on D-Sides draws from the Demon Days era, blending hip-hop, electronic, , and influences into a cohesive yet eclectic set of outtakes and rarities. This disc features live instrumentation alongside programmed elements, creating a of sonic textures that echo the parent album's genre-fusing approach while emphasizing unfinished sketches and bold experiments. Tracks vary in tempo and mood, from the upbeat, noisy electro-punk of "We Are Happy Landfill"—with its car-horn percussion and rhythmic effects—to the moody, haunting atmospheric of "," which incorporates oriental instrumentation like Chinese zither for a seven-minute urban lament. Experimental flourishes further define the collection, such as the brooding ska rhythms in "Bill Murray," a collaboration with The Bees that revisits influences from The Specials with retro skanking grooves. The 55-minute B-sides disc spans 13 tracks with arrangements that shift from funky bass-driven demos to synth-heavy instrumentals, maintaining the Demon Days spirit of multimedia art school experimentation rooted in African-American music and hip-hop collaborations. The remix disc extends this eclecticism by transforming originals into extended dance-oriented versions, often amplifying electronic and glitch elements. For instance, the DFA's remix of "Dare" stretches the track to over 12 minutes, building a repetitive, entrancing framework that emphasizes pulsating synths and syncopated rhythms for club play. Other contributions, like Soulwax's dark rework of "Dare" and Hot Chip's climax on "Kids with Guns," alter the originals' structures to highlight glitchy production and tribal drumming, creating a second disc that prioritizes sonic reinvention over fidelity.

Themes and Influences

The tracks on D-Sides continue Gorillaz's exploration of urban alienation, particularly evident in "Hong Kong," a late-night that evokes isolation amid the city's bustling energy. Recorded in for a War Child charity project, the song features Chinese zither played by Zeng Zhen, blending introspective lyrics about the "rising of an eastern sun" with a sense of global interconnectedness and uncertainty about its benefits for humanity. This motif extends to broader themes of technology's pervasive role, as seen in the synth-driven instrumentals like "68 State," which pulse with electronic grooves reminiscent of mechanized urban life. Influences from hip-hop permeate the album through its production and remixes, drawing on collaborations with producers like Danger Mouse and echoes of African-American musical traditions that shaped Gorillaz's sound during the era. Eastern sonic elements further enrich the global cultural tapestry, particularly in "" and the "Schtung Chinese New Year Remix" of "," which incorporates Mandarin vocals by MC Yan to fuse hip-hop rhythms with traditional instrumentation. These tracks highlight a critique of , with "Stop the Dams" adding an eco-protest dimension through its collaboration with Icelandic musician . Narrative elements tie D-Sides to the band's animated universe, extending the dystopian vibe of —a post-9/11 meditation on societal demons—through character-specific references like the track "Murdoc Is God," which nods to the bassist's egotistical persona. Similarly, "Spitting Out the Demons" evokes exorcism-like struggles aligned with the lore of 2-D's tormented psyche and 's manipulative influence. Unreleased demos and outtakes, such as the original version of "Don't Get Lost in Heaven," fill gaps in the storyline by providing raw glimpses into the band's creative process during Phase 2, enhancing the animated narrative's continuity across live shows and releases.

Release and Promotion

Formats and Editions

D-Sides was released in multiple formats, including physical editions and digital downloads, primarily through and . The standard edition consists of a two-disc compilation featuring 13 B-sides on the first disc and 9 on the second disc, available on and digital platforms. The standard is an edition including the music video for "Rockit". The deluxe edition, released as a limited box set, includes the same 22 audio tracks as the standard version with enhanced packaging such as stickers, a poster, two exclusive Jamie Hewlett prints, a four-button badge set, and a "Choose Pazuzu" sticker. A digital special edition adds an additional remix track, "El Mañana (TTC Remix)," making it 23 tracks in total. The Japanese edition, released via , expands on the standard content with two exclusive bonus tracks—"Samba at 13" and "Film Trailer Music"—bringing the first disc to 15 audio tracks, plus the "Rockit" in an enhanced section; it features unique packaging including an obi strip, lyrics sheet, and stickers. The album was released on 19 November 2007 in the United Kingdom and 20 November 2007 in the United States, with digital versions following suit; certain remixes, such as "El Mañana (TTC Remix)," were initially exclusive to downloads.

Marketing and Singles

The promotion of D-Sides centered on its role as a companion release to the band's 2005 album , compiling B-sides, remixes, and unreleased tracks from that era to appeal to dedicated fans. EMI marketed the collection explicitly as a "fan companion," with advertisements emphasizing its rarities and exclusive content drawn from the campaign, such as early demos and alternate mixes. Singles promotion was limited, with "Rockit" serving as the primary promotional single. Originally released online in December 2004 as part of the "Reject False Icons" campaign, it was reissued in 2007 to tie into D-Sides, appearing on a two-track promo CD alongside "." The track's accompanying music video, directed and animated by through his Zombie Flesh Eaters studio, satirized contemporary music videos with surreal Gorillaz-style visuals, including dancing statues and abstract animations. Promotional activities included online tie-ins via Gorillaz.com, where exclusive content such as the "Rockit" video and D-Sides teasers were hosted, alongside visualizers and materials linking back to the tour era. An official online ad on the site highlighted the album's B-sides and rarities, encouraging fan engagement during the release period. timed the U.S. release for November 20, 2007—just before the holiday season—to capitalize on gift-buying trends, with a packaged in a debossed glossy dual box containing the two-CD set, a bonus DVD of visualizers and videos, two exclusive prints, a four-button badge set, stickers, and a "Choose " sticker for bundled merchandise appeal.

Track Listing

B-Sides

The B-sides compilation on D-Sides features 13 original tracks drawn from the Demon Days era singles and studio sessions, offering non-album material that accompanied releases like "Feel Good Inc.", "DARE", "", and "El Mañana"/"Kids with Guns". These songs, primarily written by with co-writing credits to Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) on select tracks such as "", capture outtakes and bonus cuts from the 2005 album's production. The section runs for a total of 55:05.
TrackTitleDurationWritersOriginal Single Association
168 State4:45Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett"Feel Good Inc." (Japanese edition and EP Series)
2People3:26Damon Albarn, Brian Burton"DARE" (Japanese edition and EP Series)
3Hongkongaton3:31Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett"Dirty Harry" (single and EP Series)
4We Are Happy Landfill3:37Damon AlbarnDemon Days (download via Gorillaz.com and limited edition)
5Hong Kong (feat. Chen Wei-Man)7:13Damon AlbarnHelp! A Day in the Life (reworked version)
6Highway (Under Construction)4:18Damon Albarn"DARE" and "Dirty Harry" (EP Series)
7Rockit3:31Damon AlbarnReject False Icons (reworked version)
8Bill Murray (feat. The Bees)3:51Damon Albarn, The Bees"Feel Good Inc."
9The Swagga4:56Damon AlbarnDemon Days (limited edition DVD bonus)
10Murdoc Is God2:25Damon Albarn"Feel Good Inc." (Japanese edition) and "Dirty Harry" (UK edition)
11Spitting Out the Demons5:08Damon Albarn"Feel Good Inc."
12Don't Get Lost in Heaven (Original Demo)2:27Damon Albarn"El Mañana"/"Kids with Guns"
13Stop the Dams (feat. Ghostigital)5:37Damon Albarn, Ghostigital"El Mañana"/"Kids with Guns" (EP Series)

Remixes

The remixes on D-Sides comprise the second disc of the compilation, featuring nine reworked versions of tracks from Gorillaz's Demon Days album, drawn from singles such as "Dare," "Feel Good Inc.," "Kids with Guns," "El Mañana," and "Dirty Harry." These remixes, produced by a range of electronic and alternative artists, extend the originals' hip-hop, funk, and alternative rock foundations into dance-oriented, experimental, and culturally infused territories, often amplifying electronic elements while preserving core vocal and thematic motifs like urban grit and social commentary. The disc runs for a total of 62:02. The tracklist is as follows:
No.TitleRemixerDurationOriginal Track
1Dare (DFA Remix)DFA12:12Dare
2Feel Good Inc. (Stanton Warriors Remix)7:22Feel Good Inc.
3Kids with Guns ('s Turns to Monsters Mix)4:20Kids with Guns
4Dare (Soulwax Remix)5:41Dare
5Kids with Guns ( Remix)7:07Kids with Guns
6El Mañana (Metronomy Remix)5:43El Mañana
7Dare (Junior Sanchez Remix)Junior Sanchez5:25Dare
8 (Schtung Chinese New Year Remix)Schtung3:51
9Kids with Guns (Quiet Village Remix)Quiet Village10:07Kids with Guns
The DFA remix of "Dare" expands the original's infectious disco-funk into a sprawling 12-minute journey, emphasizing minimalist grooves with echoing basslines, canyon-like vocal effects, and percussive cowbells to create a hypnotic, club-ready extension. Soulwax's remix of "Dare" recasts it as a pulsating electro-house banger, stripping back vocals amid driving beats and synth stabs reminiscent of Simian Mobile Disco, thereby amplifying the track's euphoric hooks for peak-time sets. The Hot Chip version of "Kids with Guns" subdues the original's explosive urgency into a brooding, atmospheric build, introducing a sharp guitar riff and subdued electronics to underscore themes of youthful alienation with introspective depth. Junior Sanchez's remix of "Dare" infuses the track with guitar-driven pop fury and house pulses, shifting its playful funk toward an upbeat, anthemic vibe that broadens its crossover appeal. The Schtung Chinese New Year Remix of "Dirty Harry" radically reimagines the original's Middle Eastern-infused rap as a Mandarin-language fusion of traditional Chinese folk instrumentation and modern drum machines, creating a culturally hybrid commentary on global conflict.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

D-Sides achieved moderate chart success upon release, reflecting its status as a compilation of B-sides and remixes tied to the band's earlier work on . The album entered several international charts in late 2007, with its highest peaks occurring in the and the .
CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on ChartEntry DateExit Date
632December 1, 2007December 15, 2007
711December 8, 2007December 15, 2007
Top Dance/Electronic Albums220December 8, 2007N/A
ARIA Albums Chart662December 2007N/A
French Albums Chart1024November 24, 2007December 29, 2007
In the United States, D-Sides also performed notably on genre-specific rankings, placing at number 23 on the year-end Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart for .

Sales and Certifications

D-Sides achieved modest commercial performance, with limited public data on its figures. According to industry analysis, the compilation generated approximately 5,000 equivalent units in select markets, reflecting its status as a specialized release rather than a mainstream blockbuster. No certifications were awarded by the (BPI) or the (RIAA), consistent with its positioning as a B-sides collection for dedicated fans. In comparison, Gorillaz's preceding Demon Days sold over 7 million copies worldwide, underscoring D-Sides' niche appeal.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in late 2007, D-Sides received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a aggregate score of 69/100 based on 15 reviews. Positive assessments highlighted the album's value as a collection of rarities and outtakes from the era. awarded it 8/10, praising the rarities for providing a justified "rummage through the '' cutting room floor" that revealed worthwhile material beyond the main . gave 3.5/5 stars, commending its eclectic energy as a vibrant extension of Gorillaz's experimental style. Mixed and negative critiques pointed to inconsistencies in quality. rated it 5/10, describing the compilation as uneven due to Albarn's dilettantism leading to weaker B-sides. scored it 6.0/10, critiquing the remix disc for redundancy, particularly in reworking familiar tracks like "D.A.R.E." and "Feel Good Inc." without fresh innovation. Across reviews, common themes emerged of appreciation for the B-sides' raw creativity and insights into the band's process, contrasted with criticism of filler remixes that padded the second disc without adding substantial depth.

Retrospective Assessment

Over time, D-Sides has achieved cult status among fans for its collection of outtakes and unreleased material from the sessions, offering deeper insight into the band's creative process during that era. Fans particularly value tracks like "Hongkongaton" and "" for their experimental flair, which contrasts with the more polished singles from the parent . This appreciation has grown through online communities and reissues, solidifying its role as a fan-favorite companion piece, with recent discussions (as of 2025) on platforms like and Album of the Year emphasizing its underrated quality. In retrospective analyses, D-Sides is often viewed as a crucial bridge in Gorillaz's , transitioning from the hip-hop-infused sound of (2005) to the more experimental electro-pop of (2010). Critics and fans highlight its eclectic mix—spanning , electronic, and orchestral elements—as emblematic of the band's boundary-pushing ethos, with tracks like "68 State" and "The Swagga" showcasing raw, unrefined experimentation that foreshadowed later innovations. The 2020 vinyl reissue for , limited to 15,000 copies and remastered for the format, underscored the album's enduring appeal and accessibility in the streaming age. While contemporary reviews averaged around 69/100 on , modern reassessments praise its depth, contributing to sustained fan engagement.

References

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