Gorillaz usher in the era of Multimedia music

Remember these guys? This song takes me back to ninth grade gym class when we used to convince Mr. Washburn that we had cramps and could run the mile on Friday's, then we would sit on the bleachers and listen to mellow music that rebelled against the mainstream of the period.

Well, if they we rebelling and forging ahead into new creative territory then, wait until you hear what they are into now.

Nov. 6, Gorillaz released an autobigraphical graphic novel entitled "Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre," (Riverhead Trade Paperback, $20) which was concieved and compiled by acclaimed comic book writer Jamie Hewlett ("Tank Girl"). The art is in the same style as their classic video "Clint Eastwood," seen above, and the story is a compilation of "half-truths, lies, jokes and time-wasting information" according to bassist Murdoc Niccals.

The story is a a spoof on "Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zepplin Saga," documenting the "virtual band's" rise to fame with demented tails of adventure and debauchery. It spans from demonic possessions, underworld dealings and amnesia to stupidity, stadium tours and high-profile collabroations with artists like Madonna and Ike Turner.

So bust out your Starter jacket, put on your headphones and let yourself jump back into the era when hit music-video station "The Box" played the music "You want to hear" and you could fall into the multimedia cartoon world filled with the disgruntled soft-rock of the Gorillaz.