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Among the most iconic singles released by Gorillaz is the 2001 track 'Clint Eastwood' – a song that has a strange and fascinating history of its own. The title for the song comes from the name of the famous actor – Clint Eastwood – but Albarn had no intention of delivering a tribute to the actor. He came up with the title after being inspired by 'Eastwood-style hard men' – characters that Eastwood is known for playing in his movies – but he wanted the track to go beyond a tribute to the actor.
The song's musical style is unique in the Gorillaz discography, thanks to its fusion of hip-hop and rock influences. The majority of the song features Del Tha Funkee Homosapien rapping and singing in a rapid-fire delivery against a backdrop of rock guitars, while the end features a spoken word solo from the actor and singer Cibo Matto member Miho Hatori. The song also includes a variety of samples from the theme of the film Fistful of Dollars.
The track was released as the lead single from the band's self-titled debut album in 2001. It was an instant success, reaching #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #17 on the Billboard Hot 100. It established Gorillaz as a major force and opened the door to their success throughout the 2000's. Since its release, it has become one of the most beloved singles of their entire sonic catalog, and a highlight of their career for many fans.
In 2011, the group released a10th anniversary edition of the track, featuring a new remix from hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang. The remix was included on the album, The Singles Collection, which was released in 2011 to celebrate the band's 10th anniversary.
As for the song video, it features the cartoon members of the group in a range of scenarios. While all of the cartoon members are present in the video, 2-D takes the lead, rapping and singing in a desert landscape while the other members are featured as background characters. The video has since become iconic, cementing the track as an iconic part of the Gorillaz history.
No matter which version you hear, it is impossible to deny the legacy of Gorillaz's 'Clint Eastwood.' It has become an iconic single that has reached millions around the world and has also become a favorite for many fans. With its unique blend of hip-hop and rock, its memorable cartoon video and its fascinating history, Clint Eastwood truly is a standout in the Gorillaz catalog.
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