Gorillaz Mutate Into Monkey

Looking for an opera album to wedge next to your dad's Andrea Bocelli collection on the family CD shelf?

Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have got you covered. The Gorillaz masterminds will release "Monkey: Journey to the West" -- via XL this winter.

The album will be released under the title Journey to the West, with the artist's name listed as Monkey. The album, which is produced by Damon Albarn, was recorded in London and Beijing over the last twelve months and features European and Chinese musicians and singers. It draws upon the music Albarn composed and visuals Jamie Hewlett produced for the Chinese opera production of the same name.

The lyrics are based on ancient Chinese texts and performed in Mandarin. Many New Zealanders will be familiar with the story line as it formed the basis of the legendary TV series Monkey Magic.

As you can imagine with Jamie Hewlett involved (the guy responsible for the Gorillaz videos and imaging) this is going to be a very visual project.

The live version of "Monkey: Journey to the West" made its UK debut at the Royal Opera House in London last week.

The group were also commissioned by the BBC to create a video animation and accompanying music which will air throughout the station’s coverage of the Beijing Olympics. You can view it here --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr5ZWYRaAyw