"19-2000", sometimes written "19/2000", is a song from the British virtual bandGorillaz' self-titled debut album Gorillaz. It was the second single from the album, released on 25 June 2001 in the United Kingdom. "19-2000" reached number six on the UK Singles Chart and number 34 on the US BillboardMainstream Top 40 chart. It was particularly successful in New Zealand, where it reached number one for a week in September 2001.
Background
"19-2000" was accompanied by a completely new version of the song, called the "Soulchild Remix", which was produced by music producers Damien Mendis and Stuart Bradbury. Mendis was asked to remix a track off the album in the hope that it would give it crossover potential, in the same way as the Ed Case remix of "Clint Eastwood" had.[3] Mendis was given a copy of all their demos and finished tracks for the album, being told to "pick [a song] that you can produce, remix or whatever into a hit single". Mendis was unsure which track to choose, and only when he was told that Jamie Hewlett was already working on the video for "19-2000", did he make his decision.[3]Tina Weymouth[4] and Miho Hatori[5] contributed backing vocals to "19–2000", whilst Damon Albarn performed the vocals on the verses.
Music video
The video, directed by Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland, blends traditional animation with computer animation. It features the Gorillaz driving their Geep (as seen on the cover of the album) along a twisting highway. Their journey includes conquering a vertical loop, jumping over a gap in the road, and being pursued by a UFO. Eventually, they face a colossal moose, which Murdoc attempts to obliterate with a pair of missiles. However, the moose sneezes at the last second, redirecting the missiles towards the Geep. The resulting explosion sends the vehicle skidding down the road and leaves the Gorillaz covered in black ash.
Two versions of the video exist, one tailored to the original mix and another to the Soulchild remix. Within the video, road signs point towards Amity (a reference to Jaws), the Overlook Hotel (a reference to The Shining), and Camp Crystal (a reference to Friday the 13th). It was shown in the MTV Cribs tour of Kong Studios that the Geep is now parked in the studio's parking lot.[6]
Remixes
Gorillaz on My Mind
A remix titled "Gorillaz on My Mind" was recorded for the Blade II soundtrack. The remix featured multiple verses from American rapper Redman.[7]
Soulchild Remix
A remix entitled "19-2000 (Soulchild Remix)" by Soulchild has appeared in a variety of media, including a TV commercial for Ice Breakers, as well as the title theme for the video game FIFA Football 2002.[8][9][10]
^ abMendes, Damien (2012). "Gorillaz – 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) [by Damien Mendis]". SoundCloud. Retrieved 1 October 2012. ...was given a copy of all their demos and finished tracks for what was to be their debut album. The brief was 'pick one that you can produce, remix or whatever into a hit single.'
^19/2000 (European CD single liner notes). Gorillaz. Parlophone, EMI Records. 2001. 8 79590 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^19/2000 (Australian CD single liner notes). Gorillaz. Parlophone, EMI Records. 2001. 8794910.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^19/2000 (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Gorillaz. Parlophone, EMI Records. 2001. 12R 6559, 7243 879491 6 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^19/2000 (UK cassette single sleeve). Gorillaz. Parlophone, EMI Records. 2001. 7243 8 79491 4 0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
