In order to test the “new live band” before next month’s headlining gig at Coachella, Gorillaz will be embarking on a short 6-date tour of the UK in a little over a week. The lineup will likely include former Clash members Paul Simonon and Mick Jones, who collaborated with Damon Albarn on Gorillaz’s new album, ‘Plastic Beach,’ which was released this past Monday, March 8th.

Sunday 21st March 2010 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
Monday 22nd March 2010 – Bristol, Trinity
Tuesday 23rd March 2010 – Cambridge, Junction
Thursday 25th March 2010 – Brighton, Old Market
Friday 26th March 2010 – Birmingham, Irish Centre
Saturday 27th March 2010 – Lincoln, Shed

Tickets are limited and are only available to members of the G-Club on a first-come-first-served basis. If you’re unable to get tickets for these shows, console yourselves by watching their new video and don’t worry – rumour has it they’ll be doing a more extensive tour later in the year.

Jess previewed Gorillaz‘ fantastic new single Stylo, and as is traditional with all single releases, there are a raft of MP3s we can give away for free. In a break with tradition, they’re actually really rather good.

Catch them both below, and have a quick bedroom rave before going out tonight.

MP3: Gorillaz – Stylo (DJ Kofi remix)

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MP3: Gorillaz – Stylo (Labrinth featuring Tinie Tempah remix)

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After a 5 year stop gap, Essex quartet Gorillaz are finally back with a brand spanking new album this 2010. Titled ‘Plastic Beach’, the upcoming record is set to feature everyone from Snoop Dog, Lou Reed, Kano to Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash (no doubt Paul’s involvement with Damon’s side-project, The Good, The Bad and the Queen helped this little collaboration). TGTF recently got their mitts on the latest musical slice from 2D, Noodle, Murdoch and Russel, and have since given it a darn good listen or two…

Titled ‘Stylo’, the first Gorillaz single to be released in four years is certainly an electronica sensation, yielding intrigue and discomfort. The track features input from the legendary Bobby Womak, who’s rich, soulful vocals rub perfectly against Albarn’s (or should I say 2D’s..) glacier voice amid the verses. The chorus proves similarly spellbinding with it’s unrelenting drum machine, galvanising synths and Albarn’s dizzy vocals, subtly brainwashing the mind as they circulate mischievously in the distance.

The robotic ‘Stylo’ certainly emits a twisted, sinister atmosphere, almost making for uneasy listening. But that is exactly why I love this track, and why I love Gorillaz. Judging by this digital firework of a number, the cockney cartoons are still well-up for releasing music that’s fantastically curious and entertaining, and alas makes ‘Plastic Beach’ one of my most anticipated albums of 2010.

‘Stylo’ is available digitally now, and ‘Plastic Beach’ is released on March 8th. Pre-order at Amazon now.

Social networking site, MySpace has completely transformed the way we discover and listen to our music. Aspiring musicians are uploading their music everyday to an audience of over 100 million people, worldwide. It’s famously known for assisting in the launch of artists such as Lily Allen and Arctic Monkeys and this week, MySpace has chosen to reveal the eight most popular musicians on the site for this year.

So, who reached the number one spot? Well, unusually, it’s an act that’s not released any material since way back in 2005. The band in discussion are also non-human. Guessed yet? Well, Damon Albarn’s virtual band, Gorillaz (pictured top), is the act that’s surprisingly topped the poll, beating the likes of Amy Winehouse, Oasis and Coldplay. The animated group, who’s hits include ‘Feel Good Inc’ and ‘DARE’, have had a crazy 11,498,760 hits on their MySpace page and boast of 682,875 friends.

Coming in second place is Welsh metal band, Bullet for My Valentine, with an impressive 596,885 mates. Comments on the seemingly worshipped band’s profile include “i will never get over how aswome u guys r!” and “OMG I LOVE U GUYS U RULE U WILL ONE DAY RULE THE WORLD”. The ‘Hearts Burst Into Fire’ band are currently preparing to embark on a tour around Australia and New Zeland, take parting in the awesome ‘Big Day Out’ festival.

Check out the complete list compiling MySpace’s eight most popular acts of 2008, here:

1. Gorillaz (682,875 friends)
2. Bullet for My Valentine (596,885 friends)
3. Amy Winehouse (542,268 friends)
4. Coldplay (525,110 friends) (pictured top right)
5. Lily Allen (462,159 friends)
6. MIA (399,858 friends)
7. Oasis (353,484 friends)
8. Imogen Heap (351,484 friends)