Gorillaz - The Lost Chord ft. Leee John (Episode Nine) 

Rest in peace Plastic Beach

Im sorry but the absolute terror on murdocs face when the portal closed. Jamie did an AMAZING job on showing that he thought they wouldnt come back for them. Murdoc knows hes done terrible things to them, and was not expecting them to come back. And 2D came back for him, his face was just OMG he was SO relieved. Its insane how a perfect combo of music and visuals can create such vivid storytelling

I will forever be grateful for Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett to get drunk enough to come up with an idea for a cartoon band in the 90's. Gorillaz is the best thing to happen during this pandemic.

Everyone's talking Murdoc and 2D which is understandable, but does anyone else see that Russel is mainly concerned about Noodles safety. She was safe in his mouth at the beginning, he helps her put onto the lighthouse. Holding her hand, holding her wrist as they go through the portal. He's concerned about her and only her here. It's so cute like an older brother protecting his lil sis

Respect for 2D able to start singing as soon as he throws up a whale.

Gorillaz: "would you like to see more plastic beach?" Me: "Boy would I!" Gorillaz: "Destroyed it"

The lore now be like “And then, Leee John destroyed plastic beach with his laser eyes-“

Since Murdoc is the one who literally kidnapped and locked 2D during phase 3, I think the destruction of the Plastic Beach is a nice metaphore of Murdoc losing his control over 2D.

Me explaining the Gorillaz lore for 45 minutes at Christmas dinner:

Here’s a list of some things important things I noticed: -Murdoc arrives wearing the mask of the Boogeyman -Noodle falls out of Russ’s mouth, just like her reveal in the Rhinestone Eyes animatics -2D throws up a miniature Massive Dick in a reference to Cyborg Noodle’s octopus in the Melancholy Hill music video (the same squid can be seen in this video) -Russel first appears on the island as his giant self from the Plastic Beach Storyline -The skeleton wearing glasses is Daley from the Doncamatic music video (thx for the fix comment section) -Skeleton of the Black Cloud Pilot from the Rhinestone Eyes animatics -Noodle finds her cracked butterfly mask washed up in the sand from the Plastic Beach Storyline -Cyborg Noodle washed up in Daley’s submarine (also from the Doncamatic music video) graffitied with the word RINGO. This is the name of the ship that Murdoc encountered in his book “The Book of Murdoc” -Murdoc sheds a tear after seeing the state of Cyborg Noodle -Leee John: King of The Sea -Leee John has 2 broken chain cuffs on his wrists, possibly revealing that he has been held captive under Plastic Beach since the very beginning of that album -The ruined ship where the Boogeyman summoned the crew of the Black Cloud in the Rhinestone Eyes animatics -The submarine sinks into the depths as Leee John begins his destruction on Plastic Beach, revealing that Cyborg Noodle is STILL ALIVE! -During the destruction frames, Big Rick Black’s Record Shack can be seen. This is where Murdoc first abducted Russ to be a part of the band all the way back in Phase 1 and that gets destroyed along with Plastic Beach -As the portal reappears to help the band members escape the sinking island, Murdoc is almost left behind to die before 2D reaches through the portal to save him. This could possibly be 2D paying back Murdoc for leaving Murdoc at the docks during the Desole music video. Alrighty, that’s about all the major things that I noticed. Edit: I should probably include that the Pink Phantom escapes into the sky as everyone arrives on Plastic Beach

2D coming back for Murdoc is literally the most heartwarming thing I’ve ever seen.

1:30 Dang that shot of Noodle looking at her old mask, haunted by the broken memories of her past, gives me chills.

Is no one gonna talk about how Murdoc cried when he saw Cyborg Noodle dead

There goes the hope for a new Plastic Beach game

this was so symbolic actually, their shared trauma that has been sitting over them for ten years is finally destroyed and they can truly move on.

The fact that Murdoc for a brief moment accepts his fate, then becomes ELATED when 2d comes back just brings tears to my eyes in so many ways. He KNOWS 2d shouldn't have come back but that fact that 2d does just melts my heart.

To be abused and tortured by murdoc for years, just to come back and save him from being alone and dying alone. 2D, I salute you.

Me: "And then he used his laser eyes to destroy plastic beach!" My parents: "Sure son, eat your dinner."

The fact that 2D helped murdoc up even though he did all that stuff to him on plastic beach makes me so emotional broo

The fact this is only partially CGI is why Jamie Hewlett is an underrated artist. The water and models are all real. He’s an incredible man that Gorillaz can’t do without.

When you think about it, this video is Murdoc having to confront his mistakes to a pretty severe extent. Plastic Beach was a disaster for everyone in the group, one that he pretty much hand-crafted: - He created Cyborg Noodle to replace Noodle after she went missing. - He was the one who pissed off the Boogeyman and his pirates and got people killed as the band was forced to split up. - He was the one who had the band relocate to Plastic Beach in the first place. In other words, pretty much most (if not all) of Plastic Beach is Murdoc’s fault. And in this video, when they all wash up on the shore, that’s why Murdoc’s immediately bummed out. Amid the band basically replacing him with Ace for a while, and then willingly leaving him out (as seen in the other Song Machine videos), they’re now brought to the biggest reminder of how terrible he’s been to all of them. And maybe he’s trying to get better, but Plastic Beach still stands as a monument to the terrible, self-centered things that Murdoc has done, and as another reason for the band to never forgive him. That’s also why Lost Chord (and Song Machine Season 1 as a whole) are so crucial to his character. Throughout the season, we’ve seen and heard that Murdoc is TRYING to be better. He knows he messed up, and he wants to take it all back. The biggest obstacle there is his own selfishness, and his awful treatment of the band thus far. That’s why Noodle and Russell are shown to be skeptical of him trying to get involved again, and why 2D is still constantly protected by the both of them, even as he’s come out of his shell in recent years. This video is the culmination of that; when confronted with a literal life-or-death situation, Murdoc finally gets to see if the band thinks saving, and worth keeping around. And sure, Noodle and Russ are quick to bolt and leave him behind, but *2D goes back.* 2D, the one whose nickname comes from the very first injuries that Murdoc inflicted on him (2 dents, cuz his eyes were all wonky after Murdoc ran him over twice). 2D, who has been used and abused by Murdoc over the years, forgave him. And whether or not that’s justified isn’t up to us; it’s up to Damon, and Jamie, and everyone else involved with the group. Song Machine S1 has been a narrative of finding brightness in the darkest times (which we’ve had a lot of, recently) and comfort in an odd world. By extension, saving Murdoc may not be the most justifiable action, but it was one built on hope. And, if Song Machine, the bigger Gorillaz narrative, or 2020 in general has taught us anything, it’s that hope is what’s gonna get us through this. also more like seeea john hahahah e: you guys are so cool and creative, all the elaboration and alternate takes beneath this comment and all the support is so great. the gorillaz fanbase is the BEST

2010: Escape to Plastic Beach. 2020: Destroy to Plastic Beach.

Damon said, “This giant model is taking up too much space. Time to get rid of it.”

It melts my heart knowing the 2 most replayed parts are when cyborg noodle are on screen and 2-D saving Murdoc. I love the Gorillaz fanbase.

The cyborg Noodle being abandoned all this time and Murdoc crying looking at her Plastic beach exploding Murdoc pushing 2D to the portal Murdoc almost being left behind in plastic beach 2d coming back to get him This is a emortional roller coasterl, I can't stop sobbing

Snoop in 2010: Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach Leee John in 2020: Welcome to the Death of the Plastic Beach

Gorillaz fans: Yeeeeees, Plastic Beach is back Damon: *Let's fckng destroy it, Leee*

That shot of Cyborg Noodle just glaring up at the gang as she just descends further into the depths of the ocean, gives me chills every time I see it. Especially with her backstory and all she's witnessed till that point.

2D reaching out to Murdoc is the most important symbol in all of Gorillaz, I think. The whole song machine phase was about Murdoc losing control, not feeling needed anymore, falling into depression. In Désolé, he was crying on the couch, at the end of The pink phantom, he showed up, seeming desperate for attention. In the past, it was the opposite. Murdoc had all the power, controlling and abusing 2D. It all changed in Humanz, when 2D got free of Murdocs control, showing in his white eyes. All of that combining, it is so powerful seeing 2D reaching out for Murdoc, showing he cares about him, despite everything Murdoc has done to him. He showed Murdoc doesn't need to worry, he is still an important part of the group and is not left behind.

Imagine going back to your house from 10 years ago just to see your friends (RIP Daley) and Cyborg doppelganger dead, and then your house gets destroyed by a chained up flamboyant sea god. It happens to the best of us I suppose.

Plastic Beach: Exists* Leee John: And I took that personally...

I want a 5 hour long movie(or a movie with two parts) with literally every little bit of canon lore

“...And then 2D saved Murdoc!” “Ok, daughter...Do you want to open your presents now?”

I love how Russel spat out Noodle just like at the end of the Rhinestone Eyes animatic. Jamie really didn't want to miss a single detail.

The fact that Gorillaz has been making music for like 20 years and their songs are still bangers amazes me

The brief scene of Cyborg Noodle awake and sinking gives me chills everytime. I know we may not, but I hope we see her again.

After rewatching this I can tell Murdoc is actually a pretty selfless dude. Not only does he help all of the band members get on top of the lighthouse, but he let's all of them escape first. An honorable moment from the dude.

The face 2D makes when he brings Murdoc through the portal is the most 2D thing I've ever seen

Everything else in Song Machine: *absolute vibing* The Lost Chord: *Ptsd intensifies*

Low key this is probably my favorite Gorillaz music video of all time. It acts as a conclusion for plot points in Plastic Beach that were never resolved all these years later, as well as redeeming Murdoc and showing that he has been forgiven and accepted by the rest of the band with 2-D coming back for him at the end

Everyone's talking about 2D and Murdoc but- HOW IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT RUSS MAKING SURE NOODLE GETS THROUGH THE PORTAL! He's Noodle's best adoptive dad.

Murdoc talking about Desole: I wasn't crying, my tear ducts dried up years ago Murdoc now: Cries in front of camera

I love how Murdoc pulled up 2D. He didn't have to, after all they've been through they still have eachothers back. Just like 2D didn't have to go back for Murdoc, but he did. I love watching these two grow. Also I don't think Murdoc was expecting anyone to go back for him. Like in Désolé, he thought he had been forgotten. The look on his face and his grip on 2D's hand warms my heart.

The radioactive water is not only strong enough to make Russel giant, but to create a humanoid sea monster that sings and shoots laser beams from its eyes.

that final moment of 2D going back to save murdoc is not only a great moment, but it symbolizes the themes of the music video really well. instead of festering on the trauma and feelings of the past and letting murdoc die alone and helpless (like he debatably may deserve for everything he’s done), 2D forgives and moves past it all. he doesn’t let those past emotions cloud his judgement or keep him “chained” down, and he goes back to save murdoc. it’s really powerful!

Damon: How much references you will put in the video? Jamie: yes

At this point we definitely need a gorillaz movie.

i don’t know if anyone noticed, but towards the end when everyone is trying to get to the top of the lighthouse, you can see murdoc desperately trying to pull everyone up, only to seemingly get left behind in the end. i thought it was a very interesting detail that got slightly overshadowed by 2D coming back to rescue him. i suppose no good deed goes unpunished? im not good at analyzing stuff LOL

They rlly gave us a tear jerker by showing robot noodle and fucking destroying the plastic beach headquarters

Everyone: I’m crying at 2D saving Murdoc Me: And I’m just crying at everything in other entire video *The NOSTALGIA*

It took over a decade but Plastic Beach finally got a proper ending...

In many ways, I feel like this was Gorillaz trying to finally finish the plastic beach storyline, as it takes a lot of concepts from the cancelled Rhinestone Eyes video. The destruction of the mansion, Noodle coming out of giant Russel's mouth, and cyborg Noodle's destruction. Not to mention Murdoc coming to terms with the fact that he was the real monster in that part of his life

Everyone out here talking about how Leee John just killed Plastic Beach, while I'm busy wracking my brain on how he just killed THOSE FUCKING NOTES.

Just a reminder that Leee John is frikin 63 and nails those high notes

2-D: "Do you want to know something funny? Even after everything you've done, I would still save you."

3:56 I love Murdoc's face when 2D shows up

2d grabbing Murdoc's hand is so wholesome

“Big Black’s Record Shack” THAT’S WHERE MURDOC KIDNAPPED RUSSEL PRE-PHASE ONE HOLY FU-

Cyborg Noodle: **gets tossed into the sea** My instincts: I FEEL LIKE THIS IS GONNA COME BACK LATER

This video is insane. Not only are they returning to their roots from phase 3, but they are really looking back at the memories they left behind and watching everything get demolished by some beast.

Gorillaz is literally the only thing I’ve been looking forward too each month LMAO

Leee John is now officially the main antagonist of gorillaz

2-D: _throws up a whole damn whale_ Also 2-D: *So anyway, I started singing.*

3:46 2D's expression when Murdoc pulls him up is to die for.

Not gonna lie, I breaks my heart to think the Plastic Beach model is now destroyed. I would have loved to see it put in a museum one day in the future.

So from what I’m gathering, this song is about letting go of the past? As their traumatic past in Plastic Beach is literally destroyed

WHEN MURDOC REALLY THOUGHT THEY LEFT HIM BEHIND AND 2Ds ALL LIKE SIKE ❤️😩

I see myself going through the streets Think I must be dreaming The lost chord I want to you gone feel (the lost chord) I see rain's coming down At this time of year, I'm always in need of Of silent waves (silent waves) The pulse on your face The lost chord The lost chord The lost chord (I go harder, harder) Take me into the garden The lost chord (the lost chord) The lost chord The lost chord (I go harder, harder) Music in my mind Break those chains, baby And I'll find, I'll find myself Yeah, come on (take me into thе garden) I, I'm tryna go (oh) The lost chord The lost chord Thе lost chord (I go harder, harder) Take me into the garden The lost chord The lost chord The lost chord (I go harder, harder) Take me into the garden Happier, happy (happy, happy) Move me somewhere I can see the sunlight Take me into the garden The silent waves (silent waves) The pulse on your face (oh, Lord) The lost chord (allow me) The lost chord The lost chord (I go harder, harder) Take me into the garden The lost chord (the lost chord) The lost chord The lost chord (I go harder, harder) Take me into the garden (the lost chord) Tryna find my way every single day Tryna find my way I wanna be free I wanna be free I wanna be free Break those chains that bind me, I wanna be free (I wanna be free) Break those chains, baby Break those chains that bind me, I wanna be free (wanna be free)

Leee John singing “break those chains” as he destroys Plastic Beach aka the very symbol of the darkest chapter for the band is just 🥺

Honestly, this was incredibly shooting. The nostalgia of being back in plastic beach and seeing it get destroyed was so damn sad but at the same time i'm glad it happened. Plastic beach is my favourite album, not just from gorillaz, in general, plastic beach is my favorite album and it's kind of a part of me, so seeing that again was awesome. Seeing it getting destroyed is like closing a memory, and it means a lot to the lore, it would mean something like finally closing a dark age and starting again, with forgiveness. The fact that 2D saved Murdoc just makes me believe it even more.

Man, it feels like every member has had an arc except for Russel. Noodle learned her past and led phase two, 2D gained confidence and led phase four, and Murdoc realized how shitty he's been and has vowed to be better. Hope they work on Russel next phase!

2-D: *Throws up a whale* Also 2-D: “This is the perfect opportunity to sing.”

Everyone is talking about the end where 2D rescues Murdoc but what about how Murdoc cried over cyborg noodle, and how she sunk to the bottom of the ocean while plastic beach was being destroyed? Heart hurt man.

This is probably the clearest I've ever heard 2-D sing.

It’s scary to think that cyborg noodle has been inactive for like 10 years, and finally the band are back and their singing causes the submarine to recharge her, only for her to sink to the depths of the ocean never to be seen again 😞

1:22 Poor Daley. He didn’t even make it to the plastic beach. He was only late by a few hours!

The look of pure joy on Murdoc's face when 2D comes back to save him and how tightly they gripped each other's hands...I had to re-watch that a few times, that was very powerful!

I like how all the characters have ptsd when they first arrive, murdoc and the boogeyman, 2d and the whale, noodle and her ship getting sunken because of murdocs deal, and russ who got big and basically had to live in the ocean for about a year, they all had phobias and different fears then at the end, they all felt relief from plastic Beach being destroyed, all the different subs the other artist took to get to plastic Beach, and the kong studio getting destroyed, good memories finally resting in peace, this was a sad episode, 2ds abuser finally changes heart in the now now when he was in prison and 2d forgives him for all the pain murdoc put him in for the past 20 years or so, this was a good episode 🥲

1:21 Holy crap, that's Daley's corpse. You can see the glasses and patch he had on in the Doncamatic video. I guess he didn't make it to Plastic Beach until after it was abandoned, and then just... stayed there and died? The lore runs *deep* in this video.

I haven’t seen all of Gorillaz music videos yet but this is the first time I’ve seen Murdock cry I actually cried too

it's pretty cool how this whole song machine is almost just about murdoc having a mental breakdown,and doing weird stuff,but at the end,they still a band

Theory: cyborg noodle murdered the doncamatic guy when he finally got to the beach so that she could take his submarine but since she couldn’t get it to work (the submarine is powered by singing) she ended up dying trying to fix it, which is why she is inside it

Notice at 3:41, Murdoc is very uncharacteristically helping his bandmates climb the sinking lightower. First Noodle, then Russel with some help from below, and finally 2D. There's signs he might have deserved that hand at the end after all.

I think we can all agree that plastic beach was a very traumatic time for the gorillaz, and the fact they go back to watch all that burn to the ground and kind of re-live it again makes them grow closer. And especially 2D and murdoc. They grew closer and learned to apologize and forgive eachother. Its a big step for murdoc

you know gorillaz appreciates their crew when they put literally the entire crew in the credits.... even the caterers.

Can we talk about the fact cyborg noodle was "alive" when she was falling out to the void???

Me, explaining the lore of gorillaz: "then leee john came out of the water and fucking destroyed plastic beach" My grandma, not knowing wtf I'm talking about: "oh my"

Cyborg Noodle didn’t just sink to the bottom of the ocean, she sank to the bottom of Point Nemo, the most desolate location on earth and farthest from civilization. She’s just gonna be stuck there.

FACT: The more you hear this song, the more it gets better.

Everyone: *looks over at plastic beach* 2D: "and thats when i started singing"

Murdoc was so shitty to 2D during Plastic Beach and he would’ve sunk here finally, but 2D came back to save him. I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING

the implication that cyborg noodle is still alive is disturbing

One important thing to note: Murdoc abused 2D for his entire life and 2D still went back to save him

2-D going back for Murdoc feels like their whole character arc is complete and I LOVE it. And he was only almost left because he helped them ALL up and into the portal. moved my cold dead heart, what a great moment.

2:41 why cyborg noodle looks like Murdoc tho

Everyone is talking about 2-D going back to save Murdoc. But did anyone else notice Murdoc helping each one of his bandmates onto the top of the sinking lighthouse?

I don’t know man, the way Murdoc got worried instead of mad when they looked like they left him really shows his growth

when the lighthouse began to sink, Murdoc pulled each of them to its top, after which they were able to escape. this can be interpreted as the fact that Murdoc originally created their group and helped bands members to realize themselves and the fact that 2D returned for him and took him with, suggests that they didn't forget this and even after all terrible things that he did to them, they forgived him. It warms my heart.

FOR A MINUTE I THOUGHT THEYD LEAVE MUDZ FOR DEAD 2D TRUELY HAS NO BAD BONE IN HIS BODY

Danm leee john is incredible in this, his high notes are hevanly and he really rocks that monster costume. The laser eyes are gonna be something I remember for a long time. Really glad he did this colab cause it introduced me to his music.