Check It. Gorillaz Advent Calendar.

I've already mentioned how much I enjoyed Gorillaz's Plastic Beach album from this past year, and right now, Damon Albarn and Co. are just continuing the awesomeness. Earlier this month they unveiled a Gorillaz Advent Calendar on their website, releasing goodies day-by-day in traditional holiday fashion.

Among the treats already revealed? A behind-the-scenes video of a Gorillaz soundcheck (it's fun to see what goes on behind their great live show!), Jamie Hewlett desktop wallpaper, a music video featuring Plastic Beach guest star Snoop Dogg, and even a Gorillaz-themed online game called Submatronic.

But alas, the best reason to keep opening the little doors will be final days of calendar, when the band is set to release a music video for a new song on the 24th, and on Christmas, the entire new album from which that song comes from. A brand spanking new Gorillaz album (recorded entirely on an iPad, by the way. Get the whole story here) -- oh and for free too! Happy Christmas to us!

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Gorillaz's 45-minute Ed Sullivan concert [The Monday Download].

Gorillaz and its latest album Plastic Beach was a surprise favorite of mine this year. The album had just the right amount of grooves with the right amount of pop, and I believe it really shows Damon Albarn at his most comfortable -- and his best. Seeing them at Coachella this year, I loved seeing how happy he was to be on stage -- not hidden behind the cartoon forms for once -- and the music sounded more fresh and intricate than ever.

Which is why this following video is great. Gorillaz stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman recently, but ended up staying on to play a short concert. Watch some of the group's best songs (thanks CBS!), and look out for some special guests:

-- Chau Tu

Check It. Gorillaz's "Stylo" video.

The advent of the 'virtual band' a la Gorillaz is nothing short of ingenious--it breeds a sort of creativity that sees no bounds, from allowing your music to take on its own strange personalities to giving you an excuse to use holograms at live shows. Technology is particularly something Gorillaz loves to employ, and this has only become more obvious with the release of their latest video, for the amazing "Stylo"--which features the Gorillaz threesome (minus Russell) IN 3-D.

No, it's not on some Avatar-level or anything like that, but the characters look pretty awesome as they take off in a classic thrilling desert car chase. Oh, and Bruce Willis shows up, in all his old-school, tough-guy glory. It's nothing short of badass.

Also, you can stream Gorillaz's new album, Plastic Beach, right now on NPR.com. It'll be released next week.

-- Chau Tu