"We Make a Living by What We Get, but We Make a Life by What We Give"

I don't think Winston Churchill was thinking of pop musicians when he made the aformentioned declaration.  I'll bet he would be impressed with this guy though-  Between his duties in the on again, off again Blur and several other projects (like last years spectacular Monkey); the terminally busy Damon Albarn is also hard at work on the next Gorillaz album. Dubbed Plastic Beach, the LP is set to feature Mos Def, Lou Reed, and several others. The Syrian National Orchestra and The Horrors have also recorded parts for Albarn. They will appear on what Albarn called "the most pop record I've ever made," according to an interview with the Guardian. Considering his stellar output over the past few years it will certainly be curious to hear exactly where he plans on taking this album. Plastic Beach is scheduled for release later in 2010.

Gorillaz is the creation of Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Their last album Demon Days was produced by Danger Mouse  and had guest spots from Roots Manuva, De La Soul and Shaun Ryder.

The new year will be a busy one for the prolific musician. January 2010 will also see the release of the Blur documentary, No Distance Left to Run. Albarn has also expressed interest in producing another the Good, the Bad, and the Queen album. And lastly, a collaborative "opera" with graphic novelist Alan Moore is in the works as well.

And you thought your schedule of late was chaotic...