Even as Blur’s increasingly intrepid music distanced them from the creeping conservatism of Britpop during the late ’90s, Albarn had creative urges that couldn’t be satisfied within one of Britain’s biggest guitar bands. However, the concept of a virtual band had another appeal for Blur frontman Albarn: It allowed him to disappear. The traditional origin story says Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett conceived Gorillaz as a comment on the soullessness and artifice of pop at the turn of the millennium. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 January 2006. ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 16th January 2006" (PDF).^ "British single certifications – Gorillaz – Dirty Harry".^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2006" (PDF).^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2005" (PDF).^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100".^ " Gorillaz – Dirty Harry" (in Dutch).^ " The Irish Charts – – Dirty Harry".^ " Gorillaz – Dirty Harry" (in German).Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 200609 into search. ^ " Gorillaz – Dirty Harry" (in French).CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) ( link)