Reed 'tried to ban Gorillaz from studio'

Murdoc Niccals has claimed that Lou Reed tried to ban Gorillaz from the studio when he laid down his vocals for a track on their new album.

Reed sings on 'Some Kind Of Nature', which features on the animated band's upcoming Plastic Beach LP.

Of reports that Reed did not let the group watch him sing, fictional band member Murdoc told The Guardian: "He tried to! He wanted to do his whole vocal thing in private; he ordered everyone out the studio. Me too!

"I just waited until he was up and running, getting his groove on, then I crawled back in under the mixing desk where he couldn't see. I love Lou, but y'know, this is my album."

Regarding Reed's unusual phrasing on the track, Murdoc quipped: "While he sang, I stood behind him and cupped my hand over his mouth. By opening and closing it I could make a kind of wah-wah effect with his face. I was surprised he let me get away with that."

Plastic Beach also features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys, De La Soul, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon among others. It is released on March 8.