Most fans are aware of and fawn over Hewlett's contributions. Convoluted, but sort of fun Gorillaz background story aside, the music and artwork are obviously key to the whole "animated band" shtick's success. However, Albarn's music is what made everyone realize that the concept had legs.

Red Hot Chili Peppers definitely lost something as I got older, though I still appreciate the band. I mean, you do have the classic Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and their other "pop" stuff was pretty good, even great at times. But maybe that's because the musicianship (aside from Kiedis) was always so tight. I still love…