Blur have finally finished their latest album, due to be released on May 5th/6th depending on where you live. I have high hopes for this album, I'm hoping it's a bit more listenable than '13' was...I kinda liked 13 actually, but, it would be nice for them to go back to their 'parklife' roots...well, we'll see. I think Coxon was resposible for a lot of the 'garage' sounds of the past 2 albums, and, with Fatboy Slim producing, it should sound different, at least. More here: http://www.nme.com/news/104243.htm -Adam
I'm actually quite worried about the future of Blur and to be honest, I am not really looking forward to this album. The last two songs they've released, "Don't Bomb When You're the Bomb" and "Music is My Radar", are subpar. The way that whole Graham Coxon thing was dealt with was horrible, not to mention the fact that they've got some guy from the Verve in the band now. I remember the days when Damon looked like he could be the next Ray Davies, but now he just looks like a smug tw*t with his head up his ass. They should've broken up after the greatest hits album. Alex could do his thing with Fat Les, Graham could do his solo stuff & Damon could just concentrate on Gorillaz. I hope they make me regret this post, but having Fatboy Slim as a producer doesn't give me much hope.
I can see your point, but anything with the name of Damon Albarn on it will get my attention for at least a little bit. Innocent until proven guilty.
I haven't heard those songs, so I can't really comment on them...although, Dave Rountree says that the new album is the best of their career 'by a long way', which is a good sign. Although I guess musicians always say that. ;-) As for the Graham Coxon situation, I really don't know who to believe as far as that goes. It seems all sides say different things about it, so I really don't know what went on behind the scenes to lead to Graham's ousting. I'll give Verve dude a chance though. ;-) I am mainly glad they've managed to record a new album *at all*...I'd feared they might never get around to making another record, especially after the success of Gorillaz, so I am pleased at the chance to finally hear something new from them. It looks like they're going to play Coachella and tour America some as well, which is great news as I haven't seen them since '97. I guess now all we can do is wait for May. -Adam