ALBUM REVIEW: The Magic Whip

The long awaited new Blur album, The Magic Whip, was released last week and is a fantastic addition to their discography.  I was asked repeatedly by my readers when my review was going to be online...now, I hadn't planned on writing one but since so many people asked I decided I'd better! I posted it on my main blog and rather than reposting it here, I figured I would share the link so you can head over there to read it. HERE it is...let me know what you think of the album in the comments either there or here...enjoy!

Blur and the Magic Whip

In light of the exciting new news last week that Blur will be releasing a new album in April, I've written about it and my feelings toward it on my personal blog. Please go to THIS LINK to read all about it!

(I am in the process of deciding whether to leave this as a standalone blog or whether to merge it with my personal blog since I write about loads of things there, including Blur. I'll be sure to keep readers of this blog up to date if/when that happens).

The Big Announcement - Be There July 2!

This morning, Blur finally revealed what is going on with their new songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GezUSuIHSC8

There will be a live global webcast on July 2 where Blur will play the two new songs (with an interview in between). The double A-side will then be available for download, with a limited edition 7" version of it available for purchase online August 6.

This summer keeps getting better and better!

COMPLETE set from tonight's gig:

Here's the complete set from tonight:

New Blur Material (UPDATE)

Tonight, Damon and Graham appeared at the War Child UK show tonight and played a short, 3-song set, that included He Thought of Cars, Under the Westway (a brand new song!), and Strange News From Another Star.  There is massive anticipation that Blur will play the new song when they collect their BRIT award on Tuesday and play a short set themselves.  See the video below of the new song, and let me know what you think.  I like it, but am looking forward to hearing it in a full band setting (and hopefully, on a new album!). 

More Blur News...More Early Christmas Gifts for Fans!

After months and months of NO news, all of a sudden a flurry of Blur activity.  Damon mentioned some time ago they'd like to tour the USA again, Alex says in an interview a few days ago that they'll most likely record after Christmas, the Blur website is getting a design overhaul today, there's now an official Twitter account to go along with their official Facebook page, and now, Blur will be awarded a "lifetime achievement"-type award at the Brit Awards next year.

There's already speculation as to which songs (and how many) they'll play at the ceremony.

But what it's all adding up to is that something is afoot for 2012...how big and what it is is still a mystery, but this can only be good news for Blur fans, so stay tuned!

New Alex James interview...

On NME.com today...the headline is what'll grab you:

'Blur are meeting up over Christmas – and we'll probably record again' 

 It's actually a pretty poor interview in and of itself, but some interesting tidbits. I think the momentum is building and it's only a matter of time before 2012 will see SOMETHING come out of the Blur camp, whether it's a new album, EP, single, tour, festival appearance(s), something.  It makes too much sense *NOT* to happen in 2012.  Gorillaz is done, Graham's got his newest album ready for release (whenever that'll be), Alex is still a cheesemaking farmer, and Dave is still involved with politics and running for MP as it pops up in London.

 Something new from Blur in 2012 would just feel *right*, in my opinion...

(Did anyone else cringe when Alex made the "getting the Blues Brothers back together" analogy?)

Coming soon...

...the next (and final) two in the series of Top Blur Moments on Record for Alex and Dave. It's been a crazy week or two but it should settle down soon. Thanks for being patient!

The Return of Top Blur Moments on Record

Part II in our series in Top Blur Moments on Record, this time focusing on guitarist extraordinaire Graham Coxon, who also became more visible as a singer and songwriter as Blur's career progressed. His solo career is a testament to that, and is definitely worth checking out for the (few, I'm guessing) of you who come to this blog who haven't already done so! What makes Graham's guitar playing so unique and excellent, and this is coming from a long-time guitarist myself, is not only his amazing technical ability, but the sounds and textures he's able to create through the use of different combinations guitars, amps, and effects. That being said, it's again so hard to pick just 10 great moments, but if I *have* to (and I do), as of this moment, mine would be: 1. Beetlebum 2. This is a Low 3. For Tomorrow 4. Essex Dogs 5. Popscene 6. Chemical World 7. All We Want 8. There's No Other Way 9. He Thought of Cars 10. Inertia I can think of a bunch more that I really struggled with leaving off of that list (Bugman, Battle, Starshaped, London Loves just to name a few) but these are the ones that epitomize, to me, the breadth and excitement of his playing, from acoustic guitars and fingerstyle to chiming lead lines woven throughout chords to full-out balls-to-the-wall distortion and sound effects wizardry. What are your favorite 10?