Stephen Street on Sound Opinions

Chicago public radio's own rock music talk show "Sound Opinions" spoke with Blur producer Stephen Street this week. Stephen also talks about his work with The Smiths and Morrissey. It's a pretty interesting listen. Keeping it britpop, Jim DeRogatis adds Elastica's Vaseline to his desert island jukebox.

Listen to the show here.

Gorillaz to tour UK (but not you Scotland), Blur to record more one-off tracks

Scotland! You've been shunned! By Gorillaz no less. Or, you know, you could make the two hour drive to Newcastle or Manchester...
Gorillaz are touring arenas, like the X Factor finalists, but, you know...with talent and stuff. See them in a town near you (or not if you're Scottish).
Join the Gorillaz Sub Division which is a totally grown up secret club of sorts, and definitely not something akin to a "fan club". It absolutely doesn't make you twelve if you join it, even if you do get a free "toy". I mean sub-division? Only grown ups live in those right? It's for adults. Yeah? (I am not a child. I am not a child. I am not a child).
Anyway, if you join the Sub Division, you'll have first dibs at tickets, which might be expensive...so really only adults should do it... It's a very mature thing to do really, joining a club for a cartoon band.

Here's the tour dates so you can plan accordingly, taking time off from your high-powered, top-executive, important, grown-up careers:

Friday, September 10th, Birmingham NIA
Saturday, September 11th, Newcastle Metro Arena
Sunday, September 12th, Manchester Evening News Arena
Tuesday, September 14th, O2 Arena London
Wednesday, September 15th, O2 Arena London
Wednesday, September 22nd Dublin O2 Arena


In Blur news, Damon Albarn has told the NME that he's not against doing more one-off recordings with Blur, like last month's Fool's Day 7". So get your ebay account readied for more rarities.

NEW Blur single: It's real, I know nothing.

So maybe I'm too pessimistic? Yesterday I thought this Blur single thing was a stretch at best, but it turns out it's real! ABC News is reporting it (weird.) To be fair they're reporting it from the NME, who in turn might be reporting it from The Sun, but still...
Rough Trade's twitter confirmed it this morning too. According to the ABC article, the single was recorded two weeks ago, confirming that I know nothing. About anything. At all. Ever. Oh Blur, why must you be so mercurial?
I still haven't sleuthed whether or not this will only be at British record shops, or if there will be any floating about in America (doubtful). I will be at Coachella on Record Store Day so fingers crossed that the record tent has one (I know, I'm deluded).
[NME: Blur to release newly recorded song for record store day]
[ABC: Blur to release first new single for seven years]

A weird thing in The Sun today...New Blur single?

So The Sun reckons Blur have been toiling away in the studio coming up with some epic track to release as a single. Huh?

It's apparently for Record Store Day, which lends this some credence since it's not unusual for bands to release very limited edition items to be sold in indie record shops. What seems strange (at least timing wise) is that according to The Sun, this single was recorded recently. I think what's more likely is that it's something from their studio rehearsals last summer and that it'll have a loose demo-ish sound. Hopefully I'm wrong and it'll be their Magnum Opus, but since it's limited to 1,000 copies I don't think it's a comeback.

Or... it could all be a lie. As far as the timing goes I don't think Damon could be any further away from Blur, what with prepping for his private Gorillaz concert for myself and some close friends in the desert next Sunday...

(P.S. No, I will never stop using the Blur as Blondie pic)

New Blur Single After Seven Years [Sun]

Damon Albarn is Q magazine's 4th greatest front man of all time

Via Gorillaz-Unofficial, go over there to read the article. Liam Gallagher got first place...no comment.

Blur win "best live event" at NME Shockwaves awards

Damon picked up Blur's award at this year's installment of the oldest recorded awards show in history; the NME Awards. It's a show that dates back to the Jacobean era. King James I presided over the initial ceremony, picking such venerable winners as Ben Jonson for best DVD (for Volpone), and Guy Fawkes for Villain Of The Year. Guy Fawkes also won Best Blog, and Best Live Event for his emotionally charged visit to the gallows.

What other awards show could boast such a lineage? Such a sense of importance, steeped in deep historical tradition? Not the Oscars, and certainly not the BRIT's. Only this show, with such a pedigree, could present the award for best and worst dressed to Lady Gaga. Not to mention the Hottest Woman trophy, presented to Miss Karen of O. In the first Shockwaves NME awards, the same prize went to Frances, Countess of Somerset.

Well done noble winners of 2010. Take pride in your majestic statues, digitus impudicus rendered from a drawing done by James himself circa 1586 on the wall of an outhouse.

"Red Carpet" interviews from the Blur movie premiere: For God's sake don't make them listen to their own music!

There's not much the Blur lads agree on, but not listening to Blur is one of them...

In this first interview for Sky news Graham refers to Damon as his brother, and before you all go "awwwwwwww" he likened their brotherly relationship to the Gallaghers of Oasis, and the Davies' of The Kinks. So, you know, not too cuddly really... Graham also jokes that the others still hate him, and although it's all said in jest I can't help but think there's a grain of truth when he reveals they haven't phoned since the summer (sniff).


It's Absolute Radio's turn to annoy Damon. Despite trying to affirm his "Blur cred" by stating he was at one of the Hyde Park shows, this poor interviewer gets only a few seconds with a shifty eyed Damon. When confronted with the question "how does it feel to be a movie star" he grumpily states that he's definitely not one. I think someone's forgotten a little film called Face.
Damon's probably in total Gorillaz mode at this point, so all this Blur stuff is a huge pain in the arse for him. I'm starting to think the hat was an intentional choice to show his apathy, or maybe I just want the hat to be ironic, please let it be ironic.


Ever the gentlemen, Dave happily chats with Absolute Radio. Looking dapper, Dave's quite easily the nicest, and least ridiculous member of Blur (Vote Dave).


Even though Damon's a grumpy bastard, he's still my favorite genius, so all my snarky comments are said with the utmost respect (before you think I've converted).
Thanks to Blureu for the video tips!

Blur at premiere of reunion doc. "No Distance Left To Run"

In a shocking sartorial twist, Dave Rowntree is the best dressed Blur member. Damon, regressing further into some sort of mid-life crisis "homeless" mode, is again wearing the most wretched hat ever to have graced the head of a musical luminary. As it's a special occasion, he even showed up without his dental crown for that truly authentic toothy grin of someone who just doesn't care. Of course, we'll always love them, and it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who's aged these past ten years.
(All images © Getty)

Live at Hyde Park DVD to come with release of Blur doc "No Distance Left To Run".

Wow. Goosebumps. According to Parlophone this comes with the DVD release of the documentary "No Distance Left To Run" on February 15th.

Blur film premeire: Watch from the Odeon Leicester Sq. webcam

Watch the webcam here.

Something's occuring at 11pm GMT on Parlophone's twitter...

Parlophone Twitter.

Request No Distance Left To Run in your area

There's a link on this page to request No Distance Left To Run be shown in your area. It's at the right...
I'm not saying vote for the Kerasotes City North in Chicago, but you know what to do...

No Distance Left To Run premieres tomorrow, with band in attendance. Americans are left to wonder; "What is a Blur?"

Well, once again those of us in the barren wastes I like to call America are left to wonder wistfully about a certain group of British musicians. Some say they are real, but in America we can't be sure. For, much like the unicorn (or universal healthcare) they are maddeningly elusive creatures.

Yes, that's right kids, Blur have yet again shunned their Stateside brethren. For us, there is no word on an American release of No Distance Left To Run. Oh yes Canada gets it in their cinemas on the 19th, and even Japan and Austria have been promised a glimpse of the majestic Blur in their natural habitat.
So, not only were we left out of the Blur reunion tour, but we can't even see the documentation of that tour on film.

Maybe it's for our own good? Perhaps Americans are naturally allergic to Blur? Maybe it's like looking Medusa in the eyes and we would all turn to stone if we were able to see Blur on the big screen?
Somehow, I think not. I've watched plenty of the reunion shows on YouTube, and seen the footage of Glastonbury. As of yet, I haven't turned to stone*. I have however, turned green. Green with envy of all you lucky people who happen to live in a gentler, happier place. A place where Blur can roam free (for a list of those happy places, click here).

*As I am a British citizen, I can't verify that my reaction is indicative of the reaction an American would face upon seeing No Distance Left To Run. Please use caution and report all stone-like symptoms to your local authorities.

Funnily enough, the listing for the film has this parental warning "Contains strong language, once very strong." I just want to know what the "once" is!

Anyway, I'll do some updates tomorrow on the premiere while I act out my interpretation of the Blur reunion with sock puppets.

Victorian Horror Holiday...

I'm hopefully (weather permitting) off to North Carolina for the next few days. I'll be back to blogging in no time with the conclusion of the Victorian Horror Best Show of 2009 competition, as well as the final "A Decade of Damon".

Something to stuff in your stocking...apparently Damon Albarn kicked Graham Coxon in the face as a sort of Alcoholics Anonymous substitute. Um, can't wait for the Blur doc...

Anyway, Happy Christmas everyone, I just want to thank all of you who have taken time to comment this year... You are all lovely! I know 2010 will be just as busy with Plastic Beach on the way...

"And here is to Dobbin and to his right eye
Pray God send our master a good Christmas pie
A good Christmas pie that may we all see
With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee"

A Decade of Damon: Part 1, 2000-2003

Artistically, culturally, and musically, the 2000's were the decade of Damon. Of course, the Nineties saw his meteoric rise, but these past ten years have proven he transcends genres and the trappings of being tied to a moment in time.
Britpop made him famous, the 2000's made him a legend.
This is a decade of Damon:

2000:
Damon goes to Mali with Oxfam, meets Afel Bocoum and Toumani Diabate...lays the groundwork for future brilliance. He also finds time to write the soundtrack for the Kevin Spacey film "Ordinary Decent Criminal". The best song from the album? Dying Isn't Easy. Oh so pretty.




2001:
Gorillaz baby. The first self titled Gorillaz album is released to much fanfare and critical acclaim. Murdoc, 2-D, Noodle, and Russel are birthed into our consciousness...the world is never the same. Victorian Horror's favorite track is Tomorrow Comes Today.







2002:
Damon releases Mali Music, an album first conceived from recordings made in 2000 during his Oxfam visit to Mali. The album combines traditional Malian instruments like the Kora, expertly played by Toumani Diabate. Damon adds his melodica, early guitar forays, and in the most compelling track, his voice. Sunset Coming On is a treasure, the live version is one of the best things you'll ever see.


2003:
'03 sees the release of DemoCrazy, Damon's vinyl-only album of demo tracks recorded in various hotel rooms in America. The album previews some early versions of future Gorillaz tracks, but proves to be only for the true Damon aficionado. The main event was Blur's Think Tank. The album is mostly recorded without Graham Coxon. You see, old Coxy makes a swift exit being none too keen on the grueling Moroccan recording sessions, and even less keen on Fatboy Slim's introduction as a producer. No matter. Damon, Alex, and Dave make a beautiful album, and while the Norman Cook tracks aren't my favorites, songs like Ambulance, Battery In Your Leg, Caravan, and Out Of Time are genius.

Blur before Blur: Seymour live at The Square, Essex - 18th December 1989

Oh wow, this is pretty amazing. A video's up on Youtube of Seymour, Blur's first incarnation. You must watch! Baggy jumpers, strange trousers, and Graham's perfectly coiffed hair abound! Link below.

Seymour - Superman

[via Guardian Music's twitter, and Scissorkick's youtube]

"No Distance Left To Run" Blur Documentary Trailer

Here's the trailer for "No Distance Left To Run" the Blur documentary that'll be out in January (in the U.K). Phew, thank God they have "The Universal" to play for the dramatic climax. It's almost as if Damon had a premonition that one day he'd need a really sweeping Blur song to use in adverts.
[Parlophone Youtube]

Brilliant Damon interview from the Guardian

Wow, you can listen to 40 minutes of an amazing Damon Albarn interview with Paul Morley.
He talks nineties/noughties nostalgia, stuff about the new opera with Alan Moore, Blur being over, the end of British imperialism...and the upcoming period of "winter" for Britain (eek), his own insignificance, Gorillaz, and pretty much everything else he's ever done.

Listen and read here

On the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach

"... I'm making this one the most pop record I've ever made in many ways, but with all my experience to try and at least present something that has got depth. I think pop music is a great place to get new ideas across ... The only danger is knowing when you are doing good work, how many people might be affected by it ... and you try not to become too knowing, which is really hard to avoid. When I did the first Gorillaz records I allowed my original guide vocals to stay, to say, "Hey, it don't mean much, they don't say much," but this time I thought, "Fuck it, I might not say things totally successfully, but I've got to get clear again."

The promise of a perfectly crafted Damon Albarn pop song is making me more excited than I have been in ages. It seems like Plastic Beach is going to be more precise than the previous two "organic" sounding Gorillaz albums. Not that they aren't epic, but revisiting Blur this summer has made me nostalgic for the crisp perfection of songs like The Universal.

Damon also gives a rundown of the collaborations on Plastic Beach. Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Bobby Womack, Barry Gibb, and Lou Reed are all mentioned!



[Guardian]

Massive Attack reveal new album cover and track listing, PLUS: A new Blur book

Massive Attack have revealed the cover art for Heligoland, the new album due out February 8th. The artwork is by Robert Del Naja (3D) himself. Here's the tracklisting, it's got all kinds of Damon Albarn going on (he is the vocalist for "Saturday Come Slow", plays the keyboard on "Splitting The Atom", and also plays some bass(?).

Heligoland Tracklist:
01. Pray For Rain (vocals - Tunde Adebimpe)
02. Babel (vocals - Martina Topley-Bird)
03. Splitting The Atom (vocals - D, G and Horace Andy)
04. Girl I Love You± (vocals - Horace Andy)
05. Psyche (vocals - Martina Topley-Bird)
06. Flat Of The Blade (vocals - Guy Garvey)
07. Paradise Circus (vocals - Hope Sandoval)
08. Rush Minute (vocals - D)
09. Saturday Comes Slow (vocals - Damon Albarn)
10. Atlas Air (vocals - D)
[COS]




In other news, there's a new book out that chronicles the history of Blur's live performances. Black Book, written by Drew Athans, is available on Amazon.com for only $20 (what a deal!) Add it to you Blur library, come on I know you have one!
There's also an accompanying blog, blur live audio archive project with an archive of recordings from various Blur shows. Awesome.

Blur win "Best Headline Performance" at the UK Festival Awards.

Blur's headlining Glasto performance (which left nary a dry eye in the world) has won them the Best Headline Performance award at this years' UK Festival Awards. More importantly, Damon Albarn has won the award for Festival Fitty. For all of you not familiar with the term "fitty", it's a slangier version of "fit", which in the UK can be used to mean someone is attractive. Ahem, for example: "Damon Albarn is totally fit", or "Damon is a fitty". Of course these are just examples, and I would never reduce a musical luminary to just his physical attributes. However, Victorian Horror fully concurs with both of these awards ;)

[BBC]
Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images Europe