Blur Deliver Two New Songs, And They're Awesome

The past few years have been on-again, off-again on the Blur front. 2009 saw the band reunite for a series of "comeback" shows, but little more than that in terms of follow up. Then 2010 saw the release of "Fool's Day" for Record Store Day, the band's first new material in seven years. Finally, 2012 saw the band committing to a performance at the London Olympics, and hinting at new material. And yet, all the while, Damon Albarn simultaneously was confirming or denying the band's continued existence, depending what media source you chose to believe.

Well, now little of that matters, because the day has arrived: the band has dropped two new singles (videos with lyrics above) entitled "Under The Westway" and "The Puritan", and if you're even a little bit of a Blur loyalist, you will not be disappointed. The first track is a classic Blur ballad, along the lines of "The Universal", but incorporating some of the scratchy guitar sounds the band discovered on 13. The second song is even more "classic" Blur in its feel, recalling the bouncy brit-pop of the band's earliest days on Modern Life Is Rubbish.

All of this confirms what fans have known all along: that the band are more than able to create amazing new work, and that it's a bit of a travesty that they've been silent for so long. Seeing them play the two tracks live (still streamable here) was a dream come true, and their chemistry is undeniable. Given that, we can't wait to see them perform at the Olympics, but moreover, we can only hope and pray that the experience will push them to at least take one last stab at creating another brilliant record.

New Blur Single Drops Tomorrow

Now, there are lots of reasons to head out to head out tomorrow and support Record Store Day tomorrow: the economy, the awesomeness of record stores, and all the ridiculously exclusive merch that comes along with the event. But this year, there's something far more monumental on tap for the annual event: The return of Blur.

By all accounts, the band has recorded their first single in seven year for an exclusive 7" that will be available exclusively through shops participating in Record Store Day, and even then in extremely limited (1000 total, according to the band's site) quantities. The 7" will be one-sided (!?!?!) and contain a track called "Fool's Day", which will feature all four members of Blur. Yes!

Obviously it'll make it's way on to the interwebs in no time, but we have say that swiping such an exclusive little piece of wax just might make our Saturday.

We'll see you out there!

Blur Documentary On The Way

While we have to admit we're a bit bummed that the Blur reunion doesn't appear to be yielding a new record or any visits to North America, we're glad to have at least a bit of good news. The band announced this week that they'll be releasing a documentary entitled No Distance Left To Run. The film will traverse the band's entire career, culminating in this past summer's reunion shows. It's not exactly a live show, but hey - it seems like it's the closest we're gonna get on this side of the Atlantic, so we'll make do. Check out the trailer above.

Previously: Blur, Bugman, And What It Means To Be A Band

mp3: Blur - Bugman

Blur Play It Safe At Hyde Park Reunion - Setlists

Picture via flickr, courtesy of Stew Dean

We've been getting psyched up for Blur's reunion for months now, and despite the fact that there have been numerous warm up and festival gigs, for some reason it seemed like this weekend's Hyde Park gigs were truly the "real thing". As such, we were psyched to track down the setlists, although in the end we would have liked to have seen things turn out a bit differently.

Not that there was anything wrong with the setlists per se: by all accounts both gigs were totally monumental, and we haven't heard a peep of disappointment from any party that was in attendance. However, from the outside, it seems that the band played it very conservatively.

The sets leaned heavily on older material, with the only newer material being singles. In fact, most of the set was a greatest-hits run through. Now, granted, when you haven't played for almost ten years as a unit, you do have to do a certain amount of head nodding to the past. That being said, one of our favorite bits of Blur is the experimental conflict that arose in the second half of their career.

We're all for poppy goodness (and lord knows Blur are the masters of it), but we have to admit we would have liked to have seen a little bit more of their edgy material. That, and the fact the setlist was identical both days, I mean - come on. Not even a variation for the encore? Still, as they say, beggars can't be choosers, and when it comes to a Blur reunion, we are most certainly that.

Blur At Hyde Park July 2nd and 3rd - Setlist
1. She's So High
2. Girls And Boys
3. Tracy Jacks
4. There's No Other Way
5. Jubilee
6. Badhead
7. Beetlebum
8. Out Of Time
9. Trimm Trabb
10. Coffee And TV
11. Tender
12. Country House
13. Oily Water
14. Chemical World
15. Sunday Sunday
16. Parklife (with Phil Daniels)
17. End Of A Century
18. To The End
19. This Is A Low
--
20. Popscene
21. Advert
22. Song 2
--
23. Death Of A Party
24. For Tomorrow
25. The Universal

Blur Preselling Live Albums Of Hyde Park Reunion

As we mentioned previously, the "true" Blur reunion will take place in Hyde Park at the beginning of July. Now the band has given notice that the two reunion shows will be recorded, and sold to fans as CD's or downloads. Given that the show is on the other side of the pond, we can guess that there'll be a lot of American interest in picking up these tasty morsels. You can preorder at the Blur on-line store now.

Blur Widget Now Features Reunion Video

If our posts earlier in the week with new Blur footage weren't enough for you, we have good news: the Blur widget has added some exclusive vids from the band's second reunion appearance at Rough Trade Records.

We were a tad skeptical of the widget at first, as it seemed like a not-so-subtle marketing ploy. But if the band is willing to add new and free content to it, we're certainly not complaining. To check out the footage, click "Exclusive 2009 Footage" on the widget above, and then click the "next" button. You'll be treated to a rousing version of "Beetlebum" live at Rough Trade. Sadly, it's a partial clip, but until these guys show up stateside, we'll take what we can get!

Videos Of Blur's Reunion Gig Surface

While we realize we're risking obsession by following one Blur post with another, but we frankly think this deserves special attention. An extremely diligent fan managed to tape some fantastic takes from of Blur's reunion gig, and was kind enough to post the show to his YouTube account.

The videos are of fantastic clarity, and offer a truly first person account of the gig from the front row. We've put a taste up above (with Graham grinning furiously) of the band nailing "Charmless Man". While we can't guarantee just how long they'll stay up for, we can tell you that it's worth heading over to user joejoehearn's account ASAP and checking out the rest of the footage.

Seriously guys, the US, please?

Video: Blur - First Reunion Gig

Blur Played First Reunion Gig - Setlist

While, sadly, we weren't in attendance, we were still eagerly watching the newswires for mention of Blur's first comeback setlist. After a hint of a tweet last night by drummer Dave Rowntree, we were pretty sure something pretty good would be coming, and indeed it has.

Last night in Essex the band played a "friends and family" set that ran almost two hours, and should restore any doubts you have that the band is back in a very big way. NME was at the show, and has a great in depth review. Suffice it to say that the setlist spans the band's entire catalog (including Think Tank) and was loaded with a nice blend of singles and album tracks.

We're really hoping this reunion makes its way to the US. Guys, please?

Setlist
--
'She’s So High'
'Girls And Boys'
'Tracy Jacks'
'There's No Other Way'
'Jubilee'
'Badhead'
'Beetlebum'
'Trimm Trabb'
'Coffee & TV'
'Tender'
'Country House'
'Charmless Man'
'Colin Zeal'
'Oily Water'
'Chemical World'
'Sunday Sunday'
'Parklife'
'End Of A Century'
'To The End'
'This Is A Low'
'Popscene'
'Advert'
'Song 2'
'Out Of Time'
'Battery In Your Leg'
'Essex Dogs'
'For Tomorrow'
'The Universal'

Blur's Press Machine Shifts Into Gear

We wouldn't normally be excited to so blatantly regurgitate press material for you, but the fact of the matter is that we're inside of one month of the Blur reunion, and that's got us more than a little stoked. In fact, it's got us completely stoked.

So, for the time being, we'll put aside the obvious commercial crassness of Midlife, and instead point out the band's big media push that started today. Specifically, the band's aged website has been given a massive overhaul to match the reunion, and the widget above has been published so that you can check out "exclusive studio footage". Sure, it's low res, and not terribly compelling beyond that, but frankly: we're so excited we'll take whatever we can get!

Blur To Release New Best Of, Midlife, In Honor Of Reunion

We're probably about as excited as we could get about the Blur reunion. And, we'll admit, there's a certain charm to a collection that doesn't just iterate the hits, but instead is hand picked by the band to represent their very best. Seriously, we get it.

But here's the thing: Blur has released one album since their last best of collection. ONE. Did no one notice this before they green lighted the compilation? Granted, it's been ten years, but let's be frank here, people: one (admittedly awesome) record does not necessitate a new compilation. Really.

Now, of course, we understand. The band is drumming up publicity for the reunion, and the record company probably wants to rope in new fans, etc. etc. We get it, we just don't like it. We'll take a raincheck, and wait for an album of new material, thank you very much.

Blur, "Bugman", And What It Means To Be A Band

It can be difficult to know exactly how a band's sound comes together. There are so many inputs (band members, producers, and engineers to name a few) that it can can be close to impossible to tell where a band is deriving its influences. Sure, some of that information can be revealed via documentaries, or (as is the case with The Strokes) solo side projects. Still, understanding how each member of a band adds to the sound, or sees the band's sound themselves, can be a real enigma. With their 1999 release 13, and the subsequent single for "Coffee + TV", Blur managed to pretty much solve that enigma in a unique way that still has us smiling almost a decade later. How exactly did they reveal the pieces that unify to create Blur? In short: remixes.

13 contains a track entitled "Bugman" that is a brief piece of managed chaos. It manages to combine fat distorted riffs, a straight ahead rock beat, synth blips (including it seems, a power drill), screamy lead vocals, and sacharrine sweet back ups (sha na na etc.). In short, it is wholly unique and embodies Blur's late 90's sound completely.

Of course, this begs the question: how did the band arrive at such a diverse, ecclectic sound, and what did it mean to each band member? The four Blurites managed to answer this in an original, and thoroughly enjoyable manner. As the flipside of "Coffee + TV", the band released four mixes of "Bugman", each one created by one of the band's four members. Jokingly assigned alternate titles, the four remixes give some pretty solid insight into each band member's perspective on the song, and ultimately a look into how the final track came to be.

First off is "Trade Stylee", bassist Alex James' remix. It is unquestionably the "dance mix" of the four. The focus is strongly on the record's rhythm elements (bass included), and turns the track into something of a club anthem. It largely loses any of the chaotic guitar, and instead focuses on a steady groove, with synth elements and focus on the backups paired with Damon Albarn's higher vocal parts.

"Trade Stylee" is followed by a highly divergent mix by guitarist Graham Coxon, entitled "Metal Hip Slop". It will come as little surprise to anyone familiar with Coxon's solo work that his remix has something of a lo-fi demo feel. It's underpinned by a steady, droning drum loop which gradually builds layer upon layer of guitar chaos, until it reaches a murky head mixed with saxophone samples. Finally, it pulls back to the original drum beat to wrap up as it started. The mix is something of an abstraction of the song, and probably qualifies (along with "Coyote") as one of the more experimental remixes of the song.

Next up is Damon Albarn's mix, titled "X-Offender", and jokingly subtitled "Control Freak Remix". (See what we said about revealing band dynamics?) At this point, Albarn's solo career in Gorillaz is so well established, that the synthy, mellow vibe of this track will surprise almost no one. The vocals are a drastically different take from the album version, and the instrumentation is largely driven by a synth/drum loop. If you've heard Albarn's Democrazy record, you'll recognize this track as being a more refined example of his standard demo methodology. It's best described as the guts of the track in their most raw form.

The final track is drummer Dave Rowntree's entry, and it's unquestionably the source of the album version's electronic assets. Entitled "Coyote", Rowntree's entry is an exercise in sampling, electronics, blips, and bloops. Almost all the elements are taken from the original mix, but they're in heavily manipulated form, offering up a take that is at the same time brilliant and extremely difficult. If you were wondering where the echoing vocal manipulations at the end of the album version come from, it's unquestionably Rowntree's influence.

The thing that makes Blur such a great band is that they transcend genres, and offer up a truly unique sound. They're part rock band, part dance band, and part experimental masterminds. Their sound isn't just unique, it also transforms from record to record, and offers listeners something that can't be had anywhere else. How a good band become a great one is always a source of mystery, and probably has to do a lot with luck. In releasing these remixes, Blur managed to not only give listeners a musical portrait of themselves, but also to lend some truly deep insight into how the pieces of Blur come together to manage greatness.

mp3: Blur - Bugman
mp3: Blur - Trade Stylee (Alex's Remix)
mp3: Blur - Metal Hip Slop (Graham's Remix)
mp3: Blur - X-Offender (Damon / Control Freak Remix)
mp3: Blur - Coyote (Dave's Remix)

Blur Reunion Video Warms Our Hearts

Granted, there's nothing in the video below that we didn't already know. Still, seeing Blur all back together again just makes us that much more excited about the prospect of this summer's reunion shows. We have no idea why NME's preventing embedding of the vid, but ah well. Click below to check it out. We missed you boys!

Video - Blur Reunite! (NME)

Blur Goes Outlandish: 13

With all the recent excitement about Blur's reunion this coming summer, we have to admit that we've found ourselves digging into the back catalogue a bit to reminisce about where the band's been, and what we might hear in the future. Specifically, we've been harping pretty fanatically on the band's 1999 release 13.

From the singles, it would be easy to dismiss the record as a saccharine sweet entry into the world of Britpop. But therein lies the dig: The likes of "Coffee And TV", "Tender", and "No Distance Left To Run" are barely representative of the many facets the album has to offer. Instead, the record (produced by William Orbit) offers up what is largely a genre-pushing, experimental foray into fuzzed out garage rock, with the singles being the exception rather than the rule.

At the end of the day, listening to 13 is a thoroughly immersive experience: tracks blend from one to another, textures mutate and change, and there's seldom a clear lyrical protagonist or directive. Rather, the album establishes its own feel that transcends a particular slant or directive. 13 is a record about experimentation, atmosphere, and feedback.

When the singles from the record were released, a separate mix of "Bugman" was released from each bandmember. Each proved to be highly divergent. Perhaps this lends some insight as to exactly why the album is so confounding and pleasureable at the same time. It is very clearly and distinctly an amalgum of tastes, styles, and production. From the growing climax of "Trimm Trabb" to the subtle undertones of "Battle", the record presents the listener with a wholly unique and realized sound of colliding sensibilities coming together in unity.

At the end of the day, this is exactly what has us so excited about a Blur reunion: it's not hearing "Parklife", "Song 2" or "Popscene", but rather the prospect that it might reintroduce a band that, while conflicted internally, is pushing musical boundries and confronting the musical establishment with a distinctive and aggressive sound. Cheers to that.

mp3: Blur - Trimm Trabb (YouSendIt, click through)

Blur Adds Second Hyde Park Date - Tickets On Sale Now

Blur's first Hyde Park date on July 3rd sold out rapidly, and the band has now added a second date on the 2nd. Wow. That was quick. A second concert date? What's next? A tour perhaps? Or maybe a new record? Please? Come on, guys. All this suspense is killing us. You can buy tickets for the new date here, and in the meantime enjoy Cornelius' killer remix of "Tender" below!

mp3: Blur - Tender (Cornelius Remix) (YouSendIt, click through)

OMG!!! WTF?!?!?! Blur have reunited!!!

Okay, we've been waiting to hear this for a long, long, time (9 years to be exact). Apparently Blur have decided they will officially reunite for a July 3rd show in Hyde Park. This will be the first time since 2000 that the band have played as a full (Graham Coxon included) unit. Words don't really suffice at the moment, so, we'll let you bask and/or read for yourself. Tickets go on sale Friday morning, 9 AM (presumably UK time). London, anyone?