June 20, 2011

Graham Coxon's OFFICIAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

Attention all Blur fans - Graham Coxon himself has made an announcement recently to all of us, and it's about his new official fanpage on facebook. Here is the broadcast, straight from the horse's mouth :




Click HERE or visit and like his page at : http://www.facebook.com/graham
coxonofficial


Graham also has a twitter account where he posts funny things all the time. Do check it out at:



Remember to LIKE and Follow him! We support you Graham! 


May 31, 2011

Damon Albarn - Doctor Dee Opera 2011 UPDATE

Doctor Dee Opera

Damon Albarn's new opera Doctor Dee has received some press from a double page spread in the 28th May GUARDIAN newspaper, on the guide to Manchester International Festival. 


Quoted from the article, Damon Albarn's new show is a 'modern English opera' directed by Rufus Norris, about Elizabethan thinker and magician John Dee. In Doctor Dee, Damon Albarn will appear as himself, rather than in character, performing with legendary afrobeat drummer (and bandmate in The Good, The Bad and The Queen) Tony Allen. The BBC Philharmonic will be in the pit. There will also be Elizabethan instruments and some ritualistic elements, will be primal, about the life, ambition and belief of John Dee.

Read the whole article by clicking below, thanks damon4president and 2J for the scans.


May 30, 2011

Alex James talks Blur Reunion 2011

Alex James has spoken on BBC 6 about the possible Blur reunion and whether it's official or not. Looks like it's not, but hey that's not new news. Here's what he said, taken from BBC's twitter account:

Nothing new. Old news. Old news.


April 10, 2011

Graham Coxon NEW SONG - "Desire" with Paloma Faith

Put Paloma Faith, Graham Coxon and Bill Ryder-Jones together in a studio and what do you get? Desire.

This track was created by this trio as the next in line of exclusive music collaborations for Converse Shoes's advertising campaign. Graham collaborated with different musicians to promote their campaign and music. 
The video will be out soon, and I think it's going to be pretty amazing. Beautiful pictures though... I love the last shot of Graham behind his guitar. 
Love Graham 's guitar work in the song, and it really brings out the energy in Paloma Faith's voice. Graham is simply the most awesome guitarist ever. Paloma Faith actually collaborated with Blur in "Kissing' Time" and some old Blur b-sides. Does anyone know whether it's uploaded or not? On youtube?


I am actually trying to upload the song to my youtube channel UKTAHHH but I already have 2 strikes. One more and I'm out of youtube yet again (for those of you who know me, I had an account called "Uktah" that had all the videos I have now, but uploaded a year earlier, the account was deleted due to copyright issues). I emailed Converse about this, and if all goes well, I will have permission to upload it and share to you guys. For now, just listen on the website and enjoy the awesome interface. 

What do you think of the new song? 


EDIT***


I uploaded it on youtube with permission. Here it is:




March 2, 2011

Alex James reviews kitchen gadgets !

Thanks 2-J for this article (Click to enlarge):



Oh Alex, are you out of your head? Too much time on your hands, living on a farm and hosting festivals?

I guess its not only the media lapping Alex up, but Alex really really needs the cash!


March 1, 2011

Gorillaz news - The Fall to be released in physical CD

Several online retailers, including Amazon.co.uk here and Amazon.com here are now listing a release of The Fall on CD, due out 18th April in the UK, on Parlophone, and 19th April in the USA, on Virgin Records. 


No news on the track listing or any packaging details yet, but I'm looking forward to it! 




Rumors of a vinyl record being released to coincide with Record Store Day is also hot on the news. More on this as more news are out! 


Speaking of which, I still haven't completed my The Fall review (BlurBalls style!)... Will do, I promise. Keep reading! 


Would you buy The Fall when it's out? 


February 17, 2011

Blur are back in the studio and recording new material - Feb 2011

Exciting news for you all.


Graham Coxon has explained that Blur are currently jamming in the studio regularly and is very likely to record new material in the year 2011. Earlier this month the guitarist revealed that Blur were reconvening and could "switch a tape recorder on, and even tweeted about Blur meet-ups with the boys

Now he has told NME Magazine about the recording process. Graham explained that the meet-up was one of many the band regularly undertake (a bonding thing!) and was not really for any specific new release. 

"Every now and then we like to meet up and record a few things," he said. "We just do stuff when we feel like it."

Graham - bringer of good news
He added that the band will "definitely" continue to meet up and play music together in this way, but fans shouldn't hold out for new music being released anytime soon. 

Also, as usual, Graham cracked a line to tease us fans. 

"I suppose it might turn into an LP in six years or something," he said. "Meeting up every now and then… maybe turning the tape recorder on and jamming around a few ideas."

Coxon said that even though Blur hasn't planned any releases yet, he had two solo albums to be released in mind. He also mentioned that these are probably going to be the last 2 solo albums released and that they're more "youth" sounding. 


One of the album is also called "A&E"... I wonder what that stands for ? 

Graham met up with the Boys for sugary tea, coffee and TV )
He's also releasing 'Desire', a collaboration song with Paloma Faith and The Coral's ex-guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones, for the promotional music campaign for shoe company Converse in April 2011. 

Exciting times! I am positive we will hear something from Blur in 2011. Perhaps a surprise single or even a complete album will spring up, but one thing's for sure: Blur are back, older, wiser, better and with much more surprises in line.

Who knows what will happen? 

Read the full article on NME and check out my early coverage of this speculation-turned-truth

What's your reaction to this piece of news? Mine's:


February 15, 2011

Gorillaz nominated for MTVU Woodie Awards 2011 - Best Video Woodie

First heard from mrbeats from the Blur Forums, Gorillaz's "Stylo" from Plastic Beach was nominated for an MTV-U Woodie Award 2011 for Best Video.

According to wikipedia:

"It was announced that Gorillaz would be performing on March 11, 2011 at the MTV Woodie awards. They have also been nominated for the Best Video Woodie for "Stylo" at the MTV woodie awards."


After doing a quick search, here's what I found out about the Woodie Award.

mtvU is a division of MTV Networks which produces a 24-hour television channel that is available on more than 750 college and university campuses across the United States. mtv U provides a more targeted alternative to MTV, and gives advertisers and music promotion companies access to college-age viewers, access that universities offer in an attempt to attract students to on-campus housing.




Basically it's MTV for University students, hence the "U". So what's the Woodie Awards?


mtvU has its own annual awards show, the Woodie Awards, which they say recognizes "the music voted best by college students." Previous winners have included Death Cab for CutieMotion City Soundtrack30 Seconds to MarsPlain White T'sThe Subways and Gnarls Barkley


Opposite Of Adults” Nominated For 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards
The Gorillaz "Stylo" is nominated for Best Video Woodie. The website features an epic picture of Damon performing at one of the gigs this year.

Damon on the mtvU Woodie Awards homepage
I hope Gorillaz wins Best Video this year. As I said before, it's awards season now and Gorillaz haven't won anything yet, even with all the nominations for NME, Grammys, Brits and Woodies....

So, keep checking Blurballs for the latest update on awards!

Vote for Gorillaz HERE.


Brit Awards - will Gorillaz win?

Hey all, it's the awards season! In my last post, we saw that Gorillaz and Blur didn't win anything at the Grammy Awards this year. So this morning, I was reminded by my dear friends on facebook that The Brit Awards are coming up!


The Brit Awards 2011 will take place at the O2 Arena in London on 15th February. This year Gorillaz were nominated for best British Group.


Best British Group:

Biffy Clyro 
Gorillaz 
Mumford & Sons 
Take That 
The xx 



This is exciting! According to an online friend from the official website, Gorillaz is one of the favourites of this category this year. Predictions have also mentioned that Gorillaz might win! 


Gorillaz at the 2006 Brit Awards
Graham knocking it back after Blur win 4 awards at the 1995 Brit Awards
What do you all think? Who'll notch up an award?


Check out the Brit Awards official website here


February 14, 2011

Blur and Gorillaz lose out on Grammy Awards 2011

Previously, I wrote about how Blur and Gorillaz were nominated for 3 awards in the Grammys 2011Some awards were handed out yesterday afternoon. Sadly both bands did not pick up a trophy. 


...and the winners were:


When You're Strange: A Film About the Doors (Best Long Form Music Video)


Bad Romance – Lady Gaga (Best Short Form Music Video)


Nessun Dorma -- Jeff Beck (Best Pop Instrumental Performance)

Blur's "No Distance Left to Run" was nominated for the same category but lost out to The Door's film "When You're Strange". 


As much as I love The Doors, it's a pity indeed that they robbed Blur of its nomination.


60s Rock Band The Doors
I've included links in the post to the winners' work. Feel free to leave a comment on what you think of the pieces. Personally I really think Jeff Beck's instrumental is nothing compared to Gorillaz's. It does not have flair, and sounds like an orchestral piece rather than a "pop" performance.

Gorillaz screams "Pop" in their sound, artwork and just everything!


Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/List+2011+Grammy+winners+nominees+updated+evening/4268723/story.html#ixzz1DtTyYZ8N


February 13, 2011

Blur and Gorillaz - nominated for Grammy Awards 2011

I'm watching the Grammy Awards Clive Davis Party live online. Still a day before the real awards. Both Blur and Gorillaz were nominated this year, and it's the FIRST TIME Blur's ever received a Grammy Award. Ironic isn't it, how it's been years since they made any album and it's still the first time ever that they got nominated. 

Blur's documentary No Distance Left To Run was nominated for Best Long Form Music Video. 

Best Long Form Music Video
  • 1. NO DISTANCE LEFT TO RUN -  Blur
  • 2. WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE - The Doors
  • 3. THE GREATEST EARS IN TOWN: THE ARIF MARDIN STORY -  Arif Mardin
  • 4. RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE - Rush
  • 5. UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS - The White Stripes
Gorillaz's were nominated for 2 awards:

Best Pop Instrumental Performance
  • "Flow" -- Laurie Anderson
  • "Nessun Dorma" -- Jeff Beck
  • "No Mystery" -- Stanley Clarke
  • "Orchestral Intro" -- Gorillaz
  • "Sleepwalk" -- The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Best Short Form Music Video
  • Johnny Cash – "Ain't No Grave / The Johnny Cash Project"
  • Eminem and Rihanna – "Love the Way You Lie"
  • GorillazMos Def and Bobby Womack– "Stylo"
  • Cee Lo Green – "Fuck You!"
  • Lady Gaga – "Bad Romance"

Bruce Willis in Stylo
Lets see if Gorillaz or Blur notches up an award! Keep checking this site for updates!   


February 9, 2011

Alex James on the possible Blur reunion

Blur bassist Alex James has refused to talk about rumours that the band are recording new material.

Last month, Blur's drummer Dave Rowntree told Gigwise the band would “definitely” do something together again in 2011.

The band were planning to reunite and gather in the studio together again at the end of January and into February. 




But when asked about the speculation, James told BBC Newsbeat: "Musician makes record, that's not news, but musician makes cheese and puts on festival that's news.

"Nothing to report from Blur, we're mates and we always will be. We'll always get together now and again."
 

James added that he was currently concentrating on his forthcoming musical festival, Harvest, which will take place at his home in Oxfordshire in September.

"Would Blur play? You should ask them. One day. Who knows? Could be good," he said. 


Just a little update on what's going on in the Blur world... Alex's keeping it positive and Dave and Graham have tweeted and facebook'd about this. All up to Damon now!

Read the original article: Gigwise


Plastic Beach goes Platinum in the UK

GuzziHero from Gorillaz-Unofficial sends the news that Plastic Beach has gone platinum in the UK (300,000 copies shipped).



It was certified Platinum on 4th February. You can search for Gorillaz certified awards in the UK, on the BPI searchable awards database here.

As for the US, it's reaching Gold. Not quite there yet though!


February 8, 2011

Vote for Gorillaz in the NME Awards 2011

Gorillaz are up for 3 awards at this year's NME Awards.

Damon doing Gorillaz

Stylo is up for best track, against Cee Lo Green - "Fuck You" -Foals - "Spanish Sahara" -Janelle Monae (feat. Big Boi) - "Tightrope" -Mark Ronson & the Business Intl - "Bang Bang Bang"

Stylo is also up for best video, up against -Arcade Fire - "We Used to Wait" -Brandon Flowers - "Crossfire" -Chase & Status - "Let You Go" -My Chemical Romance - "Na Na Na"



Plastic Beach is up for Best Album Artwork, up against -Foals - "Total Life Forever" -Klaxons - "Surfing the Void" -MGMT - "Congratulations" -My Chemical Romance - "Danger Days"

You can check out all the categories, and vote, here.



Hope Gorillaz sweep 3 awards up!


February 3, 2011

Dave and Graham on Facebook - speculation

I was just browsing through the blur boards this morning and I saw this post by Cold War Kid:



This leads me on to think about the possible new Blur material, EP or even album.

Now Damon has always been rather... indecisive. He'd say something like he'd never want to do Blur again, and then next week we get something in the news about a surprise single release (Fools Day anyone?).

Dave - he's as the fans call him, the Reliable one. Honest, down to earth, political red-head. The drummer who famously smashed Song 2. Dave has been sort of the spokesman of the bad these few years. Graham's busy with his elusive life a a guitarist bachelor, Damon's apeing with Gorillaz and Alex's busy making cheese and appearing on random talk shows.

Dave was quoted says 'nothing concrete' is confirmed and admitted any plans for any new material from the four-piece are still up in the air. "We’re in touch," he said. "But we've got nothing concrete and nothing formalised about doing anything." Check the article out here.

Anyways, two things I want to say.

Firstly, I do think that the band are getting along well and have reconciled their differences before. Fools Day, the single out by Blur as a charity record, sounds like something straight out of Parklife or Modern Life is Rubbish. The reunion gig last year was also great, great for the fans and the band. If they do have something coming up to spring upon us, I wouldn't be too surprised!

Lastly, Graham Coxon has facebook? I would not have thought he would make it so public and comment on Dave's status. Hmm... I question the actuality of the facebook page itself.

Thanks for reading and what do you guys think of Dave and his facebook saga?


February 2, 2011

New Blur Album in 2011

Well, news for all you Blur lovers out there. Good news. The band are planning recording sessions in 2011, and if happy with the results, they will release a new album sometime this year.

blurtheband, blur group picture, blur damon alex dave, dave rowntree, graham coxon blur, alex james blur, rowntree blur, blur scan

According to a reliable source,  the lads will be getting in the studio next year. There's no concrete plans regarding what they will do with the material, but if they're all agreed it could become the first full Blur album to feature all four members in over a decade.

The band played some huge outdoor shows in the summer of 2009 and briefly reunited again in January this year. They also recorded limited edition single Fool's Day, which was released in April. You can check it out here.

The source added: "When they went into the studio earlier this year everyone was really pleased to discover that the old magic was still there. They would have liked to have done more, but Damon could not take part due to his commitments with GORILLAZ."

"Now that he's finished touring with the band he has more time on his hands."

Looks like we might get Blur back in 2011! What do you guys think - for better or for worse? Do you guys like Fool's Day?

Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/3308801/Britpop-legends-Blur-get-together-for-new-album.html


ShareThis