January 7, 2012

Damon Albarn's new album "Dr Dee" OUT NOW!

Dr Dee, Damon Albarn's new opera features brilliant music from the frontman, and the soundtrack is now officially ready for pre-order online in Amazon (click to go to page) ! It's a 1 disc CD by Parlophone and it features a very ethereal Albarn in black and white :


Buy Now!




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July 2, 2011

Dave Rowntree - "There are always plans for Blur" - July 2011


Beyond Britpop: Whatever happened to the class of '95?

Pulp are just the latest Britpop band to re-form. What happened to the other musicians who defined the Nineties? Alice Jones from The Independent meets the retired rock stars
DAVE ROWNTREE
Then: Drummer, Blur. Blur have released seven studio albums, including the Britpop-defining No 1 albums Parklife and The Great Escape which sold 2.15 million copies worldwide. Having effectively split up in 2003, they reunited in 2009 for a run of successful gigs, headlining Glastonbury and playing to 100,000 emotional fans over two nights in Hyde Park.
Defining Britpop Moment: Winning the 'Battle of Britpop', beating Oasis to No 1 in August 1995 with "Country House".
Now: Trainee Solicitor. Having worked as an animator for several years, setting up his own company, Nanomation, and producing two series of Empire Square, Rowntree enrolled at law school and is halfway through his training contract at Kingsley Napley, a London firm.
Lives: East London with his girlfriend, a music publisher. He is 47 years old.
'Around five years ago, I was having a mid-life crisis. I lay awake at night thinking, 'Haven't I wasted my life? Hasn't it all been rather trivial? Hitting things for a living, isn't that rather stupid?'.
Then I talked to a friend who was a lawyer. He said his grandfather had sent him to the Old Bailey, saying 'Go and sit there for two weeks and, at the end of it, you'll know if you like law or not'. So I did that and it was brilliant. Everything that my mid-life crisis was telling me I needed, I found in that courtroom.
The space between things with Blur was growing quite wide so I went to one of the leading legal aid criminal firms in east London and did a bit of work experience. I fell in love with it. It was everything I was looking for – genuine hands-on helping of people with serious crises. I went to law school, passed all my exams and in a year I'll be a qualified solicitor. Now I work five days a week. Crime is what I love but I'm unusual in that I quite like tax law, too.
Around the same time I started to get more involved in the Labour party. I'm a local activist and helped David Miliband on his leadership campaign, which was very exciting. I also stood for parliament in Westminster at the last election, though I had no hope at all of winning. It's all part of trying to bring some kind of meaning to my life, arranging it so I'm a giver rather than a taker. What stuck in my craw was the feeling that my life was selfish. I was turning into somebody that I despised.


The band wound down without my permission, because of Graham and Damon falling out. It wasn't being in the band that I hated. I still love doing that and I'm pretty sure that if I could still do it full time, that's what I would be doing. It's all speculative, because to be able to do it full time you have to be a bit younger.
At the time, it was very hard to gauge the scale of what was going on. First we were a tiny indie band and suddenly we were the mainstream, at number one. We became pop stars which wasn't in the plan. Some of us accommodated that better than others. At the height of our success, I used to fly the band around on tour in my plane. It was brilliant – proper rock-star behaviour. These days I share a plane with a few friends. It's an incredible luxury, really, my one nod to stardom.
Otherwise, I felt about a mile from being involved in any kind of movement, even Britpop. The idea that we were involved in a movement, especially one with such a terrible name, definitely wouldn't have appealed to us.
The Hyde Park reunion [in 2009] could have been a disaster. When Graham and Damon put their differences to one side we decided to go into the rehearsal studio and see if the old magic was there. It was clear immediately that it was. But we all had misgivings. I was very surprised at how quickly the first show sold out. It was really nice that people still felt that way about us.
We keep in touch with each other and there are always plans for Blur. But it's quite fragile. We're grown men now and we don't want to ruin anything. If we do anything else, it's got to be interesting. There has to be a good reason."

******

Interesting read, and in particular the part that caught my attention was the bolded red paragraph. At least that's nice to hear, good news for us fans! But we still don't know anything about their plans. 
Here's Justine Frischmann's part in the article. For those who don't know, Justine was the ex-girlfriend of Damon Albarn and frontwoman of Britpop band Elastica. Read below to know what's going on with her.
******

JUSTINE FRISCHMANN
Then: Lead singer and guitarist, Elastica. Britpop's cool head girl who dated Brett Anderson and Damon Albarn. Elastica's eponymous first album entered the charts at No 1 in 1995, then the fastest-selling British debut in history. They split up in 2001.
Defining Britpop moment: Starring on an NME cover alongside Thom Yorke and Brett Anderson in 1994, before Elastica had released an album.
Now: Artist. A graduate of the Bartlett School of Architecture, Frischmann co-presented a BBC series called Dreamspaces. She also collaborated with her old flatmate MIA, co-writing songs on her first album Arular. Last year, Frischmann had her first solo exhibition at the Michelle O'Connor Gallery in San Francisco and this year showed her work at New York's Sloan Fine Art.
Lives: North Bay, San Francisco with her husband, a climate scientist and professor at the University of California-Davis. She is 41 years old.
'Music never felt like a sustainable career to me in the emotional and physical sense. I was never that comfortable in the spotlight. I'm actually a pretty quiet kind of person who needs a lot of peace, calm and stability around me.
When I think of Britpop, I remember how exciting it was to see friends breaking through in such a short time. At first the media's attempts to pigeonhole us all together seemed forced. But the concept of 'Britpop' soon gained momentum and it became clear that it had become an entity in its own right. That redefinition of English music and identity felt important at a time when so much of the popular culture seemed to be coming from America. There was a desire to make work that celebrated where we were living, using our own imagery, vernacular and humour. There was also a softening of boundaries during that era – in a way, Damon working with Phil Daniels had some parallels with Tony Blair representing the Labour party... a reappropriation of traditionally working-class iconography by middle-class intelligentsia.

I left the UK in 2005 to study Fine Art at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. I was ready for a total change, I wanted to leave the UK and go back to school. When we were touring I loved the land in the American West and felt drawn to come back. Naropa is the only Buddhist university in the US. I thought it would be interesting to look at the creative process from a contemplative point of view.
I have a parent who is a Holocaust survivor and the Holocaust is something that, I think, has driven me all of my life. My love of Modern design and aesthetics also comes from my parents, who were influenced by the Modern movement, partly, I believe, because we had lost our family history on both sides.
The only Elastica member with whom I'm in touch is Donna. Last time we spoke she was working as a music therapist. Brett [Anderson] is still a good friend. In terms of the music scene today, I still think that Maya's work [MIA] is interesting. But I'm the wrong person to ask. I live in rural northern California where there are coyotes wandering in the streets. And I don't own a TV."


June 29, 2011

Graham Coxon discusses latest album in Glastonbury 2011

Following his set at today's (June 25) Glastonbury festival, Graham Coxon chatted to NME about how he will be releasing a new solo album after this summer.

The Blur man spoke about the follow-up to his 2009 effort 'The Spinning Top', saying he had plenty of material for the album.




"I've recorded enough for two [albums]," he explained. "I'm not in any rush, I want to start working on that after the summer – I want to concentrate on festivals and start thinking about putting an album out then."




Coxon also spoke about headlining Glastonbury with Blur in 2009 and compared it to this year's solo slot. "It's the same sort of feeling, but the Blur thing was a little bit overwhelming," he said. "Obviously this [the show on The Park stage] was a lot more nervous energy. The Blur thing was a bit more of a laid back thing."

When asked how it felt to headline Glastonbury, Coxon said: "It's immense, really. It gives you an amazing feeling, especially if it goes as well as it did a couple of years ago… Loads of people, suave guitar, loads of amps – it's pretty good."

He added that his favourite Glastonbury memory was playing 'Beetlebum' with the band that year, during the sunset. When asked if Blur had got together recently for any writing sessions, he was quick to dispel any rumours, with a sharp "No."

Coxon said he was up for watching The Horrors and Tame Impala but added that he might not venture out of The Park area as "I don't like traipsing around much!" When asked if he'd watch fellow Britpop icons Pulp play on the same stage he had later in the evening he said: "Yeah, that'll be nostalgic."

Coxon played on The Park stage this afternoon (June 25) with his five-piece band and drew a large crowd, many of whom had to stand ankle-deep in thick mud to watch.

Graham Coxon played this setlist:

'No Good Time'
'Advice'
'Don't Let Your Man Know'
'Standing On My Own Again'
'I Can't Look At Your Skin'
'Dead Bees'
'City Hall'
'Running For Your Life'
'You And I'
'Sorrow's Army'
'Ooh Yeh Yeh'
'Freakin' Out'



Source : NME 


It looks like Graham Coxon has been busy as a bee with his new solo works, but we can't help wondering what's up with Blur ? Damon's been fishy and all bottled up, Graham Coxon's now making his new albums and the other two guys have just been strutting their own thing. We want news! 




Meanwhile, Graham Coxon played live at the Glastonbury 2011 Park Stage - hear him play Standing On My Own Again and Freakin' Out by clicking HERE for the BBC Music Player (UK only). 


Meanwhile, remember to subscribe and "LIKE" BlurBalls on Facebook, or email subscribe to receive the latest news on everything Blur, Gorillaz, Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon! 


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.


May 6, 2011

Graham Coxon quashes Blur rumours - NO NEW SONGS

From this month's Q Magazine (May 2011 - credits to 2J from the forums):

Despite saying in February that they have been meeting up to "record a few things", Graham Coxon has told Q Magazine that Blur are not working on new songs. 

"There's no plans for anything at the moment. It's more like a coffee morning where we might get an instrument or two out. But as for formal recording, that hasn't really been happening." he says. "I think if we really wanted to get intense and start writing songs it would have to be something a little bit more committed. Maybe we all have our little percentages of doubt when it comes to Blur." 

Coxon himself, though has been no slouch as regards to recording, collaborating with Paloma Faith and ex- Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones on the recent single Desire (commissioned by the Converse shoe company) and completing two solo albums. One - tentatively titled Accident & Emergency - is "like Van Der Graaf Generator meets Faust meets Syd Barrett" while the other is "more like mid-80s indie groups". 

Click to enlarge
So - this is not new news for the Blur fans... how many numerous times have Damon or Graham spoken to reporters and quashed the tiny glimmer of New-Blur-Material hope that we have been nurturing ? Before, Damon said there would never be Blur again, and that Blur would never reunite. Look what happened in Glastonbury 2009 (in case you don't know, Blur did end up reuniting and playing a one-off massive gig). How many times have we heard Alex James mention busting Dave Rowntree out of law school just so that Blur will get together again ? The answer: countless times.

Personally, I think that the boys just might have grown up a little from their Brit-pop glory days, and have now mellowed and settled into... Midlife (no pun intended), family life and really making music or doing things that they personally like. 

They could start up a new Blur album when all their own projects are done, like Damon with his new opera, and Graham with his solo albums. Speaking of Graham's solo albums, the new one's called Accident & Emergency, and it's probably going to be released sometime this year. I am looking forward to that very much, and hopefully it will spawn a few hit singles or two. 

Graham Coxon's Desire single is out NOW - check out the video I uploaded here and don't forget to subscribe to my youtube Blur channel. 


March 11, 2011

Graham Coxon to play for Summer Sundae Festival

The first acts have been announced for this year’s Summer Sundae Weekender. 


The Maccabees, Graham Coxon and Newton Faulkner are among the first few artists to be confirmed for the August event. Summer Sundae Weekend 2011 will take place at De Montfort Hall and Gardens in Leicester on 11th – 14th August. 




Other acts announced for the festival include The Bees, The Cuban Brothers, Wilko Johnson and John Cooper Clarke. 

Following the success of their 2009 Top 20 album ‘Wall of Arms’, London rockers The Maccabees should prove to be a popular headliner at this year’s festival. 



With a third album expected soon, their set will almost certainly feature some new material. After his brief return to Blur, Graham Coxon is reviving his solo project for this year’s Summer Sundae. 


Graham Coxon to return playing live!
Summer Sundae Weekender has taken place every year since 2001 and last year celebrated its 10th anniversary with performances from Mumford and Sons, Tinchy Stryder and Seasick Steve. 


The festival has grown to feature over 100 acts across six stages, attracting more than 6000 people. 


Go to Summersundae.com for more information! The line-up confirmed so far is:


The Maccabees

Graham Coxon 
Newton Faulkner
The Bees
Bellowhead
The Cuban Brothers
Wilko Johnson
John Cooper Clarke
Little Comets
CW Stoneking
Liam Bailey
Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Mama Rosin
Raghu Dixit
Skinny Lister
The Black Atlantic
Dizraeli And The Small Gods
Various Cruelties 





Hmm, wonder if Graham will play some new tracks off his new album? Are you guys going to go ? Leave a comment below! 


March 10, 2011

A new Blur album "in progress" ?

Hooligan from the Blur Forums sends news that:

"I was out drinking with a friend who was accompanied by someone who was intimately involved in the making of NDLTR. We were talking about Fool's Day & its relative merits & he let slip that 'it doesn't sound like anything on the new album.' Obviously we pounced on him for more info to which he furiously back-pedalled but the cat was out the bag. So there is a new album on the way, people. Rejoice."


The other forumers and myself included reacted accordingly.



As damon4president puts it, now all we need is for Alex to say something along the lines of, oh, I dunno, 'it was like putting the A Team back together for one last job. We had to bust Rowntree out of law school' for me to consider it confirmed...


Plus, the Summersonic lineup of 2011 features a special secret guest. Could it be Blur ? Would Blur play a few songs at this year's music festival?




Exciting times! I'm impatient and thirsty for more solid news. How about you ? 


February 16, 2011

On the Blur reunion - rumours? Gorillaz lose Brits

Just browsing the Blur Forums and daysleeper posts this:


Right I have read the article.

Graham says 



- They are definitely going to keep meeting up to record.
- It is only when they feel like it though and there will not be any new music from Blur this year
- Not sure whether any of it will see light of day
- Says we might see an Lp in six years or something
- They have recorded since Fools day
- He says he has written 2 solo albums.
- HE RECKONS THEY MAY BE HIS LAST TWO THOUGH!! (He fancies just listening to music for a while, although he will carry on recording for a while)
- Doesn't know how many songs he has in him anymore and says "I'm not this regurgitator of songs, like Damon is."
 



Hm, if the article's from NME magazine, it should be pretty accurate. But I mean, we will see an LP in 6 years? And Graham has already written enough songs for 2 solo albums? Talk about the wait! 


Nevertheless, if he does scan it (like he says he was too tired to do) then we may begin to see it online 
and in the news forums. Read the article by clicking on the picture below.


Thanks beatfloh for the scan. 
What do you all think? Do you want to wait that long ?  Write your thoughts in the comments section.
***
Also the Brit Awards 2011 yesterday saw Take That take the title for "Best British Group". Gorillaz didn't win. 


Take That robbed Gorillaz ... grrr
Stay tuned on more updates and gossip from the Blur forums!


February 9, 2011

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!


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