blondewave

I was a freshman in high school when I first heard “There’s No Other Way” on MTVs 120 minutes, and instantly I knew that I just had to get my paws on their album, Leisure. It quickly became a favorite among our friends as it was our first introduction, stateside, to Britpop –  though we didn’t have any labels for it then. We just knew it sounded fresh, different, and catchy.  How kind of the band to then go on and release an album for each subsequent year of my high school career! 

One of my favorite performances of all times was seeing the band in 1994 at the Trocadero in Philadelphia. During “Girls & Boys” my friend John jumped on stage and kissed Damon as the rest of us watched on like proud parents. In addition, Alex James and I had a moment of extended eye contact while he was playing bass, cigarette pursed between his lips, hair in his beautiful eyes . . but I’ll save the rest of that for my fan fiction. 

Blur // The Ballad of Darren (2023) 

The Ballad An interesting choice for an opener. Be it the melody, the layered vocals, or the call-and-response between Alburn and Coxon, this tune is undeniably Beatles-esque.  Up close I fell in love with you I met you at an early show

St. Charles Square This song is very reminiscent of Modern Life is Rubbish era Blur. Not surprisingly, it’s one of my favorites off this album. It is batshit unbridled chaos, in the best possible way, followed by delightfully manic exultations (Ahhhhhh!):  ‘Cause there’s something down here And it’s livin’ under the floorboards I can only  imagine (hopefully not for too long) how fun this song sounds when performed live. 

Barbaric A fun, upbeat beginning that juxtaposes the lyrics:  All of us carry trauma And in owe of an explanation I will pour oil from the cup on the pyre of abdication There is a common thread throughout these songs about loss, growing older, and the futility of squeezing that slipping grasp. But perhaps – as I bop my head to the melody – none of it matters. What matters is that we are still hearing, loving, fanning, and following. We can still dance to the beat, even if we do so blithely, obliviously.  

Russian Strings  A bluesy lament, with Coxon’s guitar taking center stage. Reads like a continuation of the sentiment, or at least my interpretation of, “Barbaric”:  With headphones on you won’t hear that much There’s nothing fake on earth There are strings attached to all of us There’s nothing in the end, only dust So turn the music up I’m hitting the hard stuff Coxon’s guitar – especially the ending solo – is indelible. I don’t know much about Coxon’s musical influences, but upon hearing this, would not be surprised if David Gilmour was one.

The Everglades (for Leonard)  A poem of a song, and one of the shorter tracks. This one seems to act as a bridge between the others. Great acoustic guitar – a very moving melody. 

The Narcissist  This was the single that Blur so kindly released for us two months ago. Upon first listen, I was right back to remembering why I love this band so. Is there any salve better than Damon Alburn’s voice? Methinks not, for proof see:  Imma shine a light in your eyes, you’ll probably shine it back on me Later in the ballad, I remembered that there is an even better salve – when it’s matched by the angelic vocals of Graham Coxon. A song that makes you grateful that Spotify recently enabled the auto repeat function.

Goodbye Alert   An emotional missive about loss and grudges, with a similar guitar sound as “Russian Strings”   I stayed away Got pulled inside Why don’t you talk to me anymore? Don’t punish me

Far Away Island No one does achingly heart-wrenching quite as exquisitely as Blur. FAI is similar to the earlier “No Distance Left to Run”: heartbreak followed by a dull resignation of the current reality Far away island, I miss you I know you think I must be lost now, but I’m not anymore 

Avalon Highlights the range of Alburns’ vocal capabilities, gorgeous piano and guitar on this track.

The Heights The final song on the (first released) album is about, you guessed it, the end.  But not the fun, come-downy Parklife “To The End”. Rather, this one implores: Are we running out of time? Something so momentary that you can’t even feel it

Standouts for me: St. Charles Square, Barbaric, Russian Strings, The Narcissist 

A number of Blur’s contemporaries (The Cure, Depeche Mode, etc.) are currently staging successful arena concerts. Blur’s recent back-to-back Wembley Stadium shows were epic. Will a massive world tour be next? With Godspeed, I’ll heed the signs.