BlurBalls - Throwing YOU the latest Blur, Gorillaz and Damon Albarn news

March 18, 2012

Graham Coxon opens his music rucksack and lets loose radical new album A+E

Graham Coxon's new single What'll It Take released a great new video at the end of last month. The video, featuring clips of fans dancing and spinning to his 80s sounding, heavy guitar track is one of the most unique audio visuals we've seen.

What'll It Take is made up of featured moves sent in by 85 fans from 22 countries all cut together by director Ninian Doff. The music video is entertaining to watch, and the idea of integrating fans into contributing is brilliant - the video has been received well by fans.

According to an article from Contact Music, Graham Coxon decided on this idea to collaborate fans and artist because he dislikes music videos and thinks they are "horrible". As quoted from the article:

Graham Coxon thinks music videos are ''horrible''.

The guitarist has invited fans to copy dance moves posted on YouTube to create their own routines, with the clips then edited to make the promotional film for his track 'What'll It Take' and says the ''experiment'' stemmed from his hatred of appearing in them himself.

He said: ''It's kind of.. videos are horrible so if there's an interesting idea for a video then I think that's kinda good'' he said. ''I'll just see how that turns out as an experiment, really.''

Graham - who will perform a special concert in London's Hyde Park with his band Blur in August - is also currently preparing for a solo tour and decided to select different local bands to support him at each show.

While he has promised to look at a variety of different acts, he thinks it will be a challenge selecting the ones he wants to take to the stage before him each night. He added in an interview with Clash Music: ''I suppose with getting bands to support from all the different towns is just to ease the boredom, I guess.

''I thought atmosphere-wise I thought it would be quite good. I've just got to choose 'em - it's going to be a job!

''It's a way also of people presenting their band and it's not the usual support. It's not the usual guitar-y that you might expect to support me. I was interested in lots of different things.

What'll It Take is the first single taken from the New Graham Coxon album A+E. For exclusive pre-order offers and for a free download of album track The Truth (scroll down to listen), visit the official website HERE.

In an interview about A+E for Q (click to read full), Graham Coxon spoke about his inspirations and views on this radical new sounding album. Coxon has had a varied solo career after departure from Blur in 2003. Each of his albums feature a different sound style, and Coxon describes his solo albums as something from his "rucksack" of sound.

Graham Coxon, avid artist, also does his own album artwork

In the same interview, he also spoke about Blur and William Orbit, in response to the band winning a Brit Award last month. When asked about which Blur album all four members still think is good, he said:

"I think the freedom that we had during 13 was really good. They were quite fraught sessions, but to machine gun the tape with everything you had was great. They were mega jams that would just go on for two hours.

Then they would have to edit them down into more coherent chunks. I always thought William [Orbit, producer] could have made 13 another four times and make the same songs completely different. It might be an interesting thing to do, there's so much stuff there.

I don't think he slept for a month sifting through it, just surviving on broccoli. I think we'd all agree that was quite an experience.

To come back each day after a whole night of editing, to hear it tidied up, it was the only time I could listen to Blur as a band that I didn't know. It was new to my ears. That was really exciting and I still listen to that album and think, Bloody hell there's some lovely stuff going on.

Like the end of Bugman, at that time my tolerance for noise was really high. Now I think, That's a lot of racket for racket sake! But that's why I love William Orbit his perversion for sound is similar to mind.

We're sound perverts!"

Read the full Q interview HERE and listen to The Truth (available for free download) from Coxon's new album A+E below. It's a brilliant track, and it seems that this could possibly be Coxon's best album yet. The album is set for release on April 2nd 2012. Graham will tour around UK- the first gig will be in Oxford.

Visit Graham's official website HERE for more information and don't forget to check out Graham's solo works for some amazing songs. His solo works are very varied and experimental, as well as creating pop tracks he also tried folk and alternative (The Spinning Top) amongst other styles. This latest album takes inspiration from 80s guitar sounds.

Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,
Blur talking about their future HERE
Check out Blur's rumoured new album HERE.

New tear jerker song HERE and check out their newest track HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

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March 16, 2012

BlurBalls mentioned on BBC Radio 6

On February 24th 2012, BBC Radio 6 hosted a two-hour long Blur radio show, featuring a playlist created by fans, for fans. Previously, we posted exclusively on this little event here asking you fans to submit your favourite Blur related tracks.

The show was excellent and truly enjoyable - rarities like the beautiful b-side "Young and Lovely" and the French version of "To The End" were played, amongst many others. Damon Albarn's Fatboy Slim collaboration track "Put it Back together" was also a pleasant surprise. A Gorillaz track was also played.

Alex James, bassist, also surprised all fans and tuned into the show. He made a special request via twitter for Blur's b-side "Supa Shoppa", a non-vocal track. His tweet was:

Alex James ‏ @TheAlexJames

@BBC6Music @BlurOfficial Been putting the kids to bed. You gonna play Supashoppa or what ? Xxxxx

Other highlights included a The Cardiacs song, a funky remix of Tender, An XTC track was also played; XTC's Andy Partridge was originally set to produce Modern Life is Rubbish in it's initial stages.

BlurBalls sent in a request for the track "You're so Great" from the album Blur. We were ecstatic when they chose to play our track, and even gave a shout out to all our readers (yes, you!) and the Blur fans out there!

Listen below to the extract.

And two little site updates- firstly, the results for Graham Coxon's birthday survey is finally out! Check out what fellow Blur fans and our readers have to say to Graham Coxon below.

Secondly, our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/blurballs) has gone live with the new timeline design. Thanks to Tajda for designing the great banner, featuring Damon, Graham, Dave and Alex on stage at the Brit Awards 2012 winning the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award.

"Like" our Facebook page for constant cool Blur videos, caption contests, funnies and Blur news straight to your newsfeed!

Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,
Blur talking about their future HERE
Check out Blur's rumoured new album HERE.

New tear jerker song HERE and check out their newest track HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

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March 12, 2012

Happy 43rd Birthday to Graham Coxon

Graham Coxon, Blur guitarist and solo artist turns 43 years old today (March 12th 1969)! We've collected a series of Graham funnies and moments that all fans will enjoy.

One of the most revealing Graham Coxon videos out there is him on MTV Cribs. Graham Coxon shows the audience around his house and tells us about his "raunchy" pair of pants, guitars, computers and Blur figurines. Watch it below!

For those who want to enjoy a special Graham Coxon video, with extracts from his best moments, interviews and the great man speaking, watch a special video below! Thanks to Tajda for making the video (and two memes) and helping us out at BlurBalls!

And of course, Graham does have great solo albums. His varied albums show his full range of talents, and he experiments with different styles of music. His latest album A+E takes us back to more 80s retro guitar music, but we currently love this track from Graham's wonderful solo album "Happiness in Magazines". The track "Bittersweet Bundle of Misery" is has remnants of Coffee and TV, and is a mixture of Graham's distinct vocals plus his strumming.

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March 10, 2012

Blur deliberately keeps fans guessing about new album plans

Is Blur's new publicity technique to keep fans in suspense ? It seems that fans can only guess at whether the britpop supergroup, who reunited in 2009, will be releasing a new album in the future.

Contradicting information is presented by all four members of the band. Blur forum member damon4president brought up this piece of news regarding a recent radio interview:

Alex said on BBC Breakfast that the answer depends on who you ask and what day it is, and that was the first time I have heard any of them admit that they are constantly contradicting one another!

damon4president goes on to expand his thoughts, which is another way of interpreting the mixed information given:

The only way I can reconcile these contradictions - Damon and Graham saying there will be a new album and Alex saying there won't - is to assume that they are not working on one right now, but may do in the future.

Granted, Alex's 'end of the world is nigh' comments every time there is a big gig on the horizon do begin to grate, but, to put it bluntly, he can talk rubbish sometimes. I cannot see why a band that is in a good place, has gigs lined up, and has only just recorded a well-received new song, would decide to end things.

A toothy Damon and Noel Gallagher of Oasis get friendly at the 2012 Brit Awards - what will become of Blur after the Brits ?

Alex James also said that the summer gigs may be the "last thing" the band may do, and that Blur may disband after the Hyde Park gigs - saying "It is tinged with a bit of sadness really. This show in the summer could be the last thing we ever do."

All the hints and clues that go in opposite directions. As a fan, it feels very much like a tug of war. Who should we believe ? Cheese Farmer Alex James on Top Gear, who said "No", or Graham Coxon who said "Yes" to a recording and making a new full album?

“It’s pretty nice to be getting the Brit award", Graham said [in a Dailyrecord interview]. “We haven’t planned the rehearsals yet, but there will definitely be another Blur album.

“We’re always going to meet up and want to play things. We do like recording. Eventually, even if things aren’t around the corner, Blur will do more recordings together."

Or should we trust drummer Dave Rowntree, who said it won't happen? Or listen to Damon Albarn, who remains undecided- said it was a definite "No", then changed his mind and said it really, really could happen. And don't forget that Damon also expressed desire in an American tour for Blur earlier this year.

A very young Blur

Just like the sudden announcement of the Hyde Park Olympics gig, which was posted up on their official Facebook page at midnight shortly after their comeback Brit Awards performance, we can't help wonder - is this a publicity stunt ?

If it is, it certainly is working. Working very well indeed.

This band keeps you guessing, but we are, to quote a certain song from Modern Life Is Rubbish, holding on for tomorrow...We are clinging onto what Graham Coxon said to NME Magazine this year- "It was called a reunion in 2009, and that's what it was. So we are reunited. So now that's it".

In a recent NME interview, when asked "Will Blur be making a new album?" the response was again mixed:

- Damon said "Don't count on it" , aka NO

- Graham said "We've got commitment issues. But it'll probably happen."aka YES

- Alex said "There are definitely no plans to make one"aka NO

- Dave: "There's a lot of appetite out there for new Blur music. It's no secret that we're working on something" aka YES

But one thing's for sure, William Orbit is twiddling with his producer knobs and currently in progress with making "Under The Westway" fit for release - soon. Where? No one knows. Ask Damon.

Plus, we are still waiting for this album here. (In 2005, Damon said that Blur could be releasing an EP, click to read the article).

Listen to Alex James on BBC Breakfast HERE

Read all about Blur talking about their future HERE
Check out Blur's rumoured new album HERE.

New tear jerker song HERE and check out their newest track HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

Analyse other rumours and articles reported by us HERE, HERE and HERE.
Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,

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March 7, 2012

Alex James speaks out on Blur - Adele controversy

Blur has finally addressed the Brit Awards controversy- they were blamed for cutting singer Adele's acceptance speech after they both won awards in the 2012 ceremony.

Blur bassist Alex James has announced that the band were not aware that Adele's speech at this year's Brit Awards was interrupted and cut short. Taken from an NME article:

Adele flipped her middle finger after she was interrupted by host James Corden during her acceptance speech for the Mastercard British Album Of The Year gong. The comedian was forced to usher her from the stage so that Blur, who picked up the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award, could begin their live set.

Both ITV and the Brit Awards have since apologised for the controversy, but in an interview with BBC Breakfast, James insisted that he and his bandmates had not been aware of the incident, and also said that the subsequent furore hadn't taken the spotlight away from Adele.

Alex James, speaking on BBC Breakfast about the controversial issue, said:

That's live telly. I don't think it overshadowed anything. We were up there backstage and didn't know what was happening until afterwards. I think Adele is amazing and has a fantastic career in front of her.

Earlier, we wrote all about Blur being bashed at the Brits for their performance and acceptance speech length. The media was heavily focused on the Blur/Adele issue, as well as Damon's unusual live performance.

This is the first time Blur has spoken out about the issue, although Damon Albarn did mention it very briefly on radio. And it seems like they didn't even know that Adele's speech was cut off. It goes to show, sometimes you just can't trust the media too much.

Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,

Read all about Blur kicking Adele OUT of the Brits HERE,

Olympics Gig HERE,

New potential album HERE and new tear jerker song HERE

and check out their newest track HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

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March 5, 2012

Blur has a new hymn-like, tear jerking track up their sleeves for Olympics gig 2012

Alex James appeared on television show Top Gear on March 4th 2012 and spoke about Blur's future plans.

He told host Jeremy Clarkson that Blur has been working on a new song - "We've got a new song to unveil, I just listened to it in the morning".

Alex also added that the unnamed track was "like a hymn, a real tear-jerker".

When asked about their controversial Brit Awards performance of 12 days ago, (click to read a feature article about the happenings of that night) where Blur received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, he said: "It was utterly magnificent to get back together and smash those songs out again."  

Last month, Blur's frontman Damon Albarn and guitarist Graham Coxon played a new Blur song 'Under The Westway' during an acoustic set at the War Child pre-Brit Awards charity gig at O2 Sheperd's Bush Empire in London. Watch an exclusive BlurBalls recording of the great performance in the video below.

In a recent NME Magazine interview, Blur did confirmed they were trying out new songs and new material since their 2009 reunion, but were "cagey about whether they'd record a new album", which would be their first since 2003's Think Tank.

When Graham Coxon was asked about new album plans in time for Blur's massive Olympics 2012 Hyde Park set, he said he'd be "interested in playing new things" during the live gig, exclaiming: "We always used to play underdeveloped things and kick them into shape during the shows, but it isn't the occasion for that. Obviously we're not gonna play the same set we played in 2009, but there things that people always, always wanna hear." 

Previously, super producer William Orbit (who produced Blur's dark, edgy album "13" in 1999) hinted he was working on new material with Blur in a series of tweets and facebook page, sparking rumours that there was a new Blur album.

Producer Stephen Street, who produced five Blur albums including the hugely successful "Parklife" in 1995, has also said he "would like to work with" the band and "recording with them again".   Street is currently remastering all the Blur records, perhaps for a release late this year in a box set/ vinyl collection. Click here to read all about the Blur remasters.

Besides the Hyde Park Olympics concert, Blur are also headlining two other events: Denmark's Skandeborg Festival in August 9th 2012 and Sweden's Way Out West Festival on August 10th.

A young Blur in their Modern Life is Rubbish days

However, the band still contradicted themselves with mixed messages about their future "new" recording.   In recent interviews, there were a lot of "Yes, we are working on new songs" and "No. we are not going to make a new album" and some "We're not sure"'s.

Watch Graham Coxon speak out about the band's preparations for the Hyde Park gigs and click HERE read all about Graham vowing to make this gig bigger and better than their 2009 runs.

With these mixed messages about the potential new Blur album, fans can only speculate. So far, nothing was confirmed by the band. They seem reluctant to talk about any future albums, although are happy to chat about individual tracks. They debuted Under the Westway in the War Child event. However, Alex James did say it's probably a "no" to a new Blur album on last night's Top Gear episode.

Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,

The Olympics Gig HERE

New potential album HERE

Alex Jame's new cheesy book HERE

and check out their newest song HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

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March 3, 2012

Blur vow to polish up for massive London Olympics concert 2012

Here's some more Blur related news for all fans out there. For those of you who want all the details about the band's future gig(s) in preparation for the London Olympics at Hyde Park 2012- Graham Coxon did an interview with NME on 29th February 2012.

Watch the most recent interview backstage at the 2012 NME Awards below:

Regarding Blur's summer plans, Graham says: "We're going to start rehearsing soon and we've been back playing together for a bit. We're going to concentrate on making it a really nice experience in the summer.

"We're going to try and get it up a notch from 2009, which seems almost impossible to me in a way because the Glastonbury appearance was so phenomenally amazing."

"We're going to try and go one better." he added. Graham hopes that this year will be more trump the 2009 Hyde Park reunion show, where Blur played a one-off massive gig under the sweltering summer heat.

Graham Coxon and Alexa Chung presented an award to The Vaccines for Best New Band during the ceremony. Coxon is working on his new 80s sounding album A+E and crafting a varied solo career. He also expressed desire to work with The Vaccines and join them on stage in the future, or perhaps during the summertime.

Slightly shaky footage of Coxon and Chung presenting an award to The Vaccines

Blur will play the outdoor closing ceremony show on August 12 for the games' closing ceremony. They have announced that they will headline two concerts in Denmark and Sweden just before the big Hyde Park gig.

Blur made a dramatic return to the stage in the 2009 NME Awards. Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon appeared on stage together for the first time in 9 years. They performed "This is a Low" from their 1995 hit album Parklife.

A touching performance of This is a Low - the performance was raw and emotional

It's exciting knowing that Blur will start rehearsing soon - hopefully there will be more warm-up gigs announced soon. Stay tuned for more up to date Blur news.

Read all about Blur being BASHED AT THE BRITS HERE,

Olympics Gig HERE,

New potential album HERE

and check out their newest song HERE and read our REVIEW HERE.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

March 18, 2012

Graham Coxon opens his music rucksack and lets loose radical new album A+E

March 16, 2012

BlurBalls mentioned on BBC Radio 6

March 12, 2012

Happy 43rd Birthday to Graham Coxon

March 10, 2012

Blur deliberately keeps fans guessing about new album plans

March 7, 2012

Alex James speaks out on Blur - Adele controversy

March 5, 2012

Blur has a new hymn-like, tear jerking track up their sleeves for Olympics gig 2012

March 3, 2012

Blur vow to polish up for massive London Olympics concert 2012

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