May this year be a Blurry year!
March 10, 2017
March 9, 2017
Gorillaz Announce First Live Show of 2017 - June 10th
Gorillaz has finally announced that they're playing a live show - and the date is set for June 10th 2017.
Following the release of new single “Hallelujah Money” in January, Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz have announced their first live show in 7 years. It's called the Demon Dayz festival, which is set to take place at the Dreamland amusement park in Kent, England on June 10th 2017.
No other acts other than the animated hip-hop/electro-pop group have been announced yet.
To buy tickets, visit the official website of the Demon Dayz Festival HERE.
March 2, 2017
New Gorillaz Album is Finished - Release Date and more!
Damon Albarn recently announced that the new Gorillaz album is finished and that rehearsals are currently underway. The mega-successful cartoon band are currently gearing up to release their first full-length record since 2011’s ‘The Fall’, and last month released the first single – ‘Hallelujah Money’, featuring former Mercury Prize-winner Benjamin Clementine – from the as-yet-untitled album.
No official word has been spread about the possible release date. Jack Winstanley (@_JackWinstanley) posted a series of tweets after meeting the Blur frontman outside the gig venue where he works earlier this week, writing that Albarn had told him that the album is ‘finished’ and that tour preparations are underway.
With this in mind, perhaps a spectulative release date would be sometime within the next 2-3 months- perhaps in May or June. We should be expecting a single to be released earlier so this is great news for fans.
Stay tuned for more news.
February 27, 2017
Gorillaz Album Release Date- New Album To Be Released In July 2017
With Gorillaz releasing their newest single just before President Donald Trump's controversial inauguration, everyone is left wondering- when exactly will Gorillaz release their new album? Empty promises aside (Damon Albarn said it will be released in late 2016 in an interview), the big question is when exactly will the new bomb drop. It's going to happen, but it's just a matter of when.
Their last album, ‘The Fall’ was released in 2010 – a mere nine months after their third album, the techno and funkly ‘Plastic Beach’. The new album's status is currently a secret- and the band members are not revealing anything conclusive. With that in mind here are some things you should know about their big comeback of 2017.
In an interview in 2015, Damon Albarn said that he would start on the new album in 2015. He said “I’d love to just get back into that routine of being at home and coming to the studio five days a week.”
The Gorillaz has always been a spontaneous and unpredictable band. That is part of the fun. ‘Plastic Beach’ was recorded over a 17-months and their debut album took about a year, but their last album, ‘The Fall‘, was recorded during touring on an iPad. The band’s animator Jamie Hewlett claimed that “2016 is going to be Gorillaz all year.” He also said that Albarn is a workaholic and said, “I don’t think it will be long!”
Recently, in an Instagram post by a fan who met Jamie, it was claimed that the new album is now slated for a 2017 release date, with Hewlett saying the album is “really fuckin special” but “can’t be rushed”.
Albarn gave a further update when speaking to BBC 6 Music in July and all confirmed a release date of 2017. “Later in the year we’ll be starting to get the whole Gorillaz thing together,” he said. Albarn also continued to say, “I’m loving it and it’s getting there. It should be ready fairly soon.”
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| Damon Albarn- always up to "monkey business" |
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| Smith leaked some news of the possible release date (follow him here) |
Give or take, it seems that the new Gorillaz - which will no doubt be the hottest record of the year- should be released in around 4-5 months. That means that fans should expect an album to be available in full at around August 7th 2017. With that in mind, the wait will be perhaps a bit more easier to bear!
February 20, 2017
Britpop Fashion Spotlight- Damon Albarn's Shirts
Since it's London Fashion week, we're continuing our Britpop Fashion Week by teaching YOU all about what Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon wears. A lot of fans have asked us where to get Damon Albarn's coats or shirts, as they admire the way he dresses. We've all been there, wanting to get Damon's new look, or Graham's cool shoes, and this time, the focus is on the button up shirts.
Damon Albarn's style has evolved from a typical Brit/ Mod style in the early 1990s to a more mature style in recent years. He often is spotted with button-up shirts and shirts with collars, which give him a more mature look. An example is the time when Blur is touring for their album "13", for which Damon Albarn wrote when Blur was at one of its lowest points of its musical history.
Even during as recent as 2016/ 2017, Damon Albarn is often spotted in a button-up shirt. They're usually blue or light in color, which is contrasted with a Harrington jacket, or something darker in colour. Damon Albarn's style has definitely evolved, but a button-up shirt is a wardrobe must for any fan who wants to imitate his style.
We want to feature Charles Wilson, a British label who stocks all sorts of wonderful Britpop shirts and apparel for men. What's great about them is that their clothing is exactly the sort of things that a Blur fan will have in their wardrobes. Their shirts are high quality, soft and fits well. They also offer free delivery to UK on all orders over £30. Extremely affordable and fashionable, they're definitely on our radar. They're definitely a hassel-free shop, and we really like the shirt we bought on their store.
Check out their store and hope these tips help.
February 11, 2017
Britpop Shoe Trends- footwear by Samuel Windsor
"I've always looked at shoes as being immensely beautiful things."
-Graham Coxon
Did you know that Graham Coxon is famous for being obsessed with shoes? The Blur guitarist is rumoured to have hundreds of British shoes in his London home, all stacked up in a closet.
Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn actually bonded over a pair of shoes. In an interview, Graham Coxon said: "I became a mod when I was 12, and so began my obsession with brogues. I was influenced by the Jam and the 2 Tone movement, and I'd wear the slimmest-cut school trousers I could find, and alter my blazer to three buttons instead of two.
"On 'civvies day', when you could wear what you wanted, there would be fights on the field between the mods, skinheads and casuals. As soon as it was break time, us mods had to run somewhere safe - there were only six of us. I met Damon at school: one of the first things he said to me was that his brogues were nicer than mine. He had leather soles and mine were rubber."
All the styles we feature below are available from the fabulously British menswear shop Samuel Windsor that you will need to dress like a Brit-popper. Samuel Windsor sells quintessential British footwear, as well as men's shirts, polo shirts and suits. They offer a wide range of tailored, affordable shoes that ever music fan needs to achieve his or her favourite musician's look. Best of all, they offer shoes at 30% the prices on the high street - that's really affordable!
Regardless, here are 3 top shoe styles that YOU need to look like a Britpop celebrity.
1. Leather Loafers
First on the list are leather loafers- you cannot go wrong with loafers because they go well with shorts or longer pants. This elegant, versatile shoe trend is a favourite for celebrities and musicians. For singers in the Britpop era, they are no exception. For a timeless Britpop look, the penny loafer will be a great choice. These versatile men's shoes look great with a formal suit or casual weekend wear.
To get a Britpop look, we bought a pair of loafers from Samuel Windsor. Their loafers are the quintessential slip on shoe, made from 100% real leather with strong construction. We are very impressed with the make and finish of the shoe- our order was shipped out fast and the quality of the Classic Penny Loafers we got is fantastic! With these shoes, anyone can look like Damon Albarn or Graham Coxon- at a very reasonable price!
Another must-have for a Britpop look, Brogues are some of the most versatile shoes that any man can own. They are stylish, elegant and accords with a true Mod's style. Graham Coxon can be seen wearing leather brogues for some of Blur's most famous photo shoots and magazine shots, as well as in the 1990s interviews. Graham Coxon began wearing more brogues during the 2000s, evidently when he started his solo career. Brogues are also favourites of most of Britpop's legends- Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Brett Anderson and Jarvis Cocker.
The Samuel Windsor range of leather brogues are available in a huge range of colours and materials. Their brogue designs are available as either black or brown brogues. These traditional, cool-looking leather shoes look good for work and formal occasions.
3. Chelsea Boots
Alex James may be the laid-back bassist that everyone thinks he is, but did you know that one of his most-seen styles are his brown Chelsea boots? Chelsea boots were made famous by The Beatles in the 1960s, but is one of Britpop's biggest styles. Chelsea boots vary in style, but the best ones such as those from Samuel Windsor are handmade from suede and leather. Alex James paired it with a pair of casual jeans for a quintessential casual, laid-back British style.
From Blur To Dr Dee: My Fascination With Damon Albarn
Hi, my name’s
Charlie – I am a 21-year-old Damon Albarn fanatic born in North Yorkshire,
England. I discovered Damon Albarn only five years ago (in 2012), and I know
this is relatively short in comparison to many of the BlurBalls readers. A lot
of you probably fell in love with Albarn when he was young, when Blur were in
their hey-day, but I wasn’t even born until 1995!
I think my
discovery of Albarn is unique because it happened after a Blur performance that
most of the country thought was terrible. Even BlurBalls (!) published a piece
reflecting on its poor quality. But, for me, it was brilliant and
unforgettable. I talk about this, and other stuff (including the big
anniversary of ‘Blur’), in my article that Huffington Post were kind enough to
publish for me.
Here’s a little excerpt:
“It was the 2012
BRIT Awards that sparked my Blur obsession into life. I was watching it with a
sort of ‘love to hate’ attitude. I remember some pretty dreary performances
from Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. At the end, Blur took to the stage, launching
into an unforgettable performance of 'Girls and Boys'. Sporting red Doc Marten
boots, Albarn was clearly a bit tipsy. He regularly entangled himself in the
microphone wire, and those high-pitched ‘oh oh oh’s were strained and out of
tune. Albarn encouraged the crowd to sing along but he reacted with
disappointment when the suited, seated celebrities and swathes of teenage
spectators barely responded. My sisters were horrified, but the energy of
Blur’s performance and the charisma of Damon Albarn had me hooked. I bought The Best of Blur that night.
The next day at
school, I learned that one of my best friends (with whom I shared a great love
of Bowie) had hated the performance. He told me I’d become a fan of four
middle-aged dads, which was true. I bought the Blur 21 boxset in July. I remember stacking crisps with such
enthusiasm on my Saturday shift at a supermarket, knowing the box was waiting
for me at home.”
Read the full
article HERE.
February 9, 2017
How To Dress Like Damon Albarn- featuring Lammyman
Damon Albarn is the quintessential Britpop style icon of the 1990s and early 2000s. Today we're going to break down what wardrobe essentials YOU need to dress like the Blur frontman, deemed one of the most fashionable men of Britpop in England. Most of the items can be bought on one of our favourite shops, Lammyman, a great, affordable store selling high-quality Mod, Skinhead and Retro clothing for men who want to get the look. They've been in the business for a while, and offer a huge selection of clothing for a 90s look.
A bit about Damon Albarn' look- Damon Albarn dresses in what you would call a typical 'Mod' look. The classic Mod look is a strong vibrant statement where emphasis is placed on attention to detail. Since its emergence in the 1960's the look has evolved and become a staple of many a persons wardrobe. From Loafers, Sta Press trousers, Button-Down shirts to the classic Harrington Jacket , they all come with the word 'Mod' attached.
Lammyman stocks a huge range of clothing that look like they're straight out of Albarn's wardrobe. They also stocks a variety of handmade clothing from Connection Knitwear in Italy and are one of the few UK and Ireland stockists. Trojan Records Clothing polo shirts are a must for anyone wanting to stand out from the crowd.
Without further ado, here are 5 essentials you must get to achieve Damon Albarn's Mod look.
Get his look: Beige Harrington by Lammyman- £44
A Harrington jacket is a classic Britpop/ Mod statement piece. Several decades on and the Harrington has been revived and updated for the modern male. It's versatile, vintage and looks perfectly on par with the 90s. Damon Albarn is sporting a Beige Harrington jacket, with a neutral color which matches with anything- the tartan lining gives it a classic preppy look, and it goes well with pretty much anything- a shirt, a polo shirt, a simple tee.
You can often spot Damon Albarn sporting a Harrington jacket in many of Blur's photoshoots. Beige seems to be his color, but there are lots of other choices available, such as Navy, Burgundy, Green and Black. Fit is very important for Harrington jackets. A classic Harrington’s body will always be cut short in relation to the chest size and arms.
We ordered Lammyman's Combat Harrington jacket (above) and it arrived quickly in perfect condition. The sizing fits true to size, and the quality of the jacket is excellent. It is well-made, sewn properly and made in the UK. The inner tartan lining of their jacket gives the Harrington a fantastic and classic look. The sleeves are just the right amount of puffiness, and the jacket hits at just around the hip area, making it the perfect, put-together Britpop look.
Playing football, drinking a beer at the pub- these were all in during the 90s, as lad culture was booming everywhere in England. In fact, sports jackets are associated as much with the musical scene than ever, since many celebrities and musicians engaged in friendly combat during their leisure time. We're thinking Britpop grunge, Nike, Adidas and the likes- striped shirts, jackets and waterproof lining. A sports jacket is definitely something individualized and eclectic, which may be another reason it appeals now, when a pick-and-mix approach to culture and fashion rules.
3) Polo Shirt
Get his look: Black Britpop Polo Shirt by Lammyman- £40
Again, this is a must-have if you're going to get his look. Damon Albarn is renowned for his Fred Perrys, especially during the wake of his recent gigs. The polo is smart- just like the Modsters who wanted to be differentiated from the Rockers. They're best worn with slim trousers, big boots and of course, a big floppy head of hair (just like Albarn's).
But did you know that during the 90s and the Mod revival era, not everyone was able to afford Fred Perrys? There are much more affordable options from brands such as Trojan Records and Merc, available here. These classic polo shirts are slim-fitting and have a collar with striped details. The Trojan polos were very popular in the 90s due to their association with the record label Trojan Records, which have signed a great number of Britpop bands.
We ordered a Black polo from Lammyman, and were not disappointed. In fact, it's made of high-quality cotton and feels great on the skin. Perfect for a Damon Albarn look, and something that he would totally wear on stage or out and about in London.
4) Button Up Shirt (preferably patterned)
Get his look: Mod Shirts by Lammyman
To catch up on the modern Mod trend, a lot of the button-down shirts are now a 3 finger collar from the likes of Brutus and Britac and 1960's sportswear knits from Art Gallery. These go great with Stay pressed trousers which are slim-fitting, and goes well with penny loafers. Damon Albarn often exudes a slightly 'preppy look'. No one does a penny loafer better than Bass Weejun. Bowling Shoes are very much to the fore again for the summer and Delicious Junction offer a great range.
5) Striped Knit Sweater
Get his look: 90s Knitwear by Lammyman
Damon Albarn's known for his signature sweater - the striped, horizontal sweaters he wears for music videos such as Beetlebum and the like. Stripes were the symbol of the 90s and the Mod era- maybe it was something to do with the need for straight lines amidst the chaos of Britpop and the music scene. It was a crazy, chaotic time, and stripes were something of a calm order.
There's something youthful and simple about crew neck jumpers, and the way they exude confidence. Nonetheless, we're loving Damon Albarn's simple, yet eye-catching choice of knitwear in his days of being the King of Britpop.
With these 5 essentials, you'll have no problem getting Damon Albarn's look from the 90s.
Check out Lammyman's store at: lammyman.co.uk
Like them on Facebook HERE
Instagram: @lammyman
February 8, 2017
Celebrating 20 years since Blur's Beetlebum - Archive Interview Brings Back Memories
It's been 20 years since the release of the Blur's epic Beetlebum single. Check out this old interview of Blur from 1991- where they're all looking young and lovely.
When asked if it feels uncomfortable being labelled the hottest band in the world right now, a baby-faced Albarn replies: "It's quite an easy seat to sit in". "We're not lying back thinking we're amazing or anything, but at least we're kind of enthusiastic about it," he adds, while lying back unenthusiastically.
How much time flies! Stay tuned for more news regarding a possible new Gorillaz (and Blur) album!
Watch Beetlebum's music video here: