Damon Albarn has said that he plans to reform Blur in a minor way next year. Well, we didn’t get em when they reformed this year so the chances of an NYC set is somewhat slim. Mores the pity and here is a quick guide as to why.
Leisure (1991) – Sure, it is a dream, teeny, minor key thing. But it ends up getting to you. Grade: B+
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993) “Tomorrow’s World”? “Miss America”? “Popscene”? The birth of Brit pop. Grade: A+
Parklife (1994) – Loosely based on a Martin Amis novel (not that great a Martin Amis novel either -the name? total secrecy innit), it defines a Cruel Brittania moment and with “End Of The Century” pointed is directly to oblivion. Great: A+
The Great Escape (1995) – With everything in the world to gain, the pressure gets to Albarn and he turns in his worst album. Except for “Country Life” of course. Grade: C+
Blur (1997) – Damon discovers grunge and “Song 2” is a hit in the States and at Ball clubs all over the country. Grade: B+
Thirteen ( 1999) – Art rock and it is bizarre how good it is. Grade: A-
Think Tank (2003) – If you can call this thinking. Grade: C