Hand in Hand

December 11, 2008 7:25 AM

Blur have re-formed and announced their intention to play Hyde Park. Who's next?
posted by chuckdarwin (66 comments total)

Woo-hoo!
posted by cashman at 7:26 AM on December 11, 2008 [4 favorites has favorites]

$
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 7:27 AM on December 11, 2008

£
posted by chuckdarwin at 7:30 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Yeah, but how soon is now?
posted by punkfloyd at 7:30 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

This makes me happy.

Also, Oasis sucks! Amirite? Guys? Come on people, let's respark the rivalry, it's time!
posted by joelhunt at 7:30 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

I've been waiting for Graham to return to the fold for quite a while now, since he seems to be the only one who can pull Damon back to the pop songs they do best. But I can't imagine any of them being really into this other than to cash a check or two. I would assume that the reunited Blur will be the less focused band of latter years rather than the tight, solid band of their glory days. If they toured and came to town I'd feel obligated to see them JUST in case, but I have hunch this is one reunion that won't be very special.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 7:33 AM on December 11, 2008

Wonderful news! Though my optimism is a bit cautious. While I count myself among Blur's biggest fans (a bit obsessed really)... I hope the reunion doesn't make me wish that sleeping dogs had just been left.
posted by gnash at 7:33 AM on December 11, 2008

Hey guys, I'm a bit board now with the cheese and conducting, can't we just get back together?
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 7:35 AM on December 11, 2008

You know, Slack-a-gogo... I disagree. I think Albarn is the kind of person (based on his amazing track record) that does whatever the fuck he wants. His cheque from the Monkey opera has to have been immense. I admire him for following his muse wherever it leads, and I don't see this as a money grab. I see this as "Graham has sobered up; it's time to fucking rock!" I think it'll be epic. Albarn seems incapable of just phoning in the same old shite for cash.
posted by chuckdarwin at 7:38 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

But I like Gorillaz!!!
posted by spicynuts at 7:41 AM on December 11, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

In other news, there already seems to be a micro-MeFi-meetup being planned for the gig. Admittedly, it's just two of us so far, but there's plenty of time...
posted by flashboy at 7:47 AM on December 11, 2008

I remain detached, aloof and cynical. This has not stopped me buying two tickets.
posted by Jofus at 7:48 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Also: flashboy/jofus meetup FTMFW!!11
posted by Jofus at 7:48 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Just in case you forgot what the fuss is about.
posted by chuckdarwin at 7:50 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Count me in, lads.
posted by chuckdarwin at 7:51 AM on December 11, 2008

When I was in high school, the marching band took a trip to London to play in the 95-96 New Years parade. We were mostly a bunch of backwater farmboys and girls from rural Virginia. I remember our hosts making a big deal about this band that sounded to us like the most bland, formulaic, generic pop music we'd ever heard. We didn't get the fascination, and being unfamiliar with the intricacies of the British accent, found it hilarious that these folks kept going on and on about "Blah."
posted by BeerFilter at 7:52 AM on December 11, 2008

Are they gonna play that one song they do?
posted by chillmost at 8:01 AM on December 11, 2008

I don't think I would want to see the Smiths now. That picture of Morrissey is terrifying.

I can only assume that his magical aging portrait in the attic is malfunctioning.

* cues up Blood Bitch, forgets *
posted by everichon at 8:02 AM on December 11, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

Ireland had better be included in the extra dates they "might play". My girlfriend constantly lords it over me that she saw blur when she was eleven and it was the first time they played Song 2 and Chinese Bombs live.
posted by minifigs at 8:07 AM on December 11, 2008

Blur are great live. Some of the best shows I've seen. I've enjoyed Coxon's solo work and Damon's projects, particularly The Good, the Bad, and the Queen, have been brilliant. It'll be interesting to see how they gel musically given the work they've done since the break.

I don't quite get the cash grab thing. It's not like they haven't been making money, particularly Albarn over the past few years, nor have they been inactive. But yes, they'll make money. I make money and I try to make more. The Police made money on their recent tour. They did. Making money doesn't mean the music will be shit. It'll be shit if you don't care for it.
posted by juiceCake at 8:10 AM on December 11, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

chuckdarwin - I didn't really mean that as the usual "they're in it for the money" slam, because I'll agree with you that Damon is driven by his creative whims more than anything. I think Damon has a good track record post-Think Tank, but for every gem there's a lot of dicking around and what sound to me like unfinished ideas. Although I say that, whe hits he hits big, so I've stuck with him and all of his projects and can always find at least a few songs that make owning the CD worth it.

But I've seen Blur do shows that they weren't that into, and it shows. When they're not interested in something, they don't hide that fact. I recall Graham once saying that sometimes the band walks on stage hoping something inspires them but some times it just doesn't happen. I think they're optimists when it comes to the band, and at this stage I'm sure they're hoping that everything gels. I saw Blur at least once on every US tour since the first album, so I'm definitely in the fan camp. I hope I'm wrong and they deliver a hell of a show and are sparked to record together again.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 8:12 AM on December 11, 2008

Who's next?

We are.
posted by The Straightener at 8:18 AM on December 11, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

I love Blur, but I'm with spicynuts - I'd rather see The Gorillaz. Demon Days live was one of the most fantastic things I've ever seen.... but I've only seen it live on DVD. Weak.
posted by Bageena at 8:32 AM on December 11, 2008

Cheers for the head up Jofus.

Just wandered over to Live Nation to find out what was going on and discovered, joy of joys, I must have registered for that site in the dim and distant pass and could indeed purchase per-sale tickets!

Thanks very much...
posted by fatfrank at 8:36 AM on December 11, 2008

I saw Morrisey live about a year ago and he was incredible. Really, his showmanship hasn't aged a day. Although the pot-smoking fratboys getting booted out left and right confounded me.
posted by griphus at 8:38 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

At least for Damon, the profit motive doesn't seem like it would be the motivating factor. I think he probably made more money with Gorillaz than with Blur.
posted by snofoam at 8:41 AM on December 11, 2008

This makes me wonder about two things

1. Was the music of the past actually better that whats available now?

2. Are we ever going to grow up?
posted by therubettes at 9:08 AM on December 11, 2008

Just for the record I am not nor was I ever in the Jesus Lizard. That's not apparent from the cutesy way I linked to the band's video. If I was in the Jesus Lizard I would have referenced that fact in basically ever post I ever made here. In fact, if I was in the Jesus Lizard, my screen name would be something like YEAH THAT'S RIGHT I WAS IN THE JESUS LIZARD. Sorry for the confusion.
posted by The Straightener at 9:17 AM on December 11, 2008

1. Was the music of the past actually better that whats available now?

No.

2. Are we ever going to grow up?

No.

Very nice Blur news. Unbelievably amazing and wonderful Smiths news.
posted by Superfrankenstein at 9:24 AM on December 11, 2008

For what its worth I really dont see the Smiths reforming, particularly not with Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke.

Also so many of the The Smiths songs have lyrics that could not be delivered in a meaningful way by a multi-millionaire tax exile. Were The Smiths around today Morrissey would be calling this reunion a gathering of senile swine. Then again it could be 'different because its us'.

I would favour a karaoke Smiths reunion, 'cos on paper Morrissey's lyrics seem inspired by combined doses of acne, adult bedwetting and depression.
posted by therubettes at 9:26 AM on December 11, 2008

Screw Blur, it's the Smiths thing that's really exciting. Except for the horrible thought that David Cameron would no doubt be excited by it too.
posted by Mocata at 9:26 AM on December 11, 2008

Britpop bland Blur this week announced their own reunion with a huge concert in London's Hyde Park, following successful comebacks from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Take That and the Spice Girls.

That is a very confusing "the likes of".
posted by anazgnos at 9:49 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

I saw Morrissey live in 2007 also and I must saw he was in top form.
posted by punkfloyd at 9:53 AM on December 11, 2008

As a chicagoan, I am disappointed to learn that it's THAT hyde park.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 10:16 AM on December 11, 2008

After looking at four different Blur YouTube videos, I clicked on "Song 2" and finally figured out who they are.

(I always thought that the song apparently known as "Song 2" was a Nirvana song. Even though it's obvious to me, now that I have context, that he sounds not much at all like Cobain.

(I have the same problem with a lot of Stone Temple Pilots songs. I was definitely not hip to current music in the early 90s.)
posted by Caduceus at 10:29 AM on December 11, 2008

Next Lush gets back together, and then comes Elastica and Echobelly on reunion tours. and next thing you know, where in the middle of a revival of the English...something...whatever they called that Britpop alternative music thing of the 90s.
posted by happyroach at 10:35 AM on December 11, 2008

Morrissey is supermegaincredible live. Always has been. Every show I have ever seen has been right up there with my best-ofs -- the man knows how to put on a show. I can only pray that if this happens I will be conveniently over in the UK for work at the time.

(runs off, puts on the Hatful of Hollow shirt she got for her 14th birthday)
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:44 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Happyroach, Miki Berenyi's working for the BBC now. Great quote from her:

I guess it’s flattering that anybody gives a shit. Not sure how enthusiastic the support would be if they realised that bringing back Miki Berenyi would deliver a 40-year-old office employee with graying hair whose still struggling to shift the weight from her last pregnancy.

I'd still go to see a Lush show anyday, though.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:48 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

We are.

Get in line.
posted by Adam_S at 10:51 AM on December 11, 2008

SWEET

I <3 Blur
posted by Lacking Subtlety at 10:58 AM on December 11, 2008

I used to like Blur, but in the intervening years I got married, took a "real" job, traveled around, and generally broadened my inner frames of reference. Now Albarn's vocal inflection just kind of grates and feels cheap. Alas.
posted by Burhanistan at 10:59 AM on December 11, 2008

Props for adding a link for every letter in Blur.
posted by rageagainsttherobots at 11:23 AM on December 11, 2008

Are they gonna play that one song they do?

You mean the one on that album they put out? I sure hope so!
posted by Devils Rancher at 11:25 AM on December 11, 2008

Next thing you know, My Bloody Valentine will release an album. Wouldn't that be something?

Oh wait. Make that Guns 'N' Roses.

Wait.... what?
posted by not_on_display at 11:35 AM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

I clicked through to the comments here specifically because I expected an avalanche of Blur-hate, and for some reason was morbidly curious about the form it would take.

Anyway, I kind of like Blur too, and I would probably see them live.
posted by brennen at 11:52 AM on December 11, 2008

((((((((((((((((Yawn)))))))))))))))
posted by VicNebulous at 12:01 PM on December 11, 2008

Sweet.
posted by Helga-woo at 12:47 PM on December 11, 2008

Can a "Jam" reunion be far off? All signs point to "No."

Was the music of the past actually better that whats available now?

Yes, it was.
posted by kirkaracha at 12:50 PM on December 11, 2008

Yeah, but how soon is now?

OMG
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:07 PM on December 11, 2008

Yes, Morrissey *is* in top form these days. I'm not entirely sure what to think of it, but if true it's amazing news indeed.

Can we agree that this is now officially the Smiths reunion thread?
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 1:10 PM on December 11, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Is this something one would need to have paid attention to music in the last 20 years to care about?
posted by octothorpe at 1:50 PM on December 11, 2008

I just hope that it will please the press in Belgium.
posted by everichon at 1:56 PM on December 11, 2008

I like Blur, but wake me up when Pulp re-form.
posted by rodgerd at 2:04 PM on December 11, 2008

Blur? No big deal...

Murder City Devils have gotten back together and are now touring the West Coast.
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 2:19 PM on December 11, 2008

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, PULP. See what you just did to me, rodgerd? And I'm a GIRL!

*mumble mumble Jarvis Cocker yum mumble*
posted by bitter-girl.com at 3:28 PM on December 11, 2008

I would assume that the reunited Blur will be the less focused band of latter years...

Eponysterical!


(BTW, I saw The Smiths at Greatwoods in Massachusetts in 1986 ... suck it, bitches!)
posted by ZenMasterThis at 5:30 PM on December 11, 2008

Can a "Jam" reunion be far off? All signs point to "No."

Yeah, that's a big NEVER on that one. (At least it had better be; I believe I've made a few drunken bets over the years on that score: "I'll bet you ever'thing I own that Weller never getsh the Zham back together.")

Also, am I the only one who's kinda giddy over the Ultravox reunion and is crossing fingers for a U.S. tour? (*Prepares for chorus of "Midge Ure Never / John Foxx Forever" from the purists in the crowd*)
posted by scody at 5:33 PM on December 11, 2008

Midge Ure sets me on edge, but Mr. X is one of my all-time fave techno songs. This is the point where one begins to wonder after a while if some bands break up simply so that later, they can re-unite to much fanfare. It's almost a business plan for the Who.

But despite my utter cynicism, I have this stupid fervent fantasy that XTC would someday at least record together again, if not tour. I mean, they're all still alive and stuff, though Colin Moulding has simply gone missing, and I don't think Terry Chambers has drummed seriously in years. *sigh*
posted by Devils Rancher at 6:31 PM on December 11, 2008

I got my tickets yesterday. Now I just need to arrange a flight half way around the world.

I'm a huge fan of Graham Coxon. I'm curious to see how much influence he has on their new sound.
posted by Monk at 7:57 PM on December 11, 2008

scody - I was a s sure that the Smiths would never reunite as I was the Jam. And now the fact that the Smiths could happen, suddenly the idea of the Jam reuniting doesn't seem so crazy. And I'm also holding out hope for Ultravox taking the get-together on the road.

Devils Rancher - After 20+ years of wishing XTC would tour, I finally hit a point where I accepted that I would never see my favorite band live. Now I think I'd be disappointed if they DID play live and tour. There's no way it could live up to all of those years of wishing. Plus they were never the best businessmen, so I bet they'd somehow mess up the cash-grab of any kind of reunion event - even a new record. I'll just have to settle for having seen Andy Partridge tell stories for an hour at a signing and then get my English Settlement vinyl autographed.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 8:59 PM on December 11, 2008

I never really considered Blur to be really broken up. It all had to do with Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn not getting along and since they've been friends since they were 9 or something it never seemed likely that they wouldn't patch things up. When you've been friends with someone for more than half your life they're like family, there's no way to break that bond.

Still, I'm excited. Can't make it, but I'm excited, especially if they go back in the studio together. That said, I love Gorillaz too and hope one day to see a production of Monkey: Journey to the West.

Caduceus: I always thought that the song apparently known as "Song 2" was a Nirvana song. Even though it's obvious to me, now that I have context, that he sounds not much at all like Cobain.

That's actually very perceptive. Song 2 was written as a jokey parody of grunge rock.
posted by Kattullus at 10:36 PM on December 11, 2008

Okay, I got a little teary eyed watching the interview snippets video.

</blurfanboy>

Who am I kidding? I am never really going to close the blurfanboy tag. Hell, if you held a gun against my head and demanded to know my favorite song of all time I'd answer End of a Century without a second's thought.
posted by Kattullus at 10:49 PM on December 11, 2008

And now the fact that the Smiths could happen, suddenly the idea of the Jam reuniting doesn't seem so crazy.

Hmm, it does raise the interesting question as to who is the more stubborn, cranky bastard: Weller or Moz?
posted by scody at 11:04 PM on December 11, 2008

Goddamn not getting paid for another week. They meant so much to me as a teenager; when ~I was 17, my then-boyfriend bought tickets to their Singles tour for my Christmas present. When we split up, he sold them to someone else, and I never got to see them live. I've seen Graham, but...if you'd listened to Parklife more than 500 times between 13 and 16, it wouldn't be the same for you either.
posted by mippy at 4:36 AM on December 12, 2008

By the way, since the Friday show sold out so quickly, they've added an additional performance in Hyde Park the night before.
posted by Monk at 6:13 AM on December 12, 2008

Next Lush gets back together, and then comes Elastica and Echobelly on reunion tours. and next thing you know, where in the middle of a revival of the English...something...whatever they called that Britpop alternative music thing of the 90s.

Only if that led to a reunion and a tour of The Field Mice!
posted by nikitabot at 11:48 AM on December 12, 2008