Holy Sh*t! Blur Are Back! Yes!!

[@sally6074]

I went to school with Damon & Graham. I got made a prefect & Damon & his 2 mates used to hang around Gainsborough art block & flirt then break in & run around the coat racks until we caught them & threw them out. He was very cheeky & charming. Back then Graham was learning drums. My friend Clare used to live 2 doors away & I would hear him practicing & sometimes we walked to school with his sister. It's such a strange feeling seeing people you knew in such an ordinary way become so famous & successful. I love their music & wish I'd been lucky enough to get tickets at Colchester Arts Centre. I really love Graham's guitar playing-that riff in Song 2 gets me going every time.

[@daisychain9713]

Thanks for sharing those special memories. It is a real shame that you couldn't get tickets x

[@turricanedtc3764]

IIRC from reading Stuart Maconie's book, that was Stanway Comprehensive in Colchester, no? Strangely enough a work colleague of a friend of mine who I met many years ago also went there, and I think Mr. Hildreth was still the music teacher when he was...

[@sally6074]

@@daisychain9713 Thanks that's nice of you. Yes I would love to have taken my daughter. She really loves them & actually has a bit of a crush on Damian! I love reminding her that I used to lay hands on him every lunchtime. Another weird connection is that my landlord is the Director at the Arts Centre who actually booked them.

[@sally6074]

@@turricanedtc3764 Yes Stanway Comprehensive. Ha! I wonder if I know them? That would be funny. Nigel Hildreth is on the Board of Trustees at Colchester Arts Centre. He's still in touch with them apparently & that's how the gig got booked. Nigel was great. He transformed the music department at Stanway. I'll never forget sitting in music lessons sharing a cardboard keyboard before because there weren't enough real ones. I took up trombone but I was rubbish at reading music & my parents didn't encourage me shall we say. Then Nigel brought in his drum kit & changed the plan completely. He put on a rock opera he wrote. By then I'd missed out on music as I didn't choose it for O Level & only worked on the back stage part of it. Years later though I taught myself to play guitar-I started late but & I've been a musician for 30 years now. I taught myself trombone eventually too! I often wonder if my life would have been different if I hadn't just missed out on Nigel's lessons.

[@turricanedtc3764]

@@sally6074 - His name is Mark Judge IIRC. I think he was quite a few years younger though.

[@christinacrites3828]

So glad to see you cover this. Blur have been my favorite band since I was 10. I’m 40 now. Growing up in rural Kentucky, Blur helped inspire me to see the world and that it was possible for me to live outside of expectations. Super excited they’re back ❤. As always, your commentary and enthusiasm for music always brightens my day!

[@nedim_guitar]

Great story! Having a connection like that to band or an artist is very special!

[@emdiar6588]

The idea that a young girl in Kentucky, of all places, was blissing out to Brit Pop at the same time as me, warms the heart of this British lad.

[@FeelMyFerret]

Our Kentucky friend here has restored some of my faith in humanity. Nice one 😁!

[@moononastick8628]

A lump in my throat hearing Blur back. It’s just what we all need ❤

[@zordorfe]

Im 15 and only became a Blur fan like last year, so 2023 is a great year to be a new blur fan lol. Its so good because usually i like a bunch of old bands that don’t perform/make new stuff anymore and i feel like I’ve missed out on lot because of my age, so its nice to see and older band make new stuff. Im going to their concert in Wembley which is awesome :)

[@FeelMyFerret]

I was obsessed with The Great Escape as a 15 year old, back in the 90's. It still holds up today.

[@johnharvey4448]

And it's probably their second worst album after Leisure.

[@nicolas.grisanti]

LOVE this band! Graham is one of my favorite guitar players, and Damon has such a unique voice, such an amazing composer.

[@brianjohnson5789]

I remember seeing Blur in tiny pubs, when their bass player was so drunk he could not stand up, and he did the gig playing lying down, and when they played Glastonbury and nobody knew who they were, does this make me old?

[@paddycampbell8256]

Experienced, surely? (I have similar memories).

[@SingaporeSkaterSam]

Haha I saw a drunk Damon fall off the stage at the Junction, Cambridge.

[@travoltasbiplane1551]

yes. but you and me both mate.

[@jonny5times286]

Listening this song on Spotify the other day (which is superb btw) and the next random song after was Roll With It. Even that music app is subconsciously trying to reinvigorate that old rivalry.

[@350125GOW]

New song is ok.Roll with it will always be shit.

[@virginiaoconnor9783]

Flipping hell Justin, you seem to have a new guitar. I have just bought the same. A Gibson Jumbo. It cost me a fortune, but I love it above various Gretches, Gibsons and Fenders that I've owned before , and much to the disdain of my partner, I still own and have to store somewhere. I also have a lot of books, which she can not complain about as she may not understand musianship but she does like reading and is a masters with the RSC, I love seeing you with that guitar. The reason I chose it is the deep neck which fits my huge hands perfectly. I have enormous tree surgeon hands! I also have a thing for Blur from time!

[@donnaw9890]

I was at the comeback warm up gig on Friday night! Without sounding too dramatic, it did feel like a moment in history 🥹😁

[@Ukedc259]

Lucky.

[@troubleinlove]

I've been listening to this track all day. Love it

[@donewithmodernlife]

Graham is one of my favorite guitar players too. As a guitar player myself I’ve found a lot of inspiration in his playing & tones. I’ve even straight up ripped off some things too (the delay trick in On Your Own, chord voicing from Coffee & TV) I can’t wait to hear the new album. More genius stuff to steal!

[@turricanedtc3764]

He's completely unique - no-one in that peer group played guitar remotely like Graham. I think the only British alternative rock guitarist of that period who was inventive to the same extent (albeit in a completely different sense) was Jonny Greenwood.

[@bitroast]

@@turricanedtc3764 Jonny Greenwood has always had nice things to say about Coxon in interviews and given him shout outs.

[@jamesthecat]

@@bitroast I remember when JG decided to put his arm in a plaster cast to make it more steady! We laughed then...

[@VictorPM1550]

"If you see Darkness, look away" 😄

[@brunopantaleoni57]

😁

[@Simonize41]

I can hear Liam, now. “Fookin’ shhiiiittee!”

[@667neighbourofthebeast]

Spooky guy he is.😅

[@achebwahs1111]

Funny and true

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

🤣😂😂🎼🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@joehoy9242]

He's not going to have his brother backing him up this time though, as Damon and Noel very publicly buried the hatchet many years ago. In fact I think Noel's played more live shows with Damon than he has with Liam over the last decade or so!

[@iainprendergast8311]

When hears his own music

[@caranook]

I’m so excited for this new album, I’ll be seeing them at malahide castle next month and I can’t wait!! Blur have never disappointed me, I’ve seen them live twice and I can’t wait to see them again.

[@diptishalder4635]

Love the new Blur single. It's like they haven't been away as you said. It reminds me a lot of 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins, both in the melody and the introspective feel.

[@Rich-Oh]

I caught the same vibe.

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

Your video has made my day! I especially loved when Albarn says "the Darkness" and your reaction was absolute gold. I'm SO excited Blur are releasing new music! They have been missed. I love Graham Coxon so much, so this has brought me so much joy to me this very cold Monday! I'm wrapping up working a very long week of production on an opera tour and I'm looking forward to going back and listening to your podcast from last week and to new Blur. I've missed your lovely videos. Big love and happy Sunday to you most amazing Justin!!

[@jo19871945]

Can we have more of the ‘theory’ stuff please? Love hearing you break down why stuff sounds interesting

[@leewalker101172]

I was a big fan of both Blur and Oasis back in the day ( I was in my twenties back then, fifty now) Amazing to see them back again and in top form with this single. Doesnt sound at all 'tributey' but still very definitely Blur. Can't wait to hear more from them. Nice one Justin :D

[@paulrhyslloyd1]

I was always more of a blur fan but I saw oasis first when they toured with the Foo Fighters with Razorlight and the Coral supporting in Cardiff and then the year my brother turned 18 Blur announced their Hyde Park concert(s) so me and my brother went along and they were phenomenal.

[@neilg7804]

The three best pop groups of all time? The Smiths, Abba and Blur. Love the new single - so much better than anything off The Magic Whip. And a nice review, too. Keep it up!

[@Chrisamusic1]

Brilliant choice. Nowt beats Abba, ever, but I'll take The Smiths at 2 and Blur at 3 Yeah!

[@RUTHP123]

Thank you so much for this video! Blur was never on my radar, now they are❤

[@charlieverity5405]

Lovely stuff as ever. Cheers Justin.

[@peterwinter3515]

I love this, new album ordered, cos I still by cd's. Blur back and sounding fantastic.

[@lizzkaayako2270]

New Blur track reminds me a bit of Teenage Fanclub. Didn't expect that.

[@rosshamber429]

Damon is the best musician from the last 30yrs imho. Mali music changed my life. So excited that there’s a new blur album coming. Raaaad

[@johnharvey4448]

You've reminded me of Mali Music. What a great little album that us. Gonna play it this week now.

[@rjbride]

The blur stuff from the comeback 10 years ago was really excellent, Fools Day, The Puritan and The Album that followed.

[@lawrencetisdall9850]

So Happy You did this song, What a GREAT GREAT Blur Song, One of its Best Ever!! You did a Great Job loved watching your reaction !!

[@LeBluesDuRobot]

Graham is now in The Waeve, with Rose Elinor Dougall. Their album is more than great.

[@ericstarrs4385]

Graham's guitar work is amazing (Clover Over Dover is my favourite) and really adds alternative melodies to the songs which are already quite melodic thanks to Damon's lead vox. Glad they're back... Waiting for the other mob to get their *^%*& together now :)

[@turricanedtc3764]

"Clover Over Dover" and "Badhead" are hands-down my favourite tracks on that album. While their singles were always usually great, IMO Blur really shone in terms of how well-crafted and interesting their lesser-known album tracks were... I grinned like a Cheshire Cat when I saw a vid of them playing "Villa Rosie" live the other day.

[@vincenttuckwood]

A) This is a great song! and B) It's great to see you fan-boying out!

[@phoenixgirl70]

Oh god how I’ve missed them. I love the song, it’s beautiful!

[@Ed-yb8ts]

Can you review kero kero bonito? They're a electronic pop band from the UK, with their early work being inspired by J-pop having a cute aesthetic and sound and their later work being inspired by more rock and noise. They're easily one of my favourite bands ever and I think you'd be a fan!

[@thanksaanderton]

Justin, I have a question about clothes. I imagine Dan's wardrobe looks something like a T shirt store that only sells long lines of black thin lizzy shirts and I imagine yours resembles something more reminiscent of a charity shop but I wonder how many Thin Lizzy shirts do you reckon Dan actually owns?

[@InspirationSessions]

Love this immediate return to form from one of my all-time fave bands, although for the good of the order: you don't actually hear "rebuttal" anywhere in this song, I was looking forward to Justin's explanation of "rubato" but another time...

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

I was a bit young the first time blur came around. I realise now I'm watching this, I have actually seen more of the cheese making one talking about his cheese on telly than I have ever spent time listening to them...I think I should probably fix that.

[@gregcox5496]

Yes!! I was at the Eastbourne gig last night, it was phenomenal

[@thatcarlchick7655]

The glee on your face for 'Darkness!" is as glorious as this song.

[@phillipasby9202]

And Graham played on the latest Duran album … who despite the aesthetic were criminally underrated as players and writers.

[@hanymgamal]

Absolutely. The looks and flash downplayed their significance as writers and musicians. One of the best bands to appear on the planet

[@mikekaraoke]

@@hanymgamal Love the pun for Planet Earth there 🙂🌎

[@BoynamedMagnus183]

I have high expectations for the album I have to admit that Blur are an Amazing Band!

[@benwhite8924]

I loved Ong Ong

[@hankhardigan1104]

I didn't know about the new album but I decided to listen to their albums/b-sides for shits and giggles about 3 weeks ago and came away with a 5 hour playlist.

[@misteress3840]

Justin, not to pump up male vanity too much… but you look so young clean shaven. Clean shaven and clean living. Good on you! Thank you for these shows!

[@sratus]

...and fake teeth, skin treatment plus he was balding 15 years ago, so there's clearly work done there too. And hey, why not if you have the cash but let's not pretend it's down to a shave and eating salads.

[@jsp2866]

Justin is looking fine! I agree this look suits him.

[@jamesrange9924]

Live acts still very good... nice energy. Saw them at Primavera Sound and going to see them again at Kalorama... Big fan of Damons work. Last year Gorillaz in Porto was awesome.

[@Parula06]

Glad you mentioned your guitar's out of tune, it means my ears are still good LOL. Excited to hear Blur's new stuff, such great news!

[@thebeachisdark7]

I was waiting for to cover this! what a great time to be a blur fan

[@steviepearce82]

I actually put Blur on last week oblivious to them writing new material. Started to appreciated their work far more of late. Great band.

[@redfrost2831]

I’m seeing them at Wembley!! I can’t wait!!

[@FreeCatCheese]

Love the shirt. That cassette was magic to me.

[@Pinkflare984]

I’m so glad to be a recent blur fan cause idk if I could wait years for new music

[@sirtogii5216]

Love the little snippets of information. Sounds like Blur are back although it is a little bit safe innit? A little more edge wouldn't hurt. Here's hoping for the rest of the album.

[@joehoy9242]

Just saw a live vid of another new song, and if that's anything to go by, there'll be edginess to spare...

[@kopite09]

Nailed it Justin. Glad to hear you're a fan too!

[@darkkornerguitar3382]

Justin Hawkins. when I first heard I Believe in a thing called love, I worked at a barbecue restaurant in Lexington NC and I would always stop and watch that video not to mention the Les Paul you were playing! my boss would always get mad at me and tell me to get back to work. He even got to the point where he would turn the TV off when it would come on. He asked me why I like that gay song. Told him it was not gay! I asked him what exactly is the definition of the gay song? He said this. Nice answered their boss! anyway I have use to watch the video and did not realize that you were in The Darkness. I am a big fan now and I have subscribed. Thank you for Unapologetically being you!

[@robin8716]

Thank you always Justin , gonna go check out that song !! Sounds awesome

[@peterhudson4027]

Blur AND The Hives within a week of each other... Truly the planets have aligned!

[@michaelperez4001]

Please Please Justin, do a video about Suede

[@Wilbafarce]

Great job, really brought blur back into focus.....

[@sandrahaight7278]

Wonderful Sunday morning treat. Actually brought tears of joy. Love Blur. Beautiful! Thank you ❤

[@daveystrange]

Well jealous of your new Atkin acoustic Justin!

[@steph_ssdd]

Great vid- the hair is looking very nice today 😊

[@conkerman01]

Yay. Looking forward to seeing them soon. Hopefully Catherine wheel may put some stuff out soon, their Adam and Eve album is an underrated masterpiece. Lowestoft band as well.

[@SpoonManRecordings]

Saw them one time at a club in Liverpool. The noise was immense! Always hoped for a Catherine Wheel reformation.

[@redimade]

this song is such an earworm

[@andrewmaguire4476]

Goosebumps first time I heard this, standard for Blur really. An exceptional band from the very top drawer ❤

[@ukadventurecycling2740]

The Narcissist. Total banger of a simple Blur tune!

[@Gogettor]

Nowadays, Noel Gallagher is pretty close with both Damon and Graham. And Liam has spoken wonders of Graham. Yet, I want to see an Oasis record titled “Blur’s Shit”. Bring it on! Love Blur

[@danielnewman3210]

Your fhhs vs ths really came out in this video, love it. Genuine!

[@ving_ving]

I see what you did there - using the Joy Division T-shirt to compliment the Transcendent 2000 (an iconic Joy Division sound maker) in the Blur video.

[@EricJ451]

Rebuttal-Scuttle … interesting possibilities there too

[@peterwinter3515]

Doing what they do best and Blur, welcome back

[@tomwilko7841]

im a northerner so didnt really have a choice back in the 90s but on the quiet i loved blur, put it this way, i often still play whole blur albums while smoking on my own whereas i only ever think about oasis when i see either noel or liam absolutely killing it when they play the oldies live...dont get me wrong when they reform i'll be there immediately...all that said this song is f*ckin outrageously good, theres a radio 2 live clip of them performing it that, ,to me, is the best blur have ever been, i love barbaric as well...what a band

[@charliewright2474]

Blur were only comparable to Oasis for a short time. After 1995, they were probably more comparable to Radiohead in my opinion.

[@wozzywick]

The Blur-Oasis of the 80s was surely Duran-Spandau. Speaking of which, the Girls & Boys guitar riff is basically lifted from Duran Duran's Friends of Mine

[@briancassidy4205]

1st Blur... then comes OASIS!!! Yessssss

[@danielhead8123]

Magic whip was an incredible album very excited for this

[@nicolas.grisanti]

What an amazing album The Magic Whip, i loved it.

[@mikekaraoke]

Another one of my fav rivals of the 90's were Ocean Colour Scene/The Verve, + the rivals of Bros were not Wet Wet Wet but Brother Beyond! Also another one of my fav rivals of the 80's were Duran Duran + Spandau Ballet!

[@jeroenwarner4834]

Brother Beyond contained Eg White who went on to pen some very big hits (chasing pavements, warwick avenue) as well as the hidden treasure, 24 years of hunger by Eg & Alice

[@NinStardust]

Can’t believe Blur are back! That’s made my weekend too! 😁 Excited to hear their new album. Tender, Parklife, Song 2 and Girls & Boys are like the anthems of my childhood! Hope this new album has some up-beat summer tracks too 😁🥰

[@prismonthethehorizon5793]

Woooooooh yeah! It's been 8 years and so it's fantastic news!

[@reneethorn145]

Talking about band rivalries (that are/were mostly driven by the media)🙄 in the 80s it was Duran Duran vs Spandau Ballet, and 90s was Take That vs East 17! 😆

[@Bertone]

amazing song. so simple. so good

[@RayRomijn]

I recently discovered your channel and I’m very glad I did, a lot of your point of view is extremely similar to mine, I’m truly glad to be here reflecting, learning and thinking with you. (Even tho Im replying to a screen hah) Kind regards Justin, much love! x

[@julianavery963]

I think Dave retrained as a solicitor! He's also produced solo material too

[@jamesscott5473]

And a labor councellor

[@mikemurphytriphourofficial]

Yeah didn't even know there were putting out a new album I knew they were going on tour again cuz of the 30th anniversary of parklife and was good to see them do the hometown gig of Colchester I'm gonna be seeing them live in Dublin next month

[@Reginaldborington]

Speaking of the Oasis/Blur battle, this new Blur track has a very similar chord sequence and bounce as Oasis's 2008 track "The Shock of the Lightning". Very different vocal but the music is quite similar, nowhere near close enough to be accused of copying but it was the first thing I thought of when I heard this Blur track.

[@The_BenboBaggins]

New Blur album? Fudge Yeah!

[@thekennedyrabbithole8534]

Hi Justin there is an up and coming band on the Guns N Roses at Hyde Park gig called James and the Cold Gun, I see alot of people say they're "the next big thing" and I think they're right up your street. Would love to see what you think of them.

[@bandsivefilmedlive]

I saw them last year, awesome band

[@le_th_]

blur: The Narcissist such an awful name for such a lovely sounding song.

[@FragileCreatures]

Dave didn't disappear. He stood for parliament! And then made a solo record!!

[@thecoverstory1]

Ooooooossssh! Epic news! I stood firmly in the Blur corner 🤘

[@trevorbacque8175]

Pleasantly surprised by the new Blur album news. Didn't think there would be anything released after The Magic Whip.

[@Eric_Hunt194]

"You don't hear the word "rebuttal" in pop music much" We didn't hear it in this song either, the lyric was on the screen!

[@swesttttt]

And it’s RUBATO, which I’d have thought he’d have caught since it’s a music term. *Rubato: subtle rhythmic manipulation and nuance in performance. For greater musical expression, the performer may stretch certain beats, measures, or phrases and compact others.*

[@Tripindica]

@@swesttttt thank you I thought the same haha

[@ragman1960]

419,000🎉 and Blur, song 2 is a classic ❤

[@marklife.ox4]

Best news this weekend! Massive blur fan since 1993.. I was expecting an E.P never an album! Love The Narcissist. Cant for the new album in July and the two dates at Wembley I'm in the golden circle for both days! Can't wait !

[@cszmax]

I envy you. Been a fan since 95 and always missed out on seeing them here in Australia.

[@venomslair137]

Blur is like that weird and funny kiddo you can befriend at school... Who can make you glad because he's back after a long time no seeing each other.

[@hackapump]

About the constant lineup in Blur: I understand all four of them grew up with sisters and no brothers. So they are probably bit like surrogate brothers to each other, I imagine.

[@blackphillipppp]

Just found your channel and holy fuck you are incredibly hilarious, and lovely. ✌️

[@phillipasby9202]

God bless you Justin … that first bit with the guitar out of tune … and yet I still learn so much!

[@Hayley.a]

I saw Graham support the Kiaser Chiefs in Leeds. And his band stuffed up so he made them start at the bridge again. That bit was quite funny he was not happy lol

[@the_oslovian]

Noel is releasing stuff in around a month 😊

[@TallTee27]

Pulp were up there too!

[@manfromdelmontesays]

Just found this channel and have been binge watching, however, I can't find anything on The Liberties or Pete Doherty. Along with the Arctic Aonkeys they were the bright new thing in there day. Fans of The Libertines, Like to help! Keep me smiling Mr Hawkins😁

[@kyrastube]

Damon Albarn just won't stop spitting out music. And I'm very happy that he shows no signs of slowing down. But yes, Blur in particular will always make me more giddy than anything else he does. Huzzah! ❤

[@eleanorclaire]

Honestly so elated to have new music from Blur! They were one of the first guitar bands I fell in love with when I was really young (along with Suede and Pulp) and it’s a testament to Graham’s guitar work and Damon’s lyricism that they’re still able to come back with interesting stuff after three decades of playing. Gonna see em next week at a small venue in Newcastle and might self-combust with excitement!!

[@raquelsnt]

Good sunday! I am not very much into Blur, but watching your videos is always funny! Cheers!