#438 Blur, 'Parklife' (1994)
New Entry
1994 was a defining year in music. It gave us two of the biggest albums in British music, kickstarting the Britpop music scene. One was Oasis’s debut, ‘Definitely Maybe,’ the other was this, rival band Blur’s third album. I’m not sure exactly when I heard Blur for the first time, but I do remember being obsessed with the title track of this record. In year 8, some guy at school with a great internet connection and a CD burning would provide lists to the kids at school. We could then order compilations from him. One of the songs I chose was ‘Parklife’ and I would listen to the song over and over and over. It was funny, unique and catchy as hell. In terms of the whole “Oasis vs Blur” fight, I was always Oasis (although it’s a stupid and imaginary argument. It is possible to be a fan of both), but I still love me a bit of Blur.
This album’s got the massive singles; ‘Girls and Boys,’ ‘End Of A Century,’ ‘To The End’ and the aforementioned title track. At 16 tracks, it’s got a lot to say. Allegedly, a year before the release of their debut album, Damon Albarn prophesised that the band’s third album would establish them as a quintessential British band of the ‘90s and that he had planned to write it in 1994. Whether that’s true or not, it did eventualise.
The band recorded the album quickly and while they were happy with the result, their label, Food Records wasn’t that impressed telling their manager that “this is a mistake.” Soon afterwards the label was sold to EMI. Ironically, that was the actual mistake. This album went on to sell over 5 millions units worldwide, 1.2m in the UK alone (4x Platinum). This album does have a lot to say, but each song is worthwhile. Something I’d never noticed before and not sure if it’s because I’ve listened to them recently, but Blur seem to have a lot of influence from The Kinks coming through. From Albarn’s voice to their humour and melodies. Is that just me? (I just Googled this and no, it’s not just me. It’s been widely reported over the years. There you go – my ears do work).
#rs500albums