Background
Blur was formed in December of 1988 in London, England. Initially called Seymour, the band changed their name when signing to record label Food, who wouldn't accept the name and gave them a list of alternatives. Their first album was released in 1991, which was classified as shoegaze, before turning down the Britpop route and eventually ended up making more alternative indie music by the end of the 90s. Graham Coxon had left the band in 2002 before recording for Think Tank had begun, and the band unceremoniously split after its release in 2003. Blur reunited to write a song for the 2012 Olympics, which was treated as an official reunion. The band's last/most recent album, The Magic Whip, was released in 2015 and so far there is no indication towards new music from Blur.
Members
Damon Albarn
Damon Albarn was born on the 23rd of March 1968 and is the lead singer of the band. Damon initially had a band called Circus which the rest of Blur joined to become Seymour, before eventually becoming Blur. Damon grew up in a household where music was a staple, with his parents being 'hippies', as he puts it, there was a variety of world music that Damon grew up on, particularly African music. As a person, Damon is extremely stubborn and outspoken, making him difficult to handle. However, I think these are his strongest qualities, because it means he's not afraid to speak his mind and stay firm in his opinions. Damon for me is a great role model and is also very fit. :D
Graham Coxon
Graham Leslie Coxon was born on the 12th of March 1969 and is the guitarist of the band. Graham is quiet, but became more involved in the band in their last few albums when the band changed to a more alternative and electronic sound. Graham has had solo projects, and actually has more albums as a solo artist than with Blur as a band, without even counting other bands he's been a part of such as The Waeve. I appreciate Graham's love for music and how he carries himself as an artist and a person. Graham, however quiet, is a fun individual and I love him for that.
Alex James
Steven Alexander James was born on the 21st of November 1968 and is the bassist of the band. Alex is a bit of a weird member. He's done strange things and is known for the strange things that he likes, like his love of cheese and space. He's questionable as a person, I just generally don't get good vibes from him, but he's a great member anyway. Blur would be very boring without Alex, as much as I hate to admit it.
Dave Rowntree
David Alexander De Horne Rowntree was born on the 8th of May 1964 and is the drummer of the band. As the oldest member of the band, he seems to be the more responsible between the four of them. However, this doesn't mean he's not fun; just because he's the most normal member of the band he's still quite strange. Dave also does the blinkie-blonkies, and you know how I feel about people who do a bit of knob twisting (Aphex Twin, The Prodigy, etc.). I am extremely happy that Dave released a solo album recently because I love to hear him make music he loves. Also, #StopDaveIgnorance.
Albums
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Leisure (1991) |
Modern Life is Rubbish (1993) |
Parklife (1994) |
The Great Escape (1995) |
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Blur (1997) |
13 (1999) |
Think Tank (2003) |
The Magic Whip (2015) |
Thoughts
Even though I've liked Blur for about three months now, they are solidified as a best band of all time for me just because they were able to adapt to their sound to how they felt instead of reluctantly being forced to only the Britpop style. As for Blur vs. Oasis (as much as I hate Oasis (I promise it has nothing to do with me liking Blur)) I can agree that Blur won the battle, but Oasis won the war, because Oasis was the only one worried about the war in the first place, whereas Damon and the boys were just making music instead of trying to win a fan war. ;)
Links
Veikko's Blur Page: Another Blur site with recent updates, but filled with info and media alongside articles.
A Small Tribute to Blur: Older pictures and other info.
