Although Blur had returned to the original line-up since 2009, a new studio album seemed out of the question for a long time. The band did record something now and then, but doubted whether they should release it. That is quite understandable. Real britpop, the style that Blur made great in the nineties, the band no longer wants to make. But of course the fans just want to hear rock songs in the
… style of The Kinks and XTC. The band wasn't sure which direction to go. Maybe that's why The Magic Whip opens with the old-fashioned rocking Lonesome Street. A song that Blur could have released in 1995, then we've already had that! This is followed by more experimental songs, on which Blur sounds much more innovative. The Magic Whip sounds like a sequel to the imaginative solo albums of singer Damon Albarn and guitarist Graham Coxon. This is not a repeat of Parklife (1994) or The Great Escape (1995). Some fans will find that a shame, but for adventurous listeners it is good news. (JE)more
