Blur in session to start the week. Recorded for the Mark Goodier show at BBC Radio 1 on April 11, 1992 and broadcast on May 5th of that year. Coming between the release of their debut album Leisure (in August of 1991) and months ahead of the landmark Modern Life Is Rubbish (initially recorded in December 1992 but released in May of 1993). Between those two periods there was considerable turbulence within the band and the threat of being dropped by their label over what was a media backlash towards the band, an unsuccessful U.S. tour and an eclipse in popularity by Suede, a band they were considered to be in competition with. It was also during this time that the band underwent a dramatic image change, instigated by frontman Daman Albarn. Rather than continue in the mold of Shoegaze with Madchester and Baggy tossed in, the band went after a sound more reminiscent of early Kinks and Small Faces, later dubbed Britpop.
But that transformation wouldn’t be complete for a few months and this session still has its feet firmly planted in Madchester and Shoegaze, however, it’s interesting to hear how things were starting to evolve, even during this session as is evidenced by the live version of Colin Zeal, which would wind up being included in Modern Life. It’s at least a subtle tip-off that things were on the verge of changing for the band, and it would only be a matter of time before they re-emerged as one of the potent forces for new music in the 90s.
Ironically, their groundbreaking album Parklife, wouldn’t come out for another two years. More ironic to consider that the 1994 release is now 25 years after the fact – but then, this session is 27 years old. Where did the time go?
In any event, hit the play button and crank this one up. Vintage Blur.
