Blur have shelved a new single, recorded this summer with poet Michael Horovitz. The unnamed spoken-word track, intended as part of a campaign to save the Notting Hill carnival, was set aside after officials agreed that the 2011 event could go ahead.
“[The track] was relevant for about 12 hours,” Damon Albarn explained to the NME. Following the riots in London in August, there were briefly fears that this year’s carnival would be called off; it eventually went ahead, with police doubling their presence in the streets. “[The song] had its moment,” Albarn said. “It was a perfect plea to reinstate the carnival … If they’d have cancelled the carnival – and thank God they didn’t – maybe we’d have put it out.”
While I’m very happy the Notting Hill Carnival didn’t get cancelled, oh! What might have been! I’m sure it would have been glorious.
Maybe we could confect some things to see if we can get a song out of Blur? In fact, I almost demand it!
Allegedly Blur are also thinking of touring the US next year, which would undoubtedly be neat, though Albarn seems to be plenty busy with his manifold sideprojects. Is Dave still a politician?
The unlikely pair recently collaborated at the Albarns Africa Express project for a pseudo-acoustic (with Damon on keys) version of Jamie T’s Top 10 single, ”Calm Down Dearest’. Catch a full clip of the performance, plus a legendary Blur MP3, below.
NME is reporting that last night’s debut of ‘Monkey: Journey To The West’ received standing ovations and rapturous applause at The Manchester International Festival. In case you’re out of the loop, Damon composed the music for the piece, while Gorillaz artist, Jamie Hewlett, produced the show. The work is also directed by Chen Shi-Zheng.
NME has more: *An adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend, the opera follows the story of The Monkey King, a hyperactive ape who gains immortality after leading a revolt against heaven. The sub-titled production unfolds amongst a series of impressive live-action acts, including acrobats, contortionists and martial artists.*
Damon Albarn explains, as well: “It’s the original adventure story, but it’s 2000 years old; that’s what really drew us to it… We went to China and travelled around, to get a picture of what China is like now, and combine it with ancient, classic China. Just come and see it!”
Any chance the show will make a Stateside visit? Hmmm.
NME is reporting that last night’s debut of ‘Monkey: Journey To The West’ received standing ovations and rapturous applause at The Manchester International Festival. In case you’re out of the loop, Damon composed the music for the piece, while Gorillaz artist, Jamie Hewlett, produced the show. The work is also directed by Chen Shi-Zheng.
NME has more: *An adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend, the opera follows the story of The Monkey King, a hyperactive ape who gains immortality after leading a revolt against heaven. The sub-titled production unfolds amongst a series of impressive live-action acts, including acrobats, contortionists and martial artists.*
Damon Albarn explains, as well: “It’s the original adventure story, but it’s 2000 years old; that’s what really drew us to it… We went to China and travelled around, to get a picture of what China is like now, and combine it with ancient, classic China. Just come and see it!”
Any chance the show will make a Stateside visit? Hmmm.
NME is reporting that last night’s debut of ‘Monkey: Journey To The West’ received standing ovations and rapturous applause at The Manchester International Festival. In case you’re out of the loop, Damon composed the music for the piece, while Gorillaz artist, Jamie Hewlett, produced the show. The work is also directed by Chen Shi-Zheng.
NME has more: *An adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend, the opera follows the story of The Monkey King, a hyperactive ape who gains immortality after leading a revolt against heaven. The sub-titled production unfolds amongst a series of impressive live-action acts, including acrobats, contortionists and martial artists.*
Damon Albarn explains, as well: “It’s the original adventure story, but it’s 2000 years old; that’s what really drew us to it… We went to China and travelled around, to get a picture of what China is like now, and combine it with ancient, classic China. Just come and see it!”
Any chance the show will make a Stateside visit? Hmmm.
Although he still won’t confirm anything about the Blur reunion…
Speaking to BBC Radio 2 about Gorillaz, Albarn said: “We’re trying to make a film next, starting in September hopefully. It will be a film score. There won’t be another pop record.”
When asked about Blur, Damon replied: “I really don’t know. I think it’s possible that we might be. But I’m not entirely sure we are.”
This man needs a vacation! The Tripwire has info on his latest project involving, of all things, the opera.
With rumors of Blur reuniting, and the formation of two powerhouse super groups (Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad & The Queen), one would think Mr. Damon Albarn would have his plate full. Luckily for us, this is not so. Now it appears that Damon is going to premiere his Monkey King opera this summer at the Manchester International Festival.
According to The Guardian, Albarn’s opera has been commissioned by the first Manchester International that is taking place June 28-July 15, 2007. The opera is loosely based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King’s enlightenment, and a new cantata, with a silent film that will be performed by the Halle Orchestra and Chorus. Traditional Chinese and western instruments will be used in addition to some newly invented ones created for the opera. Keeping things in the family, the animations were created by the fabulous Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz, Tank Girl). Forty Chinese circus acrobats, singers and martial arts performers will also be on hand.
Sounds like quite the spectacle! Although I’d still rather have a new Blur album…
You can help as well! Details on the protest below the accompanying story.
Dozens of top British bands and musicians today joined forces to oppose the multi-billion pound replacement of the Trident nuclear weapons system. A statement was issued on their behalf, warning that ordering a new generation of nuclear weapons would make the world a more dangerous place. Signatories included Thom Yorke, Damon Albarn, Razorlight, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Super Furry Animals and Supergrass. The statement said: “If Britain says it needs nuclear weapons for its security, other countries are likely to follow suit. To replace Trident, when we face no nuclear threat, could start a nuclear arms race.
“The cost to replace and maintain Trident would be better spent on healthcare, education, alleviating global poverty or tackling the problems of climate change. Let’s choose peace and justice, not nuclear weapons and war.” An anti-Trident demonstration will be held in London on Saturday organised by CND, the Stop The War Coalition and the British Muslim Initiative.The groups said the protest was expected to be the biggest anti-nuclear demonstration in Britain in decades. MPs are expected to vote next month on whether to order a Trident replacement. (via At Ease Web)
The demonstration is this Saturday, the 24th, more info can be found here.
