Ballad of Darren is a study on getting older. Think its a masterpiece in the making. Has layers, melancholy, and a real sense of maturity. I would say its bordering on 'beautiful'.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
I think a lot of people share that sentiment. It is very somber and mature. Something about it hasn't grabbed me. Have you been a lifelong Blur fan following their work? I think it might resonate more with fans who share that.
@leewoodard5871
Жыл бұрын
@@scratchatrack Yes, same age as Damon. Come from pretty much the same place, both did art school...so yeah, it resonates.
@mash83
Жыл бұрын
It's a total masterpiece, my expectations were high and they were surpassed.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
That's great to hear! Nothing worse than waiting so long for an album and then they lay a dud!
@brendanmcpeake3697
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic album, some of Blur's best work on this one 👍
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! It didn't strike a chord with me initially the way The Magic Whip did. What are your thoughts on that album?
@sartorialboss
Жыл бұрын
@@scratchatrack The Magic Whip also had some quality tracks but The Ballad is just a fantastically melanchony masterpiece 👌
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
It is melancholy for sure. Gonna take some time for me to come around on this one. I can understand why a lot of people think it is a masterpiece though!
@Iberotimuka
Жыл бұрын
the fact is Blur has always been there in the background, projecting a reassuring sense of normality and a group I can totally relate to and identify with, they make you sense yep, we're here, the London you grew up is always here, from way back at school with Bang and There’s No Other Way when Damon appeared on TOTP stoned off his head, not bothering to sing and waving a cut out chicken, through Parklife and the ultimate expat song This is a Low where he has the audacity to quote the Shipping Forecast, to Song 2 and experimental post Brit pop rock to that weird weird 13 at the turn of the century, then as we reached our 40s and thought they’d finally faded into the past, they were forced to kick their heels for four days in the Ultimate personification of Nostalgia and Longing for Britain of Days gone, Hong Kong in 2015 and hey presto they came out with a new album, which for me was basically more Gorillaz with good guitar. Then out of nowhere last month they come out with a brilliant Ballad of Damian. I’m blown away with this song “Goodbye Albert” which is so reassuring and beautifully familiar and can take you back to Modern Life is Rubbish, it’s just like they are saying we’re here, by your side, getting old with you and we always will be. What makes it even more special for me is the video is a cartoon of the Albert Memorial Albert statue, which I just happened to visit three months ago. Thanks Blur for just being there, always.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome you have such a deep appreciation for their music. It sounds like you have been a lifelong fan. So great to have bands like that and happy you are enjoying the new album! Check out our episode on their self titled album when you get a chance!
@stussysinglet
Жыл бұрын
I thought it sounded pretty good after one listen although did think it was a possibility a bit mallow and boring.. iv listened it to about 10 or so times now and I can now say I love it. The more I listen different songs start to stand out. Out of all their previous albums 13 is the one that I loved the most but I think this is now my favourite.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, initially I was not that blown away by it. More listens will help for sure!
@jasonelambeth
Жыл бұрын
I was a total blur fanboy throughout the 90s. I even got The Great Escape soon after it was released. Self-titled and 13 blew my mind! I’ve felt pretty underwhelmed by the Magic Whip and The Ballad of Darren. Part of it is that I think my tastes have just changed over the last 25-30 years. 😂 I also probably need to give the new one a little more time to sink in.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
I must admit I didn't listen to them much after the self titled album. When The Magic Whip came out I never gave it a listen. In preparation for this episode I checked it out for the first time and was actually blow away by it. Like you said though our tastes change over time and so do the bands!
@jasonelambeth
Жыл бұрын
@@scratchatrack totally looking forward to the self titled episode!
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
@@jasonelambeth should be out Wednesday 🤞🏻
@benjaminjacobs5871
Жыл бұрын
I like it!
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
It's always tough to review albums as soon as they come out. I probably need more time with it but not much really grabbed me after a few listens. Some albums you just need some time with and perhaps this is one of them.
@athen2379
Жыл бұрын
didn't really like the magic whip too much but this one was a lot better.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
Interesting! The total opposite for me. Do you have a favorite Blur record?
@lens2optic
Жыл бұрын
How many people are reviewing this album after 1 listen through . Pointless exercise .
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
You are totally correct about "reviewing" the album after one, or even a few listens. That is why we always state right off in our episodes on new albums that it is our "first impression". I do find it ridiculous that so many publications give full reviews of albums right when they come out. I'm sure they get the album ahead of time, and hopefully listen to it more than once, but who knows. Many albums you do need to spend time with, or see how they stand the test of time before you can truly assess the music. When we do episodes on older albums it's funny to go back and look at the reviews when it first came out. Often times they are way off. Hope this sheds some light on our thought process. Happy Scratching!!
@j.nicholasallard9906
Жыл бұрын
It’s interesting listening to Americans review and talk about Blur.
@scratchatrack
Жыл бұрын
Anything specific jump out to you about what we said?
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