Personalities | Blur | Nineties | Rock

(Vocal/instrumental group, 1989–2003, 2009–present)

Formed at London’s Goldsmiths College, Damon Albarn (vocals), Graham Coxon (guitar), Alex James (bass) and Dave Rowntree (drums) tuned into the vibe generated by The Stone Roses with baggy anthems ‘She’s So High’ and ‘There’s No Other Way’. Although Leisure (1991) showed a band adept at updating 1960s pop, Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993) revealed depth beneath the iceberg of Albarn’s pretty face.

With the release of infectious electro single ‘Boys And Girls’ and the cockney swagger of ‘Parklife’ Blur found themselves the leaders of the Britpop movement. Albums Parklife (1994) and The Great Escape (1995) cemented their reputation. Rivalry with Oasis was ill timed, although taking a more loud and experimental approach on Blur (1997) and 13 (1999) displayed greater musical maturity without losing sales or fans. Coxon departed to concentrate upon a solo career in 2002. Albarn’s desire for wider experimentation and collaboration found full flower in the Gorillaz project.

Styles & Forms | Nineties | Rock
Personalities | The Boo Radleys | Nineties | Rock

Source: The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, general editor Michael Heatley

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