Our top ten Blur videos
'Best of Blur'
Here at Muso’s Guide, we’re a sucker for Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree. Or Blur, if you want to be simple about it. They pioneered the revival of pop music about 15 years ago and they did more for the industry than those half-arsed rip-off merchants Oasis ever could.
Fresh from this week’s revelations of a reformation, we’re reminiscing about one of our favourite bands, and looking back on everything they’ve achieved thus far.
Their record label Parlophone has put all of the band’s promotional videos up on YouTube, and we’ve handpicked our favourites. Let us know what you reckon…
And if you want to see them in the flesh, click here to nab yourself some precious tickets!
‘Popscene’ (1992)
The make or break single for the band, and the single release that every fan covets as it’s so bloody rare. A tale of nineties love, lust and getting pissed, a few years before Mr Cocker told the tale.
‘Parklife’ (1994)
This kitsch and colourful video features one of Britain’s favourite actors, Phil Daniels, as Damon and co. play out a host of quirky characters.
‘To The End’ (1994)
Donning full formal attire, this black-and-white drama-fest holds tone with Albarn’s French lyrics, and is a mock-up of the iconic Last Year at Marienbad film.
‘Girls and Boys’ (1994)
The triumphant Eurobeat disco classic packed with images of 18-30 lads and ladettes, dodgy swimwear, and a sports-casual Albarn.
‘Country House’ (1995)
A veritable red carpet of a promo vid, with Keith Allen, Matt Lucas and Jo Guest all showing their faces. The set probably made a change from the Groucho Club, if nothing else.
‘The Universal’ (1995)
Another film pastiche: head-to-toe in white suits, eye make-up and a clinical space-age bar, Blur does A Clockwork Orange.
‘MOR’ (1997)
Possibly the most action-packed Blur video of all! The gang set out on a high-voltage heist, complete with balaclavas and fake names; very filmic.
‘Tender’ (1999)
The dawning of a stripped-down and cathartic side to Blur, this live take of the soulful hit single is almost better than the recorded version. Complete with a gurning Alex James on double bass and the London Gospel Choir.
‘No Distance Left To Run’ (1999)
This heartbreakingly sad paean from Albarn to Elastica’s Justine Frischmann has a lullaby lilt; fittingly, the band deprived themselves of sleep for days before being filmed drifting into restful (or a bit fidgety) slumber – intriguing stuff.
‘Music Is My Radar’ (2000)
Blur don’t actually feature in this video for this one-off single - it’s a load of dancing robots instead. Still good to watch, though!
*We know we’ve missed ‘Song 2′ out, but there are just too many good Blur videos. Check out the Best Of Blur DVD for the full collection.
What about For Tomorrow? And Beetlebum?
or Coffee and TV?