57. ‘Oliver’s Army’

On ‘Peace Together’ LP, released 1993. Produced by Blur and John Smith.

Island Records’ ‘Peace Together’ album of 1993 brought together Therapy?, Lou Reed and Carter USM performing cover versions to promote peace in Northern Ireland. Blur were given a list of possible tracks to contribute; the only one all fancied was Elvis Castello’s 1979 hit ‘Oliver’s Army’. Their version, frankly, has little to recommend it. Damon’s singing voice is the polar opposite of Castello’s cod-American drawl and the result is unconvincing. The lacklustre performance is, Andy Ross believes, due to several demoralising American trips. “What’s the point in trying to improve on something you already like?” asks Alex. “Plus you only get half the money.” “It’s a disaster,” concludes Damon. “One of the worst things we’ve done.”