74. ‘Lot 105’

On ‘Parklife’. Produced by Stephen Street.

Feeling that ‘This Is A Low’ might be a heavy way to end an album, Blur let 12 seconds elapse on ‘Parklife’ before ‘Lot 105’ – the musical equivalent, says Graham, “of Barbara Windsor coming along to take you up the arse”. The melody to ‘Lot 105’ is one of the many Blur play at soundchecks (see 83, 85). The ‘Lot 105’ of the title is the Hammond organ featured on the song – acquired by Damon at an auction for £150. The band were enamoured not just of the tune, but also of the pleasantly cheesy, in-built samba rhythm that opens the track. ‘Lot 105’ later began Blur’s shows on the ‘Parklife’ tour. The bellowed lyric at the tune’s climax is – at Graham’s suggestion – “18 times a week, girl, ha ha ha ha ha”.