83. ‘Supa Shoppa’

B-side of ‘Parklife’ 12-inch, cassette and first of two-part CD. Produced by Blur and John Smith.

Debuted live at Alexandra Palace in November ’94, this is the sound of a band who, in Damon’s words, “like to think we can do anything that anyone else can do”. In this case, it’s acid jazz and it is remarkably successful. Graham has a friend called Biffo who works in Our Price in Watford. Biffo reports goateed punters coming up to ask what this great tune is. The tune is a throwaway but does showcase Blur’s extraordinary versatility – “like watching the Italian team having a kickabout” as Andy Ross describes it. The Hammond organ is Lot 105 again. The flutes are synthesized. “You don’t fuck about with a real flautist on a B-side,” says Alex.