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Coxon - clearing up Blur
Hey ho,
another Blur album, another rumour that they're splitting
up. When The Mirror's 3am column claimed Graham Coxon had
quit, it was no surprise.
It was even less of a
surprise that the gossip is complete tosh. Phoning Graham
(he was in the shower when Teletext called), he's happy
to tell us the real story.
So, Graham, have you quit
Blur? "No, it's just those three ladies (in 3am)
making mischief again. I wish I knew how these stories
start about Blur - it happens with every album."
You've no idea how the
rumour started? "People see that we're four
different personalities, so they think, 'How can they be
mates?' It's silly because I think we've become such good
mates again since we began the new Blur album."
The Mirror story said the
fall-out was between you and Damon Albarn. "Me and
Damon have known each other since we were 12. We bicker,
but friends who've grown up together do. Any rows are
always made up very quickly and we're beyond major
bust-ups."
Do these rumours anger
you? "It frustrates me that people will believe
them. Angry? No. I've got a child, I'm making a record -
I've more important things to worry about."
There's a lot of names
being mentioned to work with Blur on the new album.
"We've wanted to work with Norman Cook for a long
time. That'll be happening soon. We've asked a lot of
people, both Dust Brothers and Chemical Brothers.
"We've been
scratching our heads in the studio, saying, 'That sounds
ideal for Norm to help out on.' We've had to ask if
they're available but it doesn't necessarily mean these
people will definitely be involved in the end."
Sounding out the
solo stuff
Is it true Neptunes will
be producing the new Blur album, too? "I hardly know
anything about them. Damon's mentioned them a lot to me,
he's really keen, but I've not had a chance to check them
out. Maybe."
The album sounds
dance-based. "I wouldn't say that. There's a fair
amount of songs that sound like the old Blur. I'd say
rhythm is the key word - there're songs with very
interesting rhythms. That's why the dance producers are
mentioned."
How necessary was it for
you all to have solo careers after the last album?
"It's been totally healthy. We've all learnt from
the other avenues we've explored since 13, and we've
brought that freedom into the new record."
What's next for your solo
career? "My fourth album, A Kiss Of Morning, is out
in October. I'm hoping to do a little single - 1,000
copies or so - in September too. I'd like to play some
live shows on my own too, if I can find the time."
How does your new solo
album sound? "I've used other musicians for the
first time - my friend Louis on keyboards and BJ Cole,
the pedal steel guitarist."
You're known for being a
quick worker on your solo albums. "This one was
longer, as I didn't use any computers in the studio. I
used some lovely vintage '60s and '70s equipment. It
gives a warm sound, but it's physically longer to
edit."
Why did you decide to use
BJ Cole? "The songs are very sweet, very bluesy.
They were crying out for a bit of pedal steel, that's
all. I could have tried to do it, but not as well as BJ
can."
Was it enjoyable producing
yourself? "I've got a studio engineer, so I boss him
around to do the hard work."
To sum up, then...
"Yes, I am still in Blur and I'm enjoying making a
new album!"
John
Earls
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