blur will release their first album in 8 years, titled The Ballad of Darren and comprising 10 new tracks, on 21st July on Parlophone. Produced by James Ford and recorded at Studio 13, London and Devon, The Ballad of Darren is the band’s ninth studio album, their first since the chart-topping The Magic Whip in 2015, with artwork featuring an image by British photographer Martin Parr. The Ballad of Darren track listing is: The Ballad, St Charles Square, Barbaric, Russian Strings, The Everglades (For Leonard), The Narcissist, Goodbye Albert, Far Away Island, Avalon and The Heights Damon Albarn said – This is an aftershock record, reflection and comment on where we find ourselves now. Graham Coxon said – The older and madder we get, it becomes more essential that what we play is loaded with the right emotion and intention. Sometimes just a riff doesn’t do the job. Alex James said – For any long term relationship to last with any meaning you have to be able to surprise each other somehow and somehow we all continue to do that. Dave Rowntree said – It always feels very natural to make music together. With every record we do, the process reveals something new and we develop as a band. We don’t take that for granted. Tracklisting: 1.The Ballad 2.St Charles Square 3.Barbaric 4.Russian Strings 5.The Everglades (For Leonard) 6.The Narcissist 7.Goodbye Albert 8.Far Away Island 9.Avalon 10.The Heights
