Album Info
| Artist: | Blur |
| Album: | Parklife |
| Released: | April 20, 2024 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Girls & Boys | |
| A2 | Tracy Jacks | |
| A3 | End Of A Century | |
| A4 | Parklife | |
| Featuring [Starring], Narrator [Narrated By] - Phil Daniels | ||
| A5 | Bank Holiday | |
| A6 | Badhead | |
| A7 | The Debt Collector | |
| A8 | Far Out | |
| B1 | To The End | |
| Producer - Blur, John Smith , Stephen Hague | ||
| Vocals - Laetitia Sadier | ||
| B2 | London Loves | |
| B3 | Trouble In The Message Centre | |
| B4 | Clover Over Dover | |
| B5 | Magic America | |
| B6 | Jubilee | |
| B7 | This Is A Low | |
| B8 | Lot 105 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
- If you order an in stock item together with a pre order or back order (listed as available from supplier rather than in stock) then the order will be shipped together when all items arrive. If you would like the in stock items shipped first please place two separate orders or contact us to arrange shipping items separately.
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Blur's "Parklife," released in 1994, is a seminal album in the Britpop movement, capturing the essence of British culture in the mid-90s with its witty observations, diverse musical styles, and vivid storytelling. The album marks a departure from the band's previous shoegaze and alternative rock influences, embracing a more eclectic and quintessentially British sound that includes elements of pop, punk, and music hall traditions.
The album opens with "Girls & Boys," an infectious track known for its catchy chorus and satirical take on the hedonistic club culture of the time. The song's danceable beat and Graham Coxon's jangly guitar work set the tone for an album that's both reflective and celebratory of British life.
The title track, "Parklife," features Phil Daniels' spoken word verses, which, combined with the song's jaunty melody and Damon Albarn's choruses, create a vivid portrait of mundane and quirky aspects of everyday life in the UK. This track epitomizes the album's exploration of British identity and social commentary.
The production on "Parklife" is characterized by its clarity and variety, with Stephen Street's production bringing out the best in each song's arrangement. The album's sound is diverse, ranging from the punk-inspired energy of "Bank Holiday" to the melancholic beauty of "To the End," showcasing Blur's versatility and adeptness at genre-hopping.
"End of a Century" is another standout track, offering a more introspective look at the malaise and existential concerns of modern life. The song's lush harmonies and melodic sensibilities highlight Blur's ability to craft songs that are both thought-provoking and melodically engaging.
Lyrically, "Parklife" is rich with Albarn's observations on British culture, from the mundanity of suburban life to the vibrancy of the city. The album's lyrics are both humorous and poignant, offering a snapshot of a specific time and place while exploring universal themes of love, boredom, and the search for meaning.
"This Is a Low" is a climactic moment on the album, with its sweeping melody and evocative lyrics inspired by the British Shipping Forecast. The track's emotional depth and expansive arrangement showcase Blur's songwriting prowess and their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
In retrospect, "Parklife" is seen as a defining album of the Britpop era, capturing the zeitgeist of 1990s Britain with its mix of social commentary, diverse musical influences, and catchy pop sensibilities. The album solidified Blur's place in British music history and influenced a generation of bands with its distinctly British take on pop and rock music.
Overall, "Parklife" stands as a testament to Blur's creativity and their impact on the music scene. The album's blend of wit, musical diversity, and cultural observation makes it a landmark release in the 1990s and a pivotal moment in the Britpop movement, resonating with listeners well beyond its original context.
