CD review Think Tank Blur (From Barry And District News)

CD review Think Tank Blur

BLUR is back - and sounding just as strange as ever.

Damon Albarn has penned the lyrics of all 13 tracks on this CD, and from one to the next, there is no way you can say they all sound the same.

Whether you actually like Blur or not, the talent that has gone into the music on this album is undeniable, and it's got to say something for the band that they have retained a strong fan base.

While there is a distinct mix of sounds, if a song starts weird (as it inevitably will with Blur), then it stays weird until the very end.

If it begins as a ballad, you won't be shot from your chilled-out mood with a sudden screaming of guitars or uncomfortable change of pace.

There are some lovely lyrics and melodies on Think Tank, and some extremely individual lines as well.

It could perhaps be suggested that Blur have gone just a little bit punk, especially in We've got a file on you.

But when you consider that Blur have never pretended to be pop stars, have always held an independent attitude towards the fashion, and generally seemed as though they couldn't care less about critics opinions.

For general consumers of pop and regular chart music, this may not be for you, although Out Of Time is relatively commercial, but fans of independent music - and of course, Blur will lap this up from start to finish.