Cool Britannia

Alex James told Q Radio he is over pop music. In a recent interview he said, ” “I was in a band it’s what I did and I guess there is a sort of part of you that wants to still be the Arctic Monkeys or keep thinking that pop music is cool. But there comes a point when you have to throw away your jeans and trainers and start admitting to yourself you’re kinda too old for Lily Allen.”

James has reunited with former bandmates Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree to form the older, more mature version of Blur.

If James, 40, is too old for pop music, hopefully his bandmates feel the same. Blur were at the top of their game when Britpop was THE music in the laste 90’s, early 2000’s.  Tensions in the band between Coxon and the others led to their hiatus after the release of 2003’s “Think Tank.”

The band is set to play a set of shows at London’s Hyde Park in July 2009. The shows sold out in minutes.

Regardless the problem with age, James should keep fans in mind. When bands reunite and recreate themselves if often when fans disregard the band. Imagine going to see Blur … minus “Song 2.”

As a Happy Holidays (to be politically correct) gift.. Coldplay is giving you a free remix of their hit Viva la Vida. Enter your E-mail and happy downloading!!

The song is available until January 5, 2009.

I have trouble lately in finding inspiration. There is something blocking my mind that I can’t quite get around, it makes it hard for me to write anything I find to be quality work.

Today that changed.

I write music (obviously) and travel pieces. I find these rewarding, interesting and my passion.  While researching an article about Cincinnati I stopped by the Cincinnati Art Museum. I put on my Ipod as I entered the building and decided on Brand New: The Devil and God are Raging in me.

There is something about the combination of the eerie strings, Jesse Lacey’s passion in his voice, the tension and relaxation varying from each part and lyrics that sparked something in me.  I feel unstoppable and confident in this is what I want and need to do.

I’m positive I’m not the only one out there. I want to share them with everyone. Maybe the artistic value will spark something in you, too.

I’ve seen Jesse Lacey solo twice and with the entire band twice. His passion for what he does is how I want to feel about my writing. I want to do it regardless if people read it or like what I have to say. I think this is something well all need to remember.

At least when I meet him next time I will have something to say aside from “What difficulty do you play Guitar Hero or Rock Band on?”