After the sad news of William Orbits passing -   the production on this album is magnificent, especially as it was a risky departure sound wise from Blurs previous album   To me - my favourite Blur album - Strange News, Death Of A Party & Essex Dogs are under appreciated gems     

RIP William Orbit.... https://youtu.be/eVdR2RfXGUw?is=TgwCLV2USTDSTVru

wow nice info

While i whole heartedly agree with both these statements on a personal preference level -     ive come to reluctantly accept that bland is always popular and il normally just show myself to the other stages where the better times are to be had during the Pyramid headliner slots.  

Sun's out today. Can feel the hills calling. Time to ramp up the energy levels. I've been easing my way in gently the last 2 weeks with the likes of Hayley and Lael Neale and Cut Worms and Maria Somerville etc. Time to unleash some Shame, Mogwai, Place to Bury Strangers and especially Wednesday and Mannequin Pussy.  Also, just back from a brilliant night in Belfast at the Fleadh Ceoil so anything with a fiddle or a whistle or a squeeze box is drawing me like the Sirens. Madra Salach with the volume up. COME ON!!