Blur: 1 Hidden Gem On Every Album
3. Think Tank - Battery In Your Leg
When Graham Coxon suddenly and acrimoniously parted ways with his bandmates, only a week into the Think Tank sessions, Blur had to prove they could still pull together a decent record without their lead guitarist.
The resulting album was largely a triumph, full of woozy, laidback grooves and elegiac ballads.
It also takes in musical influences from Morocco, where the band was recording, and Damon’s then recent Mali Music project. These world music sounds add a new texture to Blur’s music and help fill the hole left by their absent guitar hero.
Despite this, the one track to feature Graham’s playing is a clear highlight. Even without the context of the band’s creative nucleus being torn apart, the song is heartbreaking. “You can be with me,” Damon croons but it’s less cosy reassurance, more desperate bargaining at the death of a doomed romance. He sounds weary and disconsolate.
In response, and out of other options, Graham’s guitar gently weeps.