August 2012. Blur is back in fashion. Touring again - while at the same time being vague about them continuing to work together. Last chance to see? They just played Denmark and then headed back home to finish up at the London Olympics.Incidentally (!) they're releasing a insanely massive retrospective box set called "Blur 21". Because they're 21, they say. Well, subtract the years they been apart doing other things you might get a different number. Never mind.
In 2009 when the all four of them got back together again a camera crew followed them on their British tour. In the 2010 documentary "No Distance Left To Run" we get not only their rise to fame story, but also the story of the tour as well as getting to dip our toes in the personal stuff.
It's an enjoyable film. Simply because most of the lads are very likable and their music is good. But to me it felt like it was stretching it a bit with wanting to do all this at once - and hence lacking something. The frame of the film is their reunion, but it doesn't work entirely well for the flow of the film.
Everyone except Damon seems like they feel like talking. And every time they get into a bit of a nasty spot about their history together they just scratch the surface. I'm not saying I want all the dirt dug up, but the film annoyingly let's them get away with mostly hinting at things. The filmmakers seemed content with just dancing around interesting subjects and let them get away with saying "all is good now". With the band's current vagueness regarding their future in mind the film seems to after all present a bit of a glossy picture.
It lacks in these departments, but that does not mean that it is not an enjoyable film. It will be for Blur fans, obviously, but also most people who enjoy music as more than just wallpaper. A good film that still feels a bit like a missed opportunity. Or maybe there just isn't more to say?
The film climaxes at the Glastonbury Festival with a beautiful moment that allows you to think about the power of music as a magical thing to bring people together - and not the calculating reality of the music industry. Yes, a much needed reminder that music is a universal language. So, thanks for that.
It lacks in these departments, but that does not mean that it is not an enjoyable film. It will be for Blur fans, obviously, but also most people who enjoy music as more than just wallpaper. A good film that still feels a bit like a missed opportunity. Or maybe there just isn't more to say?
The film climaxes at the Glastonbury Festival with a beautiful moment that allows you to think about the power of music as a magical thing to bring people together - and not the calculating reality of the music industry. Yes, a much needed reminder that music is a universal language. So, thanks for that.
On the 2-disc dvd set a two hour concert from Hyde park is also included. Great show, lads!
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