Blur - 13

March 15th, 1999.

Parlophone

Blur's sixth studio album, 13, turns 25. A noticeable weight has been appendaged to the bands sound; a hefty tonnage strapped around the ankles.

Blur, the pillars of Britpop turn experimental with studio album number six, 13. The seeds were scattered and sewn along Blur's path years prior, and 13 is where they fully take form and darkly flourish - these flowers do indeed bloom in the dark. Things take a seedy turn - and often for the worst. But the creative process can catch glimpses of sun through the clouds; light through the cracks. It can pull us out of the fog. It reflects back that which we can't see; that which we can't feel - both the best and worst of ourselves. These sides remain dormant, until a time when they're subconsciously summoned - manifested and mingled with. Brought to the surface by means of near-séance-like practice. Conjuring up that which withered away out of sight - brought to the light they shine. 

The laddish output of Blur had taken an alternative twist with the self-titled release in 1997. 13 only furthered this sonic swivel; it bolsters a dirty and somewhat stained sound palette. Layers of distortion and a sickly feel emanate - an uneven emotional floor is walked on. A thick coat of tar-like paint has been lathered on - grime-lacquered. Rock bottom has been hit head-on. Facing reality can be the hardest thing that we have to do. Your time will come. It waits for you to slip up. An inevitable stumble and the game is over. 

The music sounds like it's come to terms with the fact that it is what it is; what's happened has happened. The grip of no way out has tightened it's talons. Wiggle room no longer offers itself up. All chances of turning around have found themselves shut tight. The signs of a suffocated inner sanctum rise to the surface. 

Rated within the world of Blur; criminally underrated within the wider outside world. 13 is an incredibly potent record. One which finds one of the better bands of the 90's at the peak of their creative powers. 

'Give me coffee and tv, easily.'