No Distance Left To Run

If you’ve ever had a soft spot for 90s Britpop, you need to get your hands on No Distance Left To Run, the new documentary about British legends Blur.

The story behind Blur is one of complex misleadings, theft, and an explosion onto the international music scene that led to the infamous “Battle of Britpop” between Oasis and themselves. The chart rivalry that should have been the most exciting time of their lives shed light on a real issue–musicians are human beings too. As guitarist Graham Coxon once said, “I started to wonder if I was in the wrong band. Pop music makes me sick. I want to make music that scares people again.” The success that led to being at the top of the charts was ultimately, Blur’s greatest downfall.

Building out of their grade school friendships, this documentary chronicles the rise and fall of one of Britain’s greatest bands. Influenced by groups like The Kinks, XTC and The Beatles, Blur’s self-hatred saw them crumble under the pressure of being a modern rock band. Shedding light on the feud between front man Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon, No Distance Left to Run explains the band’s collapse. After Coxon left the band during their record, Think Tank the band were left to their own devices. They separated, and had not been reunited until 2009.

This documentary highlights the genius behind Blur’s career in the mid 90s. After signing their first contract, Albarn took the band in a pop direction, a move that no one was willing to accept as reasonable. Thinking it would be a complete flop, there was no faith in Albarn’s decision. Ultimately, singles like “Parklife”, “Boys and Girls” and “There’s No Other Way” led to an explosion of Britpop in the mid 90s and a success that no one would have thought possible. “With Blur, indie became popular,” and it’s clear. Bands that we love and listen to today (Bloc Party, Vampire Weekend, etc.) have clear influences from Blur’s song stylings, and this documentary really highlights that.

No Distance Left to Run is a documentary in music education. Whether you’re a Britpop fan or not, it’s certainly interesting to see the human aspect of money, success, fame and glamour–and dark world of pop music that so few people are willing to delve into.