In this episode, John is joined by Blur frontman Damon Albarn and producer James Ford, to talk about how they wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘The Ballad of Darren’.

With Damon’s initial demos to hand, the pair give us a guided tour of the record, right through the early versions and studio sessions, from the moments that reignited the feelings they had when writing in the 90s, to piecing together the musical jigsaw that forms the Blur sound.

Along with stories of Damon’s inspirational chickens and the dangers of making pesto while writing an album, we’re treated to an in depth production and songwriting masterclass, with details on manufacturing the sound of a room, and the importance of energy and intention behind a song.

Listen to find out what makes the first performance of something so special, why a 4-track recorder can sometimes be a great replacement pillow, and what benefits come with giving yourself distance from a record.

Tracks discussed: St. Charles Square, The Everglades (For Leonard), The Narcissist

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Listen to ‘The Ballad of Darren’ here 
 Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company

Intro Music - Sunshine Buddy, Laurel Collective

GEAR MENTIONS
Eventide H3000
U47 Mic
Neve 1073 Preamp
Neve Desk
TON-1501 Analog Strings Synthesizer
Powertran Transcendent 2000
Coles 4038 Mics
Mellotron
Whurli
Clavinet
Fender Amps
Semler Amps
Garageband

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TAPE NOTES TEAM
Will Brown - Executive Producer, Engineer & Editor
Tim Adam-Smith - Executive Producer
Will Lyons - Editor
Videographer - Andy Tindall/Herbie Elton-Rowley
Guy Nicholls - Production Assistant

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