Page "Damon Albarn" Paragraph 14

During the two-month American tour, the band became increasingly unhappy and homesick homesick ; Albarn said, " I just started to miss really simple things ...

I missed everything about England so I started writing songs which created an English atmosphere.

" Upon the group's return to the United Kingdom, Blur ( Albarn in particular ) were upset by the success rival group Suede had achieved while they were gone.

After a poor performance at a 1992 gig that featured a well-received set by Suede on the same bill, Blur were in danger of being dropped by Food.

By that time, Blur had undergone an ideological and image shift intended to celebrate their English heritage in contrast to the popularity of American grunge bands like Nirvana.

Although sceptical of Albarn's new manifesto for the band, Balfe gave assent for the band's choice of Andy Partridge of the band XTC to produce their follow-up to Leisure.

The sessions with Partridge proved unsatisfactory, but a chance reunion with Stephen Street resulted in him returning to produce the group.