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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: 'Parklife' at 30

Aerial view of Kensington Gardens next to London's Hyde Park — the place that Blur's Damon Albarn said gave him the inspiration for "Parklife."
Aerial view of Kensington Gardens next to London's Hyde Park — the place that Blur's Damon Albarn said gave him the inspiration for "Parklife." EyesWideOpen/Getty Images

by Jill Riley

April 25, 2024

On this day in 1994, Blur released their acclaimed third studio album, Parklife. The title track is an observational song that features spoken-word verses by Phil Daniels — an actor whose many credits include roles in Quadrophenia, East Enders, and Chicken Run — between choruses sung by the members of Blur. In addition to the title track, the album produced three additional hit singles: “Boys & Girls,” “To The End,” and “End of a Century.”

Critically for Blur, Parklife ensconced the band in the firmament of Britpop — an unapologetically British expression of alternative rock — that became a major element in the late-90s’ “Cool Britannia” period, when British cultural output was celebrated at home and across the world. In addition to Blur, vital Britpop acts included Oasis, Suede, Elastica, Supergrass, and many others. Let’s celebrate that sound this morning.

So for today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what Britpop songs do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Blur – Girls and Boys
Oasis – Don't Look Back In Anger
Pulp – Common People
Suede – Metal Mickey
Elastica – Connection
Spice Girls – Wannabe