Damon Albarn has criticised Kaiser Chiefs in the strongest possible terms - by comparing their new album to Blur's famously underwhelming 1995 record The Great Escape.
The singer said: “I've made two bad records. The first record [Leisure], which is awful, and The Great Escape, which was messy.
"The Kaiser Chiefs' new record sounds a bit like The Great Escape in that it sounds a bit empty. Sometimes records are like that if you try too hard to repeat your success."
It's quite a change of heart for Albarn. Two years ago he was so moved by a Kaiser Chiefs gig at Leeds Metropolitan University he burst into tears ("I think it was a compliment," said Kaisers drummer Nick Hodgson at the time).
Kaiser Chiefs - who Liam Gallagher once unfairly dismissed as "a bad Blur" - have made no secret of the debt they owe Albarn and co. What's more, Ricky Wilson and Damon Albarn have hung out together several times (they even went together to watch ex-Blur guitarist Graham Coxon's solo gig at South By Southwest in Texas last year).
We wonder if the atmosphere might be a bit more frosty the next time they meet...
11:09 AM | 14/05/2007
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Albarn has a few good points about what his opinions are but you also have to look at it from his point of view, he probably means it as a warning to his friend, he might not want them to become the next Oasis or something. The reason Liam Gallagher would slate teh Kaiser Chiefs is because they are worried about new competition. Even though the Kaiser Cheifs album doesn't pack quite the punch, it gives both good and bad tracks out and that is what i think is essential for all albums, people vary in taste just as bands vary in preformance.
Posted by Adrian Cartridge at 12:20 PM | 15/05/2007 | Report Abuse
Kaiser Cheifs album doesn't 'pack the punch'? All of there songs are brilliant and how do they 'vary in performance?' I know! There songs are either brilliant or great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( if it was a warning to a friend then why tell everyone D A) - I'M SEEING K C AT 'T' ON THE FRINGE - YOUR'E NOT!!!!!!!
Posted by both kaiser chiefs albums are great at 11:12 AM | 16/05/2007 | Report Abuse
Rickt+Nick+Simon+Whitey+Peanut= The most beautiful thing (O M G)
Posted by K C at 11:23 AM | 16/05/2007 | Report Abuse
Kaiser Chiefs have had their moment. I Predict A Riot was an OK single, but they have never backed it up. I guarantee that the music press will not look so favourably upon them in a couple of years time. When the hype is gone, their "albums" will be exposed for the lame ducks that they are!! Damon Albarn is right!! Damon Albarn is always right!! Look at Oasis!
Posted by They're putting the holes in!! at 4:36 PM | 18/05/2007 | Report Abuse
Actually, I think The Great Escape was one of Blur's best albums. Despite two or three songs, Kaiser Cheifs weren't even Blur standard to start with.
Posted by Fluffy Spider at 11:38 AM | 19/05/2007 | Report Abuse
yeah, The Great Escape's my favourite album too. i don't get why it's so underrated. and i think oasis are idle hype band. it's so unfair! all i need is some new proper bands like blur!
Posted by makiko at 6:45 PM | 17/01/2008 | Report Abuse
I agree with Adrian. I don't think Damon was at all slamming the Kaiser Chiefs. They're such a young band. They're going to have great albums and terrible albums. I thought it was great that they were friends with Damon, with myself being a big fan of blur (and everything else Damon has done).
"However, Wilson has hit back at his former pop pal. He says, "I don't give a s**t what Damon says. It's one man and his opinion. Of course we tried hard - it was our second album. He can say what he likes" - contactmusic.com
Ricky obviously took Damon's quote the wrong way. I hope they're still friends.
Posted by Libby at 1:38 AM | 26/10/2008 | Report Abuse
I hate Kaiser Chiefs with pride, Blur are awsome
Posted by diz at 5:43 PM | 16/01/2009 | Report Abuse
I hate Kaiser Chiefs with passion, Blur are awsome
Posted by diz at 5:43 PM | 16/01/2009 | Report Abuse
I would say the comments are constructive and hardly a criticism. Both great bands in terms of songs and live performances. Saw the Kaiser Chiefs recently and absolutely brilliant
Posted by P S at 4:38 PM | 03/03/2009 | Report Abuse
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