Think Tank [Enhanced, Explicit Lyrics]

Blur | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 6, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Virgin Records Us
• ASIN: B0000931OG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (139 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,261 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Compared to the brash pop of Damon Albarn's Gorillaz side project and 1999's overtly emotional 13, Think Tank is a soulful and subtle affair—its tone possibly traceable to the departure of founding member Graham Coxon midway through its recording. There are classic Blur rock moments here, notably "Crazy Beat," which is cut from the same cloth as the classic "Song 2," and the painfully short but brilliant "We've Got a File On You," which sounds like agitprop punks Crass mixed up with a Moroccan snake charmer. But while Albarn still has an ear for a melody, without Coxon's guitars to subvert them, most of these songs sound like the work of a new band. "Caravan"'s sleepy rhythm plods at a camel's pace, while "Gene by Gene" employs cross rhythms to evoke desert images. Blur is now more about textures rather than standard rock rhythms. Some will find their evolution off-putting, but for fans who appreciate a band that refuses to sit still, Think Tank is a rewarding listen. --Caroline Butler

Product Description

Japanese edition of the Brit-pop mainstays seventh album has earliest release & one bonus track, 'The Outsider'. 15 tracks (if you skip forward there is an unmarked track at # 30). Copy Controlled. EMI. 2003. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Album - 4 stars, Limited Edition Packaging - 1.5 stars, May 9, 2003

By 

Cary S. Whitt "Tune Junkie" (Columbus,Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Think Tank (Audio CD)

I have already written about the record, I still like it overall and I think the high points far outway the low ones. For a Blur fan, it's ace.

This is basically a review of the limited edition packaging. Which if you haven't figured it out by now, isn't all that great.

It comes as a 6x6 red cloth bound book with Think Tank and a very small printing of the divers art on the front, in gold. Inside there are just pages of lyrics. No Photos, no great Banksy art, no design at all really. I liken it to the Kid A limited edition which, in my opinion, wasn't as good as the regular version either. Both regular versions (Kid A and Think Tank) have a ton more art work, bigger, brighter, and cheaper. I expected a lot more out of Think Tank's packaging, esp. with Banksy on board doing his great stencil art. I instead got a "rushed job" that was a bit more expensive. Hey, at least the music is still good.

So just a little FYI, in case you can't make up your mind about going for this edition of Think Tank, hope this helped.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sequel to The Life Trilogy, May 26, 2003

By 

Emma (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Think Tank (Audio CD)

One shouldn't put off 'Think Tank'after only a few listens as, with other Blur albums, it's not instantly likeable. The album takes time to grown on you and when it does, you'd appreciate the journey. I agree that the guitar department lack the creative flair of Coxon, but it's not that greatly missed. Coxon's presence would undoubtedly add an intrinsic vulnerability, tenderness and restraint to the cocky Damon-fest overload that is Think Tank, but this is an extremely enjoyable ride, nevertheless.

I am great fan of their Life(MLIR, Parklife, TGE) trilogy and the series will always have a special place in my heart. However, I enjoy this album much, much more than 'Blur' or '13', a good sign since I've only gotten the album for less than a month, and still on my journey of discovery.

The songs are varied in style, the oompah-pah-fun-fair chassis that defined the three Life albums is still evident (which is a Blur feature that i've always loved), exotic instruments adds interest, Damon's voice, which alternates between a sleepy resentful drawl and a that of a charming naughty boy's, entertains, all of which make for a great listen.

The highlights for me are :
1. Ambulance : crazy casio loops punctuated with tender lyrical moments such as "I was born out of love, It's the only way to get into this world"

2. Out of Time : this is a great example of not trying to hard. A quitely-beautiful genious of simplicity, layered with a background of haunting morrocan orchestra. At first listen it sounded plain, but after awhile it was magic.

3. Good Song: A nice easy tune that conjures images of lazy, carefree days. It's a Good Song, really.

4. Caravan: Beautiful, I expected it to go into guitar overdrive and then remembered that Graham is not in the band anymore. Which,frankly, is not that bad a thing after all.

5. Gene by Gene: Extremely catchy, happy, jumpy, can't stop singing to this. Dan Abnormal on a pogo-stick!

The only major grouse I have is the inclusion of Crazy Beat which I believe is the second single of the album. Not only does it reek of the ghost of Song2, it sounds just like Bugman, only more brainless having been stripped off Coxon's redeeming guitar riffs. But it seems that a lot of people love this track so it might be that I'm getting old.

In my opinion, Think Tank doesn't alienate early Blur fans as much as their two previous album. This, to me, is FINALLY the proper continuation to The Great Escape.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hey... There's A Hidden Track Here, December 20, 2003

By 

Matthew Comegys (Ueda, Nagano, Japan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Think Tank (Audio CD)

After owning this album for about eight months, I randomly came across the hidden track stowed away on this album. If you begin rewinding the CD just as 'Ambulance,' the first rack, plays, and go back 6:50 you'll find a rather strange track apparently known as 'Me White Noise.' It's a sort of strange electronic track that features Phil Edwards, who also narrated the title track of 'Parklife.' It's not really top drawer material and doesn't belong on the proper album, but it is quite a bit of fun and serves as an instant B-side.
As far as the album itself, I initially had a bit of trepidation as Graham Coxon, Blur's phenomenal ex-guitarist, left the band shortly after recording began. While his avant-garde guitar tones are indeed missed (except for 'Battery In Your Leg,' which does feature some totally eerie guitar from Mr. Coxon), Blur has still managed to put out their best album ever. There isn't a bum track on here and there are multiple highlights which basically include the first six tracks, 'Sweet Song,' and the already mentioned 'Battery In Your Leg.' Damon Albarn, the band's now sole creative master, has learned much from his stint with Gorillaz and Mali Music, and has crafted a wonderful album. While 'Blur' and '13' included heaps of experimentation, it all comes to fruition on 'Think Tank.' The best analogy I can think of is late 70's Bowie. 'Think Tank' creates many new combinations of sound with electronica, North African music, and Brit-pop meshing in a very coherent and catchy way.
I do not hesitate in calling this the best rock album of the year and I would suggest running and buying it now. While all signs point to Blur's creative downfall with 'Think Tank,' they've instead managed to create their greatest masterpiece.