he thought of cars

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this blur song deserves a thread of its own. everything about it is perfect: the stomping intro, breaking down, leaving just albarn's voice over acoustic guitar. The nonsensical lyrics over such a sad verse melody. The backwards vocals behind the chorus. The way "...no-one" is repeated, then left hanging by damon's wordless mumble. the high-pitched "la la-la-la-la"s at the end of each chorus.

what's not to love? their best song, IMHO.

― weasel diesel (K1l14n), Tuesday, 11 November 2003 22:34 (twenty-two years ago)

This song is the quintessential "Great Escape" track. I remember Blur being quoted as saying that that particular album was "depressive, but not depressing".
It's not my favourite track by them, not really my fave on the album. But it's certainly an important tune.

― dog latin, Tuesday, 11 November 2003 22:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, I think it's one of their best too. Albarn became so caught up in doing character sketches (and also very good at it) around this time, including the tripe which is Ernold Same. But in this one, he doesn't need to name the subject or describe his homelife, but he evokes a whole mood based on what the guy is Thinking. Great lyrics, and a great presentation.

I wish this Blur era would have lasted a bit longer, not that I don't love what came after, but it seemed to be the beginning of the end when they started slogging the Great Escape. Even though it was shamelessly poppy and probably too much for its own good, you had all four members at the top of their game musically, and meshing well, not splintering and trying to deconstruct their prettiness.

I still liked Think Tank but damn they need Graham.

― Troy, Wednesday, 12 November 2003 21:15 (twenty-two years ago)

One of the best tracks on their best album.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Wednesday, 12 November 2003 21:23 (twenty-two years ago)

its damn fine. but you know, possibly controversially, i like the univeral somewhat more.

― gallantseagull, Wednesday, 12 November 2003 23:32 (twenty-two years ago)

It is an impressive track.

It reminds me of grey November afternoons.

I write on a grey November afternoon.

― the pinefox, Thursday, 13 November 2003 16:08 (twenty-two years ago)

I much prefer "Best Days" to "He Thought Of Cars". Some of the tracks on that album are really embarassing though. Anyone heard the "Live It!" remix of "Entertain Me"? Truly cringeworthy.

― dog latin, Thursday, 13 November 2003 19:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I love this song despite myself, it's so bleak. There is something very cold and grey about it, PF is right about that.

― El Diablo Robotico (Nicole), Thursday, 13 November 2003 20:08 (twenty-two years ago)

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