Y2K4: Graham Coxon - Happiness In Magazines

With Graham Coxon the story was always better than the music. Whether he'd gone bonkers in Camden, got kicked out of Blur or given another in a series of progressively more schizoid interviews, the worth of his solo albums was relatively unimportant.

Now, having finally loosed all (non-financial) connections with Albarn and Co., Coxon has moved from side project to main concern. And it shows: Happiness In Magazines is a quantum leap forward from his previous offering, Kiss Of The Morning. Sure, it's still quirky and in places cringingly indie-schmindie, but it has a poppier, more commercial heart than previous offerings thanks partly to onetime Blur producer Steven Street, who adds a much-needed touch of gloss.

Another nod to his ex-band comes in the form of "Bittersweet Bundle Of Misery", an admirable rewrite of 13's "Coffee & TV", but that's where the comparisons end. "Freakin Out" is the "Song 2" baiting, balls-out indie rocker you never thought Coxon could write; that it was initially frittered away as a 7" only single clearly sets his stall outside the pop charts. Other notables include "Girl Done Gone", bluesy balladeering that collapses under the weight of squalling guitars Jack White would have been proud of, and "People Of The Earth", a snot and amphetamine fuelled tirade against the Great British Public.

Happiness In Magazines is overflowing with the kind of punky gems Blur no longer seem capable of, or interested in, making. Their loss is most definitely our gain.

Article Author: Greg Smyth

Greg Smyth is a freelance pop culture writer and has written for the likes of NME, Plan B, Alternative Ulster and a host of others. He is currently based in the North East of England and lives on a diet of tea and vitamin tablets.

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