James Blunt has a new album called All The Lost Souls coming out on September 18th. The first single off the album is "1973." Sadly, the song contains no references to Watergate, Secretariat's Triple Crown victory, or President Nixon's suspension of offensive actions in North Vietnam. Instead, it is a tribute to some of Blunt's experiences with the nightlife in the Spanish city of Ibiza, especially at a club called Pacha. Too bad, because everyone knows that songs about horse racing and the de-escalation of the Vietnamese War kick major ass.
The video for "1973" can be seen below. It cuts off at the end, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective). If you'd like to listen to the song in its entirety, you can click here.
Blender hilariously compared this video to the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony," and although he doesn't bump into anyone, Blunt is definitely getting his Richard Ashcroft on in this clip, looks-wise and swagger-wise. I would take it a step further and say that Blunt is doing a decent Chris Martin impression as well.
(Nobody has mastered the art of aimlessly walking through a music video like Chris Martin. In "The Scientist," Martin even does it backwards. Now that's skill. What's with British people and aimless wandering? Do they not have Google Maps in England?)
On to the more important issue...
This song disappoints me to no end, and the reason I find it disappointing is that it's too good. You heard that right. This James Blunt song is too good. Like it or not, we need terrible songs out there to make us appreciate the good songs. There can be no God without Satan; there can be no good without evil. "You're Beautiful" was one of the most annoying songs ever, but it made us appreciate the great music that was being made. Plus, making fun of that song was great. Admit it, you love hating James Blunt. And you should.
But in order for us to fully hate James Blunt, he has to continually put out atrocious songs. It's a two-way street and Blunt has to do his part. "1973" is simply not terrible enough. I've heard the song a bunch of times now, and I don't hate it. Listen, Jimmy, everyone has their purpose, and yours is to suck. If we can't make fun of you, then you have no value. You're just another long-haired guy with an acoustic guitar, blending into the endless sea of singer/songwriters across the world. Now get back in the studio and step up your game. Or, step down your game. Whatever.
"1973"
