New World Towers
by Blur

Album: The Magic Whip (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Magic Whip was influenced by trips that Blur took to cities in the Far East, particularly Hong Kong. Vocalist Damon Albarn returned to Hong Kong around Christmas 2014, in search of inspiration, before recording his vocals. The song title and Damon Albarn's lyrical references to vast, bustling buildings, act as a symbol of Hong Kong's icy allure.

    The 43-story New World Tower is a skyscraper that is located in the heart of commercial Hong Kong. The building houses a shopping centre, restaurants and offices for a number of multinational companies.
  • Musically this is not a Hong Kong song at all. Guitarist Graham Coxon explained to NME: "Before Damon went back and imbued himself with the city again, it didn't have any words, it just had phrases. None of the stuff, I did on the album was done to the words – the lyrics and vocals all came last. I wanted that song to be a sort of science fiction 'Greensleeves,' so I was putting my energy into making it sound very English, but in a slightly off kilter way."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.