Full Breakdown
Graham Coxon to Release Shelved Album 'Castle Park' and Reissue Solo Catalog
4/21/2026, 12:06:01 PM
Overview of the Release
Graham Coxon, the guitarist of Blur, has announced the release of his previously shelved album, Castle Park, originally recorded in 2011. This album will be launched on June 19, 2024, alongside reissues of his solo discography, starting with his debut album, The Sky Is Too High (1998), and his second album, The Golden D (2000). The reissue campaign will span the next 12 months, encompassing nine studio albums and three original soundtracks.
Background of 'Castle Park'
Castle Park was produced by Ben Hillier, known for his work on Blur's Think Tank. The album was intended as a follow-up to Coxon’s 2012 album A+E, but its release was postponed due to Blur's reunion activities. The album features ten tracks, including the lead single "Billy Says," which has been a staple in Coxon's live performances for years. The sound of the album is described as leaning into Coxon's classic mod style, reminiscent of Britpop influences.
Tracklisting for 'Castle Park'
The complete tracklist for Castle Park includes:
1. Billy Says
2. Alright
3. When You Find Out
4. Isn’t It Funny
5. There’s a Little House
9. Mélodie Pour Christine
10. All The Rage
Comprehensive Reissue Campaign
The reissue campaign will not only include Castle Park but also feature Coxon's entire solo catalog, which includes:
- Crow Sit On Blood Tree (2001)
- The Kiss Of Morning (2002)
- Happiness In Magazines (2004)
- Love Travels At Illegal Speeds (2006)
- The Spinning Top (2009)
- A+E (2012)
Additionally, soundtracks for the series The End of the F*ing World (2018 and 2019) and the graphic novel Superstate** (2021) will also be reissued.
Upcoming Live Performance
Coxon will celebrate this release with a one-off full-band show at The O2 Forum Kentish Town in London on November 28, 2024. This performance marks his first full-band solo show in a decade, where he will showcase his entire solo career.
Official Statements & Responses
Coxon has expressed excitement about the release, noting the importance of revisiting his past work while also looking forward to future projects. He previously mentioned the necessity of living life to inspire new music, indicating that the reunion with Blur would depend on their collective experiences.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm from fans, some critics have pointed out the long gap between the album's recording and its release, questioning the relevance of the material in today's music landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Speaking to NME back in 2024 about the future of Blur after their spate of huge reunion shows, Coxon told us: “We can’t leave it too long because we’re knocking on!” — Graham Coxon on the future of Blur.
This comprehensive reissue and the release of Castle Park signify a significant moment in Graham Coxon's career, allowing fans to engage with his music in new ways while celebrating his artistic journey.
