Originally recorded back in 2011 in the same sessions as 2012’s ‘A+E’, it’s a testament to the strength of Coxon’s ability. There’s no doubt there’ll have been some minor tweaks here and there, but the track still stands strong on its own merit among releases written in the last year. From the opening guitar tremolo, the melody is ingrained in your head, the catchiness paired with the artists own signature blend of mod and Britpop stylings central. Cheerful. Groove-laden. An earworm.
‘Billy Says’ has been a firm fixture in Coxon’s live sets for years now - and for good reason - so its official release is something fans have anticipated for years. Of course, it’s not the first we’ve heard from Coxon in the past years. From Blur’s ‘The Ballad of Darren’, to two stellar releases from The Waeve, the musician has been anything but quiet. Yet, ‘Castle Park’ is perhaps what fans of Coxon's solo puruits have most eagerly been waiting for, and with the first single perfectly exemplifying his genius, anticipation has never been higher.
‘Castle Park’ arrives June 19th via Transgressive. Coxon will also play The O2 Forum Kentish Town on November 28, tickets available here.
Megan-Louise Burnham
Image: ‘Billy Says’ Official Cover