Song 2

Vorlage:Infobox Single "Song 2" is a song by Blur, and the second single released from their eponymous fifth album, Blur in April 1997. It is among the most well-known songs the band has recorded, particularly in the United States, where it remains their biggest hit to date.

The song is said to be a tribute to Bob Nastanovich's role in seminal indie rock band Pavement, but bears more similarity to Nirvana-like grunge, of which some consider it to be a parody.

Information

Damon Albarn stated at the song's debut live performance at the RDS in Dublin in June 1996 that "This one's called 'Song 2', 'cos we haven't got a name for it yet". The working title ended up sticking. Coincidences surrounding the number two eventually became associated with the song: it was the second track on the album, was the second single from the album to be released, and reached #2 in the UK singles chart ,is exactly two minutes long and is also the 2nd track on their compilation Blur: The Best of. Further, the song placed #2 on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 1997 in Australia.

Reception

In the UK, "Song 2" built upon the success of Blur's prior #1 single "Beetlebum", reaching, fittingly enough, #2 in the charts. It was also the band's biggest hit in the USA, reaching #6 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks. Though it is decidedly atypical of Blur's trademark style, in America it is the song most closely associated with the band.

The song became quite popular upon its release in 1997 on college and modern rock radio stations in the USA. Due to its catchy chorus, mainly the two words "Woo Hoo", it has been licensed worldwide on numerous occasions. Its first and most notable appearance came as the title music for the hit video game FIFA '98, contributing to its American success. It has been used in numerous advertisements, including commercials for the Pentium II, television spots for the film Starship Troopers, and is often heard in football (soccer), ice hockey, and baseball stadiums when goals or runs are scored. For one season, the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League played this song every time they scored a goal in a home game. The Carolina League's Wilmington Blue Rocks play the song each time a run is scored while one of their mascots, Mr. Celery, dances on the field. The song also gained recognition in Canada, as the theme for the Labatt Brewing Company. Famously, the American military requested to use the track at the launch of a new stealth bomber , but the band refused to allow this, as Albarn is an anti-war campaigner.

Trivia

• The song is typically played by many NHL teams when their team scores a goal at home ice. This song for some teams replaces Gary Glitter's ever-so-popular hit, "Rock and Roll Part 2"
• The song is also played after a goal of cult club FC St. Pauli, turning the stadiuminto a large mosh pit.
• The song was number 13 on the VH1 Best Rock Songs Ever.
• The distinctive drum sound was achieved by guitarist Graham Coxon playing a second set of drums face to face with regular drummer Dave Rowntree in the studio.
• The song has been used in the Simpsons episode "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" and the South Park episode "Stanley's Cup".
• The song is played at Angel Stadium of Anaheim whenever the Angels hit a home run.
• In March 2005, Q magazine placed "Song 2" at number 14 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks.
• In May 2007, NME magazine placed "Song 2" at number 15 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever.
• In 1998, the song was used to advertise Toyota Corollas in Australia.
• In 1999, it was used to advertise Nissan Altimas in North America.
• The song's lyrics are referenced in an issue of Phonogram.
• The song is played as New York Mets outfielder Shawn Green steps up to bat.
• Was used in BMW's film series The Hire; specifically Star, which featured Madonna and the BMW M5.
• This song is included in the FIFA '98: Road to World Cup soundtrack.
• Song 2 was track 2 on the album Blur. It was single 2 to be released from the album. It reached number 2 in the chart - and was 2 minutes long.
• Since 2005, Song 2 is played after every goal scored by RSC Anderlecht during homegames at the Vandenstock Stadium and also after the countdown as the squad enters the pitch.

Cover versions

The song has been covered by a number of artists, including:

• During live performances by American bands Weezer, Wallflowers and Plain White T's.
• AFI covered the song as the traditional first song of MTV's 2007 New Years special.
• My Chemical Romance for Radio 1's Live Lounge.
• British rapper Plan B covers the song during his live performance, adding in his own rapping verse before the first proper verse of the song.
• French bands Dionysos and Louise Attaque covered the song during Taratata (TV).
• Brock Landers sampled the songs with his dance songs S.M.D.U.
• The German Punk Band Die Toten Hosen played this song on their 2005 concert "Heimspiel" in Düsseldorf.
• By David Desrosiers In An Avril Lavigne's Show.
• By Earl Okin on his 2002 CD Sex Symbol & Musical Genius

Track listing

• 7" FOOD93

1. "Song 2"
2. "Get Out of Cities"

• CD1 CDFOODS93

1. "Song 2"
2. "Get Out of Cities"
3. "Polished Stone"

• CD2 CDFOOD93

1. "Song 2"
2. "Bustin' + Dronin'"
3. "Country Sad Ballad Man (Acoustic Live Version)"

• International CD

1. "Song 2"
2. "Get Out of Cities"
3. "Polished Stone"
4. "Bustin' + Dronin'"