Song 2  

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"Song 2" is a song by English alternative rock band Blur, and the second single released from their fifth album Blur in April 1997. The riff-based track, known for its overdriven chorus, is among the most well-known songs the band has recorded, particularly in the United States, where it is their most recognisable song.

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. It was said that the song was about Pavement's Bob Nastanovich, known for his colourful and energetic stage presence. In keeping with the title of the song, it was the second track on the album, was the second single from the album to be released, is exactly two minutes and two seconds long, and is also the second track on their compilation Blur: The Best of. It reached #2 in the UK singles chart and also placed #2 on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 1997 in Australia. (See Apophenia.)

Reception

In the UK, "Song 2" built upon the success of Blur's chart-topping single "Beetlebum" to reach number two in the charts. It was also the band's biggest hit in the US, reaching number six on BillboardTemplate:'s Modern Rock Tracks chart. Though it is 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 word "Woohoo", 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. It has been used in numerous advertisements, including commercials for the Pentium II and Nissan Sentra and television spots for the film Starship Troopers, and it is often heard in football, 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. It is also played by the National Football League's New England Patriots whenever a field goal is scored during home games at Gillette Stadium. The National Football League's San Francisco 49ers and Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts also play this song when a touchdown is scored. The song also gained recognition in Canada, as the theme for the Labatt Brewing Company. It's also played whenever Major League Baseball's Anaheim Angels hit a home run at Angel Stadium Of Anaheim.

The American military allegedly 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.

The song also has been covered by Avril Lavigne (on drums) with David Desrosiers (Simple Plan), during Avril's Bonez World Tour.

Music video

The music video for this song was directed by Sophie Muller, and it features the band playing in a small, secluded room with loud speakers behind them. During the choruses a strong wind seems to blow in the room. This video bears striking resemblances to Blur's video for "Popscene".

Track listing

7"

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

CD1

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

CD2

1. "Song 2"
2. "Bustin' + Dronin'"
3. "Country Sad Ballad Man" (live acoustic)

International CD

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

Japan Tour CD

1. "Song 2"
2. "Get Out of Cities"
3. "Polished Stone"
4. "Bustin' + Dronin'"
5. "Beetlebum" (Mario Caldato Jr. mix)
6. "Beetlebum" (instrumental)
7. "Country Sad Ballad Man" (live acoustic)
8. "On Your Own" (live acoustic)