Coffee & TV - Blur

The music video for Coffee & TV by Blur was directed by Hammer & Tongs. It first aired in June 1999. It features a milk carton character named Milky made by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. It was also seen in an episode of The Sopranos. The milk carton used in the video was sold at auction in 1999. Graham Coxon sings lead while Damon Albarn sings in the chorus.

Does it demonstrate genre characteristics?

Not particularly, many of the britpop videos heavily feature the band playing there instruments, in this video there is performance aspects but until the end. The fact that Graham Coxon is has gone 'missing' gives a sense of rebellion which is a common convention of Rock music.

Is there a relationship between lyrics and visuals?

'Theres people there who will hurt you, because of who you are' is amplified by a man drinking from a carton and two young boys playing football with a can, these are things you would associate with being similar to 'Milky' the milk carton.

Is there a relationship between music and visuals?

Yes, when 'Milky' the carton knocks on the door of 'Big Suzy's' the snare is hit 3 times which makes it look as if the drum is the knock at the door. The milk carton is also frequently seen dancing along to the music. So the visuals are illustrative of the music.

Are there lots of close ups?

No not really, there is one of a photo of Graham Coxon right at the begining and a few of Damon Albarn during the performance shots otherwise there are'nt many. Possibly because by this time Blur where already an established band and so perhaps did not need to be as marketed as if they were starting out.

Is there frequent reference to the notion of looking?

Not at all, only one vague bit where Graham Coxon looks at his photo on the side of the milk carton.

Are there intertextual references?

None that are visible to me.

Is it narrative, performance or conceptual based?

It includes a bit of everything, there is the narative of the milk carton going to look for the lost boy, finding him and taking him back home. There is conceptual parts for example with the milk carton being alive and given human qualities (anthropomorphic) an finally there is the performance by the band (minus Coxon) at the end.

It stands up to repeat viewing because the main character, 'Milky', is a milk carton and adds a sense of intrigue, we also never find out why Graham Coxon has gone missing, so it is watched again as the story becomes more interesting each time.