James concerned over cash-strapped labels

Alex James has admitted that Blur would never have got past their second album if they were around today.

The bassist said that the group may not have recorded their seminal Parklife LP if the record companies had been as cash-strapped as they are now.

"In the current climate we’d have got dropped after [second album] Modern Life Is Rubbish because it didn't sell many copies," he told Q.

"But you know, Britpop wouldn't have happened, which is why it's kind of scary that record companies haven't got much cash flying around at the moment.

"They're less likely to take a risk and you know the next big thing always comes from way left of centre."

Singer Damon Albarn recently confirmed that Blur will be reuniting in the studio during 2009.