Damon Albarn: Top Of The Pops Was More Exciting Than The X Factor

Damon Albarn has again criticised The X Factor and said Top Of The Pops offered more for young musicians.

The Blur and Gorillaz frontman has been continually outspoken against the reality show in recent weeks.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said it was "a little depressing" the future of British music was being “informed by a grandiose karaoke show".

“It’s a karaoke colosseum isn’t it really, and I don’t think people participating in it are necessarily being allowed to develop in the way that music should allow young people to develop,” he said.

Albarn went on to claim that former BBC music show Top Of The Pops, which was axed in 2006, was better for music.

“I mean my daughter loves X Factor so I have to also balance it with that side of it - and it’s just my opinion - but the thing about Top Of The Pops was that anything could appear on Top Of The Pops, and it wasn’t controlled by one group of people,” he said.

“The eclecticism Top Of The Pops offered our culture was far more exciting and far more positive.”

Meanwhile, Albarn revealed earlier this week that Blur were planning to do "something" again in January next year.

(by Jason Gregory)

 Bjork, Snoop Dogg, Damon Albarn To Play Manchester International Festival 2011 (17.03.2011)

 Kate Nash: 'I Don't Respect The X Factor' (25.01.2011)

 Jamiroquai Reignites X Factor Feud With Cheryl Cole And Dannii Minogue (24.01.2011)

 Marilyn Manson To Judge The X Factor (18.01.2011)

 Damon Albarn Creates Film Score For The Boy In The Oak (07.01.2011)

 Damon Albarn Plays 'Final Gig' With Gorillaz (22.12.2010)

 Damon Albarn Reveals All About Gorlliaz New Album 'The Fall' (16.12.2010)

 Biffy Clyro Break Silence Over Matt Cardle's 'Funny' X Factor Cover (15.12.2010)

 The Prodigy Back Campaign To Stop X Factor's Matt Cardle Getting Christmas Number One (15.12.2010)

 Matt Cardle To Cover Biffy Clyro's 'Many Of Horror' On X Factor Final (10.12.2010)

 Eminem To Join X-Factor Contestant Cher Lloyd In Final (09.12.2010)