This evening we met with Damon Albarn in Studio 13 to answer questions from around the world, as he chaired a Reddit AMA. So what did the legendary musician have to say regarding collaborations, his new record Everyday Robots and material from bygone years?

"COUNTRY HOUSE" WAS SHIT

Even though he admitted to a perfectionist streak ("I'm never really that happy with any of my records, I always think I can do better", he told one Redditor), he's more than aware that "Country House" was a terrible song. But then again, so was Oasis's "Roll With It". 

NEVER RULE OUT A BLUR REUNION

With Britpop nostalgia in the air and Oasis teasing a reunion gig, it's understandable that more than a few Redditors asked if there was ever the possibility of a Blur reunion. "I'm sure we're going to play again at some point" was all Albarn had to say on the matter. Never say never.

SOME RANDOM STEEL DRUM GUY FROM PORTOBELLO IS ON EVERYDAY ROBOTS

The steel drums on "You & Me" from Everyday Robots were played "by a Portobello local who plays throughout the entire year, even in winter". Albarn thinks his pans "represent to me the true ghost of carnival." Lesson learned: persevere with your instrument through the cold, and Damon Albarn might reward you with a guest spot.

Check out the track below:

GRAHAM COXON SMELLS PRETTY GREAT, ACTUALLY – AND BOBBY WOMACK TAUGHT HIM TO SING

Damon was quick to dispel any rumours that one of his most famous collaborators Graham Coxon smells bad – "on the contrary, Graham smells great." He went on to eulogise about his partnership with Bobby Womack: "The opportunity to connect with one of my true heroes Bobby Womack taught me more about singing than anything else had previously. To turn up everyday and witness that spiritual connection that he innately has was truly a blessing."

BARRY GIBB AND ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK TURNED ALBARN DOWN

Given Albarn's prodigious output with any and all collaborators, you might think that nobody says no when he comes knocking. Turns out two people have – Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees and Engelbert Humperdinck. 

"I have been turned down twice actually," he said, "the first time by Barry Gibb who, while on his way to the studio, developed an mysterious ear infection, which meant I ended up singing on "Stylo". The other no-show was Engelbert Humperdinck."

Here's Albarn's impression of Gibb on "Stylo", off Gorillaz's Plastic Beach:

So thanks to Damon for hooking up with us and Reddit – you can check out the rest of the AMA here. Be reminded that Everyday Robots is out this week on Parlophone, you can buy it here.