Blur to record new album

London - Blur will record a new album in 2011.

Although the Britpop group had previously played down rumours that they would record an album after reforming for a number of shows in 2009, they have now scheduled recording sessions for January, and hope to release new material by the end of next year.

A source said of the band: "The lads will be getting in the studio early next year. There's no concrete plans regarding what they will do with the material, but if they're all agreed it could become the first full Blur album to feature all four members in over a decade."

Frontman Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, drummer Dave Rowntree and bassist Alex James - have reportedly been considering the reunion for some time after they got together to record a limited edition single, Fool's Day earlier this year, but Damon's world tour with his other band, Gorillaz, meant they had to be put on hold.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "When they went into the studio earlier this year everyone was pleased to discover that the old magic was still there.

"They would have liked to have done more, but Damon could not take part due to his commitments with Gorillaz. Now that he's finished touring he has more time on his hands."

Damon last week confirmed he will work on other projects in 2011, saying of Gorillaz: "I'm putting it back in a box for a while. Just putting it back on the shelf. I've got other stuff."