The Olympics might be getting a whole lot cooler. Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn is a leading contender for the role of artistic director for the opening ceremony of the London's 2012 Summer Games. Albarn -- who worked with artist and Gorillaz mate Jamie Hewlett to create the animation and music for the BBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Games -- has been in preliminary discussions with the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the Independent.

Albarn, who helped pioneer the Britpop explosion of the 1990s as the creative force behind Blur, was born in the area of London where the games will be held. Although the appointment won't be announced until 2010 and Albarn isn't the only person in the running for the position -- Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry is also being considered -- the paper suggests the singer is an ideal candidate, with the ability to produce a ceremony that would reflect London 's place in the world.

Aside from the Gorillaz and Blur, who had a successful run of reunion performances this summer, Albarn has worked on a number of international projects. He wrote an opera in Mandarin, owns a bar in Reykjavik and in 2002, he traveled to Mali to create an album, 'Mali Music,' with local musicians.

We sincerely hope Damon gets the gig. It might not make up for 'Jock Jams,' but it's a start.