Damon Albarn and Lily Allen

Albarn invited the Smile star to his recording studio intending to collaborate on new material last year (07).

But Allen failed to be inspired by the 39-year-old's creative style and neither artist was able to deliver the lyrical goods.

Albarn says, "The record label thought it would be a good idea. She came down to my studio and said normally she would just sit around and listen to a musician and come up with some ideas.

"I jumped on the piano and played some mad stuff and she just looked at me - it didn't exactly go well. She's a really talented kid but it was a bad idea."

Source: WENN