Blur

This multi-faceted band is, by turn, intensely melodic, poppy and lush, or, merrily abrasive and haunting. In '95, Blur released the Great Escape; debuting at #1 in the U.K., such hits as "Stereotype" and "Charmless Man" took Blur's fixation with British culture to it's logical, grandiose conclusion. This album steers them in yet a different direction; the band's sense of melody and humor remain, however, a more guitar driven sound prevails. The album contains 2 hidden tracks, including one not available on the U.K. version. 1st single/video: "Song 2."