Damon Albarn prefaced the release of Blur by denouncing Britpop as a tattered flag, almost daring the U.K. media to burn him in effigy. Hes declared an allegiance with Pavement and Beck, wistfully envying their disregard for commercial concerns.

But no amount of gratuitous distortion or mumbling could disguise the truth that, in attempting to embrace their public perception as big losers, Blur stumbled over the most accomplished record of their career.

The opener Beetlebum is thrillingly devoid of Cockney stage enunciation or waspish social observation. Instead, its a lilting White Album homage with Albarn expertly executing a keening Lennonesque key change.

Despite their traitorous pronouncements, Blurs highlights are consistently British-bred. Strange News From Ano