Possibly one of the most important British bands of all time Blur have been recognised worldwide as pioneers of Britpop. The band have had an influence on the course of mid nineties music that few can claim to equal even when placing their long time rivals Oasis into the equation. Blur: The Best Of originally released in 2000 offers an expansive overview of the group's golden age spanning all of their previous albums from 1991's Leisure through to 1999's 13. Tracks featured on this record include chart toppers like Beetlebum Song 2 Parklife and Country House. Also included as an album exclusive is the fantastic Music Is My Radar. Overall this serves as a great introduction to the band and is sure to inspire listeners to explore the group's deeper cuts. (Adam Bibby)

Blur's self titled fifth album came as a considerable departure for the band when it was released in early 1997 as it saw them dropping the Britpop of their past three albums in favour of a style influenced by alt-rock. This is something clearly discernible through the dirtier sound of the guitars that dominate the record. The highlights on the album include Beetlebum M.O.R. On Your Own and of course the legendary Song 2. As the album that not only proved Blur's success was not tied to a single type of music but also contains some of their finest songs it should be a compulsory purchase for any fan of 90's rock. (Adam Bibby)