Blur

Blur's debut album, this CD features none of the quirky songwriting and social observation of British life that would earn singer Damon Albarn rave reviews, comparing him to the Kinks' Ray Davies and the Who's Pete Townshend. However, as a debut Leisure has plenty of spunk and appealing naiveté. This is a very Manchester-inspired affair, motivated by the dance-hall shuffle and lysergic shimmering of the Happy Mondays. Lyrics exist merely as something to hang the pretty harmonies on. First-rate pop hooks drive songs such as "She's So High" and "There's No Other Way," while waves of wah-wah guitar and solid organ represent the trippier aspects of the band's sound for "I Know" and "Bad Day," among others. --Rob O'Connor

A strictly limited edition of the former UK #1 album that features special packaging (burgundy linen hardback book with gold embossment) and live versions of four "Think Tank" tracks that were recorded at MTV studios.

Australian exclusive version of the brit-pop act's highly acclaimed 1999 album '13' which includes a bonus 3 track VCD with the videos for 'Tender', 'Coffee & TV' and 'No Dis tance Left To Run'. Clear slipcase combines 2 standard jewel cases. 1999 release.

Japanese edition of new album features the single 'Beetlebum' and the U.K. B-side 'Dancehall' as a bonus track. 15 tracks total. Other 13: 'Song 2', 'Country Sad Ballad Man', 'M.O.R.', 'On Your Own', 'Theme From Retro', 'You're So Great', 'Death Of A Party', 'Chinese Bombs', 'I'mJust A Killer For Your Love', 'Look Inside America', 'Strange News From Another Star', 'Movin' On' and 'Essex Dogs'.

Scanning the track listing of this album, it's hard not to conclude that Blur aren't a little embarrassed by their early work. Opening with the chart one-two of "Beetlebum" and "Song 2" (from their eponymous 1997 watershed album) rather than the baggy groove of their debut single, "She's So High," it's apparent that they desire to accentuate their more recent efforts. Running order aside, it's hard to fault the 18 songs which chart the life and times of one of Britain's smartest, most inventive bands. From the tuxedoed ballad "The Universal" through the cartoon Brit-pop of numbers such as "Parklife" and "Country House" to the freshly recorded indie-influenced "Music Is My Radar," their searching intelligence and deft hooks are never less than admirable. --Mike Pattenden

Until this album, Blur was just another English dance-pop band recycling '60s guitar licks and that tired Manchester beat (dugga-dugga-cha, dugga-dugga- dugga-cha). But Modern Life is Rubbish turned out to be the weirdest and most endearing head-rock album since the Flaming Lips' Transmissions from the Satellite Heart. The 17 songs revel in strange chord changes, bizarre sound effects, off-kilter beats, gonzo lyrics, and English eccentricity, bringing to mind Ray Davies, Syd Barrett, and Julian Cope jamming together under the influence of what Blur calls the "Chemical World." Songs like "Colin Zeal," "Pressure on Julian," and "Sunday Sunday" boast killer hooks amid the chaos, making Modern Life Is Rubbish valuable trash indeed. --Jim DeRogatis

Japanese Version Featuring A Bonus Track: "Girls & Boys (Remix)".

The Beach Motion Picture Soundtrack includes New Order's "Brutal," the first new song available from this Brit troupe in a long time. The soundtrack also features a new track from multi-platinum English artists All Saints. The song, "Pure Shores," was produced by William Orbit (Madonna) and will be found on the band's forthcoming album. The soundtrack is rounded out by brand new songs/mixes from Sugar Ray, Blur & Faithless.