Scanning the tracklisting of Blur's greatest hits album it's hard not to reach the conclusion that the band are a little embarrassed by their earlier and even mid-career work. Opening with the chart one-two of "Beetlebum" and "Song 2" (from their eponymous creative watershed album of 1997) rather than the baggy groove of debut single "She's So High", the band's desire to accentuate their more recent efforts is obvious. Running order aside, it's hard to fault the 18 tracks which chart the life and times of one of the country's smartest, most inventive bands. From the tuxedoed ballad "The Universal", through cartoon Britpoppery of numbers like "Parklife" and "Country House" to the freshly recorded indie-isms of single "Music Is My Radar", their searching intelligence, deft hooks and willingness to sweep the board are never less than admirable. --Mike Pattenden

• Artist: Blur
• Format: Audio CD
• Genre: Indie & Alternative, Pop Rock

1. Beetlebum
2. Song 2
3. There's No Other Way
4. The Universal
5. Coffee & TV
6. Parklife
7. End Of A Century
8. No Distance Left To Run
9. Tender
10. Girls And Boys
11. Charmless Man
12. She's So High
13. Country House
14. To The End
15. On Your Own
16. This Is A Low
17. For Tomorrow (Visit To Primrose Hill Extended)
18. Music Is My Radar

• Model Number: FOOD CD 33
• Dimensions: 30 x 1 x 30 cm; 110 g