Blur

Beginning as just another Brit-pop band with promise, Blur exceeded all expectations. Their debut release showed a flair for catchy guitar-based tunes, and their next three channelled various British music traditions to create an eclectic and accomplished showcase for the band's songwriting talents. On subsequent releases, Blur explored wider musical horizons. The outfit even scored the most unlikely and ironic of arena-sports hits with "Song 2." Even after guitarist Graham Coxon's departure for a solo career, the Damon Albarn-led band continued to push ahead, releasing one of their most accomplished efforts with 2003's THINK TANK. Blur split following its release with Albarn pursuing his Gorillaz project fulltime but the band reunited for a tour of the UK in 2009.

• alternative/indie