The Battle of Britpop: 30 Years Ago Today!

With Oasis back in the spotlight from their much-anticipated reunion and Blur becoming one of my favorite bands over the past two years, I wanted to share some forgotten (at least state-side) Rock n' Roll history. I can't think of a better way to make my much-anticipated return to blogging topics that aren't me trying to lose weight amid a democratic backslide than covering a niche story that most Americans within striking distance of my age have no clue about!

If you only know these bands from "Wonderwall" or "Song 2," there is so much more to them (FTR: "Charmless Man" by Blur is my favorite track between both groups, and it should definitely get popular again for how relevant its themes are).  I had never heard about the Battle of Britpop until watching the Netflix docuseries This is Pop a few years ago. That episode "Hail Britpop!" does a fantastic job explaining the rise and fall of both bands, Britpop, and their legendary "feud". Admittedly, that same episode is what inspired my deep dive into Blur, which has evolved into a tender love for them and Damon Albarn. 

So the story begins at the height of the Britpop craze. Blur's "Country House" and Oasis' "Roll With It" (both released on August 14th, 1995 back when physical CD singles were a thing) battled it out for much more than simply the UK's number one single. This was a proxy war for which band was Britain's best. 

This short video will do a brilliant job catching you up to speed if you're unfamiliar with the 90s Britpop scene and the rivalry between Blur and Oasis. If you don't wanna watch, basically Blur were artsy (some may say soft) upper-middle-class Londoners. Meanwhile, Oasis were working class, former construction workers from Manchester. Their rivalry was fueled by England's north-south class divide, the tabloid music press, and cocaine.

These bands did not like each other, but Oasis definitely, maybe started the fire.

This is actual news footage from 1995 covering the Battle of Britpop. It's kind of wild to think about in today's fucked up newscape...but it's almost refreshing that a battle of the bands could garner so much legitimate interest.

I have spent a lot of time listening to both of these bands on the bike during #everydaydoz, and I love them in their own ways. While they both were thrown into the Britpop label, their sounds and subject matter are vastly different. Oasis is an in-your-face rock band. Blur is more artistic and has evolved over time (or as Liam once called it, "Chas & Dave Chimney Sweeping Music"). 

Neither "Country House" nor "Roll With It" is their best work (I do love both). Noel Gallagher thinks both songs are shite, but they did sort of encapsulate each band's vibe. "Roll With It" is pure Oasis guitar rock. It's about rolling with the punches and fighting that good fight to keep going when you're in the shit that the upper class can never truly understand. Meanwhile, "Country House"  is a cheeky sing-along that shouts out Balzac and Prokac and is quite literally about retiring into the country in a big house to get away from it all...not exactly the most relatable topic. Sidenote: its usage in AppleTV's Your Friends and Neighbors is perfect. The music video is pure 90s awesomeness.

It's funny now looking back that these were the two songs behind the battle and how Oasis would ultimately blow Blur out of the water with the success of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? But for a week, they were the talk of music.
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When Oasis played "Roll With It" on Top of the Pops, which infamously had acts mime over a backtrack, Noel and Liam Gallagher switched places for the "performance" lolol. This blog has been pretty Blur-centered to now, but don't get it twisted. It's not 1995 anymore. You can love both, and boy, do I. The Gallagher brothers are fucking legends, and I'm so glad they're performing together again. Let's hope they can reunite as brothers as well. I know Liam wants that. ​

When Blur ultimately came out on top, out-selling Oasis 274,000 to 216,000, their appearance on Top of the Pops instantly became the stuff of legend with bassist Alex James'  not-so-subtle wink to Oasis.

I'm going to see Oasis Labor Day weekend at the Meadowlands and attempted to bring a little piece of the battle with me. 

I still want to get that shirt made, but with the show on the 31st, I may be too late! I commented on Alex James' IG post to make him aware of the situation. Perhaps that cheese-making ole chap can hook Ole Dozo up?!

​Even though Oasis' success did eclipse Blur's for a few years, the latter still had fun with it all.

Today, neither Gallagher has beef with Albarn or Blur (I'm pretttty sure). Noel has complimented Blur's Graham Coxon's guitar work many times and even performed with him and Albarn at a cancer benefit in 2013.

The story of this legendary part of Britpop and music history is even being brought to the stage. The Battle premieres next year, and I hope they put it on YouTube or something because I'd love to see it. Plus it's directed by Jamie Tartt!!!