Looking back at the birth of Britpop
15 August, 2005, 07:14 GMT 08:14 UK
By Ian Youngs
BBC News entertainment reporter
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the chart battle between Blur and Oasis at the height of Britpop. In the first of a series of features, we look at how Britpop was born.
(excerpt)
Confidence
Political and musical developments went together for a time
As Oasis enjoyed hits with rousing anthems Live Forever and Cigarettes and Alcohol, Blur hit new heights with Girls and Boys and Parklife, social commentary dressed as pop hits.
That set the scene for their chart showdown the following summer - and for a new crop of acts like Supergrass, Menswear, Sleeper and Dodgy to take the stage.
Some of those bands were inspired by the confidence and success of the Britpop pioneers, while others merely happened to come along at the same time.
But they all became part of Britpop and helped the UK's alternative rock regain its voice - for a while.
