I don't see how Blur versus Oasis is even a question. Oasis has put out some of the best, most recognizable songs ever and I hadn't even properly heard of Blur until I took this article. Now granted, I may not be from this country and may have missed Britpop as a cultural sensation so maybe my frame of reference isn't the best.
Blur might've won 'The Battle of Britpop' by a few dozen thousands of records sales, but it was Oasis that became a household name almost globally. Oasis was big all over the world, and remains one of the best-selling bands of all time, while Blur only exists in the minds of Britpop nerds.
The drama surrounding the Gallaghers is also quite funny, and I wholeheartedly believe any good band should have intense amounts of drama and tear family's apart. Furthermore, a friend's dad was the Stage Manager for Oasis for a long time and he apparently says they're nice blokes. (I am not joking).
I mean really, who else could've made a song as unanimously known as Wonderwall is? It's one of the first songs any guitarist learns and is just beautiful in its simplicity. Who could've made 'She's Electric' or 'Don't Look Back in Anger?' Who cares how 'respectable' Blur's discography is when Oasis regularly made absolute anthems?
Muslim Taseer
Oasis have admittedly produced some stadium anthems, but Blur’s consistency and artistry far outshines that of their Manchester rivals. When talking about the ‘Battle of Britpop’, look no further than it’s founding father - with Blur not only birthing the genre in 1992 alongside Suede, but also following up their debut with seven successive albums of quality.
Blur’s album run is seriously impressive, with virtually all of their records holding significant influence and acclaim within the British music scene. In contrast, Oasis have very little to offer outside of their first two outings, with less than a third of their discography truly worth a listen. Additionally, Damon Albarn’s later work, most notably Gorillaz, significantly trumps Noel & Liam’s recent ventures, further demonstrating the rift in consistency.
Blur have also proved themselves creatively versatile over the years, with the energetic, sarcastic “Parklife” offering something completely different to “13”’s melancholy psychedelia. Despite various re-inventions, though, the band has maintained their personality and quality throughout the years.
With an eclectic style and one of the best album runs in recent British history, I’d say that Blur easily outclass Oasis, who’s legacy could be contained within a single side of a samey Greatest Hits CD.
Oren Brown