13 (Special Edition)

<i>13</i> is a patchwork quilt created during the rockiest period of Blur’s career. Damon Albarn’s romantic woes surface in “Tender”, “Trimm Trabb” and “No Distance Left to Run”, three of the band’s most somberly elegant melodies. The band embrace Pavement’s murky guitar riffs on “Swamp Song” and “1992”, while producer William Orbit helps them weave strands of electronica into the lo-fi racket of “Battle” and “Trailerpark”. Sparked by taut, buzzing guitars and Albarn’s falsetto, “Coffee & TV” might be the last and best in their long line of tart pop pleasures.