3/5 it's easy to get caught up in the energy of this one. The setlist is a great trip through the eras, with an unexpected emphasis on older stuff. It's a striking reminder of how many great songs these guys really have. And, the crowd's mixed pretty high, singing along like you've never heard, and you get a real sense of being there in this overwhelming sea of enthusiasm.
But then you start to realize -- or at least wonder, anyway: does Blur suck live?
At very least, they're not _great here. Every song is played tight to spec. No variation, extension, transition, elevation; not one verb you could dredge up that would elevate this beyond a well-currated playlist + crowd noise.
And then there's the fact that they rush so many of the songs, sometimes giving a frenetic live energy, but mostly just sounding sloppy (and there's plenty of missed notes besides). And then there's the fact that Damon just can't really hang with the fast songs, sounding out of breath and a bit desperate. For example: the issues intersect on End of a Century, where the "as you get closer..to fifty" (nee 'thirty') line doesn't have a fraction of the beat it needs to land, Damon gamely working past every line like a child powering though his vegetables.
A worthwhile listen for the medium-to-hard-core Blur fan, but you might find yourself trying to convince yourself you're having more fun than you are
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