A “does what it says on the tin” album. It’s Blur. Live at Wembley. Probably a nice stocking filler for a Blur fan.
It opens with crowd noise, capturing well the band-side feel of playing a big show; slightly claustrophobic. Blur kick off with “St Charles Square”, both a decent (new) song to warm up with as the crowd settles down and offering an amusing first line: “I f—-d up”, a nice contrary start.
CD1 (probably sides one and two on the vinyl package, which costs £60) is ok, presumably fan and band favourites, with a few hits – “There’s No Other Way” and “Beetlebum” for example.
CD2, the second half of the set (it appears to be the full set in order), is more hit-heavy, opening with “End Of A Century”, “Country House”, Phil Daniels for “Parklife” (massive sing-along) etc.
Blur’s sound is a bit rackety anyway, but “Song 2” is tight but “This Is A Low” (the last song before the encore gap, which is also recorded) and “Tender” (with gospel choir) are both gentle and rather lovely.
Albarn seems genuinely sad when it all ends.
