10 Greatest Indie Guitar Heroes

3. Graham Coxon €“ Blur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eDV8qdkB50 One of the most joyous aspects of Blurs reunion was the acknowledgement of what a talent Graham Coxon is. He was never the happiest in the spotlight, and the at the peak of their battle with Oasis, the start of his disillusionment set in, this is a man who'd rather listen to obscure lo-fi guitar records than shoot videos with Page 3 girls. Graham Coxon made Blur special because he was such an interesting player, and he hit his peak on 'Parklife', when he was finally allowed to be himself, rather than the Madchester clone of their first record or straight-laced mod of their second. Damon Albarn's decision to cast his songwriting influences wider meant that their guitar player could finally show his versatility, and that record wouldn't have sounded half as good without him - such underrated gems such as 'Badhead' and 'Tracey Jacks' would have been as dull as dishwater without his gossamer touch. It was also the record that featured his best ever playing - which is no mean feat from someone who brought 'Beetlebum' and 'Song 2' to life €“ 'This is a Low' is his masterpiece, he makes it tick over all the way through - resisting the temptation to show off - and the guitar solo is stratospheric but a million miles away from machismo associated with traditional guitar heroes, it just builds and builds and is certainly the most emotional moment of their career. I dare you to listen to it, guitar aficionado or otherwise, and not feel just a little bit weepy.