17. Magic America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnMoLpSQB8Y For all the attention 'Parklife', 'End of a Century' and 'Badhead' attract, it's a shame 'Magic America' is so overlooked. I mean, it's Alex James's favourite, but then it is about a porn channel. 'Magic America' is perhaps the quintessential pop song of that period for Blur though. Focussing on a man who finds love on Channel 44, and for all the buoyant optimism of the verses, it takes a self-aware, minor dip in the chorus. It's both brilliantly catchy and slyly mocking; a market stall salesman who winks at the audience when in conversation with Phil Daniels. It's a shame the band haven't played it since the reunion. Come on, boys. It's one of your best.