CMJ Yeah yeah yeah we've heard that irresistible psychedelic dance pop thing before, too. That may be true, but we haven't quite heard Blur before. Their more straightforward approach to these pop songs, matched by an artsy aesthetic and sheer charisma in their hooks, gives the songs on Leisure both a rebellious daring and a glamorous not-so-pop idol excitement. Forming and getting their start in and around the London area, this quartet-comprised of friends who decided to start playing together in art school-quickly went from baby band to British media darlings on the strength of their debut single "She's So High" (included here). Led by vocalist/songwriter Damon Albarn, Blur revels in the contradictory sounds of the Albarn household, and uses those sounds to churn out these hopelessly enchanting vignettes, much in the manner of the Charlatans UK or Stone Roses. Their explorations, alternating between stirring tensions and lolling melodies, give Leisure an edge that cuts deep into pop ideals and gives these songs an explosive charge. Take Leisure in: "There's No Other Way," "Come Together," "I Know," "Repetition" and the lamenting "Birthday."