Britpop is one of those genres that gained a foothold in the United States based almost entirely on the contributions of two bands—Oasis and Blur—although more anglo-oriented listeners know there was a world of performers operating within the subgenre's bounds. Obviously the best place to go for an opinion on "best Britpop song" would have to be the UK. A BBC Radio listener poll demonstrated that the most popular Britpop track didn't come from one of the two bands Americans have become overly familiar with, but rather Pulp. The group's "Common People" came out on top.
"Common People" didn't have the same impact in the states as with other members of the list, such as "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve (no. 2) or "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis (no. 3), but it tickled the fancy of many a British listener, peaking at no. 2 on the UK Singles chart. The track gained a better foothold in the U.S. during 2004 when actor William Shatner and pop songwriter Ben Folds teamed up to cover the song for the former's album. If you know anything about Shatner's intonation, you'll understand why this is awesome.
The song ultimately serves as a criticism of "class tourism," or wealthy individuals living among the poor for the experience.
The BBC's poll was meant to mark the 20th anniversary of the Britpop movement. Oasis and Blur both received two entries in the the Top 10, and Pulp also came in at no. 9 for its '97 track "Disco 2000." The full list is below.
01. "Common People" by Pulp
02. "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
03. "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis
04. "Wonderwall" by Oasis
05. "Parklife" by Blur
06. "Animal Nitrate" by Suede
07. "Girls & Boys" by Blur
08. "Slight Return" by The Bluetones
09. "Disco 2000" by Pulp
10. "Girl From Mars" by Ash
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