Parklive (Live)

Recorded live at Hyde Park on Aug. 12, 2012—during the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics—Parklive features the superstar Britpop group running through highlights from its entire career, with an emphasis on 1994's Parklife. Seven of the concert's songs hail from Parklife; judging from audience reaction, it's a clear fan fave. The crowd sings along with "Girls & Boys" with the sort of enthusiasm American audiences bring to a Bruce Springsteen show. Blur also includes the recent single "Under the Westway," airs the obscure "Chemical World" b-side "Young and Lovely," and performs Think Tank's "Out of Time" with a low-key introspection that sounds remarkably subtle in contrast to the audience's spirited reaction. English actor Phil Daniels comes out for his part in "Parklife," while "Sing" (from Blur's debut album, Leisure) sends the group back to its beginnings. There's stage talk about the members' children, and the once young and puckish band has clearly come to terms with its senior status without losing its sense of musical urgency.