Blur

In 2013, when Blur performed "The Universal" live at the Big Sound Festival in Jakarta, they were basking in a renaissance of sorts. The band had just released their album *The Magic Whip* in 2015, marking their first new material in over a decade. However, prior to this live show, their last studio album was *Think Tank* from 2003, a project that embraced diverse influences and saw them experiment with their sound, albeit during a period of internal strife and lineup changes. The live performance showcased many gems from their celebrated discography, illustrating their resilience and ability to reconnect with fans after years apart. Interestingly, *The Universal* itself—a hauntingly beautiful track—was released in 1995 on their influential album *The Great Escape*, which was a cultural touchstone for Britpop. It’s moments like these that remind us why Blur remains iconic; they've navigated the ups and downs of the music industry, yet their connection with fans has always shone through, especially in electrifying live settings like Jakarta.

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