I stumbled on this great article exploring the link between Tony Blair and Britpop; both ascendant in 1997, and now, a decade later, both buried in history's dustbin. The only real complain I have about the article is its description of "Live Forever" and "Wonderwall" as songs of "infinite cheer." Disappointment and failure were what Oasis were born to; their vainglorious refusal to accept that as their lot in life, that determined arrogance and swagger that was so bemusing to Americans, made perfect sense at home.

As the article notes: "The proudly working-class [Noel] Gallagher was the kind of apathetic young person that 18 years of Conservative rule had created." Labour's triumph, briefly, made many feel that something different was possible. With Blair about to plod out of office in more-or-less disgrace, it's poignant to read something like this:

In February 1996, Blair attended the Brit Awards. When Oasis sauntered onstage to accept an award, a blissful Gallagher exclaimed, "There are seven people in this room tonight who are giving a little bit of hope." He named all five members of the band, the president of their label, and Blair. "If you got anything about you, you go up and shake Tony Blair's hand. Power to the people!"

Maybe Blair was just hitching a ride on a star, as Harold Wilson had done with The Beatles. But the whole country was along for the ride.