Britpop draws on elements of British rock and pop from as far back as the 1960's, with the consequence that it has been labelled a regressive movement, looking backwards to the heyday of the guitar-based beat combo for it's inspiration, although the diversity within the movement means this charge can only be partially true.
As its name implies, britpop comments on and reflects British life, without too much concern for how it is received across the Atlantic. It grew up as much in reaction to the nihilism of grunge as to the electronic dance elements of new wave.
Some regard Paul Weller as the pioneer of the movement, but it's first true protagonists were the hard-hitting band Suede, who led the way for Blur, based in London, and Oasis, based in Manchester to engage in a high profile media-induced regional rivalry. At the same time, Jarvis Cocker's Pulp hit the big time with 1995's "Common People", a song since raised to the status of britpop anthem.
The Manic Street Preachers emerged as a major force after the mysterious disappearance of lead singer Richey James, at the same time as Radiohead, more of an experimental / indie outfit, were developing their angst-ridden, brooding sound which, although expressing alienation, somehow manages to retain it's accessibility to the mainstream listener.
Closer to the centre of the movement we find Travis, The Verve, the Welsh band Catatonia, Supergrass and The Lightning Seeds amongst others.
By 1999 this first wave of bands was in decline, but a second, which includes The Doves, Muse, Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand, Keane, and The Libertines, was taking over. The stylistic diversity within this list indicates that britpop as a movement retains a high level of creative vitality.

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