Oasis released their debut album 'Definitely Maybe' in 1994 followed a year later by the even more successful '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?' Their meteoric rise culminated in two sold out shows to 250,000 people at Knebworth as depicted in the 2016 documentary ‘Supersonic’. Despite 5 further studio albums this is where the story ended for many. In future articles I make the case for some of the noughties output. However, for the time being let us revel in the glory of those early years with 5 ‘Essentials'.
Rock 'N' Roll Star - The storming 'Definitely Maybe' opener displayed the early Oasis spirit of complete self belief. The track appeared on the now legendary 1993 demo tape ‘Live Demonstration’. Even before they had a record deal Noel Gallagher was writing about making it “In my mind my dreams are real, now you’re concerned about the way I feel, Tonight, I’m a Rock n Roll Star!”
Live Forever - Oasis's first Top 10 in the UK, 'Live Forever' became an indispensable anthem for the band, performed consistently at live shows throughout their career. This was one of Liam Gallagher's finest vocals, back in 1994 he was able to perform both the lead and backing parts see here from Glastonbury https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Ii2jcd30A
Half the World Away - An example of Noel Gallagher’s acoustic led solo songwriting, often found tucked away on b-sides (this one from 1994s number 3 single ‘Whatever’). We had already seen glimmers on ‘Take me away’ (Supersonic) and the delightful ‘D’Yer wanna be a spaceman?’ (Shakermaker). However, it is this song that has become as well known as some of the bands biggest singles. This is in part due to its being used as the theme song to British sitcom ‘The Royle Family’. The inclusion of the song on both 1998’s b-sides collection ‘The Masterplan’ and 2006’s best of compilation ‘Stop the Clocks’ also reflected it's importance.
Don't Look Back in Anger - Noel has said that he played ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and ‘Wonderwall’ to Liam inviting him to choose which one he would sing. He opted for the latter. Both songs would go on to be tracks and singles 3 and 4 from ‘Morning Glory’. ‘Wonderwall’ made it to number 2, kept from the top spot by none other than ‘canny’ Geordie lads 'Robson and Jerome’. ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, the first Noel sung Oasis single, delivered the band a second chart topper in February 1996. The song returned to prominence as it became a unifying anthem following the 2017 Manchester bombings.
Champagne Supernova - The closing track on '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?’. I believe that this song is the one that best encapsulates Oasis. Strummed acoustic guitar; slight melancholy in the melody; defiant Liam vocal; massive guitar solo (played by Paul Weller) and a lyric that means everything and nothing all at the same time. Take for example “Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball” which still infuriates given that it not only seemingly means nothing but that it is also rendered impossible by the laws of physics!
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