Oasis has a reputation, the kind of which, depends on who you talk to. Some think they are one of the greatest bands of all times. Others see them as unapologetic plagiarists. The brothers Gallagher, Noel and Liam, have been known to fistfight, onstage and off. Currently, Oasis is no more, Noel having quit the band over his brother's alleged bad behavior. One thing is for sure, the songs are mightily catchy and their fans sung along at love shows like no other before or since. May I present my top ten picks:
1. Rock 'n' Roll Star – Definitely Maybe
"Tonight, I'm a Rock 'n' Roll star …" Lian Gallagher proclaims on the opening track of the debt by Oasis. Well, twenty plus years later, what can you say? Put this song on, pop open a Newcastle and settle in.
2. Cigarettes and Alcohol – Definitely Maybe
Oasis took some heat for nicking the main riff from the T-Rex song "Get It On", but I do not mind, do you? The song is a call to arms bearing drugs, cigarettes and alcohol delivered by Liam with a Johnny Rotten snarl. And thus, Oasis began their reputation as trouble making heathen chemistry seekers.
3. Champagne Supernova – (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Sweeping hard rock balladry at its best with psychedelic lyrics to boot! Noel Gallagher has said that some of the lyrics do not really mean anything, but sometimes they do mean something to him and that to all the people singing along at a concert they mean something different. Do you know what I mean?
4. She's Electric – (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
This song flies by under the radar but features clever and funny lyrics by Noel. It seems to be about a girlfriend and her family and the hinted at promise and take way of long-term plans. Anyone who has dated a girl with a kooky family can relate.
5. Roll with It – Morning Glory?
"It's all too much for me to take" Another Beatles lyric sample, this time for the George Harrison song "It's All Too Much" form the magical mystery album. Nonetheless, a soaring and catchy song that scrollicks along with the best of 'em.
6. Stop Crying Your Heart Out – Heathen Chemistry
One of Noel's "Get over it" songs that inspires by remembering you that things do not last forever and there is always tomorrow and we live to fight another day, and so on. Is it better than Do not Look Back In Anger? Should it be on this list? I think so. It's humanity and simplicity is awe-inspiring.
7. Let There Be Love – Do not Believe the Truth
The song starts with a lennonesque piano figure and proceeds to blossom into a perfect pop song. Liam sings the versa and Noel comes in for the B section offering a lilting counterpoint to his brothers acerbic style. A demo version is floating around with the same arrangement, but different lyrics.
8. All Around The World – Be Here Now
This song has to be accredited for its shameless indulgence as the song seemlessly endlessly modulates for almost tem minutes complete with a Hey Jude "Na-Na-Na" sing along. All around the world, indeed. You may know it from the AT & T commercial, but do yourself a favor and watch the Yellow Submarine inspired music video. It's a shorter version of the song than the album version.
9. The Shock of the Lightning – Dig Out Your Soul
A solid rock track with drums lifted from The Beatles Tomorrow Never Knows. Oasis was never one to shy away from an obvious lifting of a Beatles lyric, riff or in this case, drum beat.
10. Wonderwall – (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Noel has said publicly that Ryan Adams cover version of this song is superior and he hates when Liam sings it. This may be true as Oasis has Ryan Adams opening for the band on their last tour before Noel left. I remember a radio interview where Noel said he wrote it to get into girls pants and it worked. He was married at the time. A great song and probably one of the most requested of bar bands to play in the world.