Hey Now, can you believe it’s twenty years today since the release of ‘Definitely, Maybe’? It’s impossible not to love the Gallagher brothers and the anthemic tracks they have created with Oasis since the day their debut album was released back in 1994. This feature is a celebration of what Oasis have done for music, with our writers sharing their favourite songs from the bands entire catalogue with you. So Listen Up, sit back in your Rockin’ Chair because you’re Going Nowhere until you’ve given this a read…
Rock ‘n’ Roll Star – Hannah
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aatEBIZHNU?rel=0]
Early Oasis were a fun, vibrant, breath of fresh air on the 90s music scene. Stamped with their trademark arrogance, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’ captured the essence of the beginnings of Oasis and epitomises everything that they were – not just the two front-men that struggled get along but a band that loved music and would not stop until they made it to the top. Yes, it has everything you would expect from a rock song like a catchy guitar riff, a drum beat that held everything together and the ever important pretentious singer but it was actually so much more than that. It was the perfect opening to the album that kick-started the career of one of the most influential bands in the world. Happy 20 years of Oasis!
The Importance Of Being Idle – Alex G
With a title derived from the masterpiece of a literary genius, it’s hardly a surprise that as a song gifted to us by a music genius, ‘The Importance Of Being Idle’ follows suit. As the very first Oasis song to grace my ears, as well as contributing significantly to my desire to learn guitar and write music, it will always be very important in my mind. One of the most expertly structured pieces of music I know of, yet such a simple, rounded chord progression. The same goes for the solo; it just goes to show you don’t have to be Hendrix or Van Halen to write a brilliant one. As for the intro/outro; there’s not much else to say other than: wow!
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HdGw3T8OlM?rel=0]
The Importance Of Being Idle – Megan
When my eyes first glanced at the title of the email sent to me by editor, Beth Kirkbride, I probably could have cried. How could I possibly be expected to choose a favourite Oasis song? It was a similar feeling to being asked “who do you prefer, your mum or your dad?” in the primary school playground. However, after a three-hour Oasis Playlist session, I finally decided which song I was going to give the sought-after title of ‘my favourite’ to. Some say it’s Oasis’ least ‘Oasisy’ song, and it’s often forgotten about completely whilst recalling songs penned by Gallaghers & co., but ‘The Importance Of Being Idle’ is a song written with all the people out there with a “fuck it, what’s the point?” attitude in mind. It can’t be that bad since it reached number 1 in the charts in 2005. The catchy, nationally-recognised chorus, relatable lyrics and sheer musical brilliance led to it being the highest acclaimed song on the ‘Don’t Believe The Truth’ album, and I can see why. Whenever this track appears on shuffle, I get flashbacks of long car journeys with my dad, and hours spent in his shop with the lyrics ‘I don’t mind / As long as there’s a bed beneath the stars that shine’ beaming from the jukebox. For this reason among many others, I am proud to say that ‘The Importance Of Being Idle’ is my favourite Oasis song
Cigarettes & Alcohol – Dylan
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaeLKhRnkhQ?rel=0]
Standing on the shoulders of this song is a heavy blues-esque riff, Noel tugs the strings of his guitar and a snare hit blows us into this explosive tune. In between each Mancunian line Liam pounds out, Noel squeezes in a melodic solo to match: neither let this song breathe for a second. It’s a song which captures the early Oasis ideology so perfectly that you can almost taste the Cigarettes & Alcohol lingering in the midst of the noise. And as Liam screams “You’re gonna make it happen” the song comes to an end. It’s cold, hard, rock & roll and it’s an Oasis classic.
She’s Electric – Beth
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUV4VAr9lk?rel=0]
Generally viewed as the weakest track on ‘What’s The Story (Morning Glory)’ I thought I’d be contentious as ever and tell you what’s so brilliant about ‘She’s Electric’, after all. Opening line “she’s in a family full of eccentrics” is a line that god only knows I can relate to. The repeated third person ‘she’ gives rise to an elusive individual who we can’t help but imagine ‘her’ as someone we know, even if “it’s nothing to do with me”. This narrative is carefully crafted so as to ensure inclusivity in the way that makes Oasis the peoples’ band. The falsetto in phrases “want you to know” as well as the floaty backing vocals “ahhh-ahhhh—ahhhh” give the track a softer tone than, say, ‘Champagne Supernova’. An obvious nod to the The Beatles (or if you’re a critic, a complete rip off), this track is impossible not to whistle/sing/dance along to – even if you don’t like Oasis. Which, y’know, is impossible and all.
Live Forever – Alice
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUV4VAr9lk?rel=0]
When Noel Gallagher joined Oasis in 1991, not only did he bestow upon them his lyrical creativity, he also gave them their first single to enter the top ten in the U.K and their first chart success in America. ‘Live forever’ was released on the 8th of August 1994. Preceding their albums release by a month, it was considered to be a sweet taste of what was to be expected of ‘Definitely Maybe’ and it sure as hell set the scene. The upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics were stepping stones into a new era of music, leaving behind the depressing lyrics and slow sounding resonance that was grunge. The song has that rare ability to stir up a thunderstorm of emotions inside of you that only a revolution can quiet. It gives people the inspiration they need to take that leap into a better stage of their life, making them feel less alone, less afraid and more hopeful; as well as making it significant to my own life and to the lives of so many others.
Contributors: Megan, Alice, Beth, Alex G, Dylan, Hannah
Well in light of that it seems our writers have elected ‘The Importance of Being Idle’ as the best Oasis track… But what do you think?