The Top 100 OASIS Songs: A Daily Countdown to MSG

Wow.

2005-06-23T16:20:00.000-04:00

Worth every penny, and every second of anticipation. If you were there, you get it. If you weren't, I can't even try to do it justice by describing it. What an amazing night.

Pics of my trip: http://community.webshots.com/album/377101221HnjozM

#1 -- Champagne Supernova

2005-06-21T13:19:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

For my money, the quintessential Oasis song. It pains me to not pick the one song I’m most eagerly anticipating hearing live (and singing along to in a drunken stupor) in less than 24 hours (see below), but Noel’s vocals, although often musically superior to Liam’s, aren’t the main attraction. What can I say about a song about suffocation, changes, and getting high? It’s got it all, written in the true spirit of peace, love, and bananas (and a whole lot of coke), and packaged within their best album.

Noel once said, “That's probably as psychedelic as I'll ever get. It means different things when I'm in different moods. When I'm in a bad mood being caught beneath a landslide is like being suffocated. The song is a bit of an epic. It's about when you're young and you see people in groups and you think about what they did for you and they did nothing.” AMEN.

Thanks for visiting and sharing in the fun with me, and putting up with my pontificating. With that, I leave you, drunk as hell, excited as a virgin at a whorehouse, and unbelievably, intoxicatingly madferit. I’m off to catch a plane to New York, so I’ll see you at the gig.

#2 -- Don't Look Back in Anger

2005-06-20T13:18:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

Slip inside the eye of your mind... ahhh. There is no pain in this world that can’t be erased by a bottle of beer taken whilst listening to this song. No celebration that can’t boil over, no Friday night that won’t go better without Sally. It’s about looking forward rather than back, and not holding a grudge against the past. The chords, the lyrics, are pure John Lennon (some actually nicked from a tape of his). I can’t really explain all the things DLBIA means to me, it’s just always been the perfect song for every occasion. The guitar solo is something to be revered. You can hear the whole population of England singing along on various bootlegs and DVDs, and I’m salivating for the two remaining days until I can join in the chorus.

#3 -- Live Forever

2005-06-19T13:17:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

"That´s for our mam. It´s quite simply one of the ten greatest songs of all time. I said that when I first wrote it and I stand by it now. I challenge anyone else in the next ten years to come up with anything as good. Except for us of course. Well, it´s about relationships that people have, not necessarily with girlfriends, about friends and friendships that live forever.. commitment. It´s not about anything, it´s not a love song, the word love, you can love Mars bars, and I love my bike. It´s a song about respect, having respect for your girlfriend, your mother or your father or your friends. The line `We see things they´ll never see´, only two best friends would say that to each other, two twins maybe. It´s a song of hope, a song about being young and trendy. A fucking good song but I think I can do better." (Noel, 1994)
The guitar solo takes me to another place. Perfect tune if there ever was one.

#4 -- Wonderwall

2005-06-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

Album: (Whats the Story) Morning Glory

Screw Ryan Adams. His version sucks. There. I said it. And I’ll say it again. I don’t care if Noel seems to like it, Ryan Adams’ cover of Wonderwall sounds ridiculously stupid. Wonderwall’s fame is certainly deserved – even though most of us fans cringe when someone in the media (usually in the states) calls Oasis the “Wonderwall” rockers. That’s probably what they’ll always be remembered for over here. It’s a shame, really.

#5 -- Columbia

2005-06-17T13:14:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitley Maybe

The first Oasis magnum opus. There’s an unparalleled euphoria when you hear the first guitar chords in the opening line of Columbia. I have no idea what the song means, or even why it’s called Columbia (maybe because of their country's most notable export?), but “there we were, now here we are” says more than it possibly could have meant when Noel penned it. I’ve turned around to this song in recent years – but I really do love it. I run to it occasionally at the gym – so much energy but none of it artificial or gratuitous. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

#6 -- Rock 'n Roll Star

2005-06-16T12:50:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

The ground shook with the first chord. Opening track on the best selling debut album in history (at the time). It couldn’t epitomize the next arrogant, drunken decade of Oasis rock any better. Fitting that the opening track introduces us to Liam’s trademark pronunciation of the word “shine”.

Some interesting statistics I compiled yesterday -- average song ranking on my countdown by album:
Definitely Maybe: 33.5
What's The Story: 33.8
The Masterplan: 51.7
Be Here Now: 52.1
Heathen Chemistry: 56.5
Standing on the Shoulders: 66.7

#7 -- Cigarettes & Alcohol

2005-06-15T12:48:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

Rock and Roll, (noun):
1. A genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of Black rhythm-and-blues with White country-and-western.
2. Oasis – Cigarettes & Alcohol

There’s a jukebox system in bars around the country that allows you to search from a library of thousands and thousands of tracks, most of the ones they have are Top 40 and the usual pub crap, but for a little extra it will allow you to download more “obscure” tracks from their online library. If you’re ever at one, and the Familiar to Millions performance of Cigs and Alc is on the machine already, there’s a good chance I’ve been there before you.

Only one week to go...

#8 -- D'You Know What I Mean?

2005-06-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Brillant, saucy, and ass-kicking. I hadn’t seen the video for this one until a couple years ago when I was able to find it on the web, but as I’d been listening to the tune for years, I always pictured something in a warzone with helicopters – pretty close to the actual video. If you can actually make out the lyrics (you’d laugh your ass off if you knew what I initially thought a few of them were), they’re incredibly good. So are all the lyrics on Be Here Now. So good. Beatles good.

#9 -- Some Might Say

2005-06-13T12:46:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

Oasis first UK number one single, and the only song on WTS that has Tony McCaroll drumming. I think the drum work on this one is phenomenal as a matter of fact. Some Might Say has about the best lyrics I’ve ever heard “Some might say, they don’t believe in heaven/go and tell it to the man who lives in hell” is my all-time favorite. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the chorus though – seems such gibberish compared to the brilliant verses.

#10 -- Stand By Me

2005-06-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

For my money, “Made a meal and threw it up on Sunday” is one of the best song-opening lines I can think of. About being on your own, heading off, having your own space. Beautiful on the album and chilling acoustically.

#11 -- The Hindu Times

2005-06-11T11:47:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

I'll preemptively address the disagreements: yes, I personally like this song better than MP, MG, SA, RWI, Sm, etc, etc. Sorry. Feel free to voice your displeasure by clicking "comment" below. The Hindu Times sounds more like classic Oasis than just about anything they’ve put out on the last 3 albums (save Lyla), and it’s a brilliant rocker. As confusing as Heathen Chemistry is at times, the boys always seem to throw in one song that’s radio friendly, peppy, and harkens back to the anthems of the early days. I think this tune gets unappreciated for that reason (it's radio friendly) and also a little bit because it's not piled in next to a bunch of other classic songs. No exception here – this is Oasis doing Oasis, 10 years later, and still knocking it out of the park.

#12 -- Don't Go Away

2005-06-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

"Inferior rewrite" or not, it's still an amazing tearjerker. Noel wrote it about his mom when it was thought there was a chance she had cancer. It’s about not wanting to lose someone you love. The single was only released in Japan, and I seem to remember it getting a fair amount of airplay in the States. I think it was one of their more popular tunes over here. Don’t Go Away chokes me up sometimes –the opening stick clicks signal the raw emotion that follows in the next 4:48, and the soulful, naked guitar riffs really sell it. One of their best.

#13 -- Acquiesce

2005-06-09T11:45:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

Acquiesce was just too damn good to be on the album. Had it been, critics would have probably slagged it on account of the unremarkable lyrics in the verses. As it is, when Noel comes in on the chorus, there’s nothing better. One of those epic moments where the sky opens up and the song gets back in your face sayin, “you didn’t see that one coming did ya?”

#14 -- Slide Away

2005-06-08T11:44:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

When Liam comes in on “Let me be the one,” its one of the best Oasis song moments. Exudes the same feelings as Live Forever. I think I have an acoustic version somewhere with Noel on vocals – that sounds absolutely top too.

#15 -- Morning Glory

2005-06-07T11:43:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

Could this be more blatantly about drugs? Great tune, but you can’t even put this one over on a naïve 7th grader what being “chained to the mirror and the razor blade” means. Great tune, but not really one I'd need to hear on the upcoming tour.

#16 -- Supersonic

2005-06-06T11:42:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

Unbelievably cool little guitar solo part here – best part of the song. Supersonic was Oasis’ first single, and an instant classic. I can’t imagine what would have been if it had ended up as the B-side to “Bring it On Down” as originally planned. Looking back at the lyrics, I don’t understand where putting lines together simply because they rhymed no longer sounds the same on the new material. It works so well in this one.

#17 -- Roll With It

2005-06-05T11:40:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

Noel’s backing vocals make this one. He said, “If Cigarettes & Alcohol made you want to go out and nick stuff, this makes you want to take it all back. Yeah, it´s a good one.” Agreed. Listen to the “adjusted” lyrics on the Familiar to Millions performance.

#18 -- My Generation

2005-06-04T15:54:00.000-04:00

Album: Every damn bootleg after 2004

I’ll be honest – I don’t even like this song that much – I mean, it’s good, just not this good. And it might not even belong here since there's no official studio versions apart from that thing they did for the BBC. I couldn’t help putting it high on the chart just because it’s been such a fitting end to their live performances lately, and pretty much sums up my fondness for the band. My Generation – My Music – that’s why I’ll love Oasis until the end. The tunes I woke up to in Junior High and High School, and all their association with the happy memories. As much as I can be in the same “g-g-generation” as a 39 and 32 year old, it feels like I am. Thanks lads.

(Sorry so late today -- been having PC issues)

#19 -- Sunday Morning Call

2005-06-03T15:53:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

Do you like this tune? I really, really do. Best one on SOTSOG in my opinion. Has kind of a “Cast Now Shadow” feel, not just because it was written about someone specific (Noel hasn’t revealed who), but because the lyrics speak to the destructive tendencies of that person. Beautiful tune – may have even been a better b-side because it seems to get buried in an album with a lot of weird songs – and hits home every time.

#20 -- Fade Away

2005-06-02T15:48:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

A little monotanous, but has plenty of heart and soul to it. “I suppose it´s a song about growing up but at the same time not growing old. If that makes any sense. It sounds to good to be one of mine though. I think at the time we were a bit worried cos there was a chance we were going to get sued cos it sounds a bit like a Wham song. Freedom. But it wasn´t intentional. And then we done a version of it for the Warchild thing. Which I wanted to do slower. That ended up wrong as well. I mean I like the other version but I like to do it on just a piano as well. A really slow one. Sort of an Imagine part." (Noel) I wish he’d do that version at some point – would sound fantastic.

#21 -- Round Are Way

2005-06-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

Album: Wonderwall (single)

Nevermind about the Weller thing. I was set straight -- my mind's not working right when I wrote this. Anyway, Round Are Way includes some really sweet harmonica and a brassy backing that makes you walk with a spring in your step. One of the “happiest” songs Noel’s ever written – often segues into “Up in the Sky” when played live.

#22 -- Go Let it Out

2005-05-31T16:56:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

Noel plays bass on this track as well (probably recorded before Andy Bell got hired on) and marks the transition from flag-waving arena anthems to more psychedelic rockers. The lyrics represent everything Oasis stands for, “It’s a tiny little bit about how in England we’re quite fascinated by how famous people and rich people act like absolute knobheads twenty four hours a day. We’re fascinated by that - we even put them on the front on newspapers - and especially saying, is it any wonder people act like that?" (Noel). One line in this tune says it all for me – “The right time is always now.”

#23 -- Shakermaker

2005-05-30T16:53:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

A shakermaker is apparently a toy – I’d never heard of it. The lyrics are pointless “gibberish” (as Noel puts it), but they still reek of Beatles influence. “Top gibberish, though.”

#24 -- All Around the World

2005-05-29T14:19:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Noel hates this song now, but in the past he’s acknowledged the lyrics are just “teeny-bop”. “I just wanted to write a big, massive, orchestral, sprawling, fuckin´ rock opera. So...I just sat down and decided I was going to write a fuckin´ 11-minute song, and I wrote it.” I could care less about the lyrics – the no-holds-barred orchestration and pure, over-the-top exuberance of the song sells it for me. It’s not Hey Jude, nor is it Noel’s magnum opus, but it’s still one hell of a flag-waiver.

#25 -- The Masterplan

2005-05-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

Noel once called it the most complete song he’s ever written – although I may at times not agree, there is some incredibly good stuff in here. I’m a sucker for the strings, and some of the lyrics just reek of Beatles-esque poetry – which is appropriate because of the improvides “Octopus’ Garden” line you hear at the end. You can’t beat this stuff.

#26 -- Idler's Dream

2005-05-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

Album: The Hindu Times (single)

I LOVE this song. The end gives me chills, every time, and has more personal meaning to me than any other Oasis tune. Deep, beautiful, and tear-jerking, and another example of an spinworthy B-side.

#27 -- D'Yer Wann Be A Spaceman?

2005-05-26T14:16:00.000-04:00

Album: Shakermaker (single)

While researching this one, I’m a little disappointed I put it this high. I didn’t realize it was the theme song for a sitcom in the UK. That kind of sours it for me – I remember the stupid songs that led into cheesy shows I used to watch when I was younger, and even the weak connection to them makes me not care for it so much. Still, I’d really like to hear an electric version – I think it’d sound great.

#28 -- Songbird

2005-05-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

This is a great song, don’t get me wrong. If you want to hear some really amazing Liam-penned tunes though, buy the new album. I usually don’t like the love songs as much – seems to kind of fly in the face of what Oasis was back in the day. It’s a good tune, just kind of sugary for what I’d expect out of Liam. Can’t think of much else that would have made a better single (and didn’t end up being released) though off Heathen Chemistry though, and it certainly loads better than Little James.

#29 -- Step Out

2005-05-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

Album: Don't Look Back in Anger (single)

Didn’t make the cut for WTSMG because of its similarity to Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight”. As ripoffs go, you can’t deny the resemblance, but I think the real reason it wasn’t put on the album is because it might make Mr. Wonder upset that his song hadn’t just been stolen, it’d been topped. Sounds better on guitar than on the keys anyway. Cute little guitar solo in this one and sounds fantastic live – especially with the altered lyrics as sung on the FTM disc.

#30 -- Be Here Now

2005-05-23T13:31:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Be Here Now wins my award for most overlooked, underrated Oasis tune. It’s got kind of a Columbia feel to it, a quirky background rhythm, and better lyrics. No, great lyrics. I can’t even quote all the lines I particularly like from this one. Incredibly good foot-tapper that segues into All Around the World. God, the last 4 tracks of that album are just fantastic. I gotta listen to it when I get home. I’m very accepting of people that disagree with my opinions on certain tracks – because I know I’m in the minority on some of them – but I’m going to stand firm on this one. If you don’t like it, you’re wrong ;)

Only one month to go. Hoowah!

#31 -- She Is Love

2005-05-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

I heard this song in the background once while shopping in my local supermarket. Yeah, I hummed along under my breath, but background muzak, Oasis isn’t. Kinda made me sick to hear a band I loved so much being pumped through overhead mono speakers and into the Beltones of the geezers browsing the produce aisle. I really do love this song though – one of the stronger ones on Heathen Chemistry. I know pelenty of fans that wouldn’t agree with me, but in some ways I consider it a precursor to the better acoustic songs on the new album. Good happy little tune.

#32 -- Cloudburst

2005-05-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Album: Live Forever (single)

Sounds strangely similar to “Standing Here” by the Stone Roses. A spectacular B-side, and something you’d almost hope to see them open a show with someday. “Downtown the moon is shining/I'm going to dress it up in style” is one of my personal favorite lines, and this tune leads out into a 2-minute long guitar jam that you wish wouldn’t end. You can’t not love the classic Liam “shiiiieeene”.

#33 -- Cast No Shadow

2005-05-20T15:32:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

This one hits home pretty hard too, although I can, in no way, compare myself to Richard Ashcroft (of the Verve, who this song was written about). Noel said it best, “I sussed Richard wasn't very happy for a while so l wrote it for him and about three weeks later he quit. It's about songwriters in general who are desperately trying to say something. I'd like to be able to write really meaningful lyrics but I always end up talking about drugs or sex. People tend to ask my advice about a lot of things. I'm good at giving it but I'm shit at taking it.”

#34 -- You've Got to Hide Your Love Away

2005-05-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

Album: Some Might Say (single, Japanese version only)

This is where it gets damn hard to “rate” songs – everything around and above this point I LOVE. So, it’s all pretty arbitrary. I’d say the top 8 belong there (this is all written in advance), but the rest you could rearrange however you like. I loved this song when the Beatles did it, and it almost sounds as good as an Oasis tune. It’s only a few slots higher than “Walrus” because I think it’s a better song in general.

#35 -- Up in the Sky

2005-05-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

Up In The Sky was apparently written about lofty government types, but “how does it feel/when you’re inside me” gets a chuckle out of me every time. The orchestration on this track is phenomenal, and is by-and-large a pretty damn unique track – took me ages to learn the lyrics because the melodies are pretty static throughout the song.

#36 -- Sad Song

2005-05-17T15:28:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe (vinyl only track)

I can’t even listen to this without choking up a little. A few of these lines just hit a little too close to home. Sad Song shows lyrical maturity that a lot of Definitely Maybe is lacking. Stunning -- all I can say.

#37 -- (I've Got) The Fever

2005-05-16T15:27:00.000-04:00

Album: Stand By Me (single)

A very formulaic rocker – sounds vaguely like Acquiesce from the beginning, then breaks into a chorus that sounds vaguely like Up in the Sky. Then Noel joins in on backing vocals, the windows roll down, the pedal hits the floor, and you’re singing along. Throw in another 5-note solo that just wails, and you’ve got a shockingly good B-side.

#38 -- I Am the Walrus

2005-05-15T15:26:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

Screw My Generation – if they’re going to close the show with a cover, I want some f**kin goo-goo-g'joob. Oasis ran off and stole this one from the Beatles, and Liam might as well keep it. No one’s done it better. Period.

#39 -- (As Long as They've Got) Cigarettes in Hell

2005-05-14T15:24:00.000-04:00

Album: Go Let it Out (single)

I don’t know for sure why I like this song so much either. Smoking is gross – don’t do it kids. Better lyrics than most SOTSOG-era B-sides, but it keeps that droning keyboard background that kind of permeates everything from that album. I love the guitar solo – I have no idea how he makes 5 notes sound so damn good, but it works. The coughing at the end is just hilarious.

#40 -- Whatever

2005-05-13T15:08:00.000-04:00

Album: Whatever (single)

I’m gonna catch hell for this the same way I did for SCYHO – but it’s just my inconsequential, non-expert opinion. I LOVE this song, I just can’t stand the lyrics. The song is freaking beautiful – it probably earned 25 spots just on the string section alone. But seriously, “get on the bus/cause no fuss/get a grip on yourself/it don’t cost much”?? You can do better, Noel. Sounds incredible acoustic, I just cringe when I hear a couple of those lines. Still, if you haven’t heard this track (because it was released as a standalone single), it’s worth getting drunk to.

#41 -- Full On

2005-05-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

Album: Sunday Morning Call (single)

Okay, so I read someone’s rant about this one the other day, and I understand why they hate it. This is one of those songs that if you told me about it, without giving me a chance to listen to it, I’d probably hate it too -- like yesterday’s, there’s parts of it that sound nothing like you’d expect. Some of it even comes off as quasi-Ozzy Osbourne. It’s just reflective of the versatility of the band, and another one that could have easily made SOTSOG a better album. As it is, I don’t know why I’m so enamored with this particular oft-unmentioned B-side – maybe it’s the last frittering remnant of Oasis’ BHN-esque guitar rock.

#42 -- The Fame

2005-05-11T15:04:00.000-04:00

Album: All Around the World (single)

Sounds so much like “I Hope, I Think, I Know,” at the beginning, with better 100 times better lyrics. I wish they’d do this one live – one of those “forgotten” songs that didn’t get the attention it deserved. The chorus isn’t really characteristic of anything else in their catalogue, and has some of the best drum work on any Oasis song.

#43 -- Stay Young

2005-05-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

It was either this or Magic Pie on Be Here Now, and I figure they made the wrong choice. Noel has said before that he hates the song though, and maybe it wouldn’t have fit as well in the album. However, it’s inclusion as a B-side makes D’You Know What I Mean one of the strongest singles in my opinion. This song was also featured on the soundtrack for the movie “The Faculty.”

#44 -- Talk Tonight

2005-05-09T13:02:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

(just take me watch off)
A striking “happy/sad” song – it’s got the jaunty little pub rock beat, but exudes a lonesomeness that isn’t commonly as convincing. Very simple lyrics, not even terribly meaningful, but all I have to hear “I want to talk tonight/until the morning light” and my heart aches. I’m sure it had a different meaning for Noel, but I miss those people I could have sung that to.

#45 -- Half the World Away

2005-05-08T13:01:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

Noel: “Paul Weller´s favorite ever Oasis song. I like the lyrics as well. Again it´s about leaving cities. I´m not sure anyone else likes it. I played the drums on that one as well actually. Because our ex-drummer wasn´t the most talented people in the world.” Stunning song, personally meaningful. One of my favorites.

#46 -- Cum On Feel the Noize

2005-05-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

Album: Don't Look Back in Anger (single)

I think any band could cover this Quiet Riot standard and have it kick ass. The fact that Noel sings it makes it unique – Liam would sound so much more natural, in my opinion. Still, taking the metal out of the song leaves it with a satisfying Oasis flavor.

Edit: I was absolutely wrong. It is Liam that sings it, and it still kicks ass... I just realized the version I was listening to isn't the actual B-side. My bad.

#47 -- Little By Little

2005-05-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

“True perfection has to be imperfect,” sums up Oasis to a tee, and reeks of Noel’s songwriting style through and through. Liam was first slated to sing this, but according to the band, couldn’t quite get it right. As it is, it probably worked out for the better. This is a fantastic song – it’s got a slower “live forever” sort of feel to it, but goes the way of all the SOTSOG-and-after Noel ballads, becoming a little bit disappointingly acoustic.

#48 -- Stop Crying Your Heart Out

2005-05-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

I would have rated this a lot higher, but I just can’t stand the lyrics. The chorus is beautiful, but it’s repetitive, lacks a good guitar fill, and the lyrics are just trite as hell. Plus, Liam sounded like Kermit the Frog singing it at Glastonbury last summer, which is enough to spoil it altogether for me. Noel liked it enough to make it a single though, so I suppose it’s okay.

#49 -- Who Feels Love?

2005-05-04T15:47:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

Noel thinks he was inspired partially by some Taiwanese temples during the writing of this song, and it definitely shows. This song is what the rest of SOTSOG tries to be, and is one of the only tracks that I think really pulls it off. If you just listened to the first 3 tracks on that album, you’d be expecting 7 more tracks of brilliance. Sadly, some think it falls short. This is one of the redeeming songs, however.

#50 -- Bring it on Down

2005-05-03T15:46:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

“I’ll be scraping their lives from the sole of my shoe.” How right you were, Liam. Fantastic song – with some great guitar and drum work, and really bridges the gap between the pre-DM punk Oasis and the sort of music that launched them into superstardom.

#51 -- The Swamp Song (untitled 1 & 2)

2005-05-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

The best of Oasis’ instrumentals, they used to open their gigs with this one during the WTSMG-era shows. Short, sweet, pointless, and ranked this high purely for its nostalgic value re the aforementioned shows.

There you have it. The first half of the countdown. I’m surprised I’ve made it this far. Just over 7 weeks to go until the big show, and I’m about ready to explode.

#52 -- It's Gettin' Better (Man!!)

2005-05-01T15:16:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

This song doesn’t get the respect it deserves. I like to think about the last 3 tracks on Be Here Now as a 20-minute long song in themselves – they should be listened to straight through as one. The whole epic is so triumphant – done only as the best rock n roll band in the world could possibly do it – cocky, over-the-top, and balls-out. Listen to the guitar solo in the middle of this and tell me it doesn’t make you want leap out of your chair, then follow it up with the brassy post-orgasmic bliss of the reprised All Around the World. Heaven.

#53 -- Fuckin' In The Bushes

2005-04-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

The best non-lyrical album and show-opening track I can think of off the top of my head, period. If I were to rank just the first songs on each album on their merits as openers, this would be right behind D’You Know What I Mean. Great jam, and a super tune for the band to walk out to on stage. I just wish they ever played it live instead of entered with the recorded version. Fun. Nice. Life. Beautiful. I’m all for it.

#54 -- Solve My Mystery/Revolution Song

2005-04-29T15:14:00.000-04:00

Album: Unreleased (demo)

As this is just an unreleased SOTSOG demo, I’ve heard it called both titles. If you can find it, I recommend you download it. “They told me that I lost my mind/but I believe that I rule the world” is one of my favorite Oasis lines ever. I have no clue whatsoever why they didn’t release this on an album yet. If they do, I hope Noel thinks of something better for the first line (“They took my faith/they put it in a headlock…”), uugh. Try to ignore that one while you listen to the rest of it.

#55 -- (You've Got) The Heart of a Star

2005-04-28T15:11:00.000-04:00

Album: Songbird (single)

This would be a lot easier to find on my iPod if the damn title didn’t start with a parenthesis. Oh well. It’s a beautiful song, and another one that speaks to something deep inside me. The middle is a little quirky – almost sounds like a vagabond band until everything drops out on the offbeat and Noel’s voice just echoes. Chills. Every time.

#56 -- Let's All Make Believe

2005-04-27T15:10:00.000-04:00

Album: Go Let It Out! (single)

Of all the SOTSOG-era B-sides, this one is almost the most frustrating – in the sense it should have been on the album, it’s so good. The lyrics are phenomenal – some of Noel’s best, and the whole thing sounds like it was written specifically around Liam’s vocal style. It all works so well. As a B-side to Go Let it Out, it couldn’t be a bigger contrast, but in a lot of ways, those are the B-sides that work the best.

#57 -- Rockin Chair

2005-04-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

The lyrics to this one really strike a chord with me – they seem to describe a lot of the places I’ve been and the way I look back upon them. Noel has said this is a really old song, but if it weren’t for Liam’s voice, I’d assume it was more recent. So simple, yet so soulful – it’s like the song would convey the same feelings even without the lyrics. I love the organ in the background too.

#58 -- (It's Good) To Be Free

2005-04-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

Album: The Masterplan

The first B-side to Whatever, (It’s Good) To Be Free was recorded on the same day. Very much like a slower Columbia with some annoying microphone feedback at the beginning. I really like this track – the lyrics fit well with everything else on the Masterplan – it seems more went into then than most of the A-sides on other albums. It’s just laden with quotable lines. The guitar bridge is simple, yet rockin, and the accordion music at the end is well, strangely cute.

#59 -- Carry Us All

2005-04-24T00:52:00.000-04:00

Album: Sunday Morning Call (single)

I don’t like this song too much, and I’m not sure why. It’s great, the lyrics are classic Noel – poetic, deep, yet nonsensical in places. Neat guitar work, and cool backing vocals at the end, but a little bleak and dreary for my tastes. I can’t deny that it’s a great song though – very much like Lets All Make Believe and enough like the A-side (Sunday Morning Call), but not quite as good as either, but probably better still than quite a few of the songs on SOTSOG.

#60 -- Street Fighting Man

2005-04-23T01:16:00.000-04:00

Album: All Around the World (single)

One of their better covers. Some say Lyla sounds a little like this, but I don’t hear it, personally. Great guitar, and an appropriate homage to one of Oasis’ great influences. Weak single, but it’s worth buying just for this B-side cover.

Did anyone see the web chat with Noel yesterday? He just totally slagged off Cleveland!! C’mon!

#61 -- A Quick Peep

2005-04-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

Noel said about writing this one, “This was a period when there was a lot of acoustic guitar happening before and after gigs. We had a big, long journey over the Alps and me and Andy just played guitar for about five hours.” Then why the hell wasn’t it longer?? I’d really like to see Oasis do an extended instrumental, a-la Spectral Mornings (Cornershop). There’s a rumored promo single called “I Can See It Now” that’s supposedly something like that, but I wanted more of a Quick Peep. It’s so more complex than Swamp Song. Oasis does great instrumentals, and I’m a sucker for them.

(sorry so late today, was taking an exam)

#62 -- Married With Children

2005-04-21T15:20:00.000-04:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

Girls suck. Few songs express the frustration of being with someone so annoying, yet mockingly complex that you can’t help but go back for more. I’m convinced this is what women aspire to do: be right all the time even when you’re not, and feel so full of themselves that the only natural reaction is “goodbye, I’m going home.” Then you come crawling back, and realize she’s been wearing the pants the whole time. But hell, it beats being lonely.

#63 -- Fade In-Out

2005-04-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Johnny Depp plays slide guitar on the opening. How cool is that? Oasis shows it can do blues too with this track, and it sounds totally unique and compelling with Liam’s voice. I question whether the title should be “Fadin’ Out,” or at least that’s what it sounds like it should be. Putting the hyphen between “in” and “out” makes it seem a little too artsy strange for my liking, and doesn’t do the song justice. I’ve always felt the breakdown is incredible – they should have extended it. This is certainly one of the more sadly overlooked tracks on Be Here Now – not what you’d expect from our lads, but an awesome tune.

#64 -- Helter Skelter

2005-04-19T15:18:00.000-04:00

Album: Who Feels Love (single)

Bonus live track at the end of FTM, as well as a B-side on Who Feels Love. When I think of great Oasis cover-worthy Beatles songs, this isn’t one of them, but it works. I’d like to hear Liam sing it for once, though. I wonder what Charlie Manson would think.

On a different note, four tracks from the new album were leaked yesterday (if I don’t know you, don’t even ask). Amazingly good. This is going to be one helluva album, lads.

#65 -- Heroes

2005-04-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

Album: D'You Know What I Mean (single)

Yeah, I know this isn’t an Oasis song, but they recorded a studio track (not just a live cover), so I’m including it. Noel doesn’t sound as convincing as David Bowie, in my opinion, but it’s a cool cover. One of the weaker ones though – I’d rather hear anything by the Beatles. Rumor has it that Michael Jackson might be selling off his Beatles collection – wouldn’t it be sweet if Noel purchased part of it?

#66 -- Where Did It All Go Wrong?

2005-04-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

“Do you keep the receipts/for the friends that you buy” is one of my favorite Oasis lines. Noel’s voice is amazing on this track – not the exactly gentile, soulful air that he uses in other ballads – in WDIAGW, the anger and frustration really comes through. Beautiful song, and another perfect example of what was good about SOTSOG.

#67 -- It's Better People

2005-04-16T15:02:00.000-04:00

Album: Roll With It (single)

This is about a “hippie” as Oasis gets – It’s Better People has the vibe of a circle of baked slackers watching drugged up girls in sundresses twirl around. They do a good job paying tribute to the 60-70’s style guitar beat, in fact, I think Noel sounds very (VERY) vaguely like Jim Morrison in the chorus. Gotta love the “woo” at the end, too.

#68 -- Angel Child

2005-04-15T14:45:00.000-04:00

Album: D'You Know What I Mean? (single)

Bloody incredible chorus. Cause I gave all my money to people and things/and the price I’m still paying/for the shit that it brings/doesn't fill me with hope for/the songs that you sing/tonight this is your life/angel child. So soulful. This is easily one of my favorite Noel-ballad B-sides. This one’s almost too good to go in the album.

#69 -- Better Man (+ The Cage)

2005-04-14T14:44:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

Straight up groove, this song is fun to drive to. I wasn’t quite sure to separate Better Man and The Cage (for those who don’t know, The Cage is the “hidden song” if you fast forward 30 minutes past the end of Better Man on the Heathen Chemistry album). I figured I could put them both higher on the list if I left them together, so there you go. Better Man epitomizes the HC Oasis – just a rock groove, not much in the way of drugged-out lyrics, with an extra-raspy Liam, and so much cool shit going on in the background you have to listen to it over and over. The Cage sounds like a instrumental version of One Way Road.

#70 -- One Way Road

2005-04-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

Album: Who Feels Love (single)

There’s no way this shouldn’t have been on the album. I can pick several tunes on SOTSOG that this is better than. If you haven’t heard Paul Weller’s cover of this song, it’s superb. Go download it. I’m looking outside, and it’s a beautiful sunny day – if I wasn’t stuck here in lab (writing about Oasis songs, not working, of course), I’d be sitting in my back yard, drinking a beer, smoking a j, listening to this song.

Oh, and by the way, I scored front row seats to the Cleveland show yesterday (Sept 30 @ Blossom Music Center). Presale tickets still available for that show, plus Vancouver, San Fran, San Diego, Dallas, and Baltimore at oasisinet.com. Click the news release about the new shows on the front page for the presale link.

#71 -- Underneath the Sky

2005-04-12T14:40:00.000-04:00

Album:The Masterplan

I love this song. The only weak spot I think is the backing vocals – just never sounded exactly right to me, but Liam’s singing is spot on. It’s a shame they don’t do this song live very often – it’s such a unique sound – the beginning doesn’t sound like anything you’d expect to hear out of Oasis, in fact, to me it sounds like Kasabian (who this song predates by about 10 years). I love the piano, too, which Noel helps out on.

#72 -- All Around the World (Reprise)

2005-04-11T16:38:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Second confession of the week: I’m a sucker for herald trumpets. I wish I could have this song playing in the background everywhere I walked – I’d feel like a king. I’m such a sucker for instrumental Oasis, too. Tacking a full-orchestra send-up of the most meaningless, overplayed song on the album at the end of Be Here Now is an example of the cocky bullshit that only Oasis can pull off, in my mind.

#73 -- She's Electric

2005-04-10T16:36:00.001-04:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

God, if Liam could only sing like that now. When he hits “want” in the first line of the chorus, I almost don’t believe I’m listening to the same person that sounded like Kermit the Frog singing Stop Crying Your Heart Out just several months ago. I don’t know how on Earth anyone could think this song is about Blur, but Noel’s refuted that rumor several times. This is another example of the jaunty little overlooked pub-rock songs that add diversity and novelty to their catalogue. Can I be electric too?

#74 -- Hung in a Bad Place

2005-04-09T16:34:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

I have a confession to make: I don’t like this song. It’s only up as high as it is because I know enough people that do like it – maybe there’s something I’m missing. If this track isn’t the studio equivalent of Liam’s terrible vocal performance at Glastonbury last year, I don’t know what is. (Listen to Lyla – it’s much better now!) So, I’m not going to say anything else bad about this song – I guess the solo is kind of neat, just a little repetitive. Sorry if you liked this song better than I did.

#75 -- I Hope, I Think, I Know

2005-04-08T16:35:00.000-04:00

Album: Be Here Now

Well, that’s your first 25! 75 days to go – lets keep counting up to the biggest gig of the summer.

I really do like this song, just find it a bit “popish” for the era – certainly doesn’t fit the general theme of Be Here Now, but in a good way – I think it’s more like something off the first two albums than anything else on Be Here Now. Decent lyrics, nothing special, but nothing so trite that it sounds disappointing coming from a band that had already sold two hundred bajillion albums – they fortunately saved that for other songs.

#76 -- I Will Believe

2005-04-07T17:21:00.000-04:00

Album: Supersonic (single)

The start of this song sounds like something by Guns N Roses, at least until the drums come in (and really great drum work on this song, I might add – I love Tony), but it turns out to be almost a foreshadowing of songs 10 years to come. If it weren’t for Liam’s unblemished, young voice, you may not even recognize that this is a very early tune. Great tune, and classic Oasis.

#77 -- Headshrinker

2005-04-06T13:47:00.000-04:00

Album:The Masterplan

Old, old song written about an ex-girlfriend of Liam’s who by all accounts was a little mental. This one almost wouldn’t sound like Oasis to me, if it weren’t for the raspy Liam wail on liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiveees. Totally kickass solo though, one of Noel’s best. It’s got that quick, punchy McCarrol drum sound too. I love it. Not the best B-side, but another cool flashback to the early punkish Oasis.

#78 -- (Probably) All in the Mind

2005-04-05T13:44:00.000-04:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

This song is psychedelic done well. It almost feels like the psychedelic songs on SOTSOG were trying to be like this one, and they finally got it right. This is psychedelic Oasis – more of an evolution of the old sound in which you can actually pick out something that sounds remotely like the same band that did DM, WTSMG, and BHN, but goes somewhere – less of a jump than most of the “Giants” songs, but it’s way more effective. Cool little solo too, nothing too complicated, just cool. I believe Paul Weller had some input on this song – correct me if I’m wrong. Also, props to the band for managing to make a 4 minute song out of 9 lines of lyrics.

#79 -- Take Me Away

2005-04-04T12:35:00.000-04:00

Album: Supersonic (single)

One of the first Oasis B-sides. I find it really amusing. On the one hand, you hear a level of feeling and inflection in the vocals that’s uncommon, even for Noel. On the other hand, you have to love the words that were just pieced together to sound like a song about drugs. “you could be me and pretty soon you will be/but you're gonna need a line” gives it all away.

#80 -- Gas Panic!

2005-04-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

This one’s for all the potheads. Noel was said to have written this during a late-night panic attack. I’m not sure what Gas has to do with it. I’m also not sure that “chancer” (2nd verse, rhymes with “dancer”) is an actual word. But, it seems to work. You hear some interesting sounds in this one – its Pretty psychedelic, and as Liam suggests before they play it in the FTM Wembley concert, probably a great song to get high to.

#81 -- Hello

2005-04-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

Oasis opened their first headline at Glastonbury with this song back in 1995, and I must say it was appropriate. It borrows a riff from Gary Glitter’s (yeah, that guy) Good to be Back, which is enough to make it interesting if for nothing other than its very cheeky reference to one of the stupidest acts in music, which just happens to be leading off what certainly is one of the top 5 albums of the 1990’s. As a first track though, I think it’s a little weak, and it hardly stands up to the magic of the rest of the album.

#82 -- I Can See A Liar

2005-04-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

I know a LOT of people that don’t like this song at all, but its not one I like to discount. It sounds like the Beatles (a little bit of Fool on the Hill, even) combined with the Sex Pistols. Liam does an average job belting out some pretty damn good lyrics (once again, in my opinion – I know a lot of people that hate them). Sure, they’re trite, but they fit. Still, not the best song on SOTSOG, but not the worst.

#83 -- Digsy's Dinner

2005-03-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

Album: Definitely Maybe

Silly song about a silly man, but I love it. It wouldn’t be pure ‘90s brit rock without the inclusion of songs like this in your debut album. Buy the DM DVD for some candid talk with Digsy, and you’ll see why he makes such an impression. What a spaz. Still, being *the* Digsy has to get you somewhere with the (old, toothless, drunk) ladies.

#84 -- Force of Nature

2005-03-30T17:15:00.000-05:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

I don’t have shit to say about this song today. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Love, Honour & Obey, good lyrics, feels like its punching you in the face a hundred times in a row, blah, blah, blah, don’t like it as much as some others seem to.
In other news, the new single LYLA was played on Polish radio yesterday. I haven’t stopped listening to it since 5 o’clock yesterday. I love it. No, I LOVE it. Nice, safe, lead-off single like The Hindu Times, but quirky, catchy, has some damn musical substance, and it should sound awesome live. I’m bringing my pogo stick to MSG. (Note: when drunk, leaping around like you’re nuts is an acceptable substitute for an actual pogo stick)

(I'm not including any of the new songs in this countdown, before anyone asks, since it was started before the album release) If you want to read what I wrote about it last night, here you go.

#85 -- Alive (8 Track Demo)

2005-03-29T18:18:00.000-05:00

Album: Shakermaker (single)

Noel’s come a long way as a songwriter, that’s for sure. This is one of the older songs Oasis has ever released (B-side or otherwise) and sounds appropriately musically immature – almost complimented by the 8 track sampling. I’m not sure what it means, or whether it’s even worth discussing – few tracks really showcase the evolution of Noel’s songwriting before it was really polished. This would certainly be a track not even worth mentioning had they attempted to produce it in the manner to which we’re accustomed and squeeze it into an album, but as it is, it’s a great early portrait of a young band about to explode.

#86 -- Hey Now!

2005-03-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory

Not a bad tune, but to me, Hey Now! marks the first hint of diversion from the great rock tunes on Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story. In fact, Noel says, “This song is about being in a group. It´s a massive step forward for us. Some people are not going to like it, because they´re just going to want more songs like Cigarettes & Alcohol or Supersonic. The band has changed a lot and there´s a different vibe.”

Personally, I’m one of those people that wanted more songs like Cigarettes & Alcohol and Supersonic. Not that change is bad or anything, but sometimes the chords sound like they were borrowed from some lame 80s “soft rock” song. And anyway (and they made this faux pas with Gas Panic! too), songs with exclamation marks in their title should be exciting and kick your ass.

#87 -- Listen Up

2005-03-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

Album: The Masterplan

I can’t be the only person that thinks the opening bars of this song sound almost exactly like Supersonic. The only thing I don’t like about this song is that it’s way out of Liam’s vocal range – he really strains to hit a couple of the notes (the word “leave” is particularly painful). Not much to say about the guitar work, but rather good lyrics (in my opinion, The Masterplan has the best lyrics of any Oasis album), and still a great b-side for Cigs & Alc, and a great choice for inclusion in The Masterplan.

#88 -- The Girl in the Dirty Shirt

2005-03-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

Album Be Here Now

How many times have I wanted to say “get your shit together girl?” That line is enough to make me a big fan of this song. This song is a great example of the fusion of rock and drunken pub chorus (see Bonehead’s Bank Holiday, below) that Oasis can be unparalleled at. As songs about your girlfriend go (Noel wrote it about Meg), this is about as un-lame as they come. It almost doesn’t fit in Be Here Now – the lyrics make sense, it sounds a little bit like songs on previous albums (Married with Children), and doesn’t overwhelmingly reek of substance abuse.

#89 -- My Sister Lover

2005-03-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

Album: Stand By Me (single)

I don’t know what to say about this song. I suppose if I were from Kentucky, I’d rate it higher. As it is, I find the lyrics a little bit disturbing. I mean, come on: “You're my lover, I'm your brother” implies something that’s illegal in most jurisdictions. I like the tune, especially the chorus lines that just wail on, but the lyrics make me glad to remember Noel and Liam came from a family of all boys.

#90 -- Shout It Out Loud

2005-03-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

Album: Stop Crying Your Heart Out (single)

This is a really cool Noel ballad, and I’d argue the better of the two B-sides on Stop Crying Your Heart Out. It sounds like something I’d like to hear Paul Weller sing, but sounds great in the same deep, warm tone Noel uses in “Sunday Morning Call”. It’s just not a song with much in the way of lyrics or deep meaning – it’s a love song (I think) – and although the topic’s been covered over and over, much like the repetitive chorus of this track, it makes for a nice B-side. It’s just a shame that they didn’t put anything on Stop Crying your Heart out that really rocks your socks off.

#91 -- Born on a Different Cloud

2005-03-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

Album: Heathen Chemistry

Okay, I’m going to catch a lot of hell for this one. I just don’t really like the song. It works musically, and fits Liam’s post-Be Here Now personality to a tee; I just never cared much for it. It sounds very John Lennon, but if there ever was any doubt that Oasis at times make an ill-advised exodus from the kind of music that made them world famous, Born On A Different Cloud is a case-in-point. What did I say yesterday? Oh yeah, they could have totally swapped this song for Andy’s “Thank You for the Good Times” and Heathen Chemistry would have been a stronger album. I don’t think this track adds anything, nor do I think the electronic effects do much for Liam’s rasp.

#92 -- Thank you for the Good Times

2005-03-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

Album: Stop Crying Your Heart Out (single)

I listened to this song on my walk to work today, and as I sat down to write up this blurb, I wasn’t quite sure initially why I ranked it towards the bottom of the list. I get these ready to post about a week in advance, so its too late now, but if I had it to do again, I’d consider ranking it higher. Andy Bell wrote it while experiencing a 3-day-long stomach illness in South America, which is enough to give it points on novelty alone, but it’s got some of the best lyrics of all the Heathen Chemistry-era songs, singles, B-sides, or otherwise. I guess it just doesn’t have that Noel-esque feel to it, and in a way, it feels like it was written by someone in a great deal of physical torment. It’s disappointing this song wasn’t on the album though –- I think it may have made Heathen Chemistry a stronger album altogether if we got to see a hint Andy’s songwriting prowess, which doesn’t even necessitate the removal of any other songs. As it is, this one gets sadly overlooked.

#93 -- Magic Pie

2005-03-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

Album: Be Here Now

I’m probably going to catch a little heat for not liking this song as much as I should by the people who regularly read this site (there’s surprisingly many of them, but spread the word, you lot!). “An extraordinary guy can never have an ordinary day,” is one of my favorite Oasis lines, but in an album that’s starved for a classic Noel ballad, we get a song about a magic pie. A MAGIC PIE?!?! Whatever you’ve been smoking/snorting/drinking/huffing/popping when you wrote that, Noel, I’d like to know where I can get some.

#94 -- Going Nowhere

2005-03-20T14:36:00.000-05:00

Album: The Masterplan

Noel often praises Burt Bacharach, in fact, his picture is slightly in frame on the Definitely Maybe cover. The opening of this song reminds me a lot of his style, possibly a Vegas lounge, or possibly playing in the background whist you’re doing some shopping. I personally don’t care for those types of songs, and don’t think they’re really Oasis-sounding. The lyrics are wonderful though, and are a nice insight into how Noel felt before Oasis ever “arrived.” He’s said to have written this before the band ever got a record deal, but not recorded it until sometime after, and it speaks to all the things he was hoping to do with the fame and money.

#95 -- Just Getting Older

2005-03-19T14:20:00.000-05:00

Album: The Hindu Times (single)

Is this song an acknowledgement of better days’ past for Oasis, or just another introspective ballad? Either way, I think there could have been better choices for the first Hindu Times B-Side. Personally, I find the lyrics a tad depressing (I'm halfway up to the bottom/of another bottle/of my next best favourite friend/am I cracking up/or just getting older?), and an almost inappropriate crash-landing back to Earth after the resounding rock n’ roll high of The Hindu Times. I’m a sucker for Noel ballads though, so I’ll take it squeezed between a great rock song and a far better Noel ballad (it’s gonna be high up on this list too).

#96 -- Bonehead's Bank Holiday

2005-03-18T14:19:00.000-05:00

Album: What's the Story Morning Glory (vinyl-only track)

This is a jaunty little vinyl-only track from WTSMG. That’s a good thing, in my opinion, because this song isn’t exactly the type that should be listened to in Dolby 5.1. It’s more the style of “lets-get-shitfaced-and-sing-nonsense-until-we-get-kicked-out-of-the-bar,” and almost demands a double entendre-laden verse about passing around the town whore (sadly lacking, I’m afraid). Still, a fun tune, an easy one to learn, and one no one would recognize if you and your mates started belting it out at the pub.

#97 -- Little James

2005-03-17T16:15:00.000-05:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants

What lifelong Oasis fan doesn’t have a strong opinion about this song? It’s Liam’s first offering as a songwriter, and a certainly valiant effort. When it comes up in discussion, most fans slag it off, for the most part including myself. It’s hard to find anything wrong with a song written by a dad for his son, though, it sometimes seems like a few of the lines were hastily assembled from an elementary rhyming dictionary. Live for your toys/even though they make noise… sometimes makes me cringe. You have to give Liam props for trying though, and it’s certainly a song that feels like it “belongs” in the middle of SOTSOG. Regardless, Noel should have put his foot down on the drawn-out “na na na” ending – it’s not exactly Hey Jude.

#98 -- My Big Mouth

2005-03-16T16:03:00.000-05:00

Album: Be Here Now

It’s been suggested that this song contains an adaptation of “I Never Saw a Moor”, a by the 19th century poet Emily Dickenson. True, this is a very poetic song, but the lines attributed to the poem (I ain't never spoke to god/and I ain't never been to heaven/but you assumed I knew the way/even though the map was given) are about the only ones that make any sense to me. Of course, we have a lot more legendary Oasis tracks that should be credited as “written by N. Gallagher/Lots of Drugs” than confusing ones, so I can’t complain. After being fully titillated by D’You Know What I Mean, the distortion followed by the full-band cacophony in this track should be the listener’s first clue Be Here Now bears only a shaky resemblance to either of Oasis’ first two albums. Not that it’s a bad thing, mind you.

#99 -- Roll It Over

2005-03-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

Album: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

This is a rather good song, really. It’s just unfortunately stuck as the final track on an album alongside better songs with the same slow, psychedelic feel. As if listening to SOTSOG all the way through didn’t leave you in a bit of a daze, Roll It Over makes me feel as lethargic as a hangover that sticks around until dinnertime.

If it wasn’t for all the lyrical repetition in the whole album in general, the verses of this song (“I can give the hundred million reasons/to build a barricade/blame it on the changing of the seasons/the thoughts that I convey”, and “look around at all the plastic people/who live without a care/try to sit with me around my table/but never bring a chair”) would stand out as some of the best on SOTSOG. As it is, a pretty damn good song ends up misplaced and misunderstood.