New Release: Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Robert Smith Remix)

As much as I am dying for an Oasis reunion (Noel and Liam please bury whatever crap is going on between you two and get the damn band back together), I will gladly take a new solo album from Noel (and Liam). Noel is one hell of a songwriter as you very well know. His new album, Council Skies arrives June 2nd. It will be the first album Gallagher has recorded in his own recording studio: Lone Star Studios as well as having legendary guitarist Johnny Marr of The Smiths guesting on three songs including the first single “Pretty Boy.” Speaking of “Pretty Boy” today, a new remix version of the song was released. Robert Smith of The Cure was asked to remix the song by Noel. The end result is pretty damn good. The remix that Robert did gives it more atmosphere and a bit of a different edge to it. Speaking about how this came about Robert said “I was surprised and delighted when Noel asked me to remix this gorgeous song, and I had a lot of fun slowing it down and spacing it out – Cure drummer Jason Cooper gave me a great vibey drum track to play along with – and the rest just phased into place under the starry sky of my distant moon.” And just like that the stars aligned to make this song into something quite cool. Noel will be on tour this summer in the US with Garbage!

Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Robert Smith Remix):

Noel Gallagher- Pretty Boy (Album Version):

Johnny Marr working on “Pretty Boy”:

Track One: Oasis- Rock N Roll Star

Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe is one hell of a record. To come out of the gates with an album this good is tremendous. I still remember the first time I played the album. The moment “Rock N Roll Star” started, I knew this album was something special. The sheer rock elements of it along with the lyrics and Liam’s voice have made this song live a very long and prosperous life. Noel Gallagher wrote the song and the story behind it is interesting in that he said that “Rock N Roll Star,” “Live Forever,” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol” were the only three songs he wrote that said something and that the others were just him repeating himself in a different way.” Well no matter what, this song is one hell of a way to start off an album.

Oasis- Rock N Roll Star:

The Video:

Title Tracks: Oasis- Morning Glory

There are so many albums celebrating monumental anniversaries this year. One of those albums is the Oasis album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. I remember when this album was released and I couldn’t wait to buy it. I played the hell out of it. I got so engrossed with this album, that I knew all the words and would constantly sing along to it with my best friend at the time. One of the songs that always stood out to me was the title track, “Morning Glory.” This song has a great rock sound to it with huge guitars, bombastic rhythms and great melodies. Oh, and the little guitar solo is subtle yet perfect. The intro to the song is one of my favorites of all time. And, the moment Liam Gallagher’s vocals come it, you just know it’s going to be one of “those songs.” This is one of the best title tracks of all time, in my opinion.

Oasis- Morning Glory:

Great Music Videos: Liam Gallagher- One Of Us

Today, I got a notification about a new video for Liam Gallagher’s “One Of Us.” I’ve already heard the song a couple weeks back and loved it. This video though, takes it to a whole other level. It’s been a long time since a video has moved me but, this one got me. Liam’s new video was written and directed by Peaky Blinders creative duo Steven Knight and Anthony Byrne, so you know there is some depth behind this. And oh boy, does it have that. If you are unaware of the long going feud between Liam and his brother Noel, you should definitely look into that before watching this video. What a poignant and powerful video and statement. Enjoy this song and video.
Liam Gallagher- One Of Us:

 

Cover Song: Ryan Adams (Oasis)- Wonderwall

Ryan Adams is one hell of a talented guy. His ability to constantly put out great songs is astounding. Over the years he has done quite a few cool cover songs. For example he did a version of the Black Flag classic “Nervous Breakdown” that is really quite rad. Anyways, a few years back, Ryan did a cover of the Oasis classic “Wonderwall” and it’s one of those versions that really stands out and made it his own. Even Noel Gallagher has come out and said Ryan is the only one to cover it and “get it.” Enjoy this great version of a truly classic song.

 

Ryan Adams- Wonderwall:

 

 

 

Great Debut Albums: Oasis- Definitely Maybe

 

 

It always seems to go back to 1994. That year is like a fine aged wine or a wonderful scotch, there is just something magical about 1994. We all know how many legendary albums came out at this time but, there is one that is often overlooked. The album I’m talking about is Oasis’s, Definitely Maybe. When you have songs like “Supersonic,”Rock N Roll Star,” and “Live Forever,” on your debut album, not only are you going to hit it out of the park but also really leave a lasting mark. Definitely Maybe is often regarded as “the” album that started the “Brit-Pop” movement. The songs on the album were all written by Noel Gallagher, and he really cemented his legacy with these songs. The album is full of classic rock n roll, pop, glam, and a bit of psychedelia. There really isn’t a bad song on this record. “Shakermaker,” “Up In The Sky,” “Bring It On Down,” “Cigarettes And Alcohol,” and “Slide Away” have always been the deeper cuts that have stood out to me. Noel’s songs really came to life courtesy of the band as a whole. Liam Gallagher’s voice put the guts in to the songs. Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Noel’s guitar work really added a brightness and edge to the record. The rhythm section of Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan on bass and Tony McCarroll on drums gave the album the pulse and heartbeat.
Something else about Definitely Maybe that stands out is that this album was a beacon of light in the music world. Before this album, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were dominating the airwaves. Those bands vibes and realism made a deep connection to those out there that were looking for something, lost or feeling helpless. Oasis addressed those elements but provided a sense of living and fun. The Gallagher brothers antics alone helped to usher in this new sense of life.
Definitely Maybe is and always will be one of the best debut albums. A lot of people think that this was the bands pinnacle but, that just isn’t the case. If you take the time to delve into the Oasis catalog you will find that this band is truly great. Noel Gallagher is one of the most underrated and prolific songwriters of all time. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes out of your day and let Definitely Maybe start your day off right.

 

Oasis- Definitely Maybe:

 

 

Bands That Should Come Back: Oasis

It’s been over ten years now since Oasis has played a show. Their last album, Dig Out Your Soul, was a return of sorts to the roots of the band. While it didn’t have the “pop” of Definitely Maybe or What’s The Story Morning Glory, it was still a record to be proud of and could stand out in the bands catalog. We all know the stories of the fighting between Liam and Noel Gallagher.  It’s really a shame that they can’t seem to figure out how to just get along. Noel has released three solo albums since Oasis’s break up. Each of those albums hark back a little to the Oasis days. After all, Noel was the one that wrote the songs. The second of Noel’s solo albums, Chasing Yesterday, is one hell of a good album. It’s one of those records that just feels right and sounds great too. After the initial break up, Liam and the rest of the members of Oasis formed the band Beady Eye. That band was decent but it sure lacked the substance that Oasis had. Last year though, Liam released his debut solo album called As You Were, and that album is tremendous. There are songs on it that almost feel like they could have been Oasis songs.
In the past couple weeks, Liam was on twitter and tweeted out messages (see below) to Noel, saying that they should knock off what ever it is between them and get the band back together. There are even rumors kicking around that Liam and Noel will reunite on stage at a festival coming up in England, since they are playing the same festival, on different days. Oasis was a band that if you go back and listen to, you can really hear how great they were. Yes, they had massive egos but, there is no denying the bands ability to craft great songs and deliver a great performance. Thankfully I was able to see them back in 2007, and that show was spectacular. I’m hopeful that Liam and Noel and figure out their crap and get the band back to where it was.

 

Liam’s Tweet To Noel:

 

Oasis- Definitely Maybe:

 

Oasis- What’s The Story Morning Glory:

 
Oasis- Dig Out Your Soul:

Album Rank: Oasis

Since I heard Liam Gallagher’s solo album As You Were, I’ve been on a kick of listening to all things Liam and Oasis. While listening to all these albums I’ve really come to realize how truly great Oasis was. I did have the pleasure of seeing them live back in 2007 before they announced their break up. It was a great show with a really good set list. Needless to say I’ve put together an album ranking of Oasis’s albums from not their best to the absolute best.

 

Heathen Chemistry:

 

 

Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants:

 

 

Don’t Believe The Truth:

 

 

Be Here Now:

 

 

Dig Out Your Soul:

 

 

Definitely Maybe:

 

 

What’s The Story Morning Glory:

Best Albums Of 2015…So Far

Well it’s June and there have been a slew of really great albums released so far, and so many more great ones to come out soon too. Well here’s a recap of the ones that have come out so far IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER.

1. Marilyn Manson- The Pale Emperor
2. Royal Thunder- Crooked Doors
3. Faith No More- Sol Invictus
4. Coal Chamber- Rivals
5. Papa Roach- F.E.A.R.
6. Sleater- Kinney- No Cities To Love
7. Noel Gallaghar’s High Flying Birds- Chasing Yesterday
8. The Bloodline- We Are One
9. Dekades- Dekades EP
10. Anakin- Celestial Frequency Shifter
11. Vanishing Life- Vanishing Life 7″

Coming Soon:

Failure
Refused
Deftones
Fidlar
Team Sleep
Wild Throne
Sidewave