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!
Liam Gallagher is back yet again with a new album, C’mon You Know which is out May 27, 2022. The first song released “Everything’s Electric” has Dave Grohl playing drums on the track as well as being a co-writer on the song along with Liam and producer Greg Kurstin. Since Liam started his solo career a few years back with the great debut As You Were, he’s been on fire. The singles released are superb but when you get deeper into the other songs on the albums you’ll find a plethora of other great songs. As much as I would love an Oasis reunion, at least Liam is back out here and delivering solid good rock n roll songs and albums!
Ever since Liam Gallagher released his debut solo album As You Were in 2017, I’ve been hooked. Both of his solo albums As You Were and Why Me, Why Not are tremendous and great rock albums. They also solidify Liam as one of the best frontmen and singers. This past week, Liam released a new single, “All You’re Dreaming Of.” It’s a very sentimental song and features some very deep words from Liam. There is definitely a John Lennon inspiration on this song and it’s done so well. I’ve included a live version of the song and it’s truly wonderful!
Liam Gallagher- All You’re Dreaming Of (Studio Version):
Liam Gallagher- All You’re Dreaming Of (Live Version):
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.
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.
In 2017, Liam Gallagher released his debut solo album, As You Were. That album was quite exquisite and it brought life back into Liam along with his legendary voice. Now, here we are a couple years later and Liam has released a new album Why Me? Why Not. This record picks up where the debut left off but, on this one, it gets a bit deeper and more expressive. There’s a nice layer of nostalgia to the album but, it doesn’t rely on it to make it’s point. Instead it’s an album that covers many things from being introspective to what the future holds. The songs and especially Liam’s vocals really draw you in just as the classic Oasis albums did.
The album starts off with a great rock song in “Shockwave.” It’s a very in your face track that will sure be a stellar live song. It’s also got a lot of attitude to it that propels the album as well. “One Of Us” is very blatantly about his brother Noel. It’s also one of the most profound songs Liam has ever sung. There’s a particularly great dig at Noel in the song when Liam sings “You said we’d live forever/Who do you think you’re kiddin’?” a nod to the Definitely Maybe track. That part is so striking. Even the video is stunning. “Once” is another very powerful song that will get all your feelings going as you listen. It’s a very retrospective song that no doubt will have people wanting to reach for their Oasis albums. “Now That I Found You” is a very heartfelt song to his daughter that is full of great melodies. “Halo” is a really solid song that also helps to bring the album back up to a more up tempo beat. “Why Me? Why Not” is a very Liam does John Lennon-esque song. It’s a very sincere and humbling track. One that should be celebrated as a rebirth of sorts for Liam. “Be Still” (which is my favorite song on the album as of this writing) is an edgy rock song that, if played live will be huge. It’s also a soaring song with lyrics and melodies that really help to make this a stand out. “Alright Now” is another song that is pretty deep and chock full of maturity that a young Liam would probably snicker at. “Meadow” is a bit of a solemn song with a sense of optimism and hope to it. The organ and guitars have this cool swell to them which helps to make this song have a cool swing to it that makes it sort of psychedelic. “The River” is another huge song on the album. It’s got a bit of an anthemic feel to it to go along with a later 60’s vibe. This is another one that live will be stellar. Closing the album out is “Gone.” This song feels like it takes on a message of what the whole album is about. There is still a bit of attitude and swagger to it while at the same time it’s almost like a coming to terms with life type of song.
Why Me? Why Not is one hell of an album. It’s honest, pure and humbling. Liam has even said he’s not much of a songwriter so, with the help of Greg Kurstin and Andrew Wyatt, they have helped to make sure Liam’s words and voice are put on a pedestal and celebrated as each song plays. This isn’t Oasis by any means but, these songs have the ability to stand up with a slew of the classic songs from that era. There is obviously a throwback of sorts to Oasis and the past but, this album doesn’t live there. It’s modern and feels inspired while keeping true to who Liam is not just as a person but as a singer, lyricist, and the rock star that he is. Why Me? Why Not is the perfect name for this album. It’s everything you’d want to hear from Liam and then some. He’s still got the charm and rasp that made him a star to begin with only now, he’s more mature and can see the error of his way. As You Were and Why Me? Why Not can stand up against anything Liam has done in his career and look back on with delight. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this album, you won’t regret it.
The other day I was hanging out with a friend and I presented him with a question, who are the best UK bands of all time. So, we sat there for a few minutes and created a list that pretty much sums up the best bands from the region. There are so many bands from that area but, the impact the ones on this list had made them the standouts. This list is in no particular order as well. And your input is always greatly appreciated to make this list complete.
01) The Beatles
02) The Rolling Stones
03) David Bowie
04) The Who
05) Pink Floyd
06) The Kinks
07) Led Zeppelin
08) Cream
09) Joy Division
10) Sex Pistols
11) The Clash
12) Radiohead
13) Depeche Mode
14) The Cure
15) New Order
16) Black Sabbath
17) Iron Maiden
18) Motorhead
19) Judas Priest
20) Oasis
21) Placebo
22) Blur
23) The Smiths
24) The Cult
25) Oceansize
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:
Ever since Liam Gallagher of Oasis released his solo album As You Were in 2017, it’s been in constant rotation. It’s a great album and debut and one that proves he can make it on his own without his brother Noel. Now, a couple years removed since As You Were, Liam is back again with a new album, Why Me? Why Not, and based on the songs released so far, this one is going to surpass his debut (which says a lot). The songs so far, “Shockwave,” “The River,” “Once” and “One Of Us” are, in the words of Larry David, pretty, pretty, pretty good. I was and still am a big Oasis fan, and would love a reunion but, if Liam keeps putting out albums and music like this, I’m good with just going to see Liam live.
For over 25 years, Liam Gallagher has been one of the best voices in rock music. I’d also say he’s one of the best singers in that time as well. His style of singing is uniquely him while taking cues from the likes of John Lennon and John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten). Over the years, Liam hasn’t lent his vocals to many other bands but, on the ones he has, he’s given those songs a different feel. Here are the songs Liam has guested on over the years.
The Prodigy- Shoot Down (from Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned):
The Verve- Come On (from Urban Hymns):
Echo & The Bunnymen- Nothing Lasts Forvever (from Evergreen):
Death In Vegas- Scorpio Rising (from Satan’s Circus Vol. 2):
audioeclectica 