An Oasis of Talent

Alright, this post is an unabashed tribute to the Brit rock band Oasis. If you don't like their music, tough luck. If you haven't heard their music, allow me to give you an intro. And if you do like their music, tell me what you think.

I could bore you with the numbers - 50 million albums sold, eight UK number one hits, 500,000 copies of Be There Now on day one, BRIT Awards for outstanding contribution to music, blah blah blah. But thats what Wikipedia is for. :-)

The reason I love Oasis' music is sheer singalongability of their songs. Simple lyrics which seem to apparently have no great meaning. But oh, such a catchy way of singing them. Noel and Liam Gallagher (what a cool surname) certainly know how to churn out great sound. Take Don't Look Back In Anger for instance...

And so, Sally can wait
She knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away
But don't look back in anger
I heard you say

Now, I have no idea who Sally is (or was) nor why 'it's too late'. But I do sense her pain as Liam & Noel (creative license taken here) walk past her. The poignant lyrics that leave you wondering what finally happened to Sally. Did she put her 'life in the hands of a rock and roll band' that 'threw it all away'? Aah.. Sally.


Another beautiful song is Wonderwall. Once again, simple lyrics, simple chords & tunes. But what a voice! That slightly high pitched nasal way of singing. Turns the most mundane lyrics into something that stays with you.

And all the roads that lead to you were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
I don't know how

Sounds almost corny doesn't it? Winding-blinding. Straight out of a 12 year old's poem. But that is the genius of Oasis. Creating magic out of almost nothing. Stop Crying Your Heart Out is another such song. Barely ten lines of lyrics. But when Liam starts crooning....

Cos all of the stars are fading away
Just try not to worry you'll see them some day
Take what you need and be on your way
And stop crying your heart out

... you cant help but sing along. It was like I already knew the lyrics the very first time I heard this song! Simply brilliant.

As is the case of rock bands, Oasis have had their fair share of ups and downs. From the initial line up of Liam (vocal), Noel (lead guitar), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass) and Tony McCarroll (drums) only two remain. No prizes for guessing who. But they've weathered the storms and taken their place amongst rock and roll's greats. Of course there will be those who disagree. But as Some Might Say, you have to learn to Roll With It. And I am sure that when the Gallaghers finally hang up their instruments, they will have attended many more Champagne Supernovas rather than simple Slide(ing) Away.