Oasis

A late ‘90s critic remarked that “one day we might look back, possibly in anger,” and wonder why Oasis were once among the most popular rock bands in the world. Indeed, it’s easy to forget that the Beatles-loving U.K. combo, led by warring brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, sneered its way to superstardom with its 1994 debut, Definitely Maybe, led by the glorious single “Live Forever.” Oasis was a full-scale phenomenon of ego and excess by the following year’s (What’s The Story) Morning Glory, which backed up the boasting with such classics as “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova.” And while 1997’s Be Here Now was a mixed bag of big ideas, baffling guest appearances (Johnny Depp on guitar?), and bad lyrics, Oasis seemed suddenly devoid of inspiration on its lackluster successors, 2000’s Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants and 2002’s Heathen Chemistry. Its antics no longer funny and its music consistent but rarely exciting, Oasis has become the very thing it mercilessly mocked in the first place: just an ordinary band.

Album reviews

Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants
Epic (2000)
More than a half-decade since Oasis stormed the world stage with big, bad attitudes, big rock dreams and even bigger egos, the U.K. combo finds itself at an unenviable crossroads with its fourth studio album, Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants.

The Masterplan
Epic (1998)
It's no surprise that there's a wealth of quality material to be heard on this Oasis B-sides compilation -- after all, we're talking about one of the most successful bands of the decade.

Be Here Now
Epic (1997)
No, it's not original, and this record effectively paints Oasis into a stylistic corner that may be hard to escape from on future albums. But the Gallagher brothers are right on more than they're way off, and Be Here Now proves that sometimes, great music can just Be.

(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Sony/Columbia (1996)
After achieving international fame and notoriety (particularly by claiming they were this generations' Beatles), the fun-loving, plagiaristic, sneering Brits Oasis turned in their second album in 1995 to critical and commercial acclaim.

Definitely Maybe
Creation/Sony (1994)
Though Definitely Maybe's 11 songs don't add any new colors to the rock and roll pallette, they do paint some pretty pictures with the ones already kickin' around.

Concert reviews

June 7, 2001
Radio City Music Hall, New York
Rock shows rule.