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STANDING ON THE SHOULDER OF GIANTS
Oasis
(Sony)
This British band is arguably as self-absorbed as the Smashing Pumpkins, but Oasis at least has the talent - and the vocals - to make it appealing.
While the new album is as grand and anthemic as ever, the songs are more direct, more personal and among the strongest the band has delivered. Go Let It Out is a winner, with Liam Gallagher in fine voice for a song that points out celebrities are merely a product of the public's obsession with them - "we're the builders of their destiny," as he puts it. Gas Panic is another track that seems to focus on the travails of stardom - fame itself is a common muse for the famous: "My family don't seem so familiar and my enemies all know my name,'' runs the refrain. And on the mellow side, Little James is a bittersweet letter to a child.
Traces of the Beatles are evident throughout - the giants on whose shoulders they are standing, I guess - but Oasis proves its artistic worth on its own. It's nice to see these guys in the paper for something other than acting like soccer hooligans.
Track Listing
1. F***in' In The Bushes
2. Go Let It Out!
3. Who Feels Love?
4. Put Your Money Where Yer Mouth Is
5. Little James
6. Gas Panic!
7. Where Did It All Go Wrong?
8. Sunday Morning Call
9. I Can See A Liar
10. Roll It Over