New York -- In the intimate confines of the beautiful and ornate Hammerstein Ballroom in New York's Chelsea district, Oasis, the self-proclaimed "world's greatest band" arrived Tuesday night with only one goal in mind.

To crank out their biggest and best tunes at such a volume that they crack the molded plaster lining the place.

Playing the first of two nights in what will be their only headlining gigs in North America this year, the band thundered through most of their popular numbers, including Supersonic, Roll With It, Live Forever, Champagne Supernova and Wonderwall.

Guitarist/songwriter Noel Gallagher introduced the latter as "the song that bought me cars and houses."

But it was several tracks from their latest album, "Be Here Now", that provided the evening's highlights, likely because they play particularly well at high volumes.

Two standouts were "D'You Know What I Mean" and "Magic Pie", the latter of which saw Noel replace brother Liam at the microphone.

"Yes I am a genius, I know. Don't keep telling me," Noel Gallagher said by way of introducing "Magic Pie", showing the kind of humility that has warmed the hearts of Oasis fans for years.

Unfortunately, the band seemed rusty at times, perhaps the result of too much New York night life and it tarnished an otherwise solid performance before a capacity crowd of 4,000.

Several numbers seemed strained, while some of the harmonies, such as on "Stand By Me", were just plain awful.

It was business as usual for Liam Gallagher, standing perfectly still, hands clasped behind his back while singing, and smashing his tambourine or mike stand to the stage during the instrumental bits.

During the only encore, the B-side "Acquiesce", Liam clumsily tried to toss one of the bulky monitors that line the front of the stage before giving up and strutting off to end the show. Pete Townshend he's not.

The other three members, guitarist Paul Arthurs, bass player Paul McGuigan and drummer Alan White, were steady as ever, never blowing their parts but never standing out either.

The fabulous five were actually seven last night, with the addition of Mike Rowe and Paul Stacey on strings and keyboards whenever needed.

Aside from a pair of shows on which they opened for U2 earlier this year, this was Oasis' first gig on this side of the Atlantic since their aborted 1996 North American tour.

One would have thought there was more riding on their return.

As the crowd filed out, a cursory look indicated that the Hammerstein Ballroom had withstood the sonic assault.

Oasis get one last chance to knock the old place down Wednesday night.

Set List

Be Here Now

Stay Young

Stand By Me

Supersonic

Some Might Say

Roll With It

D'You Know What I Mean

Magic Pie

Don't Look Back In Anger

Don't Go Away

Wonderwall

Live Forever

It's Gettin' Better (Man!!)

Champagne Supernova

Fade In-Out

All Around The World

Encore

Acquiesce