In the past two years there has been some speculation about the Gallagher brothers. Even during their career as Oasis the speculation was there. Many questioned with all of their issues who was the real talent driving the band. Well this is the year that the question gets answered. With the release of This record as well as the Beady Eye debut LP (aka the rest of Oasis, Liam included). So the question is to be stated as to how these records stack up against the, dare i say, classic Oasis discography. Well the answer, at least for this record, is pretty damn good. While it is presumptuous to imagine that it would contain the same fire as Definitely Maybe or the overbearing psych influence of Be Here Now it is nice to be able to explain that it does contain a little of both.
Starting with a slight cough and what could be expressed as a majestic introduction the record starts on a high note and does little to look back. Opener "Everybody's On The Run" goes slow but contains a certain energy and fierceness to it that one could be surprised by. Those who have been paying attention will be familiar with a few of the songs the singles "If I Had A Gun", "The Death Of You And Me" and "AKA...What A Life" continue in Oasis improbable ability to consistently write and release strong singles. The record is filled with moments of downright beauty never focusing on solely one side of the coin the lyrics follow Noel's ability to write simply put yet somehow poignant lyrics. This simplicity coupled with the dense yet clear songwriting helps the record move along quickly without making the songs feel too short. The use of orchestration and choir helps to make the songs sound much bigger and more powerful than one could have imagined.
So how does this really stack up? simply put amazingly well. This collection of songs prove that even though together, the brothers were certainly a powerful songwriting team, Noel contains a rare talent for making songs that are strong yet not heavy and powerful without being forceful. While this doesn't bode well for what some might say is an inevitable Oasis reunion, it does much to prove the strengths of that band and how truly charismatic and talented their lead singer truly is. This is certainly a record not to miss.
