 It’s been almost fifteen years since Oasis , the epitome of British ‘rock & roll’, swaggered their way into the hearts of millions with their gritty yet optimistic anthems of the early 90’s.
Their seventh studio album, ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ released today, Monday 6th October 2008, sees the band return to glory with a new maturity and experimental sound.
It was Noel’s aim to “..Make an absolutely f**king colosall album… like literally two orchestras, stuff like that….music that had more of a groove…” . The album is steeped in echoes, samples and effects juxtaposed alongside confident guitar melodies, hooks and an underlying pulsing groove.
The lead up to the release of the album has been eventful for the group. We’ve witnessed the departure of drummer Zak Starkey who was replaced by Robbie William’s former sticksman, Chris Sharrock .... not to mention the dramatic events which recently occurred on tour when Noel was shoved off-stage in Canada.
Liam and Noel appeared in the headlines on numerous occasions this year, with their scathing comments about other artists. Most notably rapper Jay-Z came in for criticism from Noel for his headlining slot at this year's Glastonbury, with Noel claiming hip-hop had “..no place..” at the festival. The brothers have also made derogatory comments about tabloid darlings Amy and Pete “…Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty are attention seekers. You can take drugs and be a f**ked up junkie without anybody having an inkling. Who goes for the papers at three am? On crack? Who does that? Somebody who’s an attention seeker…”
In a recent interview discussing the release of ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ Noel said “…The new songs? I’m looking forward to everyone hearing them, I’m looking forward to people slagging them, I’m looking forward to people enjoying them, I’m looking forward to getting out and playing them…” Well here goes… The album opens strongly with ‘Bag It Up’ one of the six tracks on the album penned by chief songwriter, Noel. Fuelled with skuzzy guitar riffs, pounding drums and a great doubled vocal from the Gallagher brothers; it climaxes with an awesome sing-a-long chorus: “Lay your love on the fire when you come on in. I got my heebie-jeebies in a little bag.”
‘The Turning’ launches with a keyboard riff and resonating groove which develops into a massive song accompanied by a 50-strong choir hollaring “Come on” as the backing for Liam's snarling vocals. Noel sings the vocals on the following track ‘Waiting For The Rapture’, a mesmerising and inventive song which comes across as both dirty and spacey.
‘The Shock of the Lighning’, the debut single from the album, is an upbeat psychedelic track and a true gem that leads us into another highlight of the album; ‘I’m Outta Time’, the first of three tracks penned by Liam. A piano led Lennonesque ballad, ‘I’m Outta Time’ resonates with one of the best melodies on the album. Liam’s songwriting has come a long way since ‘Little James’ (2000) as he reveals a more reflective and calmer side.
 The next two tracks stand out as great songs, both written and sung by Noel. ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady’ is a surreal mix of big drums and almost country style guitar riffs and has an almost spooky sound when combined with Noel’s boxed vocals. ‘Falling Down’ is for me the true standout track on the album. Laden with a heavy drum and bass line and featuring a very catchy vocal line from Noel, it fully captures the groove they were looking for. This song was first debuted in the form of a Chemical Bros Remix over the summer and is set to be a new anthem.
‘To Be Where There’s Life’ showcases guitarist Gem Archer’s writing skills. It’s a trippy affair fuelled by eastern influences with its use of the sitar combined with a resonating bassline and is the track from which the album title was taken.
‘Aint Got Nothing’ is another of Liam's offerings, driven by pounding drums and a catchy chorus that could very well be a future single. The following track ‘The Nature of Reality’ written by bassist Andy Bell, opens with an incredible guitar riff, which at first sounds reminiscent of The Beatles ‘Helter Skelter’ and builds up to a chaotic crescendo. The album closes in an almost trance like fashion with the repetitive thumping ‘Soldier On’ another track written by Liam which slowly winds everything down. As is common with much of Oasis's work, The Beatles influence is present in ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ in many ways. From the ‘Dear Prudence’ guitar at the end of ‘The Turning’, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ clap and stomp in ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady’, to the inclusion of Lennon interviews in ‘I’m Outta Time’. The whole psychedelic sound and experimentation derived from The Beates mid-period is interspersed throughout this album. Oasis manage to carry this off and make it their own style. The creative arrangments, songwriting and production combines incredibly, making this album the bands finest since ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’.
‘Dig Out Your Soul’ Album track listing:
All songs written by Noel Gallagher except where noted.
 1. ‘Bag It Up’
2. ‘The Turning’
3. ‘Waiting For The Rapture’
4. ‘The Shock Of The Lightning’
5. ‘I’m Outta Time’ (Liam Gallagher)
6. ‘(Get Off Your) High Horse lady’
7. ‘Falling Down’
8. ‘To Be Where There’s Life’ (Gem Archer)
9. ‘Ain’t Got Nothin’ (Liam Gallagher)
10. ‘The Nature Of Reality’ (Andy Bell)
11. ‘Soldier On’ (Liam Gallagher) Audiotube Newsdesk 6 October 2008
Words: Sarah McGlue |
