Oasis - Definitely Maybe

Fifteen years ago, Oasis released their debut album, Definitely Maybe to much fanfare and rapid sales in the UK. It was the album that let the world know of the band and launched their storied career. Definitely Maybe went platinum almost immediately in the, UK, and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide. So, does Definitely Maybe live up to the hype and still hold up today, 15 years after its initial release? Let’s spin the disc and find out!

Definitely Maybe opens with the exceptional Rock N Roll Star. A killer lead off track with ripping guitars, heavy drums, and a voice that sounds like no other, this song announces the band and let’s everyone know that they intend to take over the world. Rock N Roll Star is a song that you fall in love with upon first listen and are still in love with after the 1000th listen. Rock N Roll Star is a song that epitomizes the Oasis sound and defines what great rock and roll should sound like.

Live Forever was the first single released from the album and really helped to generate the buzz about the band. With an undeniable bass drum and high hat introduction, this song is immediately identifiable anytime it comes on the radio, jukebox, or wherever music is heard. Another track that is undeniably Oasis, Live Forever completes the successful formula of excellent guitar work, solid steady drum beats, incredible vocals, and deep interpretable lyrics. The guitar solo in the middle of the song is a nice addition too.

The rock and roll hits just keep churning from that point forward. Up In The Sky is another heavy rock song with punch and flash, Columbia has excellent rhythm that is hard to find anywhere else in rock and roll, and Supersonic provides more of the unique style and sound with great guitar work and solid drum beats.

While Noel Gallagher’s guitar playing is undeniably stellar, and the rhythm section of Paul Arthurs, Paul McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll provide the backbone for the record, it’s Liam Gallagher’s vocals that push Definitely Maybe into the next stratosphere of greatness. With the right pitch of high notes and smooth sound, Liam has a voice that is silk, velvet, and heavy cream all rolled into one. It’s distinct, delicious, and one of a kind.

Definitely Maybe certainly holds up over time and is as relevant now as it was when it was initially released. A great rock and roll record that does not disappoint and is hard to beat, Definitely Maybe is a timeless classic. If you don’t already own this beauty, it’s time to go out and get it. You’ll be glad you did.

Ryo’s Rating: 9 out of 10

Track Listing
Rock N Roll Star
Shakermaker
Live Forever
Up In The Sky
Columbia
Supersonic
Bring It On Down
Cigarettes & Alcohol
Digsy’s Diner
Slide Away
Married With Children

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Labor Day Weekend Edition

Another summer season has come and gone. It’s hard to believe that it’s the end of the summer. This one flew by (as most do) and I didn’t accomplish nearly as much as I wanted to. The Rock and Roll Guru is definitely headed in the right direction, but I’m not where I want to be. That’s all right, we have all fall to straighten these things out.

Be sure to tune in next week when I post about the summer concerts and festivals. Which ones were great, which ones let us down, and what my favorites were. As always, I look forward to your comments and debates. And even though the summer concerts are over, the fall tours are right around the corner.

Here’s what rocked this week:

Behind The Music Returns Next Week
Nothing excited me more this week than reading this report. Behind the Music was one of my favorite shows back in VH1’s heyday, and to hear the show is returning is just plain blissful. Artists set to be profiled include Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Bret Michaels. Let’s hope VH1 plans on keeping this show around for a few more years. Tune into the season premiere on Thursday, September 10th.

Brian Jones' Death To Be Reexamined
40 years after his death, police have new evidence that may force a reopening in the case of Brian Jones’ death. This is a very interesting conundrum. On the one hand, it would be nice to have full closure on the death of this legend, as there has always been speculation that he was murdered. On the other hand, it was 40 years ago, and sometimes it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Other Deaths That Should Be Reexamined
Keeping with the theme of reexamining mysterious death cases, this is an excellent article that explores other musician deaths that should get a second look.

Oasis Split Up... Again
Not really a big shock here. The Gallagher brothers haven’t gotten along since the day they started making music together. I’m sure this is not the last that we’ve heard of Oasis.

09/09/09 - The Day Of The Beatles
Wednesday will be a big day in rock and roll history. Not only is The Beatles Rock Band video game coming out, it’s also the first day of release for the remastered Beatles catalog. While I own most of The Beatles albums already, I know that I will be out picking up my favorites next week in all their remastered glory. I’ll be spending a lot of quality time with Let It Be, Magical Mystery Tour, and Revolver.