Two of rock music`s giants Liam Gallagher and John Squire join forces on an album and although Liam Gallagher has sold over seventy-five million records worldwide, he felt that this collaboration was both “spiritual” and “crucial.” I must admit I was never a big Oasis fan. I saw them in a small pub called the Jug of Ale in Moseley, Birmingham in March 1994 and bought the first couple of albums but drifted away. The Stones Roses for me were different but I only saw them a couple of times at the Cod Club in November 1998 and The Irish Centre in June 1989, both in Birmingham. Their first album was superb but the second didn`t cut it and the rest is history. But having read a recent article in Mojo music magazine, I was intrigued as to what this album may sound like.
The release kicks off with `Raise Your Hands` and it`s a real foot tapper that I can see going down a storm when played in a live situation. There`s a real swagger in the vocal delivery and a line in “If revenge is all that matters…. Raise your hands…” which may be a veiled reference to Gallagher`s sibling or maybe even the press intrusion he puts up with, who knows, but for me a cracking introduction. Again there`s a real bluster to `Mars to Liverpool` which opens with the line “Jesus Christ about last night, I can only apologise…” and has a kind of retro feel to it with some wonderfully intricate guitar chord riffs. A number that may well be about that surge or endorphin rush when you meet that certain someone.
`One Day at a Time` has, to me, that early Oasis texture and is a dreamy mesmerising kind of sharp musing on a romance that has seen better days. There`s a low down and dirty blues consistency to `I’m a Wheel` with a defiance that says i`m still here despite your best efforts. The Wheel has been a symbol of health and strength and used to predict future health and success.
`Just Another Rainbow` is at times a larger than life expansive number that becomes delightfully psychedelic tinged. A rainbow is a symbol of hope, promise, and spiritual guidance. It appears in the sky after a storm, indicating the end of a difficult time and the start of a new chapter. The spirit of Jimi Hendrix is alive and kicking and might be the inspiration behind `Love You Forever` a glowing ode or proclamation of love, if ever there was one.
If `One Day At a Time` had an Oasis ambience then `Make It Up As You Go Along` tips it`s hat at times to The Stone Roses with a tinge of The Beatles thrown in. I absolutely loved the tingling piano keys on `You’re Not the Only One` a real number that has insolence or rebellious about it. The guitar chord intricacies on route were really sublime.
Although `I’m So Bored` is an almost throwaway amusing submission, it has a charming appeal about it, and reminded me of an adolescent teenagers attitude to almost everything in life and we`ve all been there. The album closes out on the introspective and reflective ballad like `Mother Nature’s Song` a simple offering but so utterly effective.
This self-titled album was an absolute cracker. It really draws you into it`s web of sound and will leave you with a warm glow inside. I wasn`t really sure what to expect but have to say I found it almost overwhelming at times.
I can only hope that this collaboration or partnership runs at much more than just one album that will become a classic. Here`s hoping.
Rating 9/10
