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[ Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 ]

British band unique on '90s music scene

Collegian Staff Writer

The '90s had a diverse music scene, delivering a plethora of genres and styles to the mainstream listeners. Despite the popularity of the Seattle grunge bands that developed during that era, one British pop band became extremely popular among the music scene.

Oasis.

The band has had an ever-changing lineup. But Noel and Liam Gallagher are the only two original members remaining. These British boys gained popularity and caught the attention of the American audience with their sophomore album released in October 1995, (What's the story) Morning Glory?

Although much of the music from the '90s is distinct in its neo-punk/grunge aspect, Morning Glory? delivered music that was both timeless and slightly different than popular music at the time.

Boasting such hits as "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova," the album took a new spin on the same old love problems and depicted them with a fresh and different twist.

In "Wonderwall," the lyrics "Backbeat the word was on the street/That the fire in your heart is out/ I'm sure you've heard it all before" showcase this sense of cynicism. Although, compared to The Smashing Pumpkin's Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, another album of 1995, its sarcasm is cleverly hidden. On this album, Oasis developed a sarcastic theme that is threaded throughout its songs. This sarcasm is subtly done and yet still proves to be inviting, which is most of the reason I liked this album.

For a lot of young listeners at the time, myself included, this album was a gateway from popular, force-fed music into a more mature and eclectic taste. Because of its blend of classic rock and new sound, Morning Glory? seemed to be as musically educational as it was entertaining. However, Oasis did catch a lot of flak for being successful merely because of its imitation of the Beatles sound. Isn't it every musician's dream to be compared to the legendary Beatles?

Nevertheless, lyrics like those in "Don't Look Back In Anger" ("Take me to the place where you go/Where nobody knows if it's night or day/") will always be classic for me. These lyrics are reminiscent of all those "classic" artists that are put high on a pedestal by fans. I think that with this is a warning for the audience not to blindly accept music because of its previously built-up aura.

Morning Glory? proved that the British invasion on American music was not exclusive to the Beatles and the Brit punk of the late '70s. Despite the sibling rivalry between Noel and Liam, Oasis continues to tour and release albums. Oasis' latest work is Don't Believe the Truth and was released in May of 2005.


 

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Updated: Wednesday, February 01, 2006  8:49:51 PM  -4
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