After two of the classic albums in Brit Rock history (‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory’), the general public was disappointed with the following album (‘Be Here Now’). The band then released the album full of B sides (and good ones too), ‘The Masterplan.’ In 2000 the band released another great album, Standing on The Shoulder of Giants, which was taken badly by the public, probably because of how the band has progressed with its song-writing ability. I personally love the album, and think its awesome how some songs are psychedelic, and don’t really understand why it wasn’t swallowed well by the public.
1. F***in’ in the Bushes. This is a great song to play at a party, with an aggressive drum beat from the beginning, and a catchy guitar riff. The organ fits in perfectly with chords. The guitar builds up to a roaring riff in the chorus, with two elderly people talking in the background. This is a great opening number, and although instrumental, has a great feeling to it.
2. Go let it Out. Starts off with a very relaxed drum beat, setting a mood, which is then changed when an MC says in the background “Pick up the bass!” It then turns into quite an aggressive song, with the highlight being the bridge. Great vocal by Liam. Neat little instrumental section in the middle, with a huge build-up to the final chorus, including a very cool whistle effect. Perfect guitar solo at the end. Very good, and all in all quite a basic song which is reminiscent of the Oasis of old.
3. Who feels love? As the Go Let it Out is reminiscent of the old Oasis, Who feels love is the new oasis, with a very psychedelic feel. Very harmonic and beautiful verse based on the one chord. The chorus is also beautiful and very catchy. Another great instrumental section in the middle is in the piece, with a very simple guitar riff. Very simple guitar solo follows, leading to a huge conclusion. Very beautiful song and a great creation.
4. Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth is. Not a very complicated song, but it is effective, with an aggressive syncopated piano ostinato. The vocal is also very aggressive, and blends perfectly with the song. A guitar riff is then introduced which is (again) also aggressive, and also blends well. A choir enters, and doesn’t really have the same tone colour as the other instruments, but it’s all good. This song is also great for a party.
5. Little James. This is the first song written by Liam that’s been released on an album (he claims he’s written many more), dedicated to his son. Very nice intro, with great piano chords. Liam then enters with some very emotional lyrics in the first verse, but wrecks it in the second, with “You live for your toys, even though they make noise.” Chorus isn’t much different to verse, but a choir entry in the little interlude between chorus and verse is perfectly timed, and gives the song a nice atmosphere. Again a great instrumental section, with an ending that reminds of you ‘Hey Jude.’
6. Gas Panic. This is one of my favourite songs of all time, but I’ll try not to be too biased. Very cool, relaxed intro, with a nice chord progression, and effects coming in at perfect times. Very VERY dark mood. Maybe the catchiest chorus of all time follows, with not much change to the mood (listen to the lyrics). Nice interlude between chorus and 2nd verse (again. Sorry), which sets the tone for the huge drums to come in. I love the factory sound effects. Long, simple, but effective instrumental section from 2:18 to 3:32. with a wailing guitar over the top. Very distorted and metallic harmonica enters just to reinforce the mood, with massive build-up to chorus. The ending seems to be a resolution to whatever problem Noel wrote about in the song. Jazz flute provides an nice little contrast to the very heavy song. Please listen to this, and tell me your thoughts and opinions.
7. Where did it All Go Wrong? One of the two back-to-back songs sung by Noel on this album, with huge opening complemented by an electronic keyboard sound. The lyrics in this song are very depressing and dark, and almost accusing. Chorus proves what a good voice Noel has, with very aggressive instruments backing him up. The verse calms right down again, until the chorus hits right back into you again. Uplifting guitar solo, which is really quite basic, but incredibly effective. Neat little flashy guitar riffs throughout.
8. Sunday Morning Call. Another song with depressing lyrics. Very beautiful vocal by Noel, with choir build-up to chorus, which continues through the song. Personally I think the chorus is too long the first time, and verse too short, but that’s pretty irrelevant. Huge instrumental section in the middle, with phenomenal build-up to chorus. I love the crowd shouting in the instrumental section as well. Great sing-along song.
9. I Can See A Liar. One of the poorer songs on the album I believe, with a horrible chorus riff. I love the verse and Bridge, with nice distortion on the voice. Fairly simple song. Not the best lyrics either (“I can see a liar, sitting by the fire”?) Good solo, but the chorus really just doesn’t deliver.
10. Roll It Over. Very epic song, with nice chords, and great vocal. Good lyrics, except for “Always try to sit at my table, but never bring a chair” (What the?). Uplifting bridge, with epic chorus. Long instrumental with nothing flashy, but sounds awesome. Choir entry in concluding choruses is awesome, and really is a great ending to a sometimes inconsistent album, but on the whole a great one.
P.S. give me some tips on review writing, as this is my first one.
