Digging Their Souls

Brit Bros Serve Up More of the Same

Oasis

Dig Out Your Soul

Released on Oct 07, 2008

7

Is it still fashionable to hate Oasis? Well, I don't know and I don't care. It is easy to slag on these self-congratulatory British twits, but at the same time very easy to get one of their songs stuck in your head.  Oasis are now considered "Dad" Rock by many in their native land, a sort of Weezer of the UK if you will.   Their relevance here in the States has pretty much faded over time.  Most people think the Gallagher's stopped making music after the infamous MTV Unplugged incident, or just lost their nerve by never again reaching the lofty heights set by "What's The Story Morning Glory?"

Believe it or not, Dig Out Your Soul is the seventh studio album from Oasis and as a whole the most listenable since Morning Glory. The songs flow into each other quite nicely, and as Noel said, not a single "single" on the whole album. Noel continues to prove he's one of the better song writers and thieves of his generation.  And if you're favorite band is the Beatles, then where's the crime?

The time tested Oasis formula of stadium ready sing-a-longs is keyed back a bit here.  Noel continues to be the head song writer, letting Liam, Andy Bell, and Gem get in their two cents as well.  The arrangements are more sparse and the delivery more groovey.  Recorded in Abbey Road studios, (mostly because they can), Dig Out Your Soul is a very natural sounding album.  Natural in the sense that the bulk of it has a home recording vibe to it that strangely suits this arena ready band quite well.
As time marches on, Liam's voice has lost that cocaine fueled rage from the Definitley, Maybe era and is replaced instead with a lower growl.  He has learned to relax in the studio and writes perhaps the best song on the album.  "I'm Outta Time" is a tragically beautiful song written by guy who always seems on the defensive.  The ending of the song supposedly contains a sample of John Lennon's last interview. Lennon's ghost haunts Liam and "I'm Outta Time" is the closest he's gotten to becoming his guru.
"Falling Down" is perhaps the most engaging and catchy song Noel has written in the last ten years.  Psych-drums and layered guitars back up this gentle melody. The first single, "The Shock Of The Lightning," is pure dirty Oasis.  Big drums, big guitars, big balls!  

If you by chance weren't aware that Oasis were still a band, Dig Out Your Soul is a great way to get reacquainted if you left off somewhere around "Champagne Supernova."  The Gallaghers have managed piss off a lot of people, berate many musicians, and love 'em or hate, solidify their place in pop culture.  They are quintessentially British, like fish and chips, tea and crumpets, or the Queen's knickers.

High Point

"I'm Outta Time" is worth the price of admission. Liam never sounded so vulnerable.

Low Point

"(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady" takes away from the solid flow, a real plodding stomper.

Posted by Joe Roth on Oct 22, 2008 @ 8:30 am