Oasis led the spectacular rise and fall of the Britpop movement of the mid-’90s. They did so with a formula that blended the arrogance of the Who at their prime, the tabloid exploits of Led Zeppelin, the atmospherics of the Jam, and the seductively melodious gifts of the Beatles. While many bands rode the movement’s hype, Oasis became it — with a run of strong recordings that backed up their blustery proclamations. (Blur is also recognized among the select few at the forefront of Britpop, though they did not achieve the mainstream success in the U.S. that Oasis did.)

Formed in 1991 in Manchester and centered around brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher (then a roadie for the Inspiral Carpets), the group’s first two releases — Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? — were phenomenal best-sellers. Subsequent tours were frequently derailed by cancelled or spotty shows due to substance abuse and hand-to-hand combat between the Gallaghers, which only seemed to fuel the band’s reputation and fame. Be Here Now, released in 1997, was the last of their early era of robust work.

Founding members Paul McGuigan and Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs split after Be Here Now; the turn of the century found the band no longer leading the way, but meandering through a wash of shifting sonic palettes: Standing on the Shoulder of Giants (2000) flirted with psychedelia, both Heathen Chemistry (2002) and Don’t Believe the Truth (2005) profited from songwriting contributions from Andy Bell and Colin “Gem” Archer (the latter album much more so). Dig out Your Soul returns to the group’s heyday: it’s a magical mystery tour through a forest of dark melodies, almost-pensive lyrics and rude-boy attitude.

Provenance: Manchester, England

Latest Release: Dig out Your Soul (2008)

© 2009 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.

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