Is the world ready for another singing Gallagher? Would you believe that the best part of their latest release, The Masterplan (a collection of issued B-sides), is Noel’s vocal tracks? This album will have you asking, “Liam who?” I was glad to get a bit of a break from that loud, obnoxious prima donna. Although Noel sings on only five tracks, “Talk Tonight,” “Stay Young,” “Half The World Away,” “Going Nowhere,” and “The Masterplan,” he far outshines Liam. All of the songs featuring Noel on vocals are simple and beautiful.
Oasis is truly a great band. This album showcases their ability to turn down the amps and be brilliant. “Going Nowhere” is awash in horns. The light-hearted ’60’s feel is felicity. The bittersweet lyrics of “Half The World Away” allow you to see that Noel is by far his best acoustically. His detractors can make no excuses. Honestly, I dig Liam’s vocals. After all, it was Liam’s nasal vocals that made me a fan in the first place. While Liam is loud, never giving you a second to think, Noel is intelligent and tranquil.
This album is not free from flaws. I could do without their cover of “I Am The Walrus.” Can you say sacrilegious? Do yourself a favor and buy the original on the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. Now, did we really need another version of “The Swamp Song?” Boring.
If you are still pissed that you wasted your money on their last release, Be Here Now, you’ll be happy to know that this album is worth every cent. The gem is “The Masterplan” which originally appeared on the single for “Wonderwall.” My biggest gripe is with the absence of “Whatever.” I don’t understand how “The Swamp Song” could have made its way on this best off B-sides compilation and then they leave off “Whatever.” Either way, this album is a must. Give yourself a treat and skip right ahead to “The Masterplan.” This album proves that in Noel’s simplest form he is at his best.
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