Review: Another case of second time around, this time for the final Creation Records release from Oasis, a collection of B-sides that returns in freshly remastered form. While not all bands could get away with this kind of exercise, the Mancunian Britpop heroes released enough memorable bonus cuts to make it a worthwhile and entertaining exercise. For proof, check the densely layered, riff-driven yelp of 'Acquiesce', the wistful 'Talk Tonight' and 'Half The World Away', the brass band-sporting Beatles-in-1966 shuffle of 'Going Nowhere', the sing-along fun of 'Stay Young', and the band's triumphant, six-and-a-half minute live cover of 'I Am The Walrus' - arguably their best "flipside" of all.
Review: Oasis' seminal Definitely Maybe is surely right up there with one of the greatest ever debut albums. It came in 1994 and soon catapulted the swaggering Manchester British band to stardom. Now 30 years old, it gets a special anniversary reissue on several formats including this one on double CD. Revered for its raw energy and catchy melodies, the record blends rock and Britpop influences and boats plenty of anthemic tracks like 'Live Forever' and 'Supersonic' that showcased Noel Gallagher's songwriting and brother Liam's distinctive snarly vocals. The album's success, marked by its confident attitude and raw, powerful sound, played a pivotal role in the Britpop movement of the 90s and remains a celebrated work.
Review: It's fair to say that "Ur Fun", the first album in years recorded by of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes on his own, is less an album-proper and more a collection of very, very strong singles. Each vying for attention against some intimidating competition elsewhere on the track list, it's important to make clear that while all are individuals, the LP doesn't feel disjointed or cluttered. It's just a whole lot of, fun. "You've Had A Good Time" seems to summon the spirit of the Pet Shop Boys circa 1989. "Deliberate Self Harm Ha Ha" might remind some of Kasabian, and '"Gypsy That Remains" is a dreamy, deep-but-direct synth workout wearing heart firmly on sleeve. Sonically diverse, it's impossible to deny that to pull off something like this you really need a master songwriter and instrumental crafts-person.
Review: Osees, led by the visionary John Dwyer, embark on a bold sonic departure with their upcoming album, Sorcs 80. Shedding their guitars and keyboards in favor of synths and drum loops, the band crafts a space rock odyssey that's both infectious and deeply atmospheric. Dwyer's penchant for experimentation shines through as the album brims with a wall of percussion and haunting saxophone melodies courtesy of Cansfis Foote & Brad Caulkins. Recorded on vintage eight-track tape, the album captures a raw intensity rarely seen in modern productions. Tracks like 'Cassius, Brutus & Judas' exemplify Osees' signature punk ethos, blending poppy hooks with heady lyrics that delve into themes of betrayal and human frailty. The result is a mesmerising blend of punk urgency and sci-fi intrigue with an avant-garde punk.
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