OASIS - TEN OF THEIR BEST SONGS?…

 

... (in my opinion) 

Words by Ryan Oxley 

News of OASIS returning to the music scene has reignited my passion for the 1990s Britpop legends. I didn't rush to Ticketmaster to be robbed by dynamic pricing as I’d seen the lads twice; once in 1997 on the BE HERE NOW tour (my first ever gig, at Sheffield Arena) and at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester for the 2005 DONT BELIEVE THE TRUTH  tour. As an original 1990s fan, I didn't have the mod hair-do, but I did have 20 Benson & Hedges, a Ben Sherman shirt, and an acoustic guitar - I was even in a band. I had all the albums on CD, and those b-sides were so strong they could have been lead singles. 

For my latest article, I thought I’d crack out an OASIS listicle and give you TEN of my absolute OASIS favourite tracks; 

10. HEY NOW: Track 8 on their second album was always a stand-out for me. Heavier than other songs on this class rock album. It’s a stunning song and not necessarily one of their most famous tracks

9.  CAST NO SHADOW: the guitar chords are very ‘Wonderwall’ and this song, apparently inspired by The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft has a strong imagery at the heart of its lyrics. 

8. GAS PANIC: 4th album syndrome it isn't, as Noel’s lament to the panic of drug addiction (from ‘Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants’) still manages to be anthemic, and could almost be a sister song to Champagne Supernova. 

7. DON'T GO AWAY: This football stadium rock anthem singalong contains all the hallmarks of an Oasis classic. Liam’s tender vocals and Noel’s masterful guitar lead remind me why the Oasis reunion is so important. 

6. ACQUIESCE: I spoke about B-Sides at the start of this article - this is what I meant. A barnstorming rock anthem, this was the other side to the band's first N0.1 single ‘Some Might Say’ 

5. HALF THE WORLD AWAY: released in 1994, as the flip-side to ‘Whatever’ this B-side is one of my favourite songs ever, never mind an OASIS track, and of course the theme tune to the BBC’s greatest ever sitcom, The Royle Family. 

4. LIVE FOREVER: the early 90s seem so far away, but many of these songs still sound so vivid and are the soundtrack of my youth. This song is stunning!: that lead riff, an all-important love song, and without a doubt, one of Liam’s finest vocal performances. 

3. SHE’S ELECTRIC: Intended as a song on ‘Definitely Maybe’  this is an OASIS track from (What's The Story) Morning Glory, and is standard on most indie radio stations, although never released as a single - a sing-a-long stonker. A story that could easily have been in The Royle Family this song is a working-class anthem, featuring Liam’s falsetto and The Beatles ‘With a Little Help from My Friends' ending. 

2. SUPERSONIC: I've a vague memory of seeing them perform this on The Word, that railway rooftop video, and what a debut - a statement of rock n roll intent that still sounds huge decades later. What a way for OASIS to start a career. 

1. SLIDE AWAY: the production of this song is different from every other song on ‘Definitely Maybe’ and it’s audible, arguably one of their finest songs. Again, we have that juxtaposition of Noels guitar/songwriting genius and Liam's incredible vocals.  

Let's hope this reuniting gives fans everything they deserve in 2025. Songs that didn't make this list would include: Wonderwall, Stop Crying Your Heart Out, Talk Tonight, Guess God Thinks I’m Abel, Dont Look Back In Anger (wildly overrated) Stand By Me, Roll With It, Fade Away … and so many more! 

What are your favourite OASIS tracks? Feel free to comment! 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com

Paul McCartney The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present

Paul McCartney's 'The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present' is an extraordinary two-volume deep dive into the mind of one of music's greatest songwriters. Far more than a simple collection of lyrics, this monumental work presents 154 songs, each accompanied by McCartney's personal reflections, anecdotes, and insights into their creation. This isn't just a book for Beatles fanatics; it's a masterclass in songwriting, a cultural history, and a poignant memoir all rolled into one.

What makes 'The Lyrics' so compelling is the intimate glimpse it offers into McCartney's creative process. He meticulously unpacks the origins of his songs, revealing the inspirations, the moments of serendipity, and the sheer craft behind his timeless melodies and poignant words. We learn about his childhood, his relationship with John Lennon, the genesis of iconic tracks like 'Yesterday' and 'Hey Jude,' and even the stories behind lesser-known gems. The book is richly illustrated with previously unseen photographs, letters, and handwritten lyric sheets, adding another layer of depth and visual appeal.

The conversational tone makes it feel as though McCartney is personally guiding you through his vast musical landscape. He's candid, humorous, and remarkably detailed, offering a unique perspective on the songs that have shaped generations. While the sheer volume might seem daunting, the episodic nature allows readers to savour each entry at their own pace. 'The Lyrics' is an essential addition to the library of anyone who appreciates the art of songwriting, the legacy of The Beatles, or simply the enduring power of music. It's a testament to a prolific career and a truly immersive experience.

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

'The Ashes Miscellany' by Clive Batty

Cricket Book 'The Ashes Miscellany' by Clive Batty is an absolute treat for any cricket enthusiast, particularly those with a fondness for the storied rivalry between England and Australia. Far from being a dry historical account, Batty delivers a delightful potpourri of facts, anecdotes, statistics, and quirky trivia that makes delving into the Ashes feel like a treasure hunt.

What sets this book apart is its digestible format. You can dip in and out, finding fascinating nuggets on every page without needing to follow a linear narrative. From obscure records and memorable quotes to profiles of unsung heroes and infamous incidents, Batty covers the spectrum of Ashes history with a light touch and an obvious passion for the game. Whether you're a seasoned follower who remembers every series or a newcomer eager to understand the depth of this cricketing feud, there's something here to pique your interest.

The "miscellany" approach works brilliantly, preventing any one topic from overstaying its welcome and ensuring a constant stream of engaging content. It's the kind of book you keep on your coffee table, ready to pick up for a few minutes of cricketing pleasure. While it doesn't offer deep analytical insights, it excels at celebrating the unique spirit and enduring drama of the Ashes. A highly recommended read for anyone who loves cricket and its rich, often eccentric, history.

I bought this book from 'World Of Books', which is a second-hand haven for book lovers! 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com 

Dancing With Demons : The Authorised Biography of Dusty Springfield

Dancing with Demons -The Authorised Biography of Dusty Springfield by Penny Valentine and Vicki Wickham is a fascinating and profoundly human exploration of one of the most enigmatic and influential female vocalists of the 20th century. Dusty Springfield, widely recognised for her rich, emotive voice and groundbreaking contributions to pop and soul music, lived a life of stark contrasts—glamour and turmoil, success and self-doubt, adoration and alienation.

I first discovered Dusty Springfield as a teenager via the 90s film Pulp Fiction (yes, I am that old). As a fan of Burt Bacharach and '60s girl groups, it was inevitable that the whole sound of Dusty would appeal to me. I even have a signed copy of one of her albums! 'Dusty Is Memphis' is my favourite (I'll get back to that later). 

Published in 2000, this is the first music biography I've read that gets right to the heart of the artist - the art and the person. It seeks to unravel the myths surrounding Springfield’s life and career, offering an honest and compassionate portrait, and I must admit I learnt a lot that I didn't know - this book would make a superb film, by the way. One of the many strengths of this authorised biography is its nuanced approach to Springfield’s struggles with identity and self-worth. As a woman navigating the male-dominated music industry of the 1960s and 70s, she faced immense pressure to conform. Her sexuality—Springfield was one of the few public figures of her time to acknowledge relationships with women—added another layer of complexity to her already tumultuous personal life. The authors explore this aspect of her identity with sensitivity, neither sensationalising nor diminishing its significance. You can tell it was published 25 years ago because this would have been a different story today.

While the book delves into Springfield’s struggles, it never loses sight of her extraordinary contributions to music. Her 1969 masterpiece 'Dusty in Memphis' remains one of the most critically acclaimed albums ever, showcasing her deep affinity for soul music. The biography captures the making of 'Dusty in Memphis', including the doubts that plagued Springfield during the recording, and her ongoing battle with self-criticism despite near-universal praise. I really enjoyed the interviews with those who knew Dusty best: friends, lovers, collaborators, and industry professionals - the book pieces together a career that, while commercially inconsistent, left an indelible mark on music history.

This biography is affectionate and unflinching, which emanates warmth and admiration in its tone, but does not sanitise Springfield’s darker moments. Subjects such as alcohol abuse, self-harm, and erratic behaviour are tackled with honesty and empathy, making it clear that these demons were not the sum of who she was but a part of her story. The book also gives insight into her lengthy career and late renaissance, concluding in her untimely and early death. Its prose is engaging, making it accessible to die-hard Dusty fans and those unfamiliar with her legacy. This book is meticulously researched, is a first-hand account, and one I could read again. 

I gave it 3/5 on Goodreads, but it's a four. 

www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com