Spring Break
Oasis 'digs out' classic rock influences on CD
Alyssa Smith
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Entertainment
11/6/08 - The bickering brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher of the English rock band Oasis are back with their seventh CD, Dig Out Your Soul. Don't Believe the Truth was the last album to be released from the band in 2005, and after their three-year hiatus, Dig Out Your Soul brings a decent, dark sound to the table with some funky album artwork to boot.
"Bag it up" is a questionable first choice for the opening track. The guitar seems reminiscent of an unexpected country-type sound. The brooding Brits quickly identify themselves however, once they lather on the ominous lyrics alluding to Noel's drug-infused days.
In true Oasis fashion, the song segues to the next track "The Turning," with all the quintessential buzzing and squealing feedback. The tone continues with a gloomy atmosphere and the opening lyrics "eyes over the city, rise up from your soul, they hang over the streets at night, brought on by the cold." "The Turning" ends with a haunting solo similar to chords in The Beatles' "Dear Prudence."
Probably the most unoriginal and blatantly plagiarized song on this album is found on the track "Waiting for the Rapture." Upon playing The Doors' "Five to One" and this tune, there is essentially no difference besides the lyrics.
It's sort of understandable that "The Shock of the Lightning" would be the single released from this album. It seems to be the most commercially marketable, displaying unmistakable Oasis sound and reference to Beatles nostalgia with the mention of "a magical mystery."
"I'm Outta Time" seems to have been born out of listening to a Pink Floyd album, comprised of spacey-sounding guitar, slow pace and voiceover from John Lennon's final interview.
"(Get off Your) High Horse Lady" melds the stomp-feel of the Lennon anti-war anthem "Give Peace a Chance" with a twangy-sounding guitar and less than friendly lyrics, the tune is best compared to a sort of zombie square dance.
"Falling Down" is a neat tune, with a caravan of interesting effects and electric guitar. Noel's lyrics get religious as he sings about a non-responsive God, following suit with the dismal premise of the CD. "To Be Where There is Life" juxtaposes an Indian-vibe sitar with a low-thumping bass provided by Bell and, of course, droning vocals from the boys.
The crashing, grungy sound that Oasis is known for is excavated in the next track, "Ain't Got Nothin." While listening, hints of The Who seem to be present in the usage of guitar and melody. Rattlesnake maracas round out the next tune, "The Nature of Reality." This bluesy track veers between hard rock attitude and psychedelic flair. The final track, "Soldier On," is by far not a favorite. The title fits the tempo and also serves as a much-needed reminder to keep listening.
Overall, Dig Out Your Soul requires the listener to dig out some time and chill to take a second listen. The songs aren't very catchy or uplifting, but that isn't really Oasis' bag. The theme of the lyrics and music prove that Oasis have grown, perhaps suggesting they have evolved a little from "F**kin' in the bushes." If you are a fan of these "fab four" dirty cocky rock-n-rollers, give it a listen.
"Bag it up" is a questionable first choice for the opening track. The guitar seems reminiscent of an unexpected country-type sound. The brooding Brits quickly identify themselves however, once they lather on the ominous lyrics alluding to Noel's drug-infused days.
In true Oasis fashion, the song segues to the next track "The Turning," with all the quintessential buzzing and squealing feedback. The tone continues with a gloomy atmosphere and the opening lyrics "eyes over the city, rise up from your soul, they hang over the streets at night, brought on by the cold." "The Turning" ends with a haunting solo similar to chords in The Beatles' "Dear Prudence."
Probably the most unoriginal and blatantly plagiarized song on this album is found on the track "Waiting for the Rapture." Upon playing The Doors' "Five to One" and this tune, there is essentially no difference besides the lyrics.
It's sort of understandable that "The Shock of the Lightning" would be the single released from this album. It seems to be the most commercially marketable, displaying unmistakable Oasis sound and reference to Beatles nostalgia with the mention of "a magical mystery."
"I'm Outta Time" seems to have been born out of listening to a Pink Floyd album, comprised of spacey-sounding guitar, slow pace and voiceover from John Lennon's final interview.
"(Get off Your) High Horse Lady" melds the stomp-feel of the Lennon anti-war anthem "Give Peace a Chance" with a twangy-sounding guitar and less than friendly lyrics, the tune is best compared to a sort of zombie square dance.
"Falling Down" is a neat tune, with a caravan of interesting effects and electric guitar. Noel's lyrics get religious as he sings about a non-responsive God, following suit with the dismal premise of the CD. "To Be Where There is Life" juxtaposes an Indian-vibe sitar with a low-thumping bass provided by Bell and, of course, droning vocals from the boys.
The crashing, grungy sound that Oasis is known for is excavated in the next track, "Ain't Got Nothin." While listening, hints of The Who seem to be present in the usage of guitar and melody. Rattlesnake maracas round out the next tune, "The Nature of Reality." This bluesy track veers between hard rock attitude and psychedelic flair. The final track, "Soldier On," is by far not a favorite. The title fits the tempo and also serves as a much-needed reminder to keep listening.
Overall, Dig Out Your Soul requires the listener to dig out some time and chill to take a second listen. The songs aren't very catchy or uplifting, but that isn't really Oasis' bag. The theme of the lyrics and music prove that Oasis have grown, perhaps suggesting they have evolved a little from "F**kin' in the bushes." If you are a fan of these "fab four" dirty cocky rock-n-rollers, give it a listen.
