Review of Oasis' "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants"

It is also quite a crucial stage in their career. Their first record was the fastest selling British debut ever. Their second propelled them into superstardom. Their third, though, was considered disappointing, especially in light of the hype that preceded it. Since then two members have left the band (either voluntarily or on the orders of leader and songwriter Noel Gallagher), while Noel and brother Liam have done their usual thing of insulting eachother through the British tabloids. With all this in mind, both the band and their fans wanted Standing on the Shoulder of Giants to prove just how good they really are.

Before it even hit the shelves the ever forthright Noel Gallagher gave his assessment of the record: "Two of the songs are shit and the other seven are mega." Perhaps he should've been a music reviewer as that is a very sound analysis (even if the tracks do fall between these two extremes). Additionally there is a tenth track, 'Fuckin' in the Bushes', the opener, which is just an instrumental (apart from when it samples from the film Message to Love- Isle of Wight 1970) and really quite pointless.

The two "shit" songs are both quite similar in that they're a lot rockier than the rest of the record. 'Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth Is' has a predictable, if enjoyable, introduction before descending into mediocrity. 'I Can See A Liar' is just as pointless, though it offers up one of Noel Gallagher's famously contrived rhymes: "I can see a liar, sitting by the fire".

Then there are the seven "mega" songs, also known as the rest of the album. These are best described as typical Oasis and will be easily recognized by their fans with their strong melodies, Liam's impassioned vocals and the mishmash of guitars and drums that somehow produce a coherent sound. The first two of these, 'Go Let it Out' and 'Who Feels Love?' are both very strong. 'Where Did it All Go Wrong' is also very good, though 'Gas Panic' and 'Roll it Over' are slightly less so. Easily the best track, however, is 'Sunday Morning Call' which proves just how good a writer Noel can be, and is slightly reminiscent of 'Don't Look Back in Anger' (off 1995's (What's the Story) Morning Glory).

'Little James', though, is probably the most interesting song. For years Noel Gallagher has been accused of 'borrowing' from other artists. Now it appears he has even resorted to ripping off his own work for it is remarkably similar to 'Who Feels Love?' But a quick look at the lyric book reveals the answer. 'Little James' is, in fact, Liam Gallagher's first Oasis songwriting credit.

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