Oasis
Mtv Unplugged 1996

The other day I was on e-mule and, by chance, typing "Oasis," I found a file named "Unplugged." I thought, let's download it, I wait 2 or 3 days and I end up seeing: Mtv presents Oasis, and out comes Noel Gallagher with his trusty guitar singing alone, without his little brother Liam, and with an orchestra featuring violins, piano, trumpets, drums, and even a harmonica that, in my opinion, adds that extra touch of uniqueness to everything. In short, I discovered what that "Unplugged" was and I even downloaded the album.

This event is dated August 23, 1996 on the occasion of the Royal Festival Hall in London. Noel showcases the best of "(What's the story) Morning Glory" and "Definitely Maybe," with the addition of some b-sides always related to the two aforementioned albums. The evening opens with "Hello," the initial song of "(What's the story) Morning Glory," which, sung with the voice of the older Gallagher, seems to be more impactful. Then it's time for "Some might say," a single that was very successful, and "Live Forever," one of the historic tracks of the Manchester band, which also sung by Noel seems even more beautiful... boh! It must be the atmosphere. Now it's the turn of the best-executed piece of the London performance: "The Masterplan." The song is already splendid on its own, and if we add the whole band and that harmonica I mentioned earlier, it becomes even more beautiful; sends shivers down anyone's spine. The Unplugged continues with "Don't look back in anger," also a treat of a thousand and one nights, and after this song, all the people present stand up and give Noel Gallagher a real standing ovation. The evening seems over, but we're only halfway because it's time for the b-sides "Talk tonight" and then the beautiful "Morning Glory."
The show goes on with "Round are way," which is a b-side of "Wonderwall," like the more famous "The Masterplan." Then it's time for "Cast no shadow" (dedicated to Richard Ashcroft, leader of "The Verve" and a great friend of the group), which paves the way for Oasis's masterpiece: "Wonderwall." This track rolls the credits on the evening, but it too is nothing short of amazing, and even it, sung by Noel's more subtle and sweet voice, gives something extra.

At the end of the evening, the spectators award Oasis another well-deserved standing ovation. With all considerations on the (presumed) superiority of the older of the two brothers, I don't want to say that Liam is useless; indeed, without him and his charisma, the group wouldn't be the same. I just want to highlight Noel Gallagher's great skill in playing the guitar and his excellent and melodic voice.