Oasis
The Masterplan

THE REVIEW

Once Noel Gallagher said: "With our b-sides any other band could make a career...". These were words spoken with conviction by someone who was aware of the love and hate surrounding his band (at the time at the peak of success).

This compilation kicks off with "Acquiesce," a pure rock anthem (some prefer it to the a-side "Some Might Say") where the brothers' voices alternate: "Because we need each other" sings Noel, perhaps referring to his little brother, as at that time their quarrels were routine. After the delightful pop ballad "Underneath The Sky" comes the first acoustic attempt: "Talk Tonight," defined as "shit" by Liam... he was wrong. This gem was written by Noel, inspired by a girl he met right after he (momentarily) left the group. The brass instruments dominate in "Going Nowhere," composed when the Oasis weren't even born yet; in fact, it analyzes the desire to become someone. "Fade Away" is a powerful melodic rock, it has a dirty sound, reminiscent of the 70's; unlike the previous one, this talks about dreams that fade away. After the jam session of "Swamp Song," we find the cover of "I Am The Walrus," an excellent rock interpretation of the famous fab four track. "Listen Up" harks back to "Supersonic," especially in the intro; Liam delivers a good vocal performance in the chorus. Sadness and malaise reign in "Rockin Chair," a simple acoustic ballad that talks about the desire to change, to escape from a "city that feels too small for me." The same subject is discussed in "Half The World Away," another semi-acoustic gem sung by Noel. "It's Good To Be Free" is a slow, dragging, and tired rock track, garnished with vaguely nonsensical lyrics. The closing trio is exceptional: "Stay Young" is another carefree and cheerful pop rock anthem; while "Headshrinker" is the hardest thing ever published by Oasis: distorted guitars, powerful drums, lyrics screamed by Liam, one could almost say it's punk. Meanwhile, the finale "The Masterplan" is the most polished and complex song on the album: it starts with an acoustic guitar and an electric one arpeggiating, then the strings start and Noel's warm voice comes in; in the chorus, there's a perfect mix of sounds, voices, strings and brass; beautiful is the ending where strings, brass, and guitar chase and blend with each other. Undoubtedly, this song would not have looked out of place as a single.

At the end of the listening experience, for some, Noel's statement will just be a phrase said by the "usual arrogant bastard..."; while others will realize that he was certainly arrogant, but there was a grain of truth in that statement.