376 - Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory

***Yes, I am aware of at least two people that are likely to read this review that are diehard Oasis fans. I like you folks, but we're just going to have to disagree on this band.***

I have never been a fan of Oasis. They are what I consider the ultimate British critical darling band: Americans heard critics talking about the band for months, the hype builds to the point where Beatlemania comparisons are a given, and you finally hear the music...only to find it mediocre.

Noel Gallagher is a good song craftsman; alas, he tends to rely on musical collage of borrowed licks, melodies, and sounds. I've always enjoyed listening to "Wonderwall," with its melodic pop, sing-songy lyrics, and the feeling of longing in the music. But when I listen to much of (What's the Story) Morning Glory, I hear a more polished version of a dozen or so 90's British bands. Had Swervedriver, Ride, or a zillion other post-Madchester bands polished their production, they could have fit the role that Oasis served.

But maybe it is Noel's ability to find/create a hook and build a song around it that is the key to Oasis. I was anticipating disliking the album more than I did. I think the hooks tapped into my Top-40 brain and helped me embrace the songs as familiar and somewhat nostalgic. I enjoyed the music much more when I was casually listening while doing yard work as opposed to when I paid attention to what I was listening to and analyzing what I do/don't like. It is easier for me to consider the Spice Girls and other cheesy pop groups as "guilty pleasures." After this past week of listening to this album, I think I need to add a few of Oasis's songs as a guilty pleasure.

Songs I knew I liked: "Wonderwall," "Morning Glory," and "Champagne Supernova" Previously, I would have only responded with "Wonderwall," but the my mental willingness to let "Morning Glory" and "Champagne Supernova" stick in my brain has elevated them to the "like" category because of the guilty pleasure I get from them.

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Hello"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: The only Oasis song I think I would miss in the long term is "Wonderwall." The rest of this album doesn't fit into the "please don't play that CD" category...more of a "surely there is another album we can pick" category.