Oasis’ album ‘What’s The Story Morning Glory,’ which premiered at number one in the UK album charts 25 years ago last ‘Friday,’ has jumped from number 41 to number 3 as fans celebrate its silver anniversary. The album has previously spent a total of ten weeks at number one and has had a place in the top hundred for a total of 457 weeks since its release. According to Metro, ‘the band officially split in August 2009 following growing tensions between the Gallagher brothers,’ but this hasn’t prevented Brits coming out in their masses to push this seminal album back into the top 5.
In celebration of the anniversary, Noel Gallagher responded to questions from fans submitted with #MorningGlory25 on the Oasis Youtube channel. In response to one question, he was asked which of the tracks from ‘What’s The Story Morning Glory,’ was most relevant today. The song recommended by the guitarist and songwriter was ‘Some Might Say,’ which was also ‘ the first single from (What’s The Story) Morning Glory,‘ and the band’s ‘first UK No 1 single.’
The distorted guitars and simple rock and roll values of Oasis may seem like a distant memory these days with the charts dominated with electronic sounds and generally lacking in the visceral energy which was popular at the time. Although guitar bands are making something of a comeback, the earthy rock and roll of the 90s seems to have been largely abandoned in favour of the funk-oriented approach of bands like The 1975.
Whether you are a Blur or an Oasis fan, it is difficult not to think back fondly to a time where the biggest concern on people’s mind was which Brit-pop band was going to be top of the charts. While Blur may have won the battle of the bands back in the 90s, there is no doubt that ‘What’s The Story Morning Glory,’ is a defining statement for a generation a well as an endorsement for the cultural powerhouse that is the north of England.
While the 80s saw The Smiths gave birth to Indie in Manchester, the influence which most rings true in the music of Oasis comes from the City’s famous rival down the road. The Fab Four, who of course came from Liverpool, can be heard in every aspect of Noel Gallagher’s songwriting and ‘Morning Glory,’ even makes a lyrical reference to John Lennon’s ‘Tomorrow Never Knows,’ from ‘Revolver.’ Every song on the album has a catchy vocal melody which is delivered by Liam Gallagher’s signature snarl.
‘What’s The Story Morning Glory,’ was a huge success for Oasis and the follow up to their debut ‘Definately Maybe,’ yet tensions were running high in the band during its creation. According to BBC, the ‘ very existence of the band was thrown into doubt during its recording back in 1995 after a “Victorian fistfight” between singer Liam Gallagher and songwriting brother Noel’ The tension between the two brothers may well have been what made Oasis such an exiting band, however their ongoing feud may rule out a reunion.
