The Quadrangle

Issue date: 3/2/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

The 1990s Britpop scene brought some of the finest musicians of the decade. Radiohead was the strange band that appealed to the intellectual audience. Blur and Pulp were significant bands in Britain that never made it big in America. And there was Oasis, who took their overwhelming success in Europe and translated it into worldwide success in the mid-1990s. After a five year absence of touring in America, Oasis recently decided to plan a tour this upcoming summer with very special guests, Australian rockers Jet.

Oasis, led by Liam and Noel Gallagher, were the biggest mainstream international hit in America in 1996 since the British Invasion of the 60s. Critics were first to point out their striking resemblance to the Beatles-- both had close-cropped haircuts and a catchy musical style. Despite constant comparisons to the Beatles, Oasis was extremely successful. British publications constantly mention their first two albums, "Definitely Maybe" and "(What's The Story) Morning Glory," as two of the best ever made since the 60s.

"(What's The Story) Morning Glory" is most widely known in America, courtesy of the two smash singles "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova", but "Definitely Maybe" best portrays the sound of Oasis. Things were running smoothly at the time of the recording. The songs were catchy. The musicianship was solid. Noel and Liam got along like most brothers should. Most importantly, it sounded like nothing else that had preceded it for a decade in Britpop.

During the 80s, popular music in Britain tended to stray toward electronic beats and corny lyrics. While there were some incredibly great and influential bands from the 80s, such as The Cure, The Smiths, and Jesus and the Mary Chain, those bands lacked a punch to return to the basics of rock and roll. They tended to write and sing more edgy, intellectual pop songs. Oasis was so well-received because they returned to the catchy rock/pop song, even if the Beatles had perfected it thirty years prior.

Unfortunately in music, most good things eventually come to an end. It was thought that Noel and Liam's bitter hatred for one another would mean the demise of the band. After the first two albums, the quality of their work decreased as their rivalry became public. Most people in America do not remember their work after "(What's The Story) Morning Glory," so they were categorized as a one (or two)-hit wonder. After three years of silence, most assumed Oasis was dead. That is, until a few weeks ago.

The band recently announced they were in the studio working on a new album, and their upcoming shows are a result of the new work. Liam and Noel are apparently putting their past aside to keep the band together. The limited major-city summer tour hits Madison Square Garden on June 22. Tickets are limited but still available. The combination of the pure energy of Jet ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl") and the chance to see Oasis-- a very special band that ruled the 1990s-- easily makes it one of the most anticipated tours coming to town this summer.

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