REVIEW: Oasis, "Some Might Say" (single) (Creation - Europe)

- Tim Kennedy

The new single by Oasis, their first of 1995, is a continuation of their record as masters of the craft of producing great singles. It contains four very contrasting cuts.

"Some Might Say" kicks off with a similar riff to "Cigarettes", then launches into a sparkling soaring guitar classic. It is a combination of a great pure pop melody and brutal guitar raunch which really hooks you after a couple of listens.

"Talk Tonight" recalls 60s West Coast, being a spaced-out acoustic ballad with slightly psychedelic lyrics. It's a little like "Whatever" without the strings arrangement. There is usually an acoustic number with Noel singing on each Oasis single but this track really shows how Noel has matured as a songwriter under the spotlight. It is possible to compare him now to people like Tim Buckley in terms of his 'solo' material.

"Acquiesce" is a guitar stormer with lyrics which are an affirmation of the Gallagher brothers' solidarity. Their relationship is problematic because Noel refuses to allow Liam or the rest to write Oasis material. Liam has frequently said that he wants to write for the band; in fact, he is collaborating with other bands. However Liam is a huge fan of his brother and has no problems singing his material despite his frustration. The take starts rather uncertainly with studio backchat and halting guitar intros, as was the wont of Zeppelin - giving an insight into the spontaneous moment of creation.

"Headshrinker" is speeding punk combined with elements of the Stones and an interesting lyric which is hard to make out but appears to tell a story. This track definitely gives an impression not dissimilar to Manchester's premier 70s punk exponents Slaughter & The Dogs, its naked punk assault tempered by a canny grasp of blues and rock 'n' roll.

Oasis continues to master the art of producing perfect singles.