Published in Flash! April 19, 2000

Oasis still 'Standing' but not leaving an impression

With four albums under their belts, Oasis’ stake on the claim of “Greatest Band in
the World” has been a sore spot for critics and an absolute truth for fans. On their latest
release, “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants,” Oasis seems to move beyond copping
songs from their influences but they fail to make a significant mark of their own.

While the album is not an utter failure, it is a disappointing effort. It seems that
chief songwriter and guitarist Noel Gallagher is stuck in the proverbial mud. Eight of the
ten tracks are mid-tempo to slower numbers that are uninspired. Gallagher does,
however, let go of the reins for one track; the Liam Gallagher-penned “Little James.”

One bright spot is Noel Gallagher’s amazing knack for penning tunes that stick in
the listener’s head like super glue that just won’t let go. All but a few of the tracks are
melodic in their own way. A prime example is the first single, “Go Let it Out.” Vocalist
Liam is in full nasal-inflicted force as he urges folks to “Go let it ouwwwt!” Liam’s
vocals are perhaps the biggest reason that Oasis’ tunes are so memorable.

In the past, Oasis has been labeled Beatles clones or, worse, Beatles thieves. The
trend seems to have stopped with this album. Only one tune truly resembles a Beatles
tune, the aforementioned “Little James.” It is essentially “Imagine” mixed with the last
part of “Hey Jude’s” “na-na-na-na’s.” However, the track, “Put Yer Money Where Yer
Mouth Is” is eerily similar to the Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” with its call to “Put your
hands on the wheel.”

Although the band has developed a sense of its identity, it falters in that the
pacing of the album is inconsistent. This problem results from the lack of up-tempo
numbers. Only the introductory instrumental track “XXXin’ in the Bushes” and “I Can
See a Liar” show the band in their full rocking glory. Oasis is at their best on these
numbers and these types of songs. Liam Gallagher is able to showcase his whiny but
infectious voice and Noel Gallagher is able to strut as a rock guitar god.

The mid-tempo numbers have their representatives as well. “Gas Panic” and
“Sunday Morning Call” are both rock gems. The latter reveals the true genius of Oasis in
Noel Gallagher as he fronts the group on vocals as well as guitar. However, the
remaining tracks are unimpressive and unmemorable.

Over the years, Oasis has begun to build a steady wall of sound with each release.
The climax appears to have been “Be Here Now.” On that album the layering of sound
was almost too much. On this release, however, the band seems to have backed off of
that formula a bit. The grandness is still there though.

While Oasis may not be “the greatest band in the world” anymore, they are still
certainly a good band. “Standing on the Shoulder of Giants,” shows the band that has
begun to break out from their influences. Unfortunately, the band leaves behind an
album that is unremarkable but solid.

My Grade: B-/C+