Oasis
Dig Out Your Soul

Before I write about the latest release from Oasis, let me get a few things out of the way. Noel and Liam Gallagher are opinionated, like to drink and are known to argue with one another. Anyone who writes an article about Oasis is legally required to include those details.

Unfortunately their extra-curricular activities, most of which occurred over a decade ago, have sometimes overshadowed the work that the band has put out. The band's seventh album, Dig Out Your Soul, which was released on October 7 will hopefully go a long ways to changing that.

Ever since 1995's (What's the Story) Morning Glory?, which was a colossal hit, Oasis has been perceived by many to be in a slump. During that time however, they have released four albums that have sold a combined 21 million copies, and played countless sold out shows in some rather large venues. David Lee Roth would kill to be in a slump like that. No offence to Mr. Roth or his fans - he is a fine man.

Nevertheless, Dig Out Your Soul is the fourth Oasis album in a row to be branded a “comeback”, and expectations were high. Does it live up to those expectations? For the most part I would say yes.

I didn't enjoy the album as much as their last two efforts, The Heathen Chemistry and Don't Believe the Truth. It does not contain any tracks that are as instantly infectious as some of their most popular tunes, such as “Wonderwall,” “Don't Look Back in Anger” or “Live Forever”. However after repeated listening several of the songs started to grow on me. Dig Out Your Soul is a case where the sum is greater than its parts.

Stand out tracks on this one include the album's first single, the fast paced “The Shock of Lightning”, which ranks right up there with top notch Oasis singles of the recent past such as “The Hindu Times” and “Lyla.” I also enjoyed the simplistic, almost folksy tune “(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady”, in which Noel provides vocals. This track features some of the finest use of hand-claps since John Mellancamp's “Jack and Diane.” Also very good is the opener “Bag it Up” which includes the lyrics “I got my hee-bee-jee-bees in a hidden bag”, and “I'm going to take a walk with the monkey man.” Complete nonsense of course, but it sounds great.

As has been the case with the last three Oasis offerings, the work is spread out amongst all the members of the band. Noel wrote six of the tunes, with Liam contributing three, while Gem Archer and Andy Bell wrote one each. As is the norm, the songs penned by Noel are the strongest, with the songs from Gem and Andy lacking any real appeal. Noel also provides the vocals on three tracks, while lead singer Liam does so for the other eight.

Dig Out Your Soul is not my favourite Oasis album, but I will say that it is my favourite album put out by any artist since Oasis' Don't Believe The Truth was released back in 2005. That's good enough for me. It is certainly worth the $15 or so that you will have to shell out for it. And while you have your wallet out, head out to the Biz Booth and buy tickets to their December 15th show at the John Labatt Centre.