Oasis Runs Dry

SteveK agrees: Time Flies…–

Oasis: 1994-2009: Time Flies Deluxe Limited Edition

It is with great regret that I inform you of the last of some truly great music.  Having made their break-up official, Oasis have released, in various formats, ‘Time Flies’, their best of / singles collection.

Yes, that’s right: I come out squarely on Team Gallagher.  Say what you will about their douchey behavior, emulation of the Beatles (Still managing to sound better at it than the Beatles, IMHO),multiple fights and break-ups or their being the obvious inspiration for Charlie’s band Drive Shaft, on JJ Abram’s “L O S T”.  I admit and acknowledge every last boorish thing about the Gallaghers is probably true.

That does not change the fact that they put out some of the best BritPop / BritAlt Rock of the last 15 years.  They’ve won multiple awards and critical acclaim; every one of their albums has gone multi-platinum.  Their music has retained a core sound and kept itself fresh – something few bands can claim.  And now, they’re gone.

How can we be really, really, sure that this time they really, REALLY mean it?  They’ve released ‘Time Flies’, that’s how.  See, it is an immutable law of nature that when a band either goes on “hiatus” or breaks up, then releases a “Best Of” or “Greatest Hits” or “Singles” compilation, the breakup is likely either permanent, or for a minimum of three to five years.  Obvious exceptions to the rule, such as the Who, also prove the corollary: The more often a band calls it quits and then reunites for “just one more” album and tour, the worse they will begin to suck over time.

Their parting gift to the world is the aforementioned compilation.  There’s going to be a few different formats out there; 3 CD, 5 CD, multi-disc vinyl, probably a stripped down el-cheapo CD version to come, as well.  I had the good fortune to listen to the 3CD / 1DVD version.  I did not watch or listen to the DVD; I don’t like music DVDs.  The first two CDs comprise the whole of their singles discography, including some region-specific bonus tracks.  The third CD is an iTunes Live album, from Oasis’ set at the 2009 iTunes Festival in London.

The singles collection on the first 2 CDs is a great listen; an annotated cliff notes through the history of Oasis’ music.  The live CD is an excellent conclusion to the set, and a triumphant farewell from this iconic band.

Oasis: 1994 – 2009 Time Flies

Sony

Steve’s Rating: 10/10

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