Be Here Now

for me "Be Here Now" is not only fascinating for being the fastest selling album in the history of British music to date - what makes it more intriguing is the fact that it's one of the few Oasis albums where the group goes beyond that regular rather stiff pop formulatic riff rock and expand their sound further. When I was younger I remember watching their music videos from this album that appeared on tv every now and then at the time, but what is truly fascinating with "Be Here Now" is that Oasis where brave enough to move out of their shells and bring some more depth, vision and amibition to their music "Be Here Now" has more flow and less attitude than many other recordings by this group and is the first album by them which kept me completely hooked throughout. Prior to hearing about Be Here Now I was never that interested in Oasis. Soundwise this may not a hit factory collection (apperently no song of this magnificent album appeared on the compilation "Stop the Clocks"). - but honestly it's all the better for it. I was never that hooked on Oasis more formulatic and (somewhat cockier) hit songs like "Don't Look Back in Anger" "Wonderwall" ot "Supersonic" and thats why I used to think of Oasis as a band only known for overbearing swagger and uninspirational music - I used to think Oasis was downright boring. Hearing Be Here Now changed all this for me. It's a different experience and on the whole it's one of the best albums I have ever heard. I finally got a hold of it yesterday and let me tell you it's truly a captivating listen. On "Be Here Now" Oasis succeed in providing a more multilayered and plentiful sound which was unprecedented before it and honestly I can say that without having heard all of their albums as it seems the band has yet to follow this grandiose and inspirational project with something quite like it. All this makes it a rare treat as the "Be Here Now" LP finds the band ay a seldom seen creativity peak."Be Here Now" signifies itself as being a solid production with depth and layers while at the same time being filled with nifty details. "Be Here Now" shows of a band not afraid to get a move on and it's quite literally packed with great music. Artistically is most satisfiying because on "Be Here Now" the band was not afraid to take their music to a different level with really well build arrangements that move beyond mere "pop" on this album and they do so fearlessly without worry - you can hear it. The albums most immediate high point is the wonderful "All around the world" which is not only in the groove but also amazingly captivating and uplifting. The Full length album version complete with it's orchestrated reprise treats the listener most generously with multiple orchestras and a swaying - dreamy atmosphere. The track may very be the pinnacle of Oasis carrier: "These are crazy days - but they make me shine time keeps rolling by" Those telling words and the comfortable atmosphere assures the listener that even though life is tough one can get through it. All Around the World is so well built and capturing I stand amazed to find the band does not only succeed in getting so much into that one - song even more impressive is that plentiful uplifting atmosphere that flows on and takes you away and brings you home which is evident not only on the aforementioned track but all over the album. The composition All Around the World is especially fascinating considering the fact that it was written years before The recording of "Be Here Now" however composer Noel wisely choose to save this masterpiece of a song before the greatness of the song which he had envisioned could be fully materialised. The Title track is also especially impressive. It's also got a multi layered soundscape this time noteworthy for a especially multilayered guitar and percussion track which has been fused together with a intriguing delicate pan pipe hook. Another thing that is great about "Be Here Now" is the wondering/wandering lyrics which very well reminds me of the Verve. Speaking of the Verve - Richard Ashcroft does appear on the wonderful and expansive "All Around The World" and apparently William would return the favor by appearing on "Come On". (Like "Around the World" On "Be Here Now" "Come On" is one of the most confident and far reaching tracks on the wonderful "Urban Hymns LP" released by The Verve the same year.) Also worth a special note is "Fade in Out" with it's laid back blues groove atmosphere that transcends pop, rock, eastern folk music and country and western. It's got somewhat of a psychedelic touch. All this makes for a most intriguing listen and the atmosphere is quite a rare treat and it stays with the listener throughout generously clocking at nearly 7 minutes. All in all it sounds more well build and more "into it" than any one of the groups similar ventures I have heard. " The typo album" also has a few tracks that strive to capture a similar vibe and while tracks like "Who Feels love" or "Little James" are well produced they don't sound as inspired as they do here. "Fade in out" also features Johnny Depp on tasty slide guitar - it's so in the groove one wishes he could have stayed with the group longer, it's a unique and wonderful performance. Speaking of inique and wonderful performances The wonderfully settled "Magic Pie" which bends twists turns flows and sways like an orchestrated sweet dream is really great - it's got such a comforting atmosphere and a great wall of sound like production that brings together synthesisers organs and pianos with thick strumming guitars and tight harmonies and solid percussion - The way it seamlessly leads into "Stand By Me" is particularly great. an expansive sound which brings a Byrdsesque twang to a new level. The song is very comforting musically and poetry-wise. It show of what a truly great Composer Noel is when he seriously gets it all together. William's vocal performance is wonderful and deserves a special note as the boasting swagger of previous hits are put to rest to give room for something far more touching - Noels backup vocals are great too. This album is probably one of the best albums of the 90's but it's greatness goes beyond that with a well worked timeless and most intriguing atmosphere it stands the test of time - it is genre transcending, Era defining yet still solid. It's more than a group goofing of in the studio for laughs, "Be Here Now" was a very amibitious project, and the end result was one of the most intriguing pop albums of all time. In fact it's more than mere pop. I think It's hard to find words for it but I love it - it's right up my alley. (and saying quite that's a lot coming from some one who used to be bored to death by Oasis music and attitude. All I'd like to say is: Forget the hit compilations! Stop the Clocks is an insult to all thats good about this band. If you really want to hear what Oasis is capable of "Be Here Now" is the album to get! It's essential for any music lover who want something more to chew on than your everyday pop album. You will be surprised how well an album of this magnitude, ambition and volume flows. It's perfectly put together, wholesome and surpisingly fluid. Few albums on the pop scene are quite as accomplished as this one - I know what you're thinking thinking - but all I have to say is: never mind "Dark Side of The Moon" "Band on The Run" "Abbey Road" or "Sgt Pepper". If you ask me "Be Here Now" is more solid - more consistent and above all longer lasting than all of those albums put together - really! "Be Here Now" shows Oasis come into their own as a visionary pop and rock band. - Nothing ever recorded by this band before or since quite matches it. Production wise "Be Here Now" most sophisticated and it's evident that although Oasis went through some turbulent times the band worked hard to accomplish this. It seems the band will never find that magic sparkle they had during the "Be Here Now" sessions again especially not now since it seems the band has virtually fallen apart. Nevertheless it was magnificent while it lasted over 70 minutes of brilliant music truly a landmark effort. I own it on minidisc double vinyl and compact disc. Particular highlights (although they are all great) : Magic Pie, Fade in Out, Stand By Me All Around The World They way some tracks lean towards electronica territory is really fascinating - especially check out D'you Know What I Mean and the above mentioned Magic Pie If you like this album I would recommend "Urban Hymns" by The Verve "13" by Blur "You Are Here" by Brainpool "Different Class" by Pulp "This is Hardcore" by Pulp "Supergrass (The X Ray Album)" by Supergrass "Head Music" by Suede

It's August 1997, it's the 6 weeks summer holiday before my last year in school and I'm up at 4am to get ready to que up in town outside my favorite record store. The reason, the biggest band in the world are about to release album number 3 and I want to get my hands on it as soon a possible. The last 3 years I have lapped up Definitely Maybe, What's The Story and Every B-Side I can get my hands on. Be Here Now was one of the most anticipated albums ever to be released, you really had to be there to understand just how big Oasis were. If you weren't you can try and imagine but however you imagine it you'll still be nowhere near. Looking back now this album was never going to live up to expectations yet it was still a great album. I remember buzzing my nut off as I listened to it over and over, I Hope I Think I Know, Girl In The Dirty Shirt, Don't Go Away, Stand By Me were the typical type songs Oasis that I expected. D'Yer Know What I Mean, Fade In/Out, Magic Pie, All Around The World were Oasis grown up and added depth to the back catalogue we already had. Fade In/Out was a paticular favorite. Be Here Now, It's Getting Better Man and My Big Mouth I liked but I could have lived without. Over the years I listened to the album less and less, the length put me off a little as did the 3 tracks I mentioned last. The album just sounded too "Busy" and to an extent over the top. 19 years later I've fell back in love with it. Maybe nostalgia, maybe because the Supersonic film/documentary has reignited my Oasis passion, maybe not hearing it so much or maybe my taste has changed enough to appreciate what the album is. I'm listening to it again on a regular basis just like when it first hit the selves nearly 20 years ago. It's still too long but I'm loving it all over again. CD2 is what you expect from a re-releas featuring B-sides, Rare and Live Tracks. Stand outs here are Help! Which I saw Noel Perform supporting Paul Welled in 1998 and My Big Mouth live at Knebworth, the song sounds amazing and annihilates the album version in every way CD3 I've been after these Demo versions for years, I have most sessions for most albums but these sessions were none existent. Whoever moaned in another review that Noel sings Vocals on all tracks is just missing the point completely. I'd rather Be Here Now just be left off than replaced with the instrumental as it feels out of place here. Lastly the packaging is alright but the sleeve notes for each song feel lazy. All old copy and paste from old interviews, I would take a star away for that but the music is what you will buy this for.

Great album

Good quality cd

☆5つは,佳曲がたくさん入っているからです。 Do you know what I mean?やStand by meなど、ノエルギャラがーによる豊かなメロディーラインがたくさん入った曲がほとんどです。一曲の中に、良いメロディーが、曲が終わるまで入っているという印象も受けました。曲に情緒や雰囲気が有り、何度聞いても楽しめます。サンプリングを多用し、複雑ながらも、若者たちが聞いて、「カッコいい」、「エッジが効いている」という印象を受ける曲や、オーケストラとバンドサウンドが一体となった曲や、ノリのいい曲、一緒に大合唱できる曲など、多彩な構成で全編が占められています。 サードは、エレキギターで作ったとのノエル談ですが、セカンドほどメロウではないものの、十分に楽しめます。 ’97年は、評判はあまり良くなかったという評価も出ていたようですが、2014年に聞きなおしてみると、良いアルバムという印象を受けます。

Great Album; shame they ever broke up. End of a Dynasty

Correva l'estate 1997 ed il mondo era ai piedi dei fratelli Gallagher, in ansia, aspettando con spasmodica curiosità l'ennesimo lavoro di The Chief e Co. Probabilmente l'apice della parabola degli Oasis forse anche un pochino oltre. Già perché Be Here Now non reggerà il confronto con i due dischi precedenti. Parliamo comunque di un grande album la cui eccessiva aspettativa ha provocato una delusione parziale da parte di critica e fan. Anche lo stesso Noel non lo sopporta definendolo anni dopo, senza giri di parole, una M***a. Eppure lo amo. Canzoni dense e cariche come mai più si sarebbero risentite nei loro album come Stand by me e la bellissima Don't go away sono diventate inni generazionali. Altre come My big mouth, I hope I think I know e It's getting better e dyou know what I mean sono piccole perle che completano in album troppo sottovalutato e criticato

BE HERE NOW seems to have garnered the most opposing views out of Oasis' great lexicon of music. The end result is really that we all have Oasis to thank for keeping rock 'n roll "Still Alive and Well" as Johnny Winter sang so long ago & Neil Young's lyrics of "Hey, Hey, My, My" (Rock 'n Roll Will Never Die; which Noel happened to do a great job with at Wembley Stadium in 2000) through the extremely "lean" years of the 90's. Give 'em credit!! On both sides of the Atlantic the 90's could have seen the death of real rock. This seems like a good point to interject my viewpoint regarding the "so-called" Oasis "Phenomenon". Yes, they were a great rock band...but "phenomenon"? Let's be real! It was the 90's: We're not talking 60's or 70's. There was no competition! But, while some others also kept the dream alive, nobody else in the 90's had the catalog & talent that Oasis did. I don't think any other bands toured as much as Oasis seems to have done either. Oasis might've gotten a huge break early on in their career, that they didn't have to "put in some hard time" like so many other bands, but that didn't mean these guys just sat back & only indulged in the usual rock 'n roll excesses. They, too succumbed but they worked their behinds off, too! So, they partied hard & maybe worked even harder. BE HERE NOW is the Gallagher brothers at their most super-overinflated opinions of themselves! So what? In retrospect, they were young & shot out of a cannon with the overwhelming popularity of "Definitely, Maybe" and "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?". As a result, it makes a sort of sense that BE HERE NOW would have such egotistical lyrics following that enormous instant success. Oasis wouldn't have gotten those ego's without the help of all their fans & the media. So, cut 'em some slack...It still comes down to the music & Oasis' BE HERE NOW is fantastic, too!!! (It just may take a few more 'listens' to arrive at that conclusion than the first two did.) As far as all the fuss about Johnny Depp's slide guitar...he's alright. But, if you really want to know what slide is "all about", listen to Bonnie Raitt. She is to slide guitar what Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher & Johnny Marr are to guitar. By the 90's, the reality of just how much of a melting pot America is really came into play in music...hip hop was mainstream in the 80's; rap in the 90's, the "Lilith Fair" female singer-songwriters, r & b diva's in the 90's, the "boy" bands (of which there were both in the UK and US), grunge (I admit to liking and owning Garbage, The Offspring & Social Distortion, but I don't consider them to truly be grunge & Soc. D started in the '80's). And, I think only true grunge fans would consider grunge to be real rock 'n roll music. Also, by then 'metal' had started to have its' own sub-divisions! Depeche Mode kept music going but I don't know that I'd classify it as "rock". (Aside: I only got "into" Depeche Mode recently. "Soothe My Soul" off their new Delta Machine (all great!) got me hooked!) The Smithereens (a local NJ band, who hit, but not as big as Bon Jovi) and Lenny Kravitz did their parts, too, to keep rock going. But, my personal opinion is that none of the bands mentioned posed any real rock 'n roll competition for Oasis and for possibly even greater creativity if there had been any. Back to BE HERE NOW. No...It's not another "MORNING GLORY" or "DEFINITELY, MAYBE", but it DOES have GREAT tunes with one of the best voices in rock & roll history. I may not like that Liam said that Americans didn't "get" Oasis. I have to admit he may have been right (at the time). I, myself, got into Oasis "bass ackwards" as my dear old Dad would've said. By "getting into" Beady Eye first & then backtracking. Of course, I was AWARE of Oasis in the 90's...I wasn't dead!; but, I agree that I don't think they got the radio airplay they should've gotten & deserved in the States; because we were wrapped up in so many other musical genre's at that time. And, believe me, rockers really didn't know where to turn. I myself did a lot of listening to The Black Crowes and The Smithereens, and got into blues...Kenny Wayne Shepard, Robert Cray, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Susan Tedeschi and Indigenous. Also, a phase of non-"lilith fair" female singer- songwriters (Sheryl Crow, Joan Osborne & Lucinda Williams and the lesser known but so talented Tift Merritt, Toni Price, Annie McCue, and Thea Gilmore). But, then, I've never "gone with the pack" when it comes to music. I always try to seek out new. In the early 2000's, I found myself backtracking to one of my favorite decades: the 80's & becoming immersed in INXS. So, I also had to get past how Noel Gallagher insulted Michael Hutchence at the 1996 Brit Awards. But, they're soooooo good, I had to!! And, now I've already built an Oasis collection in just about 7 months that far surpasses my INXS one, in CD's & DVD's. For anyone starting to become an Oasis fan....there's PLENTY to choose from to start. There seem to be 2 "camps" of a fanbase...the early years with Bonehead and the later years with Gem & Andy. I'm more familiar with the later years & Gem & Andy only because I've watched "Familiar to Millions" Wembley Stadium concert DVD dozens of times & listened to that CD dozens of times already, too. (Aside to anyone starting: you MUST have at least one live CD & DVD...Oasis is DEFINITELY a band to hear live. There's a whole "underground" of "off-label" releases, too. It's tricky; best to, hopefully, find someone who is helpful & will kind of "mentor" you in the finer points. I didn't set out with some 'diabolical' scheme to find a mentor; I was just very fortunate that I made purchases from very friendly & knowledgeable UK people who seemed happy to share information with me, to keep me from getting "burned"). It must've been SO fabulous to've been "THERE AND THEN" (another great DVD, which some reviewers prefer over "FAMILIAR TO MILLIONS"; again, the 2 different fanbases of early years vs. later years). I'm lovin' ALL the years!!! BE HERE NOW may take several listens before you realize just how great this particular Oasis CD really is. I knew more than half the songs on it & liked them a lot; but as I come to play it more & more, I'm loving all of the songs more & more. I've surprised myself that one of my favorites on BE HERE NOW is "Don't Go Away"; a ballad (of all things!) I think that's why I maybe didn't 'get' Oasis in the 90's...for me, they were a little mellow for how I liked my rock. And, I realize, too, they sometimes use "string" instruments (like violins; woodwinds...instruments I never before associated with rock 'n roll). I had always liked big, head bangin' hard rock (AC/DC and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts had been favorites of mine for many years; so you have a reference point). I didn't "go for" CD's, or albums, that had a little of this, a little of that. But, the flip side of that coin is there's something for everyone! I've always had an open mind with music, though; which I'm so glad for; that I've found my way back to Oasis, even though they are no longer together. (But, I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Beady Eye's 2nd, BE & they are 3/4's of Oasis; however, I would be THRILLED if Oasis does reunite. Gem's a decent backup vocalist, but I do miss how Liam & Noel's voices harmonized & complemented each others' so well, even if the brothers' themselves didn't! I LOVE their version of "My Generation" better than the Who original!) "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" from HEATHEN CHEMISTRY is still my favorite Oasis ballad, but now "Don't Go Away" is giving it a run for it's money, I've got to say! I'm repeating myself, with this review, but again, all the songs ARE GREAT!; there are no "fillers". "Don't Go Away" is just SO exceptional. I'm always surprised at how fab Liam does ballads; that he's made me a lover of ballads (which I never went for!) when he does such a great job on the rockin' numbers. Other particular favs. here are definitely the opener "D'You Know What I Mean?", "My Big Mouth", "Stand By Me" and "It's Gettin' Better (Man!!) I guess back in the 90's probably the song I remember Oasis for most was "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" and, I'm sure, that's because, for me, that was & always will be Oasis' most ROCKING tune. I do wish they, or, maybe, now Beady Eye, would've done at least a few more like Shakermaker, which was their most "blues-y" sounding track & they CAN do it all & DO IT WELL (a very early quote of Liam's); & SO TRUE....I would LOVE to hear more "blues" from them; but I don't think that'll happen, and that's just fine, too. BE HERE NOW...another winner of "NICE ONE" award! And, a big THANK YOU for keeping rock going for those of us who've practically been weaned on it & for those who were tots & teens in the 90's, the generation who right now may be finding their way to you & the generations to come!!!!!!!! CHEERS LIAM, NOEL, BONEHEAD, ANDY, GEM, CHRIS, The 'Shroud' (keyboards) & everyone else who ever lent "backing" vocals, guitar, percussion, etc...

オアシスの3rdアルバムのリマスター盤。リアム曰く、ドラッグに酩酊してまともなミックスをしていないアルバムとのことですが、リマスターの効果で聴きやすくなっています。ドラムの重心というかボトムが加わって、バンドサウンドに芯がある感じになりました。依然として音はダンゴのままでギターの音量はデカいという印象ですが、このアルバムの特徴でもあるのでイメージを損ねない控えめなリマスターといえます。周知のとおり、このアルバムは長い曲が多くて聴いててダレる側面があったのですが、このリマスターでずっと聴いてられるアルバムになりました。 これをもってオアシスのリマスタープロジェクトはひとまず終了とのことですが、4th以降の微調整なリマスター、ブラッシュアップも密かに期待したいところです。また、編集盤ながら名作アルバムであるマスタープランですが、1st～3rdの2016年リマスターデラックスエディションを購入すれば何とか曲は揃います。ボーナストラック無しの2016年スタンダードバージョンのCDを買ってしまうと、マスタープランのリマスターが聴けない現状となっているので注意が必要です。個人的には、1st～2ndはデラックスエディション、3rdはスタンダード＋デジタルミュージックで"Stay Young"と”Going Nowhere”をダウンロードしました。