This was originally posted 16 years ago. Opinions, facts and reality may have changed.
Last August, when Oasis imploded like they were always destined to do, most people focussed on what band leader and chief songwriter Noel Gallagher was going to do next. So far, not much.
And it’s possibly quite telling that the rest of Oasis – Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock – didn’t go their separate ways but merely came up with a new name:Beady Eye.
Adding new member Jeff Wootton on bass (allowing Andy Bell to switch from the bass he played in Oasis to the guitar he played in Ride and Hurricane #1), “Oasis without Noel” as it’s unfair to call them have been locked in a recording studio beavering away, with the first fruits of the labours set free today.
Releasing your first single as a freebie (the MP3 is available here or below) is a wise move for a band with the baggage of these guys and, being honest, they’re probably not short of a bob or two.
But is it any good?
It’s ok. Nothing special. Reminds me of the Stones in an early 70s, “Exile on Main Street” kind of way, maybe with a little Jerry Lee Lewis thrown in. It might grow on me but I have a sneaky feeling it won’t. I’ve heard worse but I also know I’ll hear better. Today.