Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul (2008)

Review By Sean Lynch

It must be hard for Noel Gallagher. The guy is a walking, talking self promotion machine - he could talk himself up to be the next Lord and Saviour if he really put his mind to it.

And chances are, most of us would believe him.

But it has to be said - and this is coming from a die hard Oasis fan - that in recent years his bark has been much more dangerous than his bite. In short : Oasis albums have been junk for a long time.

I read an article not long ago which suggested that, after the debacle that was "Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants" (ironically, it was the first album written sober by Noel) Oasis had essentially hit a stage of their careers by which they were simply preparing for "Best Of" albums.

Two good singles, then a whole bunch of filler.

And it was true. "Heathen Chemistry" (an under rated Oasis album if I've ever heard one) had The Hindu Times, Songbird and Stop Crying Your Heart Out; "Don't Believe The Truth" had Lyla and The Importance Of Being Idle (a great song... but lucky to make it to a best of line up).

The rest were fun but forgettable.

So what do we make of "Dig Out Your Soul"?

While continuing on the renewed musical sensibilities set by "Don't Believe The Truth" (simplistic guitars and gritty acoustics), Oasis tease the listener with glimpses of the past (big bastard guitar solos and 'fuck off' non sensical lyrics) in a welcome return to form - which never quite reaches the heights of the past.

But you kind of get the feeling that they never will.

So, with that in mind, let's just assume that Post-2005 Oasis was a new band (they've since announced they've broken up). And in that regard, "Dig Out Your Soul" is superb.

Bag It Up bursts onto the scene with a renewed energy and vigor not seen from the brothers Gallagher in some time, while The Turning (which for some strange reason, I keep getting confused with the equally entertaining Waiting For The Rapture) is a song which grows on you like a vine... or at the very least a small wart.

Shock Of The Lightning (despite being the father of one of the worst Oasis video clips ever) is classic Gallagher. It's ball to the wall rock, with wailing guitars and a drum solo which will no doubt make for a life affirming live concert moment.

It's the closest "Dig Out Your Soul" gets to recapturing the glory years of BritPop, and a reaffirmation of what Noel Gallagher is capable of.

It's not all good news and "triumphant" returns to "form" though.

There are some severe flat and downright mundane spots across the album (the biggest flaws coming from tracks contributed by the relatively new band members Gem and Andy). Get Off Your High Horse Lady is a classic example of uninspired filler attempting to pass as "chillaxed album breather" as is the weak To Be Where Theres Life.

But there is more than enough to make up for any problems, after all, this is an album over 10 years into a career - so perfection is hardly an option.

Falling Down is yet another excellent falsetto inspired track from Noel (whose solo album will be one to watch out for), while I'm Outta Time and Soldier On are sweet and emphatically buggered ends to the journey.

While not likely to win over too many new fans "Dig Out Your Soul" is certainly an album that takes at least a few spins to really appreciate and fall in love with.

But, as a pal of mine suggested, this is the most unpretentious and honest piece of work from Oasis in over a decade, it's just a shame they couldn't continue on. That said, you kind of get the feeling that this is only the beginning of what is destined an exciting new journey...

RATING: 3.5 out of 5