A Hard Day’s Night

.Mancunian minstrels of musical merriment (and all things intrinsically rock'n'roll orientated), England's Oasis are back on the American trail of fame and fortune. With their recently released second album (What's The Story) Morning Glory notching up one rave review after another, it's hardly surprising that the fab five are flying high.

Showing a remarkable maturity compared to their debut Definitely Maybe - that's mature as in sexy and committed as opposed to dull and safe - the new album's twelve tracks are grounded in many an essential ingredient that constitute vitality as well as a healthy swab of fresh air: acoustic soundscapes, gutter-thrash electric guitars, a tongue-in-cheek bravado, as well as a more melancholic delivery in Liam Gallagher's vocals. Then of course, there's the songs - simple, fluid, melodic, straight forward rock/pop majesty, the sort of which cry out to be heard (even if only to be believed).

Whether or not Oasis are this year's model remains to be seen, but there's no denying that 1995 has been their year. Endless touring has obviously paid off in back in Blighty - where the band not only sold-out two nights at London's Earls Court in record breaking time (the equivalent of Madison Square Garden), but have so far notched up three number one singles. It would've been four were it not for the contested rivalry between themselves and fellow peers Blur, whose ‘Country House’ marginally beat them to the post (Oasis having to make do with ‘Roll With It’ stalling at number two).

The night before Oasis played New York's Roseland earlier this month, I spoke to volatile lead singer Liam for the second time about a number of issues - from life in the fast lane to lampshades!



How does it feel to be riding one wave of success after another?

It's alright, we're doing good like, but we've had our problems mind.

Like what?

Like the bass player (Paul McGuigan) suffering from nervous exhaustion and having to find a new drummer (original sticksman Tony McCarroll was replaced in April by Alan White). The new drummer's really good, he's fitting in real well.

It's the brother of Paul Weller's drummer isn't it?

Yeah, he's top man. Really good.

So what went wrong with McCarroll?

Had to get rid of him cause he was shit. He wasn't doing anything except staying the same. He thought he was the best drummer in the world but he could only drum one beat. We tried telling him to go out and buy some records and listen to other drummers but he wouldn't do it so we thought 'see you later.'

Did you ever think you'd get this big this quickly back in England, what with playing Earls Court in November?

It's alright, I don't really think about it. I just get on with it. It surprised me when Earls Court sold out that quick but then that's what it's all about ain't it?

But when you were starting, did you ever think it would turn out this way?

Yeah, I thought it'd be big, of course; cause of the music and the people in the band, d'ya know what I mean.

Would you agree that the new album's a little more melancholic than the last?

Yeah yeah, I've chilled out cause the new drummer's come in and he's a bit more subtle. He can do a little bit more without banging 'em.

Your singing's a bit more laid back and less growly.

Yeah I can go along with that. It's cause of the songs I've been given have been a bit nicer. They're not just loud guitars and stuff.

Last time we spoke, you said you'd just written your equivalent of ‘Imagine,’ which was ‘Some Might Say.’ Do you still think that?

Lyrically yeah. Not song wise or tune wise or anything. It's lyrically the same I think. We should never ponder...

Describe America in three words.

Big, weird, shit.

Why shit?

I'm not used to this fuckin (pauses), I think like a cowboy man. It's not the way I live me life d'ya know what I mean? I'm from Manchester in England which is just a lot more small. I can't go with it. I'm not saying it's shit shit shit, I'm just saying it's just not my cup of tea.

What's been your favorite record so far this year?

Paul Weller's writing some top fuckin music. Stanley Road man, he's writing some deep music.

Do you like his version of the Beatles ‘Come Together’ on the War Child album?

I think it's alright but I think I should have sung it. I'd have sung that in one take.

Why didn't you then?

Cause he didn't ask me the fucker.

How do you feel about the so called Beatles reunion?

I don't think they should do it cause of John Lennon. Then again I'm not a Beatle. I don't think they're doing it for money, I think they're doing spiritually man. If they're doing something real good musically, then I think it'll be alright.

Do you still have a gripe with Blur?

No, I just think they're shit. Last time I spoke to you I thought they were shit, now I think they're even shitter. I hate 'em.

Is fame everything it's cut out to be?

No (without hesitation). I don't really understand it. It's hard work. You think you do this and do that and make loads of money and do what you want. But it's still work, and it's hard work cause it's your band. I've asked for time off but because it's our band, I'm not getting it. Breaking here in America, doing this here, doing that there, d'ya know what I mean... you've got to keep going to all these different countries.

Do you think you will break America?

I don't know and I'm not particularly bothered. I'll keep coming here just so long as we're wanted.

So fame isn't everything it's cut out to be?

Don't get me wrong, doing this is alright, but I've been home four times this year! I've got a bit of money now and I can't spend it. All I can spend it on is like clothes. I've got no time to buy a flat or a place of me own. All I can buy is little things like a fuckin lampshade. D'ya know what I mean, to put in me house.

It must be fun being in a band with your brother and your mates though?

It's cool as fuck cause that's me life, but fame is like something you can't see.

Do you get a lot of hassle in restaurants or pubs?

I get a bit of it but it doesn't really annoy me. Sometimes it annoys me, cause they say 'Oh I'm sorry to bother you,' and you think to yourself 'well why the fuck are you bothering me then?'

So how are you and your brother Noel getting on now, cause there's was a bit of friction at first wasn't there?

Alright, good. There'll always be friction. If he does my head in I'll tell him, even if he is my brother. And he'll tell me. It's always gonna be there. We've both got different views on things.

What makes you laugh?

Blur.

Anything else?

Bonehead (rhythm guitarist Paul Arthurs), he makes me laugh. Have you seen his head? It makes me think how he's got this far. He makes me piss my pants.