Look back in langour

THEY look like two giant packets of Benson &, Hedges, and they come with a stern warning that "rock n roll can seriously damage your health". They are in fact, the two boxed sets of Oasis' singles from the albums Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story: Morning Glory?, and in the true tradition of lazy journalism, I thought I'd just dig out some old Single Files, and see what I wrote about each song when it was originally released. Goes without saying that my reviews were, as usual, right on the button.

"Supersonic" (April 1994)

Oh, God, do we really need this sort of bloated, sub stadium rock bluster in these enlightened times? I've never heard of Oasis, but by the sound of the singer's sneering whine, they're from Manchester (probably some working class dump like Burnage), and they write such cliched lyrics as "feeling supersonic, give me gin & tonic" (buy your own, pal!). OK in a classic rockist sort of way, and I suppose it'll have to do until the Stone Roses' second coming.

"Shakermaker" (June 1994)

Those mouthy Mancunians return with a second single, exposing themselves as shallow copyists. Who in their right mind would nick the melody, from The New Seekers' I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing? What next Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep? The bsides include a silly acoustic thing called D'yer Wanna Be A Spaceman, sung by the one who writes all the songs, but can't sing as well as the other one. I doubt if we'll hear much from round their way again.

"Live Forever" (August 1994)

I've just done a bit of research (i.e. borrowed a friend's copy of the NME), and discovered the singer is called Liam, the guitarist is his brother Noel, and apparently they fight all the time. This one's not a bad song really, a bit slower than the first two singles, and a charming if clumsy bid for classic rock anthem status.

"Cigarettes And Alcohol" (October 1994)

Those fighting Gallagherbrothers are getting more arrogant every minute. This time they've nicked the riff from T Rex's Get It On, even though they're not fit to lick Marc Bolan's elfin boots. I suppose they think it's very rock n roll to smoke and drink and wreck hotel rooms and throw television sets out the window and drive limousines into swimming pools. Well, it's not. Rock `n' roll is about originality, sincerity, hard work and taking at least four years to record your second album.

"Some Might Say" (April 1995)

OK, so The Stone Roses' Second Coming wasn't quite the earth shattering experience, we had all been anticipating, but that doesn't mean Oasis are automatically going to grab all the glory. I mean, Noel is a good guitarist and all, but he'll nevermatch John Squire's speed and skill. OK, Ian Brown isn't sounding the best lately, but at least he's not as rude as Liam. And the four songs on this single are more Status Quo than Led Zeppelin.

"Roll With It" (August 1995)

The Battle of Britpop hots up with the same day release of new singles by Blur and Oasis. Comparing Country House and Roll With It, it's obvious who's going to get to Number One. Oasis have come up with their best tune ever, with a good, catchy chorus, and some insightful lyrics like "you gotta say what you say/ don't let anybody get in your way". Sublime.

"Wonderwall" (October 1995)

Just when we thought Oasis were going to live up to the hype, they go and shatter our faith by releasing a twee, acoustic dirge that Noel probably knocked off during halftime at Maine Road. Well, I doubt if anyone will ever sing this one on the terraces. And what the hell is a Wonderwall, anyway?

"Don't Look Back In Anger"

(February 1996)

The Oasis boys take advantage of the post Christmas lull to shunt their latest sub Beatles Sixties film titles pastiche into the top slot. For some reason Noel has decided to sing this one lets hope he's not getting ideas above his station. I hear there are plans for a big Oasis concert in Knebworth next summer but they'll hardly pull much of a crowd, especially since The Stone Roses (minus John Squire) will be headlining at Reading.