Liam and Noel Gallagher have finally announced an Oasis reunion tour, 15 years after they disbanded due to their constant feuds. Definitely Maybe, the album that launched the band, celebrates its 30th birthday on August 29. Branded one of the greatest debut albums of all time by many music critics, what is it that makes it so good? I think it comes down to five core components – relatability, positvity, keeping it simple, catchy lyrics and the perfect frontman.
Described by Noel as “an honest snapshot of working-class lads trying to make it”, Definitely Maybe involved no guitar effects and barely any equipment, but made up for it with loads of attitude, “12 cans of Red Stripe and ambition”.
Oasis looked like five ordinary blokes who had been dragged out of the local pub and shoved on stage. And that was a big part of their initial appeal. It felt like if they could make it, then we all had a chance.
This appeal was further enhanced when fans realised that the drum parts could be learned by anyone with the most rudimentary drum skills (Live Forever and Supersonic were my favourites to bash out on the battered old school drumkit).
And, although Noel’s description of his guitar-playing abilities as “average at fucking best” is a little disingenuous, for those who purchased the Definitely Maybe guitar tab book, his parts were eminently playable.
Definitely Maybe is a definitive statement of working-class values and anti-establishment ideals. But the main takeaway for me is its sheer........