Be Here Now

for me "Be Here Now" is not only fascinating for being the fastest selling album in the history of British music to date - what makes it more intriguing is the fact that it's one of the few Oasis albums where the group goes beyond that regular rather stiff pop formulatic riff rock and expand their sound further.When I was younger I remember watching their music videos from this album that appeared on tv every now and then at the time, but what is truly fascinating with "Be Here Now" is that Oasis where brave enough to move out of their shells and bring some more depth, vision and amibition to their music "Be Here Now" has more flow and less attitude than many other recordings by this group and is the first album by them which kept me completely hooked throughout. Prior to hearing about Be Here Now I was never that interested in Oasis. Soundwise this may not a hit factory collection (apperently no song of this magnificent album appeared on the compilation "Stop the Clocks"). - but honestly it's all the better for it. I was never that hooked on Oasis more formulatic and (somewhat cockier) hit songs like "Don't Look Back in Anger" "Wonderwall" ot "Supersonic" and thats why I used to think of Oasis as a band only known for overbearing swagger and uninspirational music - I used to think Oasis was downright boring.Hearing Be Here Now changed all this for me. It's a different experience and on the whole it's one of the best albums I have ever heard. I finally got a hold of it yesterday and let me tell you it's truly a captivating listen. On "Be Here Now" Oasis succeed in providing a more multilayered and plentiful sound which was unprecedented before it and honestly I can say that without having heard all of their albums as it seems the band has yet to follow this grandiose and inspirational project with something quite like it.All this makes it a rare treat as the "Be Here Now" LP finds the band ay a seldom seen creativity peak."Be Here Now" signifies itself as being a solid production with depth and layers while at the same time being filled with nifty details. "Be Here Now" shows of a band not afraid to get a move on and it's quite literally packed with great music. Artistically is most satisfiying because on "Be Here Now" the band was not afraid to take their music to a different level with really well build arrangements that move beyond mere "pop" on this album and they do so fearlessly without worry - you can hear it.The albums most immediate high point is the wonderful "All around the world" which is not only in the groove but also amazingly captivating and uplifting. The Full length album version complete with it's orchestrated reprise treats the listener most generously with multiple orchestras and a swaying - dreamy atmosphere.The track may very be the pinnacle of Oasis carrier:"These are crazy days - but they make me shine time keeps rolling by" Those telling words and the comfortable atmosphere assures the listener that even though life is tough one can get through it. All Around the World is so well built and capturing I stand amazed to find the band does not only succeed in getting so much into that one - song even more impressive is that plentiful uplifting atmosphere that flows on and takes you away and brings you home which is evident not only on the aforementioned track but all over the album. The composition All Around the World is especially fascinating considering the fact that it was written years before The recording of "Be Here Now" however composer Noel wisely choose to save this masterpiece of a song before the greatness of the song which he had envisioned could be fully materialised.The Title track is also especially impressive. It's also got a multi layered soundscape this time noteworthy for a especially multilayered guitar and percussion track which has been fused together with a intriguing delicate pan pipe hook. Another thing that is great about "Be Here Now" is the wondering/wandering lyrics which very well reminds me of the Verve.Speaking of the Verve - Richard Ashcroft does appear on the wonderful and expansive "All Around The World" and apparently William would return the favor by appearing on "Come On". (Like "Around the World" On "Be Here Now" "Come On" is one of the most confident and far reaching tracks on the wonderful "Urban Hymns LP" released by The Verve the same year.)Also worth a special note is "Fade in Out" with it's laid back blues groove atmosphere that transcends pop, rock, eastern folk music and country and western. It's got somewhat of a psychedelic touch. All this makes for a most intriguing listen and the atmosphere is quite a rare treat and it stays with the listener throughout generously clocking at nearly 7 minutes. All in all it sounds more well build and more "into it" than any one of the groups similar ventures I have heard. "The typo album" also has a few tracks that strive to capture a similar vibe and while tracks like "Who Feels love" or "Little James" are well produced they don't sound as inspired as they do here."Fade in out" also features Johnny Depp on tasty slide guitar - it's so in the groove one wishes he could have stayed with the group longer, it's a unique and wonderful performance. Speaking of inique and wonderful performances The wonderfully settled "Magic Pie" which bends twists turns flows and sways like an orchestrated sweet dream is really great - it's got such a comforting atmosphere and a great wall of sound like production that brings together synthesisers organs and pianos with thick strumming guitars and tight harmonies and solid percussion - The way it seamlessly leads into "Stand By Me" is particularly great. an expansive sound which brings a Byrdsesque twang to a new level. The song is very comforting musically and poetry-wise. It show of what a truly great Composer Noel is when he seriously gets it all together.William's vocal performance is wonderful and deserves a special note as the boasting swagger of previous hits are put to rest to give room for something far more touching - Noels backup vocals are great too.This album is probably one of the best albums of the 90's but it's greatness goes beyond that with a well worked timeless and most intriguing atmosphere it stands the test of time - it is genre transcending, Era defining yet still solid. It's more than a group goofing of in the studio for laughs, "Be Here Now" was a very amibitious project, and the end result was one of the most intriguing pop albums of all time. In fact it's more than mere pop. I think It's hard to find words for it but I love it - it's right up my alley. (and saying quite that's a lot coming from some one who used to be bored to death by Oasis music and attitude. All I'd like to say is: Forget the hit compilations! Stop the Clocks is an insult to all thats good about this band. If you really want to hear what Oasis is capable of "Be Here Now" is the album to get!It's essential for any music lover who want something more to chew on than your everyday pop album. You will be surprised how well an album of this magnitude, ambition and volume flows. It's perfectly put together, wholesome and surpisingly fluid. Few albums on the pop scene are quite as accomplished as this one - I know what you're thinking thinking - but all I have to say is: never mind "Dark Side of The Moon" "Band on The Run" "Abbey Road" or "Sgt Pepper". If you ask me "Be Here Now" is more solid - more consistent and above all longer lasting than all of those albums put together - really!"Be Here Now" shows Oasis come into their own as a visionary pop and rock band. - Nothing ever recorded by this band before or since quite matches it. Production wise "Be Here Now" most sophisticated and it's evident that although Oasis went through some turbulent times the band worked hard to accomplish this. It seems the band will never find that magic sparkle they had during the "Be Here Now" sessions again especially not now since it seems the band has virtually fallen apart.Nevertheless it was magnificent while it lasted over 70 minutes of brilliant music truly a landmark effort.I own it on minidisc double vinyl and compact disc.Particular highlights (although they are all great) : Magic Pie, Fade in Out, Stand By Me All Around The WorldThey way some tracks lean towards electronica territory is really fascinating - especially check out D'you Know What I Mean and the above mentioned Magic PieIf you like this album I would recommend"Urban Hymns" by The Verve"13" by Blur"You Are Here" by Brainpool"Different Class" by Pulp"This is Hardcore" by Pulp"Supergrass (The X Ray Album)" by Supergrass"Head Music" by Suede

Good quality cd

It's August 1997, it's the 6 weeks summer holiday before my last year in school and I'm up at 4am to get ready to que up in town outside my favorite record store. The reason, the biggest band in the world are about to release album number 3 and I want to get my hands on it as soon a possible. The last 3 years I have lapped up Definitely Maybe, What's The Story and Every B-Side I can get my hands on.Be Here Now was one of the most anticipated albums ever to be released, you really had to be there to understand just how big Oasis were. If you weren't you can try and imagine but however you imagine it you'll still be nowhere near. Looking back now this album was never going to live up to expectations yet it was still a great album. I remember buzzing my nut off as I listened to it over and over, I Hope I Think I Know, Girl In The Dirty Shirt, Don't Go Away, Stand By Me were the typical type songs Oasis that I expected. D'Yer Know What I Mean, Fade In/Out, Magic Pie, All Around The World were Oasis grown up and added depth to the back catalogue we already had. Fade In/Out was a paticular favorite. Be Here Now, It's Getting Better Man and My Big Mouth I liked but I could have lived without.Over the years I listened to the album less and less, the length put me off a little as did the 3 tracks I mentioned last. The album just sounded too "Busy" and to an extent over the top. 19 years later I've fell back in love with it. Maybe nostalgia, maybe because the Supersonic film/documentary has reignited my Oasis passion, maybe not hearing it so much or maybe my taste has changed enough to appreciate what the album is. I'm listening to it again on a regular basis just like when it first hit the selves nearly 20 years ago. It's still too long but I'm loving it all over again.CD2 is what you expect from a re-releas featuring B-sides, Rare and Live Tracks. Stand outs here are Help! Which I saw Noel Perform supporting Paul Welled in 1998 and My Big Mouth live at Knebworth, the song sounds amazing and annihilates the album version in every wayCD3 I've been after these Demo versions for years, I have most sessions for most albums but these sessions were none existent. Whoever moaned in another review that Noel sings Vocals on all tracks is just missing the point completely. I'd rather Be Here Now just be left off than replaced with the instrumental as it feels out of place here.Lastly the packaging is alright but the sleeve notes for each song feel lazy. All old copy and paste from old interviews, I would take a star away for that but the music is what you will buy this for.

Brilliant!!!!!