It’s always hard reviewing ‘�best of’ compilations, especially when the band in question have adamantly insisted that they’ll never produce one. So what changed Noel’s mind? You have to imagine that the money came into it somewhere, as this collection offers nothing new, plenty that’s old and overexposed, and only a few moments of genuine insight. What it does show us is that Oasis have been peddling pretty much the same material for the last twelve years, and that can never be a good thing.
‘�Rock’N’Roll Star’ makes for a suitably bombastic opener, then it’s straight into the obvious hits from their career to date. There are a few surprises hidden away ‘� ‘�Acquiesce’ was only a B-side, but has been a live favourite for long enough to warrant its inclusion, and ‘�The Masterplan’ might raise some Gallagher-esque bushy eyebrows ‘� but otherwise all the usual suspects are present and correct.
What it does prove is that their recent output has been considerably weaker than their early albums. There’s only a fistful of tracks from the last two albums, and even these come off badly in a head-to-head with the old favourites. If you’re one of the handful of people who doesn’t already own Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? then go out and buy them, and ignore this album. One for the completists only.
