Artist: Oasis
Title: Definitely Maybe [30th Anniversary 2CD edition] (Big Brother Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Paul Weller
Tell me more: August 30th saw the release of Oasis' Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary) Deluxe Editions, an eagerly-awaited reissue of the British band's beloved 1994 debut released via Limited Edition Deluxe 4LP and Deluxe 2CD formats as well as as exclusive colored vinyl formats, cassette and digital — all formats include the 2014 remastered version of the album along with outtakes from the definitive album sessions at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall. Additional insight into the creation of the album by Liam Gallagher (vocals), Noel Gallagher (lead guitar, backing vocals), Paul Arthurs (rhythm guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass) and Tony McCarroll (drums) are early recordings of eight songs tracked at Monnow Valley Studio in 1993.
The 2CD version reviewed here is definitely worthy of adding to any rock music lover's library; insightful liner notes penned by Hamish MacBain and colorful artwork featured in a 24-page booklet enhance the special reissue. Oasis' Definitely Maybe is truly one of the great debut albums of all time; timeless classics including a slew of winning singles ("Supersonic," "Shakermaker," "Live Forever" and "Cigarettes & Alcohol") and treasured album tracks ("Rock 'n' Roll Star," "Columbia" and "Slide Away") are as exhilarating in 2024 as they were when first heard in 1994.
Disc 2 highlights abound including the Monnow Valley Studio takes on "Rock 'n' Roll Star," "Live Forever," "Up In The Sky" (the latter adorned by a psychedelic vibe), "Bring It On Down," and Sawmills Outtakes of "Columbia" and "Digsy's Dinner"; a beautiful acoustic-flavored recording of "Sad Song (Mauldeth Road West Demo, Nov. '92)" closes out the terrific reissue. The good news is the world will get to hear many of the Definitely Maybe classics live when Oasis returns to play together next year for the first time in more than 15 years as part of the "Oasis Live '25 Tour."
Robert Kinsler
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