About Pete Expertise I can answer questions about all of the band`s albums, singles, rare tracks, and lyrics. I am knowledgeable in the history of the band, release dates for albums and singles, and have many books on Oasis to refer to if I don`t know the answer off the top of my head. If you`re looking for a rare Oasis song, I can tell you where to find it. In addition, if you give me just a few of the lyrics, I can tell you the name of the song and what album or single you`ll find it on.
Question -------------------------
The Madison Garden gig is odd, don't you think? I realize that Jet is getting pretty big. Any chance that the big-whigs, at some promotional group, have heard the new record in advance and it is really good? Of course Noel says it's the best album of the last 4, but he always says that when he's pushing a new record.
Please let me know what you think.
Followup To
Question -
Any news on the new album, specifically the first single. Will it be upbeat. I guess it is one last chance to make it in the U.S.
I think they should focus on VH-1 and Liam should smile for a camera once in a while.
The best band never to make it in the U.S. go figure... Thoughts?
Answer -
Hi Paul,
Yes, I do have some preliminary news. The new album will be released in the US on May 17th. Though Oasis have yet to confirm an album title, "Don't Believe The Truth" and "A Blanket Of Snow" have been rumored to be potential titles.
As for the first single, Oasis have confirmed that it will be released in March. However, they have not given a release date or the title of the first single yet. Noel Gallagher did confirm that he wanted a song called "Stop The Clocks" to be the first single, but since he sings it, Liam objected heavily. Liam didn't want people to think he'd left the band by releasing a Noel-sung first single. So, even though Noel says that "Stop The Clocks" is one of the best songs he's written, it will not be the first single. Apparently they are still trying to decide which Liam-sung tune will be the best first single.
Noel confirmed the album will contain 12 tracks and a "rumored" tracklisting is as follows:
1. Love Is Like A Bomb
2. The Meaning Of Soul
3. Stop The Clocks
4. A Bell Will Ring
5. Mucky Fingers
6. Mosquito
7. Guess God Thinks I'm Able
8. Part Of The Queue
9. Lord Don't Slow Me Down
10. I Stand Alone
11. The Importance Of Being Idle
12. I Want To Live In A Dream In My Record Machine
Liam wrote "Guess God Thinks I'm Able" and Noel thinks it's an incredible tune, so perhaps that will be the first single.
Lastly, to answer your question about why the band didn't make it big here in the US after their "Morning Glory Days" faded away, I believe it has to do with a lack of promotion from Sony and the prevalence of rap/hip-hop music in America. Plain old pop/rock doesn't seem to sell as well these days. Noel did comment that this is the last album they are contractually obligated to do for Sony, and Oasis was going to do a double album but Noel didn't want to "give Sony too much". So, perhaps we can look forward to an Oasis without Sony (they may be properly promoted under another record label). Also, it took the band almost 3 years to release this album because they recorded 66 songs and narrowed it down to a final 12. They are clearly still perfectionists.
I hope I've answered your questions. I'm sure we'll know more as March gets closer and closer.
Cheers,
John
Answer Hello Paul,
Actually, I don't find this odd at all. If you look at the North American tour dates so far (posted on www.oasisinet.com), you'll see that they are playing the big markets where they still have a fan base. New York City is obviously one of those markets.
Also, consider the fact that Oasis have toured the US to promote EVERY album they have released, regardless of how well it sold. I think that both the band and their record label know that they still need to promote themselves in the US in order to help with their overall global record sales. They may not have lots of fans here, but they have just enough to make a tour worthwhile.
By the way, rumor has it that the first single will be called "I Stand Alone" (written by Noel and sung by Liam). Still no word on its exact March release date.
