How Did I Get Hear? #9 - Steve Braddock on Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory?
I blame Mike Flowers. Honestly.
1996 had kicked off a pretty cool year. I was in Year 11 and hadn’t really been interested in music. I liked it, but nothing resonated enough to ingrain itself into my consciousness for any time longer than the song itself.
Still, there I was at the start of 1996 and as the school year started people would talk about the usual stuff they’re watching or listening to. I’d heard of the band Oasis, but didn’t know their songs. What the hell’s a wonderwall anyway? Or at least that’s what Travis sung. Anyway, one Sunday morning after a typical Hutt Valley party at Belmont Hall the night before, I’d awoken at a mates house and we had the music chart show on.
All the usual 90’s stuff was playing….and then Mike Flower’s Pops came on with their version of Wonderwall. “So that’s Wonderwall?” I thought. And then I heard it later that day on the radio, this time the original version. And again, constantly. And I now knew I’d heard it before and suddenly here was something resonating with me.
"Don’t Look Back In Anger" followed. That chorus, guitar and drum solo was just euphoric to my ears. Then the psychedelia of "Champagne Supernova". I’d suddenly found a home. Oasis became my band and I bought my copy of the album at Tower Music on Lambton Quay.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that they had a debut album which was better than the one I’d just bought! I was hooked and have been a fan ever since. I just love the optimism, arrogance and belief in the music. Noel Gallagher’s writing between 1993 and 1997 was prolific and I was there for the ride now I’d discovered it. Fans of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will know the writing standard is still high.
They’re a gateway band too. I ended up living near Manchester for 20 years and you can’t help but appreciate the quality of bands that came before from the area that shaped and influenced the music. There’s elements of The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays etc all within this band. You could even argue The Bee Gees too - Beatles comparisons are lazy.
As time has gone on I still play this album - in fact, all their albums. There’s still a quality which I admire. They’re also nostalgic reminders of my youth - good memories of years gone by. I’m still in awe of Noel Gallagher. I can take or leave a band reunion (bet you've changed your mind on this - Ed,) but I remain bolted to his solo output.
So, yeah, I blame Mike Flowers.