Oasis -- I guess this is really it, then.

Stand By Me --- Nobody knows...they way it's gonna be

So, I'm actually going to (again) skip doing homework-y things and will focus on something that has just recently happened.

Apparently, Oasis has actually, seriously split up.

Now, being an Oasis fan as long as I have (going on 14 years), hearing rumors of break ups or actually having them "break up" (I cite the numerous times in the 90s and beyond) only to get back together again...well, naturally, I took this with a grain of salt.

So I went along, thinking it wasn't *that* serious, even though I had heard of the major breakdown of Noel and Liam's relationship. I just assumed it would be "okay." I then amused myself by seeing 15 year olds freak out over the break up, when I was like that at that age when Nate Atkinson told me Oasis had split up then. This was after Jason Conklin had told me and I thought he was just trying to rile me up.

Needless to say, the 15 year old me was gutted then. But fast forward many many years later, I felt like I was a veteran of Oasis breakups. I foolishly hoped that it was trivial.

But after a little more research, and seeing my fellow Oasis friends post their reactions...well, my lackadaisical attitude then began to shift. It's taking a while to sink in. At first, I think I was a little "eh." But the more I thought about it, thought about how Oasis affected my life, and how I used to love their music so much (now having a bit of a renaissance again)---well, I began feeling fairly gutted.

Say what you want about Oasis, or the Gallagher brothers in general. They're egotistical, big mouthed, etc etc. I know that. I know they can be and have been jerks. I know that they blatantly rip off their musical heroes (and they actually rip off the good ones...and hey, at least he admits to ripping off those guys). I'm aware of their faults and limitations. They weren't going to be like Radiohead. They were just going to be a straight up rock and roll band. They were going to be Oasis.



That's big guitars, big hooks, anthems. They inspired thousands. Millions.

They touched the life of one insecure 15 year old and told her it "would be okay." They singlehandedly pushed that girl into loving the music, into getting into rock and roll. Although the affection for Oasis was eclipsed by other bands, she never lost that spot in her heart for Oasis.

I've often wondered how it would feel like to have a band I followed so closely, that I loved so much, split up. Many people have seen their favorite bands split, and talk about how anguishing it is. I've not had to experience that. Not until now.

And it does. Suck. To be honest, it's sort of an inconvenience right now, but I feel it may intensify. Especially since I've never seen them live...now I wish I had gone to see them in Vegas or...somewhere in California...somewhere.

I have no doubt that Oasis could reunite again. Just not for a long while. At least, the world will finally hear a true Noel Gallagher solo record.

I think I'll listen to Oasis for the majority of the weekend. Remember the good times, and hope for better.

001. Gosh, first blog post in the new year.

Wellll...Not quite sure how I manage to keep up with this anymore, but uhm, welcome to the new year? I did start off with listening to Sigur Ros' Hoppipolla as the new year rang in with rain and fireworks--and the year started off well, even though leaning toward the end of 2008, I felt a bit low. Must have been the weather.

In the early hours of 2009, I underwent my annual "Clearing out of iTunes." Spring cleaning, as it were. And of course, I had to screen cap it all. I mean, I think it was pretty crazy--especially the last six months.

The end of year iTunes library: (click on pics for full image)



The total plays for Radiohead, Oasis, and Interpol. Radiohead, of course, coming through in a big way.





Keep in mind, the bulk of the Radiohead plays came within the last six months of 2008. When I tell you I had a MASSIVE addiction, I'm being quite serious.

Anyway, Top 25 of 2008--the top played track was at 700(Radiohead's Jigsaw Falling Into Place). My top played in 2007 was 228 (Interpol's C'mere)

So again, addiction. I think the low count in 2007 was attributed to the fact that I may have not had a computer at some stages. And 2008 saw me getting a Shuffle which aided a lot in keeping a high play count.

Anyway this is the top 25 played in 2008:



For any comparison to 2007, you can look at this post.

The order in which I put music back in:

1. Radiohead (re-bought OK Computer just because, and re-bought Pablo Honey because I forgot to back it up on the external HD)
2. Interpol
3. Oasis
4. Fleet Foxes
5. Bon Iver

Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver, because I was in the mood. The only truly required were the first 3...oh and...

6. Muse
7. The Smiths

In any re-adding back into the computer...the first 3 (Radiohead being the recent, but Interpol and especially Oasis are required). Muse and The Smiths are what I suspect will be thrust into the top 10 or 5....I don't know. I can anticipate my listening habits. Radiohead sure came in a big way. I wouldn't have anticipated that they would have become my favorite band. I mean, I've mentioned that I've always admired them, but something changed---and it's a lot different now.

I have iTunes on Shuffle at the moment, and I haven't added anything since The Smiths...maybe Thom Yorke's "The Eraser." I'll hold off for now, though.

Anyway...I leave you with my top 5 at the moment:

1. Your Protector - Fleet Foxes
2. Let Down - Radiohead
3. This Charming Man - The Smiths
4. Skinny Love - Bon Iver
5. Optimistic - Radiohead

Holy 90s flashback, Kokua Festival, I bought a lot of music again

I'm going to try a new thing on this blog. I have a last.fm and it usually scrobbles what I listen to on a daily basis. I think some plays have been missed, but whatev. At the beginning, I've put up a screenshot of the 'Most Played Artists' of that week.

This week, it's been a bit of a nostalgic week. That explains the Stone Temple Pilots, The Offspring, Weezer, Oasis, Weird Al and Green Day. I really started getting into music, my own music, when I hit high school. 1995-1996, Freshman year. MTV was playing more of the alternative stuff then(broad term, I know), and that's what I started to latch onto. Oasis, as I've said before, was my big love. And I watched a lot of MTV and VH-1 trying to catch "Wonderwall" or "Champagne Supernova," and by the way I would catch songs like Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterfly Wings," STP's "Big Bang Baby," and "Burden in my Hand" by Soundgarden. The Weird Al listening was limited pretty much to 'Alternative Polka' and 'Amish Paradise.'

It was a good time for me, and I miss it a lot for the music.

But looking at the rest of my top played, there was a definite Beatles resurgence, spurned on by my constant 'Traveling Wilburys' listening. There's a lot of 'While my Guitar Gently Weeps' listening there. Sigur Ros, is always lovely. I've been playing them as I drifted off to sleep. I've finally received my DVD of Heima, so I'll be watching that soon.

Yeasayer are just an incredible indie band. Quality each time. The Raveonettes are a band I always have love for. I've been behind, so I didn't realize they released a new album. When I get the chance I will definitely get that.

eMusic, how I love that website. I've just got Elliott Smith's "Either/Or" and Stars' "Set Yourself on Fire" and Mason Jennings's self-titled debut. Mason is coming to the Kokua Festival this year (and I'm going, woot!), so I'm doing a bit of musical research. Kokua is featuring Mason, Paula Fuga, Go Jimmy Go, DAVE MATTHEWS and Tim Reynolds, and of course, Jack Johnson.

I also bought 'Live at Radio City' by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. Ooh, I get to see 'Gravedigger' live. Sweeeeet.

Oh, and iTunes, I spent waaay too much in there this week! I can't justify using Limewire, so I bought a lot of singles off there during the 90s nostalgic phase. I also bought 'Poses' by Rufus Wainwright. Really, really lovely.

I think I have like 18 more downloads on eMusic for the month, but I think I will save that for Mason Jennings. We'll see.

Anyway. That's it for now. I've got a lot of music to report in on within the week, so laters. :)

2008 will be awesome!

I'm very excited for 2008 musically. Two of my favorite bands, Oasis (the first love) and Stellastarr* are in the studio. Oasis are in the process of mixing their 7th studio album in Los Angeles. Well, that was last week, anyway. I think they might still be at it. Dave Sardy, who worked with them on 2005's "Don't Believe The Truth" is back on board, so I'm very excited about that.


This came up in my stellastarr* Google Alert. Oh man, I am psyched. I think it would be safe to say that stellastarr* is my 3rd favorite band, although they do scuffle with Oasis for that 2nd spot. Which---they probably do occupy, but I haven't accepted that Oasis are falling further down...

Anyway. According to the article, stellastarr* are working on 14 songs, one named "Zombie Prom." Interesting. Warchild (which I haven't heard yet) is on there as well.

Ah, I'm just psyehed.

In other news...Jack Johnson is headlining Coachella on Friday night. O RLY? That's....weird! It'd be fun to go to, but quite frankly, I guess I'm a little surprised.

Here's who's playing: (carried over from Interpol Online)

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Jack Johnson, The Verve, The Raconteurs, The Breeders, Fatboy Slim, Tegan and Sara, Madness, Swell Season, The National, Animal Collective, Slightly Stoopid, Mum, Pendulum, Sharon Jones, Stars, Battles, Aesop Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, Minus the Bear, Spank Rock, Dan le sac vs Scrombium Pin, Diplo, Adam Freeland, Santo Gold, Jens Lekman, John Butter Trio, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Architecture in Helsinki, Sandra Collins, Busy P, Cut Copy, Black Lips, Datarock, Professor Murder, Reverend and the Makers, The Bees, Porter, Rogue Wave, Modeselektor, American Gang, Lucky I AM

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Portishead, Kraftwerk, Death Cab for Cutie, Cafe Tacvba, Sasha and Digweed, Rilo Kiley, Dwight Yoakam, M.I.A., Hot Chip, Cold War Kids, Stephen Malkmus, Devotchka, Flogging Molly, Mark Ronson, Turbonegro, Scars On Brodway, Islands, Enter Shikari, Calvin Harris, Boyz Noise, Junkie XL, Cinematic Orchstra, Jamie T, The Teenagers, VHS or Beta, Garbon/Silicon, Erol Alkan, Yo Majesty, Little Brother, Bonde Do Role, St. Vincent, Akron Family, MGMT, Institubes DJS, Surkin, Orgasmic, James Zbiola, SebastiAn, Kavinsky, Dready, The Bird and the Bee, Grand Ole Party, New Young Pony, 120 Days, Yoav, Electric Touch, UFFIE

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Roger Waters, Love and Rockets, My Morning Jacket, Spiritualized, Justice, Gogol Bordello, Chromeo, The Streets, Metric, Danny Tenaglia, Simian Mobile Disco, Booka Shade, Murs, Dimitri From Paris, Autolux, The Field, Lintop Kwesi Johnson, Les Savy Fab, The cool Kids, Sons and Daghters, Sia, Holy Fuck, Black Kuls (if it's a typo and they're actually Black Kids), Black Mountain, The Animals, Kid Sister feat. A-Trak, Mon Man, Duffy, I'm From Barcelona, Manchester Orchestra, Deadmau5, The horrors, Austin TV, Shout Out Louds, Plastiscenes, Brett Dennen


Nice.

Anyway. That's it for now.

As far as what I'm listening to at the moment...Stars. I got their album "In Our Bedroom After The War." Brilliant. I've also got The New Pornographers' "Challengers" album. That title track is great.

Oasis-the origin of my musical obsession

"Maybe...you're going to be the one that saves me."


It only seems right that since I'm doing a music blog, that I start off with my favorite band....Oasis. I suppose I should explain just how a girl like me got into Oasis. Start this off right, yeah?

Well, then. The year was 1995. I was a high school freshman. I listened to music a bit, but most of it was the soft rock station variety, with the occasional dabble into hip-hop or whatever was popular at the time. Back then, MTV was rock-centered...no boy band in sight. There was the "gangsta rap" war going on between Tupac and Biggie, but I couldn't be bothered. It was in this period where I religiously watched MTV and VH-1...just watched music videos. There were a lot of good ones, videos that if I watched them now...would just bring me back to those days. Nada Surf's "Popular," Superdrag's "Sucked Out," "Ironic" and "Hand In My Pocket" by Alanis Morrisette, Collective Soul's "The World I Know," etc etc....the list goes on.

One of those videos just happened to be Oasis' "Wonderwall." Yes, I attribute MTV with introducing me to Oasis. In 1994, Oasis had a brief hit in the US with "Live Forever" off their debut Definitely Maybe. I liked the tune, but was not really into the rock....yet. Next year with Wonderwall. I saw the video (well, halfway through), and I slowly began realizing that I had heard this band before. The voice....Liam's...distinct. That British band...with that song.....Live Forever! Yeah! Oasis! Cool!

It took about the 3rd time watching the video, and I knew I was addicted. Oasis would go on to release "Champagne Supernova" as a single in the fall, and I loved that track as well. I didn't buy the cassette(yes, cassette) until the summer. What I did instead was take a blank cassette tape and tape the songs as they were played on the radio. Ah, the old days. Hahah. I finally did get the cassette tape of WTSMG one day after summer school. I bought a cheap calculator with it...total: $15 EVEN. I still remember that.

Then I went home.

Popped the cassette into the radio.

And listened. The first track, "Hello" started off with a faux-Wonderwall beginning. It sort of just faded in. I did have a brief impulse to just go and listen to "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova," but I thought I'd listen this cassette through. So I did, and once I thought I had a defect of a cassette...

BAM!

Before I realized, the faux-Wonderwall intro was pulled back and a loud, brash guitar riff replaced it instead. When Alan White (ex-Oasis drummer) came in with the drums....I WAS HOOKED. Liam hadn't even sung a bloody word...and I knew. I KNEW this was MY band. That was the beginning of my Oasis addiction and the beginning of my foray into rock n roll.

Now, it's been 10 years. It blows my mind. They've gone up and down...but they always come back. Now, Oasis isn't as widely popular in the States. Here in Hawaii, I'd be hardpressed to find someone who knew anything outside of "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back In Anger." I guess I should be happy, but I don't think any hard-core [put your favorite band] fan would appreciate that I'd go up to them and be like, "I LOOOOOOVE that one song they do!" And that just happens to be the one hit that band has, that everyone knows....which probably drives that [put band name here] nuts.

I was planning on chatting on their albums, but I think this is a good start. I'll just review each album here and there. I'll just go ahead and recommend a few tracks off that WTSMG era. Download em, pay for em.

Get these: Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger, Champagne Supernova, Cast No Shadow(if you haven't got these, mad cow...haha), Some Might Say....Oh what am I saying. JUST BUY THE ALBUM.

B-sides: The Masterplan, Talk Tonight, and...heck. Bonehead's Bank Holiday, and Half The World Away.



Still an Oasis fan, always an Oasis fan,

Juvs.