On August 28, 2009, [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Noel Gallagher[/lastfm] walked away from, according to him, “one of the best bands ever.” Although the decision the leave [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Oasis[/lastfm] didn’t shock many, to me, I was actually looking forward to see what the brothers Gallagher would do to continue this fabled sibling musical storyline.
Liam struck first in the post-[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Oasis[/lastfm] years with [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Beady Eye[/lastfm], which is Oasis without Noel. Noel just unleashed the album I have been living with nonstop since he and I sat down for a 30-minute chat on a rainy day in our New York City studios.
To try and ask Noel Gallagher everything that I would want to about his years of making music can’t be done in 30 minutes. The main focus was his new project [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds[/lastfm], an album that has the theme of love and hope all the way through it. Of course, as you’ll see and hear, as we dipped into the past a little bit, and went full-blitz with the new release and the one on the way!
Look for his collaboration with the psychedelic duo [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Amorphous Androgynous[/lastfm] to hit next year. ([lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Amorphous Androgynous[/lastfm] is Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans who were the guys behind [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]The Future Sound Of London[/lastfm].
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds is co-produced with Dave Sardy, who worked with Noel on the last two Oasis studio albums. Noel calls Dave “the most positive person I have ever worked with, he has no fear.” Noel commented on how when it turned the album over to Dave, it was quite British sounding. Dave got his hands on it and gave it “American girth.”
It’s hard to pin down a favorite on this record, it’s that good! When I told Noel that the album’s opening track “Everybody’s On The Run” is my favorite, and just might be my favorite song of the year, he said “yes, that song is great, and I admire your taste.” As for him picking one favorite, he went with “AKA… What a Life!” saying it’s not like anything he’s done before.[pullquote quote=”I’m doing it because I don’t really wanna be in another band. I’ve been in one of the best bands ever.” credit=”Noel on why he went the ‘solo’ route”]
Oasis-related questions and a few personal-related questions are next. Will there be a 20 year celebration in any way for the first two Oasis albums? Did Noel regret walking away from Oasis on “that” night in Paris. (Listen and watch him answer this, and see if you think like I think. Perhaps Oasis might still be together if he went about it a different way?). Does he have any personal regrets? Has he ever gone to see an Oasis cover band? What is his proudest achievement?
Noel will hit the road for a small tour that includes nine North American dates. See those dates here. He promises an extensive tour in 2012.
Make sure your ears hear this gem of an album. Visit your local record shop or go mouse crazy at Amazon or iTunes.
1. Everybody’s On The Run
2. Dream On
3. If I Had A Gun…
4. The Death Of You And Me
5. (I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine
6. AKA…What A Life!
7. Soldier Boys And Jesus Freaks
8. AKA…Broken Arrow
9. (Stranded On) The Wrong Beach
10. Stop The Clocks
11. Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me
12. The Good Rebel
Next week, I will post more of this interview at Last.fm Discover. Make sure you keep checking it for it to post! Noel just has too many great quotes, fun things to say and great insight. It must be seen and heard. Trust me, there will be some classic stuff you MUST hear.
