THE MASTERPLAN (Creation)

Oasis have always given good value on their singles, the A-side regularly supported by two or three proper songs rather than throwaways of tired remixes. As a result they have built up a back catalogue of 33 non-album tracks, 14 of which are collected here. It is tempting to claim that this is a better set then last year's heavily criticised "Be Here Now". It is close but this release is clearly a holding operation. The cover of "I Am The Walrus" is gratuitous but there are several genuinely great songs among the 13 Gallagher originals - especially the semi-orchestral "Going Nowhere", "Rockin' Chair" (as Beatle-ish as they have ever sounded), the lovely acoustic "Talk Tonight" (with Noel singing lead) and the epic "Listen Up". But the real highlight has to be the title track, which is an immense ballad. After the disappointment of their last album this is a timely reminder of how good Oasis can be.

7 out of 10

• The Times & Sunday Times Album & Single Reviews - Index

c 1998 Andrew Turner

aturner@interalpha.co.uk

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