Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (2LP)

(What's The Story) Morning Glory? is available on standard CD & digital download, Deluxe Edition 3CD & digital download, & 12 vinyl LP (with digital download bundle of all bonus CD content).

(What's The Story) Morning Glory? has been remastered from the original tapes by Ian Cooper at London s Metropolis Studios, supervised by the album's producer Owen Morris. A small army of contributors, including original members of the inner circle who were involved in studio and live recordings, came together to hunt down unheard demos and live material. The team also unearthed a wealth of never-seen-before photos and vintage memorabilia, which will be included in the new artwork.

Each brand new edition of the album includes a re-mastered version of the original. The Special Edition CD includes two CDs of all the B-sides plus rare and unreleased Oasis tracks from the Morning Glory era.

Highlights of the bonus content include:

Previously unheard demos of She's Electric and Rockin Chair recorded at Mark Coyle's Manchester studio Demos of Some Might Say, Hey Now, and Boneheads Bank Holiday recorded by Mark Coyle for the first time at the band's soundcheck, Club Quattro in Tokyo in September 1994

Live recordings from legendary gigs such as Knebworth House, Maine Road Stadium, Earls Court, and Bath Pavilion

All of the Morning Glory singles acclaimed B-sides including Talk Tonight, Acquiesce, The Masterplan, and Underneath The Sky

Released in October 1995, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" is the second studio album by English rock band Oasis. Coming on the heels of their debut album "Definitely Maybe," this follow-up solidified Oasis's position at the forefront of the Britpop movement, capturing the spirit of a generation with its anthemic tracks, singalong choruses, and the Gallagher brothers' unmistakable blend of swagger and vulnerability. The album is a tour de force of 1990s British rock, blending influences from classic rock with the energy and attitude of the emerging Britpop scene.

The album opens with "Hello," a track that combines a rock 'n' roll ethos with a pop sensibility, setting the tone for an album that is both accessible and deeply resonant. The use of Gary Glitter's "Hello, Hello, I'm Back Again" in the intro pays homage to rock traditions while asserting Oasis's contemporary relevance.

The second track, "Roll With It," is a defiant anthem that became emblematic of the Britpop era. Its straightforward rock structure, catchy melody, and Liam Gallagher's confident vocals encapsulate the band's ethos of perseverance and self-assurance in the face of criticism and rivalry, notably with fellow Britpop band Blur.

"Wonderwall," perhaps the album's most iconic track, showcases Noel Gallagher's songwriting prowess with its simple yet powerful chord progression and memorable melody. The song's ambiguous lyrics and emotional delivery have made it a timeless anthem of love and longing, resonating with audiences worldwide and becoming one of the era's defining songs.

"Don't Look Back in Anger," another standout track, allows Noel Gallagher to take lead vocals, delivering a song that combines personal reflection with a universal message of hope and resilience. The track's piano intro, inspired by John Lennon's "Imagine," sets a nostalgic tone that builds to an explosive, cathartic chorus.

The album also includes "Some Might Say," the band's first UK number one single, which encapsulates Oasis's ability to blend melodic rock with lyrical depth, exploring themes of hope and disillusionment against a backdrop of driving guitars and anthemic vocals.

"Morning Glory," the title track, is a high-energy rock song that captures the raw power and attitude of the band, with lyrics that seem to reflect the chaos and excitement of their meteoric rise to fame.

The inclusion of two untitled tracks, referred to as "The Swamp Song – Excerpt 1" and "The Swamp Song – Excerpt 2," adds an experimental edge to the album, showcasing the band's willingness to explore different sounds and textures within the context of a mainstream rock album.

The album closes with "Champagne Supernova," a seven-minute epic that combines psychedelic influences with Oasis's signature rock sound. The song's reflective lyrics, sweeping arrangement, and memorable guitar solos provide a fitting end to an album that captures the highs and lows of fame, love, and the search for meaning.

Produced by Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" is characterized by its rich production, featuring layered guitars, string arrangements, and the occasional use of sound effects to create a dense, immersive sound. The album's production played a significant role in shaping the sound of Britpop and influencing a generation of musicians.

Upon its release, the album received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. It cemented Oasis's status as one of the leading bands of the 1990s and became a cultural touchstone for the Britpop movement.

In conclusion, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" is more than just an album; it's a snapshot of a moment in time when British rock music captured the world's attention. With its unforgettable melodies, evocative lyrics, and bold production, the album stands as a testament to Oasis's lasting impact on music and culture.