Oasis Knebworth 1996

The legendary Oasis concert is the next album up for review. 
Side One opens with ‘Columbia’ a snarling opener to both the album and the concert itself. The song chugs along with a repetitive riff and military like drums. A brilliant opener. ‘Acquiesce’ follows and this is one of the bands most underrated tracks, when played live it goes up a level with Liam and Noel both taking vocal duties. This version really showcases the two brothers at the peak of their powers. Ending Side One is the bands first single ‘Supersonic’ another rock stomper, I think this recording of the song is the best version of it. Noels riff is perfect and Liam delivers the vocals the best he’s ever done. 
Side Two opens with ‘Hello’ a shortened version of the song is played but it does what is intended. The song is now almost punk like in delivery. Another of the bands classics. ‘Some Might Say’ sounds as it has always sounded, brilliant. Highlighting a hand on top of the world. ‘Roll With It’ is the next track on Side Two another song that sounds way better live, the introduction with Liams on stage talk is really funny too. ‘Slide Away’ the best track on the album ends Side Two. Liam is untouchable on this track as are the rest of the band it’s the best version of the best song by Oasis! 
Side Three opens with ‘Morning Glory’ one of the bands most underrated songs. As with all of the tracks on this album, the sound is breathtaking. This is Oasis at there very best. The peak of their powers. ‘Round Are Way’ is an obscure choice for the setlist but it was one for the fans, and tells the tale of the bands hometown, the interlude at the end with ‘Up in the Sky’ is a clever and brilliant touch. ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ highlights both the band and fans love of excess and really is a symbol of the whole Knebworth weekend. ‘Whatever’ slows things down with strings and harmonica complete with a mass singalong. What’s not to love. 
Side Four opens with ‘Cast No Shadow’ complete with Richard Ashcroft dedication. Still to this day it’s one of the best songs Noel Gallagher has ever written. Liams voice is at its best and it delivers the beautiful lyrics brilliantly. ‘Wonderwall’ is as expected lapped up by the 125,000 strong crowd. This version of the song highlights in my opinion that although it’s been overplayed and sometimes overhyped it’s still a brilliant song! ‘The Masterplan’ complete with word changes brings a sense of camaraderie between those on stage, those in the crowd, and those of us listening. It’s still the best song Noel has ever written! 
Side Five opens with another Noel led track ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ is delivered in such a heavy way, before it was the melancholic masterpiece it’s become. It was one of the 90s best rock songs. That’s the version we get at Knebworth! The word changes like with ‘The Masterplan’ further highlight the connection between the band and their fans. ‘My Big Mouth’ is the first of two ‘Be Here Now’ tracks on the record it’s amazing to hear how fans lapped up these ‘New’ songs as they were at the time, the snappy nature of the song is a snapshot into what ‘Be Here Now’ could have been. ‘It’s Getting Better Man’ is the second from the bands 1997 album and stands up alongside the rest of the album perfectly, again it’s almost punk like in delivery. A true classic.
Side Six opens with ‘Live Forever’ a song of hope and optimism, at the time of Knebworth this song summed up the mood of a nation, virtually everything was great and many wanted it all to ‘Live Forever’. The albums penultimate track is a 7 minute like psychedelic masterpiece, complete John Squire on guitar, he adds an extra complex dynamic to an already complex song. It’s the perfect way to bring the album into its close. A cover of The Beatles track ‘I Am the Walrus’ ends the record. In the most Oasis way possible. Complete with brass and a former Stone Roses guitarist. A brilliant end to the best concert by Oasis! 
Thank you for reading