Definitely Maybe 33 1/3 - Alex Niven
Recently read a bunch of books in the 33 1/3 series (Computer World, Paul’s Boutique, Sign of the Times, Pet Sounds, Diamond Dogs, Kid A, Bitches Brew) and really liked this ‘timely’ one (and all the others as well).
I found many of the insights spot on. That the sound of Definitely Maybe is Oceanic. Buoyant. Radically positive and aspirational while also melancholic. The sound of taking flight to escape working class nightmare. Driving and euphoric with the trap of failure lurking just under the surface. Flight out of misery.
That Oasis distilled the spirit of the age - including the oceanic/whirlpool sound of Nirvana and MBV - into something positive hopeful and life affirming.
That it’s not so much derivative as it is a collage, like Paul’s Boutique in a way.
That they were a Garage band creating panoramic grandeur. The sound of discovering a magic formula out of limited means and rudimentary materials. Maximum power from bare minimum elements.
And that Oasis then became the disaster. The debauching wealth worshipping rock aristocrats. A drastic inversion of principles that made Definitely Maybe (and all the B-sides) great.
Even Morning Glory wasn’t that good (some good songs but overall just ok)
