Manchester Titans Liam Gallagher and John Squire join forces to create a kaleidoscope of noise without confusion. Some might say this was inevitable, that the greatest guitarist of this generation would join the most recognizable voice in modern rock 'n roll. His story concerns a young Liam who listens to the seminal Stone Roses album and finds it more than biblical.
You have the “Here's Johnny” moment at Knebworth in 1996, where John Squire attended the all-time British pop party and performed on “Champagne Supernova” and “I am the Walrus” with Oasis. More recently, John joined Liam at Knebworth for Gallagher's own party in 2022.
A few months after said appearance at Knebworth 2022, Squire sent Gallagher some demos of newly written songs; John had gotten his mojo back after another failed attempt to see if The Stone Roses could become a thing again and a serious hand injury playing basketball threatened to put an end to Squire's guitar genius, period. The songs he had written, recorded at his home in Macclesfield, caught Gallagher's attention. After exchanging ideas and thoughts about his mutual love of The Byrds, Beatles and Stones, a collaboration was almost impossible to ignore.
Having previously written a song together (Love Me And Leave Me for The Seahorses), it was time for a full album to take shape. Along for the trip are drummer Joey Waronker (he has worked with Beck, REM and Roger Waters on his CV) and producer and bassist Greg Kurstin (Adele and Paul McCartney) and they booked themselves four weeks in a Los Angeles recording studio to get the job. made.
What immediately emerges from the speakers is how free and alive Squire and Gallagher sound. Right from the start, with opener 'Raise Your Hands', there's a force of nature stomping, rhythm and momentum through the song, while Liam sounds as incredible as ever. “Raise your hands; I can see you; we are alive,” demands through a sea of Squire and Byrds-like dreamscapes. The Na, na, na that inevitably follows towards the end of the song will be a recurring theme for weeks. As an opener, he sets the tone with serious intent.
“Mars From Liverpool” has a chorus that begs to be sung by Liam Gallagher. It rises, kicks up any storm and I can guarantee that all the parka loving boys have been singing along daily since it was first released. This song belongs to Liam and his voice. Iconic. “One Day At A Time” features more uplifting lyrics: 'Lord, have mercy, everything will be fine, lie down and dream of me…' with John Squire frolicking gently in the background. “I'm A Wheel” has some early Stones fused with blues; There's even a nod to Star Wars in the lyrics. “These are not the droids you are looking for.” It's a nodding, stomping, sleazy attraction.
The first single, “Just Another Rainbow”, is already famous for including all the colors of the rainbow; Although on first listen I found it lazy and cumbersome, I've come to accept that line and move forward with Squire and his interpretation influenced by “Love Spreads” and “Revolver.” “Love You Forever” also makes a full nod to “Second Coming”-era Roses; Even though it's only three minutes long, you know it's going to be a huge song when the band plays it live.
Speaking of playing songs live, Greg Kurstin had noted that when they were recording the album, they wanted to make sure it sounded as live as possible. That it sounded like a band, that it sounded raw and honest. Joey Waronker's drums and percussion could be described as the MVP of the ten songs. It allows Squire and Gallagher to shine as they push the record ferociously.
“Make It Up As You Go Along” slows down the pace a bit. It's a laid back groove with hints of late Beatles and early Roses goodness. “You're Not The Only One” has a piano-led, Rolling Stones, '60s jazz vibe running through its veins. Squire's solo takes off, as Gallagher's voice takes flight. There are a number of obvious influences on this record, but “I'm So Bored” throws us some unexpected Sex Pistols and The Clash. The drums, growling vocals and deepening bass rumble beautifully.
“Mother Nature's Song” closes the album beautifully. Yes, the title is a letter of the alphabet rather than a particular Beatles song, and yes, you can hear Lennon everywhere, but it is a truly beautiful song. In a recent interview, John Squire said that listening to the finished recording made him cry, and you can understand why. It's one of Gallagher's best vocal performances; yes, it sounds SO good.
I think it's fair to say that there's nothing really unexpected on this album. It doesn't and never was going to sound like The Fall. It sounds exactly what you'd expect from an album by the two Mancun icons. If you like your Roses and love Liam's growly voice, you'll get what you've been asking for and more.
This is easily the best work Liam Gallagher has done since Oasis and the best we've had from John Squire after Second Coming. For those to whom this album is aimed, it is an absolute joy. It doesn't need to impress everyone, but it will impress those for whom it is intended, and there are a few million of them.
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