Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

When Oasis disbanded in 2009 (for good this time!), you knew the Bros. Gallagher would lick their wounds and eventually re-form separate acts. While vocalist Liam and two other Oasis musicians released an album with Beady Eye (perhaps too quickly), guitarist and primary songwriter Noel took his time to produce an effort that was worth the wait. Noel is undoubtedly the superior musician. His broad vocal range is clear and crisp (showcased on “If I Had A Gun…”) and doesn’t threaten to rattle windows, as Liam’s often does. The songwriting remains rooted in its catchy simplicity. Three or four chords are all he needs to prove his point on the brooding “Let The Lord Shine A Light On Me” (available on the “deluxe edition”) and the inspiring “(I Wanna Live In A Dream In My) Record Machine.” Oasis aficionados may also recognize the song “Stop the Clocks” as the title of the band’s 2006 compilation CD. The song never appeared on that album, since Oasis was never happy with any version. It’s a winner here. Between the loud bravado Brit-Pop bands are known for and its quieter acoustic moments, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds has very few weak spots.