The Masterplan is a collection of B-sides from the world-renowned Oasis. Released in 1998, the album was, in my opinion, one of the stronger releases from the group. The songs were recorded in the mid-90s, the band's heyday, when they still retained their swagger and exuberance which, to an extent, they have lost nowadays.
The album is 14 tracks long, and runs around 70minutes, very good value considering you can find the album for less than 'paper money.' It's under £4.00 on Ciao.
The Album
[Track 1 - Acquiesce]
The album starts with 'What's The Story... Morning Glory' echoing in the background when it is awoken by a rocking riff and characteristic Oasis styling in Liam's vocals. The chorus is decent and is sung by Noel in this case. Liam takes over the verses and the song seems like it would go well with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. A decent opening, upbeat and appropriate. This was one of the B-sides to the song 'Some Might Say.'
7.5/10
[Track 2 - Underneath The Sky]
A mellower offering this time, a little easier to visualise what the song is saying. This track was a B-side to 'Don't Look Back In Anger' which may explain why it is a little more reserved than the first song. A little uneventful, but still a pleasant, chilled song.
7/10
[Track 3 - Talk Tonight]
Another 'Some Might Say' B-side this time, the song charts Noel's deliberation over whether to quit the band whilst they were on tour in America. A poignant number which Noel says he was inspired to write after an all-night discussion with a couple in his hotel, whom he credits for keeping him in Oasis. This is emphasised in the chorus of '...I wanna talk tonight, until the morning light, 'bout how you saved my life. The song is acoustic and has few drums, opting for the occasional clap as percussion instead. A charming
song, which shows the more emotional side of Oasis.
7.5/10
[Track 4 - Going Nowhere]
The album remains slightly withdrawn again here, a mature song, acoustic guitars once again. A few classical instruments backing the band here, typical cryptic but inventive Oasis lyrics on show once again, with Noel offering a melodic presence on the microphone. This is Oasis relaxing in the best way they know how. If you listen carefully, the lyrics smack of ambition and realism and offer further proof as to why Oasis have done so well. This song was a B-side to 'Stand By Me' which itself it a very chilled song.
7/10
[Track 5 - Fade Away]
The acoustic guitar is out this time. Electric is the order of the day again. The drummer is back in the mix again. This song was included on the single for 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' an early release when the band was at its rock and roll peak. The pace of the track is the quickest so far and whilst it is a good track, it is also somewhat unremarkable in its own way.
6.5/10
[Track 6 -Swamp Song]
This is an instrumental which came with the 'Wonderwall' single. It is very reminiscent of the album what's the story which included the above single. No vocals, but a screeching guitar rings out what is almost a four-minute solo with periodic blasts on the drums. A decent track but nothing special.
5.5/10
[Track 7 - I Am The Walrus (Live)]
This version was recorded at a Sony promo gig in scotland in 1994. The song was originally written and performed by the Beatles. It opens with Liam saying to an assumably disgruntled audience member "What's up?... Does it matter if it's our tune?.. Doesn't matter if it's our tune... cos your cool!" Then the song drops in with a slightly rockier feel than the Beatles went for, but doesn't change the original formula too much. The band are greatly influenced by the Beatles. A good song, but personally, I believe it doesn't add much to the Beatles' original attempt.
6.5/10
[Track 8 - Listen Up]
As per tracks 5 & 7, this is another 'Cigarettes & Alcohol' B-side. The song starts with cymbal heavy drumming and a guitar riff characteristic of the Definitely Maybe era. It doesn't really pick up any further pace here, but Liam's gruff vocals keep the song in character. A very typical Oasis number.
7/10
[Track 9 - Rockin Chair]
This song was originally released with 'Roll With It' and fades in to a downbeat, pleasant acoustic guitar riff. Liam bellows out some poignant, mature vocals which gives a different flavour to much of the music preceding this track. A pleasing song which shows the Gallagher's thoughtful and problematic content in their songwriting. I quite enjoy this song. An intelligent offering.
8/10
[Track 10 - Half The World Away]
Initially a B-side to the classic song 'Whatever' this song will familiar to lots of people as the theme tune to the sitcom 'The Royle Family.' A disdain filled acoustic track with lyrics such as 'I would like to leave this city, this old town don't smell too pretty' and 'here I go, still scratching around in the same old hole, body feels young but my mind is very old...' struck a chord with me a long time ago. The song reminds me of Manchester, I think this may even be the city in question. I used to live there as a child. A heartfelt track which rightly deserves its recognition.
9/10
[Track 11 - (It's Good) To Be Free]
The acoustic has gone again, replaced by a rocky but slow-tempo vibe this time. A little known Oasis song, which would be a wise choice for any fan to download if they have never heard it. A typical offering from the band and good quality as usual.
7.5/10
[Track 12 - Stay Young]
This B-side accompanies 'D'ya Know What I Mean' and is possibly one of the best tracks on the album. The lyrics incline me to believe it was written in the midst of Liam's cocaine haze with a chorus of 'HEY! Stay! Young and Invincible, Come! What! may, we're Unstoppable...' Strong if a little cocky lyrics bt this sums up the bands general character. They may have mellowed and wisened lately but this song is a prime example of hy they are so much lauded. A great track.
9/10
[Track 13 - Headshrinker]
Originally included on the 'Some Might Say' single, a high tempo, raw delivery gives this song a cutting edge. Not quite as good as the last track, but more proof of Oasis' extensive musical talent. Not as treated and considerate as most of the other tracks on the CD, but a howling hard rock assault which is one last crack at full throttle before the album's climax.
8/10
[Track 14 - The Masterplan]
A patient build up with a solitary acoustic which is soon greeted by peaceful violins, a solemn ending to this release. Noel akes the microphone for this demi-ballad. Intelligent lyrics, which deserve interpretation, seriously, listen carefully, they are wise lyrics in my opinion. A dramatic chorus, which works wonders in a live atmosphere, also on the CD to be honest. 'Say It Loud and Sing It Proud Todaaaaaaaay....' to prompt the upcoming grandure of the real chorus. A very nice way to seal the album closed and another example of the way Oasis the can traverse the musical spectrum cleverly.
9/10
In Summary
This album is a fine collection. No weak tracks really and some truly superb songs. This album is even more so remarkable, when you think that these tracks, were the ones cut from the previous albums. Plenty of professional musicians would never have had the depth of quality to remove works this impressive their albums. Considering thee songs are ALL B-sides, its was/is a lovely treat to hear some outstanding tracks which may have been lost to the cutting room floor. An essential piece of Oasis' back catalogue, a must for any fan and even stands up as a first listen for Oasis.
I would recommend this to anyone with a liking for this type of music. A sublime release. I challenge anybody to listen and not at least find one song which they really like. Yet more proof as to why Oasis are one of most pioneering groups to date and still to this date, one of my most favourite and respected albums. I'm going to go out on a limb, (I don't make this kind of statement very often,) but, this one of the best, if not the best B-side compilation relased to date by anybody. Buy! It! Now!
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I'd consider buying this after reading your review. I gave away my What's The Story and Definitely Maybe; just kept Be Here Now for drunken singing moments. Hmm... Good review. Cheers.
It's often the way of rock&roll--the accidental stuff you don't sweat over often turns out ... more
to be better than the supposedly generation-defining monolith you rupture your life to expel. So it was with Oasis and their third album,Be Here Now--soaked with...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
It's often the way of rock & roll--the accidental stuff you don't sweat over often turns ... more
out to be better than the supposedly generation-defining monolith you rupture your life to expel. So it was with Oasis and their third album, Be Here Now--soaked w...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Some great tracks, lyrics, philopsophical and moral issues raised, interesting, cheap Disadvantages: Some songs go on for too long, can be predictable
craigy_baby_2000 21.02.2001 (27.02.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Masterplan, The - Oasis
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