LIAM GALLAGHER AND JOHN SQUIRE – THE FULL ALBUM REVIEW

” THIS ALBUM IS NOT JUST FOR OASIS AND STONE ROSES FANS, BUT RATHER FOR ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE A NOSTALGIA DRIVEN RIDE BACK OVER THE DECADES THAT MADE ROCK N ROLL THE GREATEST MUSIC OF ALL TIME”

When a young Liam stood there in his bedroom back in Burnage Manchester listening to Made Of Stone with his hands behind his back, a hairbrush sellotaped to a mop handle and practicing that stare we all know so well these days, do you think he ever thought in years to come he’d be making a record with his guitar hero John Squire? Personally I reckon he did. Liam has always had an unprecedented level of pure confidence in his ability as a vocalist and frontman that I believe he manifested this coming together of music minds when oasis was still just a fruity, sugar filled soft drink. Now here in all its glory, we have the album. Some say the most eagerly awaited collaboration since Cerys Matthews and Tom Jones told us it was cold outside. All jokes aside, this really is a piece of musical history from two of the greatest beings in the history of rock n roll.

The Stone Roses and Oasis are undoubtedly two of the most influential bands in the past 30 years but what I like about this album is it’s clearly designed around what influences our influences. I guess this story really kicks off in Knebworth 2022 when Liam invited John Squire to join him on stage for a face melting performance of Champagne Supernova. The absolute power of that moment in time reignited the passion for making music in John and pen hit paper, plectrum hit string and the next thing you know is Liam’s round John’s place in Macclesfield belting out some vocals into logic. The next obvious step for the two boys was to hit a recording studio in L.A and bosh, four weeks later with the help of producer Greg Kurstin (Paul McCartney/Adele/Beck/Foo Fighters) laying down the bass and piano’s while legendary drummer Jerry Waronker (R.E.M/Beck) supplies the solid beats on drums, the album is finished.

TRACK LISTING

Raise Your Hands
Mars to Liverpool
One Day At A Time
I’m A Wheel
Just Another Rainbow
Love You Forever
Make It Up As You Go Along
You’re Not The Only One
I’m So Bored
Mother Nature’s Song

So what does it sound like I hear you ask? Well let’s dive into it track by track

Raise your Hands

Instantly hitting us with hints of the Beatles “fixing a hole” and “The importance of being idle” we have the pounding drums aided by the classic piano, a slight pause and then Liam hits us with the vocal and the start of this story. Woven in-between we have the unmistakable sounds of Squire and the whole thing builds into an almost glam rock anthem with psychedelic hints and feet sweeping riffs. The chorus has all the elements for a massive festival sing a long and of course as the title tells us, get those hands in the air. This is a feel good song that basically tells us no matter the up and downs in life just keep on keeping on, raise those hands in the air and feel the energy.

Mars To Liverpool
The wonderfully titled second single kicks off with a nod to the Rolling Stones but with a more modern Black Crowes vibe. Squires guitar takes the initial lead and it’s almost like Liam bursts through the door about to tell us a story of a late night sesh. “Jesus Christ about last night” is a sure fire engaging lyric and a cracking way to start the narrative. This is a song about the journey of self discovery and the fear. The chorus lifts us once again with its classic McCartney bass sounds, 60’s style riff, warm reverb and almost puts a musical arm around the listener. Squire is on form and I can hear hints of “The Second Coming” with his pedal choice for this record. Fantastically produced and what’s sure to be another fan favourite.

One Day At A Time
This track kicks off with a unmistakeable nod to “The Mama’s and Papas”. The beautiful acoustic intro takes its inspiration directly from California Dreaming, and why not, if you’re in L.A recording an album that sunshine sound is gonna rub off on you. The vibe then shifts into a sway and a swing but holds that California element. The breakdowns in-between verses do give us that folky Jimmy Page acoustic darkness and then lifts us again in the chorus with another feel good message of its gonna be ok just take it one day at a time.

I’m A Wheel
A nice change in pace here with this 12 bar blues adventure. The Beatles “Yer Blues” screams through here and it works. Squire shines with his BB king influences and reminds us he too is one of the greats. Again massive elements of the second coming and riffs like a maze you could lose yourself in. Also have to say lyrically it has one the best Star Wars references since George Lucas wrote that line down. The song doesn’t send you to a galaxy far away. That comes later. This sends you on a nice bluesy ride on a slow river in the sunshine.

Just Another Rainbow
Now this is the part of the album we go to a galaxy far, far away. Or more like a ride in a yellow under water military vehicle into the psychedelic world of Liam and John whilst partaking in refreshments and listening to “Tomorrow Never Knows” on loop. It’s fantastic and exactly what we want to hear from these two greats. We knew from the artwork alone, with its packets of nostalgia, that this record was going to be a nod to all the music, songs and styles that inspired them along their journeys to becoming two of the biggest Rock Stars in history. The song weaves you in and out of the decades from “Jefferson Airplane” to “Ten story love song” and glides you out again in endless guitar heaven.

Love You Forever

The sixties are still in full swing with this reverb laden ode to Hendrix. Clearly played on an iconic fender to give it that authenticity of the day. Keep those lava lamps shinning bright. This song has a great groove, swagger and swing. The psychedelic delicacies are definitely still being served up while Liam’s voice brings us back to reality and we realise we’re not listening to live at Woodstock but actually listening to an album of today. This is a little gem of a tune.

Make It Up As You Go Along
Thank You For The Music by Abba but with the lyrics changed to represent a two fingered gesture that’s been on every newspaper front page since these two boys started to hit the charts whilst drinking pints and knocking out pap’s. It has that glam groove and waves of “I am the walrus” for that almost lazy day feel. But one thing is clear and that’s the message to all the haters. It in no way has aggression but more of a jovial jog on to all those stories in the media over the years, that seemed to be making his life up as they went along.

You’re Not The Only One
Now this track brings us back into that Southern California swing with those big Black Crowes vibes. Straight away I can hear hints of “Remedy” and “Sting Me” from “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion”. This track is another clear nod to the boys influences and various musical favourites. Heavy beats infused with Liam’ iconic vocal tones, electric energy and truly face melting guitar solo excellence. A great rock roll record.

I’m So Bored

Squire takes the lead again with this Revolver- esq stomper. The energy on this track is immensely pleasing with a solid riff that carries us along on this journey. Liam doing what he does best and emulates Lennon’s vocal to the point of perfection. You can definitely tell the boys must of been full of excitement when listening back to the final mixes. This track has everything they love.

Mother Nature’s Song
Now Liam has made no secret over the past few weeks that this is the track he sheds a tear to. That softer almost tender side comes out with its maturity and emotion. The Jimmy Page acoustic guitar returns and fused with its distortion laden lead guitar this track brings the light and dark together all at once. A beautiful end the journey into the musical life’s, loves and woe’s of these two absolute mega stars.

This Album is a must have for not just every Stone Roses or Oasis fan but for everyone who wants to take a nostalgia driven ride back over the decades that made Rock n Roll the greatest music of all time. Released in all its glory on Friday 1st March 2024 and is sure to top the charts. The lads will also be embarking on a massive tour so I’m sure these songs will be sung by thousands and the energy will be, well nothing short of biblical.

The tour will see Liam and John lead a band completed by Barrie Cadogan (Little Barrie, Paul Weller) on bass and Joey Waronker on drums. Jake Bugg will appear as special guest on all shows except Brooklyn. The dates are:

MARCH

13^th – Glasgow, Barrowland

14^th – Wolverhampton, Civic Hall

16^th – Dublin, Olympia

18^th – Newcastle, O2 City Hall

20^th – Manchester, O2 Apollo

21^st – Manchester, O2 Apollo

23^rd – Leeds, O2 Academy

25^th – London, O2 Forum Kentish Town

26^th – London, Troxy

APRIL

2^nd – Paris, Salle Pleyel

4^th – Berlin, Columbiahalle

6^th – Milan, Fabrique

11^th – Brooklyn, Paramount

And a special weekend in Malta in September with Liam Fray, Blossoms, The Lathums, Jamie Webster, Jake Bugg, The K’s The Mary Wallopers, The Royston Club, The View, Picture Parlour, Soft and Villanelles, plus live DJ’s.