Liam Gallagher’s mam didn’t raise no fookin’ fools. After all, it’s been more than a decade now since Oasis rancorously and spectacularly imploded. But even though the Anorak-addicted vocalist has released four studio albums since then — two with his mates in Beady Eye and two under his own name — he knows exactly what his fans really want to hear. And he gracefully obliges on his surprisingly strong instalment of MTV Unplugged, smartly dividing his set between newer originals and Oasis chestnuts like Champagne Supernova, Some Might Say and Stand By Me — and even recruiting old pal Bonehead to help out (and bring some extra authenticity to the proceedings). But it isn’t all polite pandering and pleasant crowdpleasing; Gallagher and his string-sweetened ensemble also acquit themselves remarkably well on the rest of the ballad-heavy set, which is highlighted by a superbly soaring and lavish version of Gone. One last thought about foolishness: Why shell out for audio tracks today when you’ll surely be able to score the video version by Christmas?
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Last summer Liam Gallagher joined the list of all-time greats (Paul McCartney, Page and Plant, Nirvana and many more) who have filmed a prestigious MTV Unplugged session. Having missed Oasis’s 1996 session through illness, the show at Hull’s City Hall found Liam fulfilling some unfinished business entirely on his own terms. Liam commented, “I was honoured to perform at the legendary showcase that is MTV Unplugged. It was a lovely experience and the people of Hull were biblical and sounded fantastic. I hope you enjoy the record. LG x” The show’s electrifying atmosphere is palpable from the very beginning with a phenomenal reaction as Liam takes to the stage with Wall of Glass. Material from Liam’s solo career such as his personal favourite Once and the joyous Now That I’ve Found You resonates in this stripped-back format, with his vocal shining alongside a trio of backing singers and string arrangements performed by the 24-piece Urban Soul Orchestra. Stripped of the force of its studio recording, Gone is a standout as it reveals new-found bombastic dynamics and an evocative cinematic atmosphere. Oasis guitarist Bonehead features on performances of Some Might Say, Stand By Me, Cast No Shadow and Liam’s first ever live vocal performance of the Definitely Maybe bonus track Sad Song. The show concludes on a crowd-pleasing high with an emotive take on the classic Champagne Supernova.”
https://youtu.be/EnzVduS-vyE
