Oasis was good, and now the band is back

Oasis isn't, and never has been, an especially likable band. Ever since they arrived on the international music scene about 30 years ago, the group from Manchester, England — fronted by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher — has been the subject of attention and discussion, if not outright criticism. The band members quickly developed a reputation in the mid-1990s as cocky and at times destructive. They have millions of devoted fans, but seemingly, just as many critics, willing and ready to dismiss them as Beatles wannabes and musical lightweights. There are just people who don't like Oasis. In fairness, the band members have never seemed to like each other much, either. Even when the band was together and productive, the feud between Noel (the older brother, guitarist and songwriter) and Liam (the younger brother with a cutting, Lennon-esque vocals) always seemed to be simmering, and not that far under the surface. I certainly didn't want to like Oasis. I became aware of them in 1995, when the band released its second album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory." Before I'd even heard a note of their recordings, I read critics who noted how their songs seemed strongly influenced by The Beatles. Of course, every pop/rock artist from 1963 on has probably been influenced by that group from Liverpool. But Oasis seemed to go farther than that. People I knew noted that one of their biggest hits, "Don't Look Back in Anger" had a piano opening quite similar to John Lennon's "Imagine." This happened at the point in my life where I was becoming Beatles obsessed. The Beatles Anthology was released in 1995, and I was completely enamored with John, Paul, George and Ringo. If some critics thought Oasis was simply a Beatles knockoff, well, I've had worse reasons not to like a group. Plus, Oasis couldn't be The Beatles. There would be no "Hard Day's Night" film or "Yellow Submarine" cartoon for it. They seemed more likely and happy to brawl — with each other — than produce a comedy or a lunch box. But then, something happened. I heard "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" and, despite whatever I was telling people at the time, really enjoyed it. The band had an edge, but it also had a knack for pop hooks and melodies. Songs like "Some Might Say" and "Acquiesce" were incredibly catchy and enjoyable. Maybe it wasn't exactly original. But if you like a song, there's not much you can do. Either it works or it doesn't. And, I really appreciated Liam Gallagher's voice. In 2000, Oasis came to Blossom Music Center near Cleveland. They were part of a show with the bands Spacehog and The Black Crowes. That was one heck of a show. Oasis was really good. The band split in 2009, as problems between Liam and Noel boiled over. Since then, there have been lawsuits and very public disagreements. It was actually amusing to watch two brothers — once bandmates — chirping at each other on social media and elsewhere. These guys could call each other, and argue in private. Maybe they did. But more and more, it was out for public consumption. Relations between the two seemed to be irreparable. But you can never say never. Not in life, and especially not in pop music, when a potential reunion and the amount of money that goes with it is always available, and growing. This week, Oasis announced it would tour in 2025. Prices are said to start at $100 a ticket. I like Oasis. But I'll be happy to hold on to my memories, and my pocketbook. Oh, look, after three decades, it's in print. Oasis is good. Maybe not likable. But good. In music, that's enough. Baker is sports editor at The Courier.