I had to look, but I was pleased to say they were still there. These first two Oasis album nestling, undisturbed in the O section on the shelves. ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘Whats The Story’ sitting there nicely awaiting a re-spin some 30 years on. They’ve survived a few culls which have been less forgiving to some big albums. But, as I write I’m looking down on these two CD’s and a bonus B side compilation and recalling what attracted me to them in the first place.
I guess, for me, there was something about the straightforward nature of the songs and that voice. Big, warm, distorted guitars playing all the usual chords always makes for a good start, but there was also an ache and an ambition that couldn’t quite be ignored which drew me in. These guitars were important though. Suddenly, after years of drum machines, loops and beats, guitar, bass and drums were back in fashion and music shops were packed out with young kids turning up the amps and blasting out Live Forever. For that alone Oasis need thanked.
And what, I hear you ask, has this to do with country music? Nothing really except at BBC Radio Scotland over last weekend this week there is a recognition that the lads are in town and 200,000 gig goers can’t all be wrong. So, to this week the AC will doff a bucket hat to Manchester’s finest and play an hour of country songs celebrating, warning and occasionally over indulging in Cigarettes and Alcohol.
You’ll hear Hardy, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Lainey Wilson and Alan Jackson holding a cold one while they sing songs in praise or fear of the demon drink. What happens when they light up while the beer flows? You’ll need to tune in to find out.
Earlier we’ll catch up with some great new music. Listen out for new cuts from Morgan Wade, Joshua Hedley and The Barr Brothers. We first met these brothers a good few years ago when they performed a memorable session in studio one and, if memory serves me well, their set up involved a spinning bicycle wheel! We’ll also get back to our year long Neil Young celebration with a great suggestion from a listener. You can have a Neil track played too. All you need to do is write to me rickyross@bbc.co.uk and pick a country tinged Neil song and supply the reasons you’ve chosen it.
Do we do all of this in two hours? Oh yes. It all starts at five past eight this Tuesday evening on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Scotland . Join me if you can.