Worth Saying: Import The Single of "Some Might Say!"

The Good: Good mix on the six-track Japanese import, good lyrics, Songs that rock!
The Bad: Short, Most tracks available elsewhere
The Basics: Make the effort to import the Japanese six-track "Some Might Say" single if you're going to go through the effort and expense of adding this to your collection.


As I near the end of my collection of singles (huzzah!), I find myself contemplating the c.d. single in general. The purpose is somewhat insulting to those who contemplate such things. C.D. singles, before downloading songs killed the medium, were usually two to five tracks, the same size and composition as regular c.d.s and they cost an average of $2.00. And recording companies made money off them. The cost of a compact disc - in terms of materials - is less than $1.00/per, which pretty much makes one never want to pay full price for a c.d. ever again. The Japanese, it seems, have a better ethic when it comes to singles, at least in the case of Oasis. Oasis c.d. singles released in Japan tend to have extra tracks on them. The latest example of this comes in the form of Oasis's c.d. single for "Some Might Say," which is available in the four track UK import or the six track Japanese import. As always, I'm reviewing the one with more bells and whistles and it's important to note that the fundamental difference in the track listing is the Japanese version includes two additional tracks.

"Some Might Say" was the first single released off Oasis's second album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory and the single contains the title track, "Talk Tonight," "Acquiesce," "Headshrinker," "Some Might Say (Demo Version)" and "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away." This is the only way to get the latter two tracks; they do not appear on any other discs or anthologies. And the question is, is the disc worth it for that?

Yes.

"Some Might Say" is a decent rock track, as is "Acquiesce" (some say it's the best Oasis song to never be a single). "Headshrinker" has grown on me while listening to this single, as opposed to its appearance on The Masterplan. All of the tracks (save the last) are well-written Oasis tracks constructed by Noel Gallagher. His poetics remain strong on this disc.

The gems are those two tracks that are unique to this disc. The demo version of "Some Might Say" has more of an acoustic feeling to it and without the blaring guitars - they are present in more of a backing role, which works well for the song - the articulation of the lyrics is phenomenal. The lazy-day swagger of "Some Might Say" reaches its peak in the demo version and it's a wonderful new way to experience the otherwise familiar track.

The cover of The Beatles' "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" is another worthy addition to the Oasis pantheon. Compared frequently to The Beatles, Oasis's cover gives them an opportunity to modernize the track some. It's not one that will light the world on fire, but it's an interpretation that is a gem for Oasis fans. The icing on the cake of the single is hearing Liam singing this classic.

Otherwise, this is a decent sampler of Oasis tracks, but they are available elsewhere. "Acquiesce," for example, stands out as one of the greatest rock anthems Noel ever wrote. To hear Liam croon, "'Cause we need each other / We believe in one another . . ." on this single allows those of us not in touch with the band at its origins to imagine how fabulous it must have been to hear the song the first time with this being the only way.

The truth is, though, it's been so long since I first heard "Acquiesce" on The Masterplan (and now on Stop The Clocks) that even with the quality of that track - and Noel's haunting "Talk Tonight" - the only reason I find to pull this single out is for the last two tracks. This is a great disc for anyone who loves Oasis, but it has little to offer those who are not fans, especially for the effort to track it down. As it is, of the four tracks, three are on The Masterplan, which is a great investment.

But for fans of Oasis, the Japanese version of "Some Might Say" is the way to go. The demo version of the title track makes it worth hunting down, even if it is not your favorite Oasis song. But for the rest of you, it's not likely to be worth it (unless you love covers of The Beatles, in which case it's definitely worth it!).

For other Oasis works, please check out my reviews of:
Definitely Maybe
"Whatever" (Single)
(What's The Story?) Morning Glory
“Wonderwall” (single)
“Don’t Look Back In Anger” (single)
Be Here Now
"Stand By Me" (single)
"Don't Go Away" (Single)
The Masterplan
"Go Let It Out" (single)
"Sunday Morning Call" (Single)
Familiar To Millions
Heathen Chemistry
Don't Believe The Truth
Stop The Clocks
Dig Out Your Soul

6.5/10

Check out how this single stacks up against other singles and albums I have reviewed by visiting my Music Review Index Page where the works are organized from best to worst!

© 2013, 2007 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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