On this day in 1995, Britpop act Oasis went from "little UK band that could" to "chart-topping global juggernaut" with the release of their second album (What's The Story) Morning Glory?.
Compared to their respectable debut, everything about this new album was bigger and each chorus was aimed squarely at the stadium-size audience the band no doubt foresaw as part of their immediate future. As if to drive that point home, the band eased drummer Tony McCarroll out of the picture in favor of ex-Starclub drummer Alan White, who'd come at the recommendation of UK legend Paul Weller.
Those who don't yet realize the difference the right drummer can make need only compare the two albums to hear not only the sonic difference, but also the confidence White's drumming gives the rest of the band, turning album opener "Hello" into a ferocious anthem and adds just the right mix of muscle and nuance to the band's sole Top 10 U.S. hit "Wonderwall", and the thunderous Sherman Tank that propels "Hey Now!", among others.
Of course, without songs, the best drummer in the world is only able to do so much. Thankfully, Noel Gallagher came to sessions with arguably the strongest batch of songs he's ever pinched, borrowing liberally from the likes of Gary Glitter, the Beatles, and, yes, even Paul Weller, himself, who appears on "Champagne Supernova".
Sadly, it is during these sessions that Noel Gallgher's decision to sing lead vocals on "Don't Look Back In Anger" drove a wedge between him and brother Liam that, quite frankly, never healed.
The band would turn in one more stellar record (Be Here Now) before the proverbial wheels began to wobble, eventually seeing Noel thrown from the bandwagon altogether and the remaining members forced to carry on as beady Eye.
One must ask Noel if, at the end of the day, it was all worth it.
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Buy that album a drink