Oasis Is Genius!

Let's take a look at the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, and just why they are the best that BritPop had to offer.

Maybe someone of you are celebrating England's advance in the World Cup to the Group of 16. Maybe some of you are fans and have taken the time to either go to the games, or watch the videos I've seen of Brits singing along to Oasis' ''Wonderwall''. It is always a joy to see how one song can unite so many people, even if you don't feel like anybody feels the way you do...today...

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From the New Musical Express (July 12th, 2026):

Liam Gallagher has predicted that England will win the World Cup, saying they’ve “gotta make it happen”.

England stand one win from their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Jude Bellingham’s two-goal display in Miami last night (July 11). England’s win over Erling Haaland and co. means they will go on to face Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday (July 15), and Liam is among those feeling confident.

“We’re winning this WC,” he declared on X after their win. “I don’t know how don’t care respect to all those players manager you gotta make it happen LG.” He also nodded to ‘Wonderwall’, writing: “Cmon England, cmon Wonderwall.”

It comes after he told fans he was “ready” to play the track live at the final should England reach the last two.

And why shouldn't they be used as the maypole the fine football fans of England dance around? Oasis have been a staple of the music industry since the early 90s, at the exact moment when BritPop was poised to take over the world. We had Blur, Pulp, and a few other forgettable sounds.

So what happened to England's favourite musical and familial duo?

They fell into the trap of being compared to some of the other sounds of Merrie Olde, and it was totally unfair. From the moment their first album appeared on the charts, the inevitable comparison with that other band became unavoidable. I am, of course, talking about the Fab Foursome we all know and love...or do we? It seems unfair that any member of that other group is still around to comment on the work of the Gallaghers, with both Paul McCartney and George Harrison going so far as to call them ''derivative''. A rather hard assessement, wouldn't you say, Cute One? Just a bucket of sour grapes, Quiet One?

Take a little bit of time to go back over your favourite memories of their sounds and realize that they have added to the canon of English music, rock and roll, and broken sales figures like any great group. Nostalgia for what could have been keeps many of you from acknowledging just how great they really are, but remember, they are a part of a long tradition of British bards that will continue to be heard long after their predecessors are forgotten.

I don't speak for anyone but myself when I say that since the 1990s, British music has been on a serious downhill slope. We have Jungle, Grime, various variants of rap and hip-hop, some serious interest in bringing back various boy and girl groups...but nothing that could really be called a revolution in sound. Oasis are a comfort in such a downturn, and we should all continue to appreciate what they bring to the table.

And now, on to the World Cup and John Bull's defining moment on the pitch...

And after all...

They are our Wonderwall...

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You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.

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