Report: The Essential Legacy of Oasis B-sides
Date: [Current Date] Subject: Analysis of Oasis's non-album tracks (B-sides) Key Finding: Oasis's B-sides are widely considered by critics and fans to be equal to, and occasionally superior to, their album tracks. Their B-side output from 1994-1998 represents one of the most remarkable runs in rock history.
- The Track: A melancholic, acoustic confession. Noel sings about aging out of the scene at 28. "I'm older than I'd like to be / A rockin' chair on a kitchen floor."
- Why it matters: Shows the vulnerable, reflective side hidden beneath the parka and sneer.
The Compilation That Validated It All
In 1998, despite barely promoting it, Oasis released (What's the Story) Morning Glory? — wait, no. They released The Masterplan. A full LP consisting entirely of B-sides.
: A fast-paced punk-inspired track that "shouldn't have worked on paper" due to its mix of influences like Wham! and The Sex Pistols. Stay Young : Recorded during the Be Here Now sessions and considered a "lost" classic by many fans. Mojo Magazine The Masterplan Compilation Every Oasis B-Side Ranked! - Mojo Magazine
- One of Noel’s most bitter, beautiful, and dark lyrics. "Cos we took a fucking vow / And we're never gonna break it." A scathing indictment of the band’s own broken promises. Astoundingly, it was left off the album.
No other major rock band has dared to do this so early in their career. Usually, a B-side comp is a cash-grab for the grave (see: Bob Dylan, The Beatles). For Oasis, it was a victory lap.
The Golden Era (1994–1998)
“The Masterplan” (1995)
The ultimate proof of Noel’s embarrassment of riches. Rumor has it he wrote this one and thought, “Nah, not good enough for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?” Are you mad? With its psychedelic piano, cosmic lyrics (“Dance if you wanna dance… because we think that life is a journey”), and a chorus that soars higher than a 747, The Masterplan became the unofficial anthem of B-side obsessives. It’s so beloved that Oasis later named a compilation after it.