Jimi Goodwin makes “Some Cities” take off and soar (“Can I make you seeeeeeeeeeeeee?). It would be a great single. “Some Cities” does a wonderful job of setting the scene for the album (that scene being Manchester).
“Some Cities” is the better song but “Turn Up the Sun” just works. I will be a chickenshit right out of the box.
ROUND 1 WINNER: DRAW
Round 2: Oasis’ “Mucky Fingers” vs Doves’ “Black and White Town”
I like “Black and White Town” enough (and so much more than “Mucky Fingers”) to overlook it’s spoken-word interlude middle section- I hate those! “Black and White Town” is dreary, cheery, and escape in a four-minute package. This is Doves at their best.
I love Noel Gallagher as you will hear me repeatedly gush, but this round is firmly in Doves’ corner. The harmonica bits in “Mucky Fingers” are fabulous and Noel’s lyrics are quite good but the melody is not his catchiest.
ROUND 2 WINNER: DOVES
Round 3: Oasis’ “Lyla” vs Doves’ “Almost Forgot Myself”
Oasis’ “Lyla” might be the best single of 2005. Noel has written some great choruses throughout his career (think of all the ones with “Jag-u-ar,” Wonderwall,” Live Forever,” etc.) but “Lyla” is one of the finest.
ROUND 3 WINNER: OASIS
Round 4: Oasis’ “Love Like a Bomb” vs Doves’ “Snowden”
“Love Like a Bomb” has a better chorus and is more memorable than “Snowden.” “Snowden” has a glockenspiel. “Love Like a Bomb” has no glockenspiel. The magnitude of the glockenspiel cannot be overstated. This is a battle between bombast and ambiance. “Snowden” has a sleepy beginning but builds to something wonderful.
“Love Like a Bomb” is cliché and obvious but it works. Liam’s vocal gives the song enough charm and charisma to help it rise above itself. There is not a lot of subtlety in this track. You hear it once and you have heard everything it has to offer but it is infectious enough to compel further listens.
ROUND 4 WINNER: DOVES
Round 5: Oasis’ “The Importance of Being Idle” vs Doves’ “The Storm”
This match is nearly as close as Round 1. “The Importance of Being Idle” is a fun and fantastic song. It is one of Noel Gallagher’s best lead vocals (and that is saying something) and the lyrics are at times hilarious (“Boy, you lazy). “Idle” is clever, catchy and free of the bombast that occasionally trips Oasis.
Article comments
1 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
fantastic, DJ! really enjoyed this right here. i must confess, however, i ain't ever given much time to The Doves. what i did hear didn't do much for me, but who knows? maybe one day...
2 - DJRadiohead
Thanks, Duke. Glad you dug this. I was hoping my little labour of love would not go uncommented!
I have only gotten into Doves in the last couple years. They never really have dented the US much- and it is a shame. I really dig them a lot.
I heartily suggest re-investigating 'The Last Broadcast' if you ever get a chance and inclination. It is easily one of my favourite albums ever.