ROUND 7 WINNER: OASIS
Round 8: Oasis’ “Part of the Queue” vs Doves’ “Someday Soon”
I seem to like “Part of the Queue” more than other people I talk to about it. It reminds me a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Breaking the Girl.” I think that is a good thing. I like that song. I like this song better. I also happen to like it nearly every time Noel Gallagher steps to the mic. It is another acoustic-based song but “Part of the Queue” has more groove than some of his other acoustic cuts.
“Someday Soon” is one of the highlights of Some Cities. It starts and stops, shifting from ambient, layered vocals to sweeping acoustic guitars. “Someday Soon” is textured, nuanced, and brilliant.
Chickenshit is on the board for a second time.
ROUND 8 WINNER: DRAW
Round 9: Oasis’ “Keep the Dream Alive” vs Doves’ “Shadows of Salford”
If this round was a horse, we would shoot it. “Shadows of Salford” is barely tolerable. “Keep the Dream Alive” is trite fluff. I will take trite fluff.
ROUND 9 WINNER: OASIS
Round 10: Oasis’ “A Bell Will Ring” vs Doves’ “Sky Starts Falling”
Neither song distinguishes itself in this matchup. The big, rock guitars of “A Bell Will Ring” are nice window dressing. It does not make a hell of a lot of sense but makes nice ear candy. “Sky Starts Falling” combines a pounding rhythm with big guitars.
I went back and forth on this one. I initially gave it to Doves, then Oasis, then called it a draw. Liam’s vocal and the big guitars are great but “Sky Starts Falling” actually feels like it goes somewhere. Tough call, but I am putting this back in the Doves’ column.
ROUND 10 WINNER: DOVES
Round 11: Oasis’ “Let There Be Love” vs Doves’ “Ambition”
No contest. This is the best flag-waving song Oasis has written in ten years. This is whatHeathen Chemistry’s “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” wanted to be. Liam and Noel both give strong lead vocals to this track. The final minute of the song is instrumental and is nearly as catchy as anything else on the disc. This is a great bookend to Don’t Believe the Truth.
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.