CD of The Week

Has it really been almost three and half years since we’ve heard from Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds? Perhaps it's because of the press he received when putting out his first solo record that it doesn’t seem so long ago. Maybe it’s because he teased everyone with an immediate follow up that ended up being scrapped, or possibly it’s just because he’s a never ending clever quote machine that keeps him on everyone’s mind. Either way, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have released a follow up to their/his debut called Chasing Yesterday. And it’s fantastic.

The record opens up with a song called "RIverman" that I originally thought sounded a bit folk-ish, but that certainly isn’t the case after further listens. Noel is strumming his acoustic like the pro he is, but adds in bass, piano, some jamming electric guitar, and even a saxophone later in the song. It's an awesome opening number that really shows Noel really maturing. (Can you imagine a sax on an Oasis album? No way!)

As much as he’s grown over the years, you can really hear that he also sticks with what works as well. Being able to blend the old into something new is amazing talent that Noel possesses. Two songs stand out to illustrate this point. “The Girl With the X-Ray Eyes” sounds very similar to “The Masterplan,” the classic B-side from (What’s the Story) Morning Glory. Also, “Lock the Doors” sounds very much like “Acquiesce.” The fact that he still has the ability to write songs in the vein of Oasis is great but he then he adds a modern take.

The album moves on to its highlight: “The Dying of the Light,” a soothing and wonderful track with Noel sounding as great as ever vocally. His lyrics over acoustic guitar, piano, and some jazzy drums, are nothing short of spectacular. Speaking of jazzy, “The Right Stuff” is probably the jazziest song he’s ever written. Acting as an almost an intermission on the record, the five-and-a-half minute tune mixes together jammy guitars, horns, and some classic piano.

Overall, this record is another feather in Noel’s cap. He’s gone in a different direction than his solo debut. Where that one was more of a rockin’ album, this one takes a more laid back approach, and it works beautifully.

See Noel live when he returns to Philadelphia for a just announced show at The Merriam Theateron June 3rd.