The rock annals are so full of myth and invention that every now and again when the real deal shows up, it takes a while to recognise it for what it is. And so starts the little 2-pager write-up on the band Oasis in the CD booklet of this, their double Greatest Hits compilation.

Formed in Manchester in 1991, led by lead guitarist and principal songwriter Noel Gallagher and his younger brother, vocalist and songwriter Liam Gallagher, it’s quite a fitting little intro… seeing that Oasis, or more specifically, the brothers Gallagher, are probably some of the most arrogant musicians to ever have achieved chart success. But then again, they are one of the most successful and prominent English music bands to emerge during the 1990s Britpop movement. Of course, if Britain decides to support one of their own, they go all out with some of Oasis’s Brit chart success raising an eyebrow or two. For every “Wonderwall,” there’s a “Talk Tonight.” For every “Champagne Supernova,” a “Slide Away.” But spread across the 2 discs, you’ll get a very good idea of why the band’s sound has stood the test of time.

You’ll discover hits on this album you’ve never heard of mainly because their releases went by largely unnoticed in SA. Especially the singles “Lyla” and “The Importance of Being Idle’” both from the band’s last studio album released in 2005, prove that they have staying power. Both of these songs reached number 1 in the UK. But for some reason SA audiences and radio stations were not blown away by the band’s latest offerings. Unfortunately, the Beatles-like “Let there be Love,” possibly Oasis’ biggest hit since “Don’t look back in anger,” is not included on “Stop the Clocks.”

To borrow from “Wonderwall”: “And all the roads we have to walk are winding…”
The road a band has to walk to retain musical credibility is certainly beset with obstacles, fan whims and record industry pressure. But on 14 February 2007, Oasis will receive the Brit Award for outstanding contribution to music. Recognition… not that Oasis needs it.