Oasis - Definitely Maybe dvd

Bigger, bolder, better?

It's difficult to be impartial when reviewing this DVD when you've admitted that this album is your favourite of all time (here). But I'll have a go.

The intention of this DVD is to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the release of Definitely Maybe, perhaps one of the defining albums of the 1990's, showcasing not only the album itself, but promo videos (and alternate US versions), interviews, live excerpts, and plenty of other paraphenalia that you get on these things.

The music speaks for itself - here, tracks are accompanied by montages of 'exclusive' images and press cuttings - it's all very self reverential, but doesn't really detract from what you're listening to.

Hardly known for their artistic bent when it comes to their promos (the band never claimed to be artists in the scholarly sense), the videos are rather straightforward and generally give the band in a normal gig-like fashion, usually interpersed with Our Kid walking around in his usual simian fashion and the rest of the band apparently clueless to what's going on around them and just doing as they are told. However, having all the promos on is a nice touch.

The documentary section is outstanding - getting all the key players talking about the album doesn't usually happen in these retrospectives - all the members who were part of the line up are present (except Guigsy, who was known even in 1994 for being publicity shy), plus Gem and Andy Bell from the current line up. What is refreshing is the relative lack of hangers on and 'media commentators' gushing sycophantically. Only the people who had a true input into the album and the band at that time are given a voice, which is great.

All round this is a very good release - though it could have been embellished more with live stuff than which is present, and perhaps some TV performances - however, these aren't major disappointments.
I hope that this trick is repeated with (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - but not for Be Here Now, SOTSOG and Heathen Chemistry - there's not enough to go on there.

A must for all Oasis fans - completists and general interest alike.

Amir Arezoo, September 2004