Oasis

"Whatever" actually sounds more like "I Am the Walrus" than their actual cover (!), what with the strings, but it's another solid pop single, with a shockingly perfect bridge, a nice progression. It makes one think that the first two singles, "Supersonic" and "Shakermaker," which were good upon release, now seem naive in comparison. The B-side cuts here include one more in the "Listen Up" vein, "(It's Good) To Be Free," and the Noel-sung, acoustic-pretty "Half the World Away," which reminds a little of R.E.M.'s pre-Monster '90s lovely stuff. But what's the point of putting the LP's (admittedly delicious) "Slide Away" here too? ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, All Music Guide