Oasis

Oasis played its first London concert in November 1993 at a modest club, the Powerhaus. In late 1995, the group returned to the capital, performing two nights at Earls Court before 60,000 fans. Intercut with interviews and featuring 17 tracks -- primarily from Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? -- There and Then compiles footage from those 1995 shows, as well as performances taped in 1996 at one of Oasis' two huge concerts at Maine Road in Manchester. The latter were particularly significant, marking Oasis' triumphant homecoming after relentless touring (including five visits to America in just over a year). The Maine Road performances of "Acquiesce" and massive sing-alongs like "Some Might Say" give viewers a vivid sense of the historical moment when Oasis was at the height of its powers and had conquered the music world. The Earls Court material is no less compelling, from Noel Gallagher's solo acoustic rendering of "Morning Glory" to the full-band version of "Champagne Supernova." "If you want a circus, go to the circus. I can't jump about when I'm trying to sing songs," Liam Gallagher once said in response to criticism of Oasis' low-key stage presence. But a curious paradox foregrounded by this video is the band's ability to be electrifying while apparently doing very little. Still, the Earls Court section includes some brilliant showmanship. Despite the Gallaghers' claims to being bigger than the Beatles, they share the stage with that group -- in a manner of speaking at least -- as they're joined by legendary Fab Four imitators the Bootleg Beatles (in Sgt. Pepper regalia) for a rousing rendition of "I Am the Walrus." There and Then captures Oasis in all its swaggering, anthemic glory, living up to the hype and justifying every ounce of the band's storied arrogance. ~ Wilson Neate, All Music Guide