Oasis have shared a previously unheard version of ‘Columbia’ from their upcoming 30th anniversary edition of ‘Definitely Maybe’. Listen below.
The Britpop band announced last month that the special reissue of their classic 1994 debut album would arrive on August 30 via Big Brother Recordings (pre-order here).
Available in various formats, it’ll contain recordings from the abandoned original session at Monnow Valley Studios, as well as outtakes from the definitive album recording session at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall.
Today (June 13), the first preview from the collection has arrived in the form of ‘Columbia (Sawmills Outtake)’ – which has been mixed for the first time by Noel Gallagher and Callum Marinho.
The early, extended version of the song clocks in at over seven minutes, and is based around an effectively simple chord structure. It boasts “hypnotic rhythms” that “spiral into delayed drums and droning feedback”.
Noel’s vocal harmonies are buried deeper in the mix than on Owen Morris’ final album version. The track is accompanied by a new official lyric video – you can tune in here:
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‘Columbia’ was one of the first Oasis songs to be written, and was originally released as a white-label 12” vinyl.
The 30th anniversary reissue of ‘Definitely Maybe’ also includes an unreleased demo version of ‘Sad Song’ featuring Liam Gallagher’s vocals.
A description reads: “The Monnow Valley recordings and Sawmill outtakes, now unearthed for the first time, offer a new and compelling understanding of the process that led to the finished article.
“With its raw edges and restless energy, ‘Definitely Maybe’ always sounded like an album that had arrived fully formed – however the newly revealed versions provide fans with a fascinating new insight into the album; demonstrating the self-belief that drove the early years of Oasis and the determination it took to create their debut.”
It adds: “Shelved until now, revisiting the archive 30 years on signifies the importance of the recording process in telling the story of the uneasy creation of one of the most vital albums of all time.”
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The arrival of ‘Columbia (Sawmills Outtake)’ comes as Liam continues his ‘Definitely Maybe’ 30th anniversary tour in the UK and Ireland.
LG is playing the record in full at the gigs and airing numerous other tracks from that era, including the Noel-sung ‘Half The World Away’ (which he dedicated to his estranged brother and former bandmate) and Noel‘s Oasis-era ‘Lock All The Doors’ demo.
You can see the full list of upcoming dates below, and find any remaining tickets here.
JUNE 2024
15 – Co-Op Live, Manchester
16 – Co-Op Live, Manchester
19 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
20 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
23 – 3Arena, Dublin
24 – 3Arena, Dublin
27 – Co-Op Live, Manchester
28 – Co-Op Live, Manchester
In August, Liam Gallagher will play ‘Definitely Maybe’ in its entirety when he headlines Reading & Leeds 2024. He’s also spoken about the chances of a ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory’ 30th anniversary tour in 2025.