Oasis' memorable debut album 'Definitely Maybe' celebrates 30th Anniversary; deluxe edition coming Aug. 30

Oasis' debut is such an incredible album. I am glad to see it receiving a deluxe reissue this summer...Robert Kinsler

OASIS’ ICONIC DEBUT ALBUM DEFINITELY MAYBE CELEBRATES LANDMARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY NEW LIMITED EDITION ALBUM FORMATS RELEASED FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD MONNOW VALLEY VERSIONS AND OUTTAKES FROM SAWMILLS STUDIOS WITH NEW ARTWORK AND SLEEVE NOTES   RELEASED AUGUST 30TH ON BIG BROTHER RECORDINGS ON DELUXE 4LP, 2CD, COLORED VINYL, CASSETTE, DIGITAL PRE-ORDER HERE

Today, details are announced of new album formats to celebrate Oasis’ 1994 iconic debut three decades after its original release. Available on August 30, 2024, Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) formats feature tracks from the discarded original recording session at Monnow Valley Studios, along with outtakes from the definitive album recorded at Sawmills Studios in Cornwall, newly mixed for the first time by Noel Gallagher and Callum Marinho. The album also includes an unreleased demo version of “Sad Song.” Originally released as a bonus track on the LP, this alternative version features Liam Gallagher’s vocals.   The package also features brand new artwork by the original art designer Brian Cannon for Microdot and original sleeve photographer Michael Spencer Jones, plus new sleeve notes from Creation Records boss Alan McGee and journalist Hamish MacBain.   The Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) album is available to pre-order now on Limited-Edition Deluxe 4LP and Deluxe 2CD formats plus exclusive colored vinyl – “Up In The Sky” “Learning to fly” lyric inspired blue and white marble 2LP, and “Digsy's Dinner” “Strawberries and cream” lyric inspired pink and white marble 2LP. It will also be available on Limited-Edition blue cassette and digital formats. All formats include the 2014 remastered version of the album.   In August of 1994, Definitely Maybe’s release marked a critical moment in British youth culture, with Noel Gallagher’s songwriting and Oasis’ assured cacophony of sound heralding a new beginning. It embodied an entirely new mood of rock and pop - hedonistic, guitar-driven and optimistic. The UK, soon to be unshackled from 18 years of Conservative rule, had a growing sense of change and hope in the air, and Oasis captured that mood.   Following signing a worldwide record deal, Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, Paul McGuigan and Tony McCarroll decamped to Monnow Valley studios on the Welsh borders of Monmouthshire, to capture the kinetic energy of their live shows on record. At the time, the initial recordings felt overly technical and polished, failing to capture the essence of the band. The sessions were ultimately scrapped, and the band moved to the remote confines of Sawmills Studios in Cornwall to re-record the album. Eventually, with the addition of Owen Morris joining to complete the definitive mixes, Definitely Maybe was formed.    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. 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.   On release in 1994, Definitely Maybe gatecrashed the Official UK Album Charts at Number One and became the fastest selling debut album of all time, at the time. Sonically defining an attitude of an era, it became a soundtrack to the imminent cultural and political change of Britain in the mid-1990s.   Thirty years on, Definitely Maybe, remains an unprecedented classic. The 11 songs brim with timeless songwriting complimented by Liam’s snarling youthful and restless desire to escape. As well as the singles “Supersonic,” “Shakermaker,” “Live Forever “and “Cigarettes & Alcohol,” tracks such as “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” and “Slide Away” have become ubiquitous global anthems. Loved by legions of fans and an inspiration for countless bands, it is as relevant as ever and continues to find new devotees in younger generations.   The album is now BPI certified 8 times platinum in the UK, selling over 6.1 million copies globally and the second Official Most Streamed Album of the 90s in the UK, beaten only by its successor (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?. Growing to be one of the most thrilling and successful live acts with multi-million album sales globally, Oasis remain one of the most universally loved British rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time.   Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) formats are released on August 30th, 2024 on Big Brother Recordings. Follow all the album campaign activity at #Defmaybe30.   Definitely Maybe (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Tracklisting:   Volume 1 1. Rock ‘n’ Roll Star (Remastered) 2. Shakermaker (Remastered) 3. Live Forever (Remastered) 4. Up In The Sky (Remastered) 5. Columbia (Remastered) 6. Supersonic (Remastered) 7. Bring It On Down (Remastered) 8. Cigarettes & Alcohol (Remastered) 9. Digsy’s Dinner (Remastered) 10. Slide Away (Remastered) 11. Married With Children (Remastered)   Volume 2 1. Rock 'n' Roll Star (Monnow Valley Version) 2. Shakermaker (Monnow Valley Version) 3. Live Forever (Monnow Valley Version) 4. Up In The Sky (Monnow Valley Version) 5. Columbia (Monnow Valley Version) 6. Bring It On Down (Monnow Valley Version) 7. Cigarettes & Alcohol (Monnow Valley Version) 8. Digsy's Dinner (Monnow Valley Version) 9. Rock 'n' Roll Star (Sawmills Outtake) 10. Up In The Sky (Sawmills Outtake) 11. Columbia (Sawmills Outtake) 12. Bring It On Down (Sawmills Outtake) 13. Cigarettes & Alcohol (Sawmills Outtake) 14. Digsy's Dinner (Sawmills Outtake) 15. Slide Away (Sawmills Outtake) 16. Sad Song (Mauldeth Road West Demo, Nov '92)

Photo Credit: Paul Slattery

"Have You Got It Yet?" The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd out July 19

As Pink Floyd's legacy continues to grow, interest in the band's legendary founder Syd Barrett does as well. This forthcoming documentary release will be of immense interest to the band's legion of fans...Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS TO UNVEIL THE DVD+BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL FORMAT / TV ON DEMAND RELEASE OF “HAVE YOU GOT IT YET?” THE STORY OF SYD BARRETT AND PINK FLOYD PRODUCED BY MERCURY STUDIOS, BELIEVE MEDIA AND A CAT CALLED ROVER ~OUT JULY 19, 2024~

“The Definitive Documentary On Early Pink Floyd” - Variety “As comprehensive and coherent an account of Barrett’s countercultural tragedy as one could hope for” - The New York Times “Captivating and poignant” - The Hollywood Reporter Pre-order here View the trailer here

New York, NY (May 23, 2024) – Mercury Studios, Universal Music Group’s innovative and multi-faceted content studio, is proud to announce the DVD+Blu-ray release of the critically acclaimed documentary film Have You Got It Yet?, a compelling dive into the life and genius of Syd Barrett, of Pink Floyd fame. The film will also be made available on digital formats, as well as On Demand. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Roddy Bogawa and the late, acclaimed album cover designer Storm Thorgerson (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, and Black Sabbath), and produced by Orian Williams (England Is Mine, Creation Stories, Control), the feature length documentary drew praise for its candid glimpse into the prismatic character and artistry of Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett. Visionaries behind prog rock and British psychedelic music, Pink Floyd chartered a monolithic legacy in both music and cultural history. Syd, who gave the group their moniker by combining the names of two obscure blues players – Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, played a crucial role in igniting that history, then left the group before they met stardom. Released in cinemas worldwide in Summer 2023, Have You Got It Yet? achieved a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a successful theatrical run with many sold-out screenings. Intimate interviews with band members David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Roger Waters uncover Barrett’s ongoing impact on the group. Going a step further, the film also includes an interview with Syd’s sister, Rosemary Breen. Narrated by actor Jason Isaacs, the film also features original band managers Peter Jenner and Andrew King, as well as The Who’s Pete Townshend and Blur’s Graham Coxon. In addition to the full-length film, the DVD+Blu-ray set includes a plethora of bonus features. Two poignant live performances of “Arnold Layne” are highlighted – this first features David Gilmour & David Bowie (originally released in David Gilmour’s Remember That Night Live At The Royal Albert Hall, 2007). The second is a performance from 2007’s The Madcap’s Last Laugh – a tribute concert for Syd Barrett featuring David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright in their final performance as Pink Floyd. Additionally, the DVD+Blu-ray includes an interview with Bogawa and director & producer commentary of the film with Bogawa, Rupert Truman, and Julius Beltrame. Further exploring his creative works, the set features discussions surrounding Barrett’s paintings, and spoken word performances of Barrett’s lyrics by comedian Noel Fielding (“Dark Globe”), poet Rob Fitterman (“Rats”) and actor Gerard Bell (“Lucifer Sam”). The package, designed by StormStudios, is completed with an exclusive Have You Got It Yet? poster, which was also designed by the studio. Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd crystallized a cultural moment where anything seemed possible but where that freedom could come with a cost. Was Syd just another drug casualty? Did he suffer from an undiagnosed mental condition? Or did he dislike the attention and fame as the fun turned to work? While there are no clear answers which might be the case, there is the feeling by all those around Syd that something went terribly wrong. Have You Got it Yet? is a chronicle and a mosaic of Barrett’s creative and destructive impulses, his captivating presence and absence - a portrait of the complex puzzle that was his life”. # # #

ABOUT MERCURY STUDIOS Mercury Studios is a full-service production studio, focused on telling compelling stories through the lens of music. Current and recent projects include Oscar and BAFTA award nominated American Symphony, directed by Matthew Heineman for the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions/Netflix, If These Walls Could Sing, directed by Mary McCartney for Disney+, My Life as a Rolling Stone for the BBC and MGM+, Shania Twain: Not Just A Girl for Netflix and This Town, a six-part series for the BBC from writer, creator, and executive producer Steven Knight. Mercury Studios also produced Sam Smith: Live at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC, Billie Eilish’s Overheated at the O2 London and Lang Lang Plays Disney for Disney+. Editorially independent, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and represents the world’s leading catalog of music-related content, consisting of thousands of hours of premium music-driven film and television programming. ABOUT BELIEVE Believe Media is a production company devoted to visual innovation, artistic originality and nurturing young talent with a vision and voice. With offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London, Believe maintains strong alliances with a global network of clients. We offer vast experience and adaptive strategies to diverse projects for the world’s most esteemed brands, agencies, record labels and iconic musical artists. Our directors’ influence in visual storytelling, fashion, automotive and music has been celebrated at such awards as the Cannes Lions, the Clios, the ADDYs, SXSW and the MTV awards. ABOUT CAT CALLED ROVER A CAT CALLED ROVER was founded in 2014 by StormStudios photographer Rupert Truman, Producer Julius Beltrame and Director Roddy Bogawa to complete HAVE YOU GOT IT YET? after the untimely passing of co-Director Storm Thorgerson. Taking its name from one of Syd Barrett’s cats, the production company’s first feature length work is HAVE YOU GOT IT YET? THE STORY OF SYD BARRETT AND PINK FLOYD.

Pure Imagination Music Festival recap: The Flaming Lips, Michael Front & Spearhead, Tanya Tucker, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, more

Michael Franti at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

What: Pure Imagination Music Festival

Who: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ozomatli, Ponderosa Grove, more (Friday); The Flaming Lips, Sylvan Esso, The Pharcyde, Tanya Tucker, The National Parks, Hopi Tribe, more (Saturday)

Where: Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ

When: Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2024

Review by Robert Kinsler; Photography by Daryl Weisser

Concertgoers at the Pure Imagination Music Festival in Prescott, Arizona.

Since I caught the US Festival featuring David Bowie, U2, The Pretenders and Stevie Nicks in the Southern California desert May 1983, I have been fortunate enough to attend countless music festivals over the years. 

The majority of these marathon-length music events focused primarily on only one or two genres of music — alternative rock, country, blues, Cajun, punk and rap immediately come to mind — and attracted a specific demographic-minded concertgoer. 

A truly wonderful lure of the Pure Imagination Music Festival staged at Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona over the weekend (May 17-18, 2024) was the strong and diverse field of artists who performed in a truly wonderful setting set on a grassy field with massive otherworldly granite boulders serving as a dramatic backdrop to the musical action. Rock, electronica, country, Americana, rap, Native American, world fusion and more styles were all on tap courtesy of the wide-ranging lineup of celebrated veterans and rising names; a wealth of food and art vendors added to the welcoming environment. Talented acrobats performed in an area near one stage and there was even a fun parade on Saturday afternoon.

Friday's half-day lineup featured four artists, while Saturday's full day offered up another dozen performances that played out on two large stages. 

Slim Gambill at Pure Imagination on May 17, 2024.

Kicking off the action was virtuoso guitarist Slim Gambill and his four-man band; the ensemble delivered 30 minutes of modern jazz-anchored instrumentals. Gambill (who is also lead guitarist of country music hitmakers Lady A) proved to be a truly incredible master of his instrument, showcasing fretwork that was both dramatic and artful at every turn.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

Ponderosa Grove thrilled in their performance at Pure Imagination back in 2023, and it was wonderful to see the band return to Watson Lake this year. The Prescott-based collective offered up a perfect blend of '70s-styled folk rock and modern day Americana with the lead vocals of singer Candace Devine a perfect blend with the stylish musicianship and rich harmony vocals of her band mates propelling the 50-minute performance.

Highlights of the group's set included the melodic folk rocker "Waterline," intoxicating R&B foray "Don't Worry Child" and rousing "Save My Soul," the latter showcasing Devine's powerful soprano and the exciting lead guitar work of Drew Hall.  

Ozomatli performing in Prescott, AZ.

Los Angeles-spawned Ozomatli brought a party-minded approach to their set effortlessly blending rock, funk, salsa, hip hop, reggae and other styles.  The seven-member outfit's energetic performance frequently fueled dancers in the field. Noting that Ozomatli is celebrating their 29th year performing together, the group has performed in an impressive 65 different nations over that span. Among the memorable cuts performed was "Saturday Night" and a marathon-length take on "Cumbia De Los Muertos." The band completed their set with the members marching through the crowd in a celebratory style.

Michael Franti engaging with the crowd on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Closing out the first day of the fest was Michael Franti & Spearhead; the quintet fully captured the spirit of Pure Imagination with a setlist centered on songs that celebrate the idea of a better world free of the war, crime, hate and violent conflict that have increasingly been seen overseas and across America over the past several years. 

Michael Franti brought up children to the stage
during his energetic set on May 17, 2024.

Franti opened with "Meet Me When The Sun Goes Down" and even walked into the field to more fully connect with the crowd; he followed that up with the rousing rocker "I'm Alive" and feel good sortie "Good Life." Shortly after, Franti explained the Prescott performance marked the opening night of his "Togetherness Tour," which will run through late August. 

Franti's winning and authentic personality and strong vocals powered the 130-minute set to be sure, with great sing-along material winning over the crowd. "The Sound of Sunshine," "Happy is the New Sexy," "Life Is Better With You" and "Say Hey (I Love You)" all impressed. Especially poignant was his moving performance on the acoustic aptly-titled original "Hey World (Don't Give Up)."

Saturday offered up an even greater number of performances, with members of Arizona's Hopi Tribe offering a musical blessing to open the day. Several members of the tribe chanted to the bewitching rhythm of a drum while a trio of young dancers in traditional attire danced. 

Znora rocking the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Next came Znora, an Arizona-based power rock trio headed by singer-guitarist Adrian Negrete whose approach recalled classic acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Cream. Particularly impressive was the band's original 2023 single "Sweet Baby Rae." That driving cut featured Negrete's dazzling electric guitar work.

Galactagogues performing on May 18, 2024.

Galactagogues' fun performance marked another chance to celebrate Arizona's thriving original music scene. The area quartet performed a 30-minute set of alternative folk-meets-Americana material bolstered by great harmony vocals. Originals like "Something in the Plumbing" and the set closer "HeyHeyHey" showcased their unique sound.

Brian Chartrand at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Brian Chartrand performed a breezy set of songs blending jazz, rock and R&B stylings. Along with his four-member backing band, he impressed with his soulful vocals and an original reworking of Steely Dan's "Dirty Work" as well as originals including "Miss You Now."

Sarah Shook rocking out at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Like talented singer-songwriters Lucinda Williams and Courtney Barnett, Sarah Shook occupies her own marvelous corner of the musical universe. At her showcase on Saturday — first-time ever visit to Prescott — the Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based singer-guitarist and her backing country-punk outfit the Disarmers bravely delivered the same rollicking brew heard on the troupe's recent full-length release Revelations (available via the Thirty Tigers). 

Brady Parks of The National Parks.

The National Parks, from left, Cam Brannelly, Sydney Macfarlene, Brady Parks
and Megan Taylor Parks performing on May 18, 2024.

Sydney Macfarlene enjoying the moment during
The National Parks' set at Pure Imagination.

The National Parks ignited the crowd with a fast moving 35-minute set of original Americana that fired up the audience from the opening notes of the euphoric "Angels," a track showcasing the chemistry and strong talents of Brady Parks (guitar, lead vocals), Sydney Macfarlene (keyboards, vocals), Cam Brannelly (drums) and Megan Taylor Parks (fiddle, vocals).

The Utah-based band's efforts to get the audience to sing and move along on cue were a big part of the set's momentum and original gems such as the dynamic "Time," "Wildflower" and set-ending "As We Ran" were elevated by the energy of the moment. Only a day after its official release, the band's new single "Wild Spirit" was performed; the enticing title track from National Parks' forthcoming album is a glorious celebration about "getting lost" and the rugged setting was the perfect locale for the performance of the track.

Danielle Ponder performing in Prescott on May 18, 2024.

One-time Rochester, NY public defender turned professional singer Danielle Ponder delivered a riveting set of soul music. Among her strong vocal performances was her inspirational original "So Long" and a heartfelt reworking of Radiohead's "Creep."

Tanya Tucker performing in Prescott, Arizona.

One of the most anticipated appearances of the weekend was from legendary country music icon Tanya Tucker. The 65-year-old brought a lifetime of country hits to her 50-minute set and her voice sounded excellent in the delivery of favorites such as the mid tempo "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight," beautiful "Hangin' In," a terrific medley blending Bruce Springsteen's "Fire" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," the winning country rocker "Hard Luck" and set closer "Delta Dawn," the latter a Alex Harvey-penned hit recorded by Tucker in 1972 when she was only 13!

Sylvan Esso performing at the Pure Imagination Music Festival.

Durham, North Carolina duo Sylvan Esso made their first performance of 2024 at Pure Imagination on Saturday night; the 55-minute set also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the release of their eponymous debut album (released May 12, 2014). Singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sunburn turned in a terrific set that had many in the audience moving to their electronic dance-minded tracks.

The Flaming Lips headlining on Saturday night, May 18, 2024.

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

Headliners The Flaming Lips brought their groundbreaking Neo psychedelic modern rock to Prescott, kicking off their lengthy set with a performance of the Oklahoma City-launched band's acclaimed 2002 album Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in its entirety. Headed by singer-founding member Wayne Coyne, the rock quintet came armed with more than great songs; colorful rear-screen projections and inflatable robots and other elements (including the tossing of gigantic balls into the crowd) added to the festive atmosphere.

"You live here," Coyne said early in their set; he noted the band was fascinated with the concert location and the natural beauty of Watson Lake. "You are very lucky."

Other performers who appeared at Pure Imagination included reggae rocking trio Irie, Louisiana-based soul singer Durand Jones and '90s rap outfit The Pharcyde. Between sets, DJ BG NFTY kept the music going strong.

The Pure Imagination Music Festival is quickly becoming an essential part of the area's thriving music and arts scene. 

Below is a gallery of additional photographs taken by Daryl Weisser at the Pure Imagination Music Festival. 

Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.

DJ BG NFTY keeping the music going.

The team from Lighthouse Coffee Company served up drinks throughout the event.

From left, Ponderosa Grove's Candace Devine and Drew Hall.

An acrobat at Pure Imagination Music Festival.

From left, Emily and Alvaro of "Peace, Love & Halos."