With the new release of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ album, Council Skies, the singer embarked on a new round of media arguing with other singers. This time the foe is Matt Healy of the 1975 who responded with the brilliant retort, “The difference between me and Noel is I do a series of interviews to promote an album, whereas he does an album to promote a series of interviews.” And while the statement may have truth in it, the interviews have been great and the album is a good one.
Guitarist Johnny Marr appears on first single, “Pretty Boy”. The electronic beat underlays the gender bending lyrics of “there was a girl like me/there was a boy like you”. “Open the Door, See What You Might Find” adds strings and bells ringing to a belter of a chorus. The title track is a midtempo number who’s string section makes it sound vaguely like a James Bond theme whereas the horns kick in on “Love is a Rich Man” on that track’s easy spirit while adding joy, and lightness.
The album really shines on second single “Easy Now”. The stellar anthem of a chorus sees the Chief sing, “I’ll be there/I’ll wait for you I swear”. The verses and chorus dovetail into one another, producer Paul Stacey adds a guitar solo on one of Gallagher’s most uplifting post Oasis songs. With the announcement of Noel’s split from his wife of 12 years, the dreamy ballad “Dead to the World” takes another meaning as he sings, “I’ll bend over backwards for love”. On Council Skies, little by little Gallagher continues to stretch his sound with additions to his repertoire that result in a solid album for the 56 year old.
The 2CD deluxe version adds an additional 14 tracks made up of new tracks, radio sessions, instrumentals, and remixes. “We’re Gonna Get There In the End” and “Flying on the Ground” continue the lightness of touch. Remixes by Pet Shop Boys and David Holmes adds a spacey club dimension to the sound before Robert Smith adds his touch to “Pretty Boy”. The second disc closes with a radio session version of Oasis classic, “Live Forever”. Thankfully Gallagher’s recent airing of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is not included.
Council Skies – 8.5/10
Deluxe Edition Extra Disc – 7/10
The Light Appears 