Different Gear Still Speeding

Beady Eye | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dangerbird
• ASIN: B004LGPBZI
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,429 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2011 debut album from this band made up of Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer and Andy Bell from Oasis. Different Gear, Still Speeding features 13 brand new songs written by the band and recorded at RAK Studios in autumn 2010 with producer Steve Lillywhite. Beady Eye is raw Rock 'n' Roll one minute, and classic Pop the next from the raucous Jerry Lee Lewis and Stones inspired "Bring The Light" to the Merseybeat wonder of "For Anyone," to the stomping T-Rex glam of "The Roller" to the pounding "Millionaire" and "Four Letter Word." It sounds like a debut record by a band just starting out with a huge appetite for music...and the results are nothing short of astonishing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is Not Oasis...This is BEADY EYE!, March 2, 2011

By 

William Kennedy (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Different Gear Still Speeding (Audio CD)

Oasis has long been my favorite band of all time. For some strange and unknown reason I've connected with their music more so than other group. Every single album has a special place in my heart and I listen to them all frequently, and by frequently, I mean daily. And that's no exaggeration.

In 2009 I was devastated but not surprised by Noel's announcement that he'd left the band because he could "no longer work with Liam." My sadness quickly wore off when I realized that all Oasis fans would be given the chance to have individual offerings from each brother. Well, Liam beat Noel to the punch, and along with ex-Oasis bandmates Gem, Andy, and Chris Sharrock (of The La's fame) on drums, they launched a brand new band and a new chapter in the history of the Gallagher's.

This is not Oasis. If it were meant to be, they would have carried on under that moniker. Instead, they decided to start over with a new name, a new approach, and a new energy.

Beady Eye is markedly retro in the sense that these songs sound as if they would fit right in had they been released in 1968. In a day and age of overproduced, under performed, and generally awful music, Beady Eye is a breath of fresh air. For starters, they are all exceptional musicians and songwriters. In addition to these talents, Gem and Andy in particular are students of rock and roll history. They know how to write tunes that are catchy and melodic but not tailor made for radio.

Different Gear, Still Speeding is as apt a title as you can get. These guys have switched gears slightly and moved in a direction that is more Beatle-esque, but also more than just a loving tribute. Liam, Gem, Andy, and Chris live and breathe clasic rock from The Who, to The Stones, The Beatles, and even Zeppelin, and the influences are heard all over DGSS.

Good music seems to originate in the UK and Europe these days. The US for the most part is producing electronic drivel or trendy "indie" pop. This is genuine rock and roll from four guys who actually play their own instruments and know how to use a studio. For example, overdubs, (which are a staple of most modern bands in order to acheive a massive sound that cannot possibly be duplicated live which causes bands to use tracks that they play along with) are kept to a minimum so that you actually hear each guitar part. Producer Steve Lillywhite has done an amazing job of capturing their energy, and it sounds to me like the album was recorded to tape rather than done digitally which gives the songs a warmth and rawness missing from much of today's "music."

If you're a fan of classic rock, Britpop, Oasis, Ride, Heavy Stereo, or The La's - or if you're just a fan of really good music, check this out, you won't be disappointed. In fact, you may just meet your new favorite band.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proof that Great Rock and Roll Can Still be Made, March 1, 2011

By 

Nick (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Different Gear Still Speeding (Audio CD)

I've had the album for a couple of weeks now, and while I've been a huge Oasis fan, I haven't enjoyed a record this much since 1995's "What's the Story) Morning Glory?" The album shines most brightly in its consistency and variety. There is arguably no filler on it, and even the track or two that some may consider filler have their place on the album. The songwriting trio of Liam Gallagher, Gem Archer, and Andy Bell brings a variety of songs that I can listen to no matter my mood, and it is for this reason that the album hasn't left my CD player since I first started listening to it two weeks ago. While it will not have the same impact as WTSMG? did upon its release, it contains the same lighthearted vibe and has gotten better with every listen for me.

Track by track with the songwriter in parenthesis below.

Four Letter Word (Bell) - Another strong Gallagher album opener. Straight up rock and roll with Liam reminding us that "nothing ever lasts forever."

Millionaire (Bell)- From the electric fast paced FLW to the all acoustic Millionaire, the album gets off to a strong start with some of the most interesting lyrics on the album referencing Salvador Dali and a trip from Cadaqués to Figueres.

The Roller (Archer) - A good choice for the first proper single. Shades of 'Instant Karma' all over this one but a really upbeat song. It's supposedly about a person that can always be counted on to be strong for a friend in their time of need.

Beatles and Stones (Gallagher) - One of the tracks some might consider filler, but it definitely has its place on the album and has Liam passionately voicing his opinion about wanting to "stand the test of time, like Beatles and Stones."

Wind Up Dream (Archer) - One that has gotten much better over time for me. I didn't really get this one at first, but it's a good listen with a cool harmonica solo towards the end.

Bring the Light (Gallagher) - A shocker when it first came out as a free download in November, fans fears that the entire album like this one can be laid to rest. While an album full of Jerry Lee Lewis type tracks like this one would be a bit much, it sounds fresh on every listen. Recorded live, and the rawness comes through well in the final recording.

For Anyone (Gallagher) - One of Liam's finest vocals on the album. A nice little number that will undoubtedly draw comparisons to 'Songbird' for it's just over two minute runtime, acoustic guitar, and lyrics.

Kill for a Dream (Bell)- Perhaps the most Oasis sounding track on the album. Shouldn't have anything taken away from it for that though as it is one of the highlights for me.

Standing on the Edge of the Noise (Archer)- Perhaps the weakest song on the album, there are some strange effects going on with Liam's voice here which may turn off some. Should be great live.

Wigwam (Gallagher) - A six and a half minute epic that starts off completely different from how it ends. One of Liam's finer songwriting efforts.

Three Ring Circus (Archer) - A great rock and roll tune by Gem here. I can already hear people singing the big chorus at the gigs.

The Beat Goes On (Bell) - Another impressive track by Andy Bell with a big chorus with Liam singing retrospectively, "So long, so long, someday all the world will sing my song," but also staying positive saying "It's not the end of the world, oh no, it's not even the end of the day."

The Morning Son (Gallagher) - A beautiful album closer both musically and lyrically. Liam admits that if there is ever a track he's written about his brother it's this one. He sings "he's in my mind, he's in my soul, he's even in my rock and roll" before the song really takes off into a "Champagne Supernova" esque outro.


Overall, I didn't expect anything nearly this good from Beady Eye. While some songs could be improved, the album would not be better off without any of them. Oasis fans shouldn't be too quick to dismiss them for not having Noel Gallagher as there is a lot here to like. There's no reinvention of the wheel, but it's still the best album featuring a Gallagher brother since 1995.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Say yes to vinyl., September 7, 2011

By 

Réamann - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Different Gear Still Speeding (Vinyl)

I initially heard this album in the mp3 format & immediately thought that it should be listened to on vinyl for best results. Perhaps this is because the music reminded me of songs I had loved in the days before compact discs & digital media. There are plenty of reviews dealing with the music on this album so instead I will focus on the vinyl LP.
The songs are divided up over two records & come in a gatefold sleeve. The insert sleeves which contain the actual vinyl are sturdy cardboard & not merely paper & are covered with artwork.
The sound quality is outstanding. It is clear, upfront with lovely instrument separation. I have read negative reviews of Oasis albums stating that they are over compressed but this is not the case here.
All in all if you are considering buying this album on vinyl then I recommend that you go ahead & do so.