Ahead of his 'Down By The River' live stream from the Thames on December 5th Liam Gallagher has released his latest single, 'All You're Dreaming Of'. It's as close as I think you'll get to a Christmas song from the younger Gallagher brother. He falls short of including sleigh bells but there is a tambourine in the mix that is close to approximating the festive necessity.
Gallagher is softer of tone, and dare I say it, mellowed out on his latest release. 'All You're Dreaming Of' sees Liam deliver one of his most tender, laid back and understated performances and it actual suits him. If you can suspend your own memories of the often troublesome, agitated, antagonistic Mancunian and just listen then you're in for a surprise.
Perhaps it's the onset of arthritis, the realisation of his looming half century in a couple of years, or just that he's chilled out a little, who knows, but 'All You're Dreaming Of' is as far from a posturing or provocative tune as you'll find from Mr G. The song seems a simple one on the surface but it is enhanced by a great horn section, piano, percussion and strings. Liam keeps his vocal in check, there is no strain in his voice and he sounds better for it. You could even say he sounds a tad soppy bless him as he sings, "Oh What are you dreaming of, Is it the kind of love, That'll be there when the world is at its worst, That'll cover you in kisses unrehearsed?"
The animation for the lyric video is also a simple affair with most of the action taking place as we look through a window to the starry night beyond. It's vaguely a mixture of the Genesis 'Duke' album cover and the Scott Free film credits with the lyrics unfolding over the minimalist animation.