AKA...What A Life!

Album: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (2011)
Charted: 20
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Noel Gallagher's second solo single is a dance-infused tune inspired by the many nights he spent at Manchester's Hacienda night club in the late 1980s. He told to Mojo magazine: "After recording it I went to the office and said to my manager: 'I've just written a disco tune. I feel quite dirty.' I'm in my mid-forties and I'm hardly disco, but the song carries the vibe no matter what that is. Now I love it." The song was released as a single on September 11, 2011.
  • Gallagher admitted to The Sun that he sought a second opinion before including this song on his debut solo album. Said the former Oasis guitarist and principle songwriter: "I was thinking of the piano from Rhythm is Rhythm's 'Strings Of Life.' It was very acid house to begin with and so I was thinking of giving it to someone. I thought of Madonna, then (Noel's wife) Sara said, 'Don't be daft. Madonna won't sing it. When are you likely to see Madonna?' So that spoiled it.

    It took me back to the Hacienda where, for three years from 1988 to 1990, I practically lived. I loved it and I wanted something to remind me of it. But I still wasn't sure so I played it to our office and all the girls loved it. Once girls like it, you're on to a winner. The song's easily up there with the best things I've ever done."
  • A special mix of the song was used to soundtrack Vauxhall's "Supporting a Nation" TV commercial, which features the England football team.
  • The psychedelic video features Russell Brand portraying an evil being whom tries to poison The Waitress until Noel Gallagher appears to save her.

Comments: 2

  • Sarah from Bedford, NsWeird beginning to the video but good song.
  • Valo from Moscow, Russia Federation'Once girls like it, you're on to a winner' - a god damn key to success)) True
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he Inspired

Muhammad Ali: His Musical Legacy and the Songs he InspiredSong Writing

Before he was the champ, Ali released an album called I Am The Greatest!, but his musical influence is best heard in the songs he inspired.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.