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{{short description|2005 single by Oasis}}
{{Short description|2005 single by Oasis}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{One source|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = The Importance of Being Idle
| name = The Importance of Being Idle
Line 10: Line 9:
| artist = [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]
| artist = [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]
| album = [[Don't Believe the Truth]]
| album = [[Don't Believe the Truth]]
| B-side = {{ubl|"Pass Me Down the Wine"|"The Quiet Ones"}}
| B-side =
* "Pass Me Down the Wine"
* "The Quiet Ones"
| released = 22 August 2005
| released = {{start date|2005|8|22|df=y}}
| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio = Wheeler End, [[Buckinghamshire]], England
| studio = Wheeler End ([[Buckinghamshire]], England)
| venue =
| genre = [[Indie rock]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]]
| length = 3:39
| length = 3:39
| label = [[Big Brother Recordings|Big Brother]]
| label = [[Big Brother Recordings|Big Brother]]
Line 24: Line 24:
| next_title = [[Let There Be Love (Oasis song)|Let There Be Love]]
| next_title = [[Let There Be Love (Oasis song)|Let There Be Love]]
| next_year = 2005
| next_year = 2005
| misc = {{External music video|header=Official video|{{YouTube|BU0t9gw4UDI|"The Importance of Being Idle"}}}}
}}
}}
⚫
"'''The Importance of Being Idle'''" is a song by English rock band [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]. It was released on 22 August 2005 in the UK as the second single from their sixth studio album, ''[[Don't Believe the Truth]]'' (2005), written, produced, and sung by lead guitarist [[Noel Gallagher]]. The song was written by Gallagher in the mid-2004, before the band made their final attempt at recording what would become ''Don't Believe the Truth''.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}


⚫
The song debuted at number one on the [[UK Singles Chart]] and stayed there for a week, marking the first time that Oasis had ever earned two successive number ones in the same calendar year (having also charted at number one earlier in 2005 with "[[Lyla (song)|Lyla]]"). "The Importance of Being Idle" would prove to be the band's last UK number one prior to their break-up in 2009. Noel Gallagher got the title from the [[The Importance of Being Idle (book)|book of the same name]], which he found whilst cleaning out a garage.
⚫
"'''The Importance of Being Idle'''" is a banger by the English [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]. It was released on 22 August 2005 in the UK as the second [[Single (music)|single]] from their sixth studio album ''[[Don't Believe the Truth]]'' (2005), written, produced and sung by lead guitarist [[Noel Gallagher]]. The song was written by Gallagher in the summer of 2004, before the band made their final attempt at recording what would become ''Don't Believe the Truth''.

⚫
The song debuted at number one on the [[UK Singles Chart]], staying there for a week,<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= [[British Hit Singles & Albums]]| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited | location= London| isbn= 1-904994-10-5| page= 715}}</ref> marking the first time that Oasis had ever earned two successive number ones in the same calendar year (having also charted at number one earlier in 2005 with "[[Lyla (song)|Lyla]]"). "The Importance of Being Idle" would prove to be the band's last UK number one prior to their break-up in 2009. As of 2020, it is also their most recent single release to be certified Gold in the UK. Noel Gallagher got the title from the [[The Importance of Being Idle (book)|book of the same name]], which he found whilst cleaning out a garage (it belonged not to him, but to his then-girlfriend and current wife, Sara MacDonald).


==Background==
==Background==
In an interview with ''[[Q magazine]]'', Noel Gallagher stated that "The Importance of Being Idle" sounds like songs from two British bands, [[The Kinks]] and [[The La's]]. In particular, the guitar playing, as well as the sentiment expressed, is noticeably similar to The Kinks' "[[Sunny Afternoon]]" and "[[Dead End Street (song)|Dead End Street]]". He also said that the lyrics are inspired by his own laziness.<ref name="songfacts.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=5088|title=The Importance Of Being Idle by Oasis Songfacts|work=songfacts.com}}</ref> Additionally, the line "I begged my doctor for one more line" may be a reference to Noel's account of how he gave up [[cocaine]] in 1998.<ref name="songfacts.com"/>
In an interview with ''[[Q magazine]]'', Noel Gallagher stated that "The Importance of Being Idle" sounds like songs from two British bands, [[The Kinks]] and [[The La's]]. In particular, the guitar playing, as well as the sentiment expressed, is noticeably similar to The Kinks' "[[Sunny Afternoon]]" and "[[Dead End Street (song)|Dead End Street]]", while the rhythm is similar to that of "Clean Prophet" by the La's. He also said that the lyrics are inspired by his own laziness,<ref name="songfacts.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=5088|title=The Importance Of Being Idle by Oasis Songfacts|work=songfacts.com}}</ref> stating: "Having nothing to do is such a massive job that someone had to write a song about it."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/whats-the-story-mourning-glory-1074362|title=What's the story? Mourning glory|date=4 July 2005|website=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Additionally, the line "I begged my doctor for one more line" may be a reference to Noel's account of how he gave up [[cocaine]] in 1998.<ref name="songfacts.com"/>

The guitar sound is similar also to The La's B-sides "Clean Prophet".{{citation needed|date=April 2013}} The piano used on the pre-chorus sections was bought by bassist [[Andy Bell (musician)|Andy Bell]] from the auction website [[eBay]].


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
Most reviewers acclaimed the track as one of the highlights of ''Don't Believe the Truth'', which itself was widely praised as a marked return to form. The band mentioned in interviews in June 2005 that it would become the second [[single (music)|single]]. The B-sides are [[Liam Gallagher]]'s "Pass Me Down the Wine" and [[Gem Archer]]'s "The Quiet Ones".
Most reviewers acclaimed the track as one of the highlights of ''Don't Believe the Truth'', which itself was widely praised as a return to form. The band mentioned in interviews in June 2005 that it would become the second single. The [[B-side]]s are [[Liam Gallagher]]'s "Pass Me Down the Wine" and [[Gem Archer]]'s "The Quiet Ones". ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine readers placed the song at number one in a list of 2005's greatest tracks. The song was ranked at number 117 in [[Xfm]]'s 1000 Greatest Songs of All Time list. XFM also placed it at number 48 in their "100 Best Songs of the 2000s" list.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

The song debuted at No. 1 in the [[UK Singles Chart]], but was knocked off the spot the following week by [[Gorillaz]]'s new single "[[Dare (song)|Dare]]".<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine readers placed the song at number one in a list of 2005's greatest tracks.

The song was ranked No. 117 in [[Xfm|XFM]]'s 1000 Greatest Songs of All Time list. [[XFM]] also placed it at No. 48 in their 100 Best Songs of The 2000s list. The song is included on Oasis' [[Greatest hits|compilation]] albums ''[[Stop the Clocks]]'' and ''[[Time Flies... 1994–2009]]''.


==Music video==
==Music video==
The promo film was directed by [[Dawn Shadforth]], whose previous videos include [[Kylie Minogue]]'s award-winning "[[Can't Get You Out of My Head]]". Shadforth's film for "The Importance of Being Idle" starred Welsh actor [[Rhys Ifans]] and pays homage to the style of early 1960s [[kitchen sink drama]] British films, and is set during preparations for a funeral procession in a northern town, with the extravagant undertakers parading the coffin at the video's climax and Ifans playing the part of a high-kicking funeral director whose own funeral it is.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oasisinet.com/site.php?site=newsarchview&idx=597&year=2005&month=6&domc=0&start=0|title=THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO EXCLUSIVE|date=27 June 2005|website=Oasisinet.com|accessdate=21 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005826/http://www.oasisinet.com/site.php?site=newsarchview&idx=597&year=2005&month=6&domc=0&start=0|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>
The promo film was directed by [[Dawn Shadforth]], whose previous videos include [[Kylie Minogue]]'s award-winning "[[Can't Get You Out of My Head]]". Shadforth's film for "The Importance of Being Idle" starred Welsh actor [[Rhys Ifans]] and pays homage to the style of early 1960s [[kitchen sink drama]] British films, and is set during preparations for a funeral procession in a northern town, with the extravagant undertakers parading the coffin at the video's climax and Ifans playing the part of a high-kicking funeral director whose own funeral it is.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oasisinet.com/site.php?site=newsarchview&idx=597&year=2005&month=6&domc=0&start=0|title=THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO EXCLUSIVE|date=27 June 2005|website=Oasisinet.com|accessdate=21 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927005826/http://www.oasisinet.com/site.php?site=newsarchview&idx=597&year=2005&month=6&domc=0&start=0|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Karen |date=2005-06-27 |title=Rhys is high-kicking attraction in Oasis video |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/rhys-high-kicking-attraction-oasis-video-2394414 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=WalesOnline |language=en}}</ref>


The video is based on the film and play ''[[Billy Liar]]'' with Ifans playing the role of Billy. The Gallaghers play [[Shadrack & Duxbury]], the owners of the funeral parlour where Billy works. The rest of the band ([[Gem Archer|Gem]], [[Andy Bell (musician)|Andy]] and [[Zak Starkey|Zak]]) make brief appearances as lazy workers playing cards in an undertaker's office. The video is similar in style and concept to the black and white 1966 music video for "[[Dead End Street (song)|Dead End Street]]" by [[The Kinks]]. [[Liam Gallagher]]'s second child, Lennon, cameos in this video.
The video is based on the film and play ''[[Billy Liar]]'' with Ifans playing the role of Billy. The Gallaghers play [[Shadrack & Duxbury]], the owners of the funeral parlour where Billy works. The rest of the band ([[Gem Archer|Gem]], [[Andy Bell (Welsh musician)|Andy]] and [[Zak Starkey|Zak]]) make brief appearances as lazy workers playing cards in the undertaker's office. The video is similar in style and concept to the black and white 1966 music video for "[[Dead End Street (song)|Dead End Street]]" by [[The Kinks]]. [[Liam Gallagher]]'s second child, Lennon, cameos in the video.{{cn|date=June 2022}}


A short behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of the music video, which was shot partly in [[Greenwich]], was directed by [[Dick Carruthers]]. Archer describes it as "the best video I think we've ever done".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4132040/|title=Oasis: The Importance of Being Idle (Video 2005)|date=22 August 2005|work=IMDb}}</ref>
A short behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of the music video, which was shot partly in [[Greenwich]], was directed by [[Dick Carruthers]]. Archer describes it as "the best video I think we've ever done".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4132040/|title=Oasis: The Importance of Being Idle (Video 2005)|date=22 August 2005|publisher=IMDb}}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listings==
⚫
{{col-begin}}
*;CD single / digital download
{{col-2}}
⚫
#"The Importance of Being Idle" ([[Noel Gallagher]]) - 3:43
* '''UK and Japanese CD single; digital download'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=[[Oasis (band)|Oasis]]|year=2005|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=[[Big Brother Recordings]]|id=RKIDSCD 31}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=Oasis|year=2005|type=Japanese CD single liner notes|publisher=[[Epic Records]]|id=EICP 550}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/the-importance-of-being-idle-single/457063103|title=The Importance of Being Idle – Single|publisher=[[Apple Music]]|access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref>
⚫
#"Pass Me Down the Wine" ([[Liam Gallagher]]) - 3:51
#"The Quiet Ones" ([[Gem Archer]]) - 2:01
# "The Importance of Being Idle" ([[Noel Gallagher]])
⚫
# "Pass Me Down the Wine" ([[Liam Gallagher]])
# "The Quiet Ones" ([[Gem Archer]])


* '''UK DVD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=Oasis|year=2005|type=UK DVD single liner notes|publisher=Big Brother Recordings|id=RKIDSDVD31}}</ref>
*;UK 7" single
#"The Importance of Being Idle" ([[Noel Gallagher]]) - 3:43
# "The Importance of Being Idle"
⚫
# "The Importance of Being Idle" (demo)
⚫
#"Pass Me Down the Wine" ([[Liam Gallagher]]) - 3:51
# "The Importance of Being Idle" (video)
# "The Making Of" (documentary)
{{col-2}}
* '''UK 7-inch single and European CD1'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=Oasis|year=2005|type=UK 7-inch single sleeve|publisher=Big Brother Recordings|id=RKID31}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=Oasis|year=2005|type=European CD1 liner notes|publisher=Helter Skelter|id=HES 676072 1}}</ref>
⚫
# "The Importance of Being Idle" (N. Gallagher)
⚫
# "Pass Me Down the Wine" (L. Gallagher)


* '''European CD2'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=The Importance of Being Idle|others=Oasis|year=2005|type=European CD2 liner notes|publisher=Helter Skelter|id=HES 676072 5}}</ref>
*;UK DVD single
#"The Importance of Being Idle" - 3:41
# "The Importance of Being Idle" (N. Gallagher)
# "Pass Me Down the Wine" (L. Gallagher)
⚫
#"The Importance of Being Idle" (Demo) - 3:40
#"The Importance of Being Idle" (Video) - 4:03
# "The Quiet Ones" (Archer)
#"The Making Of" (Documentary) - 5:22
# "The Importance of Being Idle" (video clip)
{{col-end}}


==Credits and personnel==
==Credits and personnel==
*[[Noel Gallagher]] – vocals, [[lead guitar]]
* [[Noel Gallagher]] – vocals, lead guitar
*[[Andy Bell (musician)|Andy Bell]] – [[Bass guitar|bass]]
* [[Andy Bell (Welsh musician)|Andy Bell]] – bass
*[[Gem Archer]] – [[rhythm guitar]], [[piano]]
* [[Gem Archer]] – rhythm guitar, keyboards
*[[Zak Starkey]] - [[Drum kit|drums]]
* [[Zak Starkey]] – drums


==Charts and certifications==
==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 80: Line 83:
!Peak<br/>position
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/00s/2005/BB-2005-09-10.pdf|title=Hits of the World – Eurocharts|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=117|issue=37|page=89|date=10 September 2005|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2005/BB-2005-09-10.pdf|title=Hits of the World – Eurocharts|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=117|issue=37|page=89|date=10 September 2005|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>
|4
|4
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany|63|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|songid=112740|rowheader=true|access-date=14 March 2019}}
{{single chart|Germany|63|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|songid=112740|rowheader=true|access-date=14 March 2019}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Ireland2|15|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|access-date=17 April 2020}}
{{single chart|Ireland2|15|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|access-date=17 April 2020}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Italy|1|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
{{single chart|Italy|1|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands ([[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Top 40 Tipparade]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.top40.nl/tipparade/2005/week-40|title=Tipparade-lijst van week 40, 2005|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|language=nl|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|Dutch100|84|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
|15
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Scotland|4|date=20050910|rowheader=true|access-date=11 April 2019}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|84|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Sweden|40|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
{{single chart|Scotland|1|date=20050828|rowheader=true|access-date=6 July 2023}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Switzerland|57|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
{{single chart|Sweden|40|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
|-
⚫
{{single chart|Switzerland|57|artist=Oasis|song=The Importance of Being Idle|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|UK|1|date=20050828|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
{{single chart|UK|1|date=20050828|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
Line 106: Line 112:
!Position
!Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20050110/37501/|title=End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20050110/37501/|title=End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref>
|37
|37
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


===Certifications===
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Oasis|title=The Importance of Being Idle|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2005|certyear=2020|id=10377-1114-1|accessdate=21 February 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Oasis|title=The Importance of Being Idle|award=Platinum|relyear=2005|certyear=2024|id=10377-1114-1|access-date=September 13, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true | noshipments=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

⚫
{{col-end}}
==Release history==
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!scope="col"|Region
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
!scope="row"|Denmark
|rowspan="2"|22 August 2005
|CD
|Helter Skelter
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://130.227.53.55/pdf_katalog/20050808_SONY%20BMG%20Music_Nytbrev.pdf|title=15. august 2005 – 18. september 2005|publisher=[[Sony Music|Sony Music Denmark]]|page=15|language=da|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227030326/http://130.227.53.55/pdf_katalog/20050808_SONY%20BMG%20Music_Nytbrev.pdf|archive-date=27 December 2005|access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|United Kingdom
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|CD|DVD}}
|[[Big Brother Recordings|Big Brother]]
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=49|date=20 August 2005}}</ref>
|-
!scope="row"|Japan
|24 August 2005
|CD
|[[Epic Records|Epic]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/ES/Oasis/|title=Oasis {{!}} Artist Information|publisher=[[Sony Music Entertainment Japan]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060407052044/http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch/ES/Oasis/|archive-date=7 April 2006|access-date=25 August 2023}}</ref>
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Oasis}}
{{Oasis}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Importance of Being Idle (song), The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Importance of Being Idle (song), The}}
⚫
[[Category:2005 songs]]
[[Category:2005 singles]]
[[Category:2005 singles]]
⚫
[[Category:Oasis (band) songs]]
⚫
[[Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Italy]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Italy]]
[[Category:Songs written by Noel Gallagher]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Scotland]]
[[Category:Oasis (band) songs]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Noel Gallagher]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Noel Gallagher]]
[[Category:2004 songs]]
[[Category:Songs written by Noel Gallagher]]
⚫
[[Category:UK singles chart number-one singles]]

Latest revision as of 23:15, 1 January 2025

"The Importance of Being Idle"
Single by Oasis
from the album Don't Believe the Truth
B-side
  • "Pass Me Down the Wine"
  • "The Quiet Ones"
Released22 August 2005 (2005-08-22)
StudioWheeler End (Buckinghamshire, England)
GenreIndie rock
Length3:39
LabelBig Brother
Songwriter(s)Noel Gallagher
Producer(s)Noel Gallagher
Oasis singles chronology
"Lyla"
(2005) 		"The Importance of Being Idle"
(2005) 		"Let There Be Love"
(2005)
Official video
"The Importance of Being Idle" on YouTube

"The Importance of Being Idle" is a song by English rock band Oasis. It was released on 22 August 2005 in the UK as the second single from their sixth studio album, Don't Believe the Truth (2005), written, produced, and sung by lead guitarist Noel Gallagher. The song was written by Gallagher in the mid-2004, before the band made their final attempt at recording what would become Don't Believe the Truth.[citation needed]

The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for a week, marking the first time that Oasis had ever earned two successive number ones in the same calendar year (having also charted at number one earlier in 2005 with "Lyla"). "The Importance of Being Idle" would prove to be the band's last UK number one prior to their break-up in 2009. Noel Gallagher got the title from the book of the same name, which he found whilst cleaning out a garage.

Background

[edit]

In an interview with Q magazine, Noel Gallagher stated that "The Importance of Being Idle" sounds like songs from two British bands, The Kinks and The La's. In particular, the guitar playing, as well as the sentiment expressed, is noticeably similar to The Kinks' "Sunny Afternoon" and "Dead End Street", while the rhythm is similar to that of "Clean Prophet" by the La's. He also said that the lyrics are inspired by his own laziness,[1] stating: "Having nothing to do is such a massive job that someone had to write a song about it."[2] Additionally, the line "I begged my doctor for one more line" may be a reference to Noel's account of how he gave up cocaine in 1998.[1]

Critical reception

[edit]

Most reviewers acclaimed the track as one of the highlights of Don't Believe the Truth, which itself was widely praised as a return to form. The band mentioned in interviews in June 2005 that it would become the second single. The B-sides are Liam Gallagher's "Pass Me Down the Wine" and Gem Archer's "The Quiet Ones". Q magazine readers placed the song at number one in a list of 2005's greatest tracks. The song was ranked at number 117 in Xfm's 1000 Greatest Songs of All Time list. XFM also placed it at number 48 in their "100 Best Songs of the 2000s" list.[citation needed]

Music video

[edit]

The promo film was directed by Dawn Shadforth, whose previous videos include Kylie Minogue's award-winning "Can't Get You Out of My Head". Shadforth's film for "The Importance of Being Idle" starred Welsh actor Rhys Ifans and pays homage to the style of early 1960s kitchen sink drama British films, and is set during preparations for a funeral procession in a northern town, with the extravagant undertakers parading the coffin at the video's climax and Ifans playing the part of a high-kicking funeral director whose own funeral it is.[3][4]

The video is based on the film and play Billy Liar with Ifans playing the role of Billy. The Gallaghers play Shadrack & Duxbury, the owners of the funeral parlour where Billy works. The rest of the band (Gem, Andy and Zak) make brief appearances as lazy workers playing cards in the undertaker's office. The video is similar in style and concept to the black and white 1966 music video for "Dead End Street" by The Kinks. Liam Gallagher's second child, Lennon, cameos in the video.[citation needed]

A short behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of the music video, which was shot partly in Greenwich, was directed by Dick Carruthers. Archer describes it as "the best video I think we've ever done".[5]

Track listings

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[24] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Denmark 22 August 2005 CD Helter Skelter [25]
United Kingdom
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • DVD
 Big Brother [26]
Japan 24 August 2005 CD Epic [27]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The Importance Of Being Idle by Oasis Songfacts". songfacts.com.
  2. ^ "What's the story? Mourning glory". Manchester Evening News. 4 July 2005.
  3. ^ "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IDLE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO EXCLUSIVE". Oasisinet.com. 27 June 2005. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  4. ^ Price, Karen (27 June 2005). "Rhys is high-kicking attraction in Oasis video". WalesOnline. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Oasis: The Importance of Being Idle (Video 2005)". IMDb. 22 August 2005.
  6. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (UK CD single liner notes). Oasis. Big Brother Recordings. 2005. RKIDSCD 31.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (Japanese CD single liner notes). Oasis. Epic Records. 2005. EICP 550.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ "The Importance of Being Idle – Single". Apple Music. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  9. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (UK DVD single liner notes). Oasis. Big Brother Recordings. 2005. RKIDSDVD31.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Oasis. Big Brother Recordings. 2005. RKID31.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (European CD1 liner notes). Oasis. Helter Skelter. 2005. HES 676072 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ^ The Importance of Being Idle (European CD2 liner notes). Oasis. Helter Skelter. 2005. HES 676072 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ^ "Hits of the World – Eurocharts" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 37. 10 September 2005. p. 89. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  14. ^ "Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  15. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Importance of Being Idle". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  16. ^ "Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  17. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 40, 2005" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  19. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  20. ^ "Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  21. ^ "Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  22. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  23. ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  24. ^ "British single certifications – Oasis – The Importance of Being Idle". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  25. ^ "15. august 2005 – 18. september 2005" (PDF) (in Danish). Sony Music Denmark. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 December 2005. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  26. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 20 August 2005. p. 49.
  27. ^ "Oasis | Artist Information". Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Archived from the original on 7 April 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
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