Oasis, the most important traditional rock band of the last 10 years. Critics say the band is derivative and that they sounds like the Beatles.

Those detractors should keep in mind that if the Beatles didn’t copy Chuck Berry and Little Richard, rock would have never gained the importance it has today. Anyway, Oasis sound more like Slade than the Beatles and nick more riffs from T-Rex than from John Lennon.

If that doesn’t convince you, then Pete Townsend, Neil Young, Paul Weller, David Bowie and Johnny Marr love the music of Oasis and are thrilled with the homage that Oasis has given them. Even Paul McCartney has worked with Noel Gallagher, as they recorded “Come Together” with Paul Weller for the Help compilation. How can anyone argue with that?

It’s disheartening that the new double-live album has tragically dropped amid this recent backlash because a lot of people are going to miss it. Familiar to Millions, recorded during the first night of the sold out Wembley Stadium show, should be placed among the greatest live albums of all-time.

It ranks with the Who’s Live At Leeds, the Rolling Stones’s Get Your Ya Ya’s Out, and Thin Lizzy’s Live and Dangerous. Familiar to Millions is essential because it accurately portrays the legacy of Oasis. It represents five working-class musicians who, instead of working at the local factory in England, survived by capturing the spirit of

England with epic rock anthems that have struck an emotional chord with people all around the world. Since their inception in 1993, Noel Gallagher has flawlessly translated into his songs the way he and his friends live their lives.

Also, Millions gives us the first recorded evidence showing the brilliance of new members Gem Archer and Andy Bell. Replacing guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, ex-Heavy Stereo leader provides for an even better lead guitar player than Noel Gallagher.

Andy Bell, the accomplished guitar player from Ride and Hurricane #1, has come in to replace Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan on bass. As tunes like “Go Let It Out” reveal, Andy Bell is much better at bass than guitar.

“Gas Panic,” which Liam dedicates to all the potheads, gradually extends into a sea of distortion after increasing to a frenzied tempo, thanks to Andy Bell and drummer Alan White. After an extended intro from Noel, “Cigarettes and Alcohol” comes pummeling out of the speakers and seamlessly transforms into Seppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”

“That’s rock `n roll mister,” says Liam after the song comes to an end. “I didn’t even blink once.”

“Step Out” and “Acquiesce,” two of the great b-side anthems are also proper, and Noel’s cover of Neil Young’s “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)” stands up well to the original from Rust Never Sleeps.

Finally, the most exhilarating moment of the record comes on “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a song whose chorus Noel hasn’t sung in five years. As the band drives into the “So Sally can wait/She knows it’s too late” climax, Noel sits back and allows the 70,000 in attendance to do the work for him.

Including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin, the Mc5, the Jam and Black Sabbath, who paved the way for the acts of today.

Bands like the Stone Roses, the Black Crowes, Primal Scream and ultimately Oasis keep the spirit of rock `n roll moving in the right direction.

Closing the Wembley set on Millions, is the thundering “Rock `n Roll Star,” with Liam hollering, “It’s just rock `n roll.” Maybe, but it really doesn’t get any better than this.