Tubular Bells was Mike Oldfield’s debut album that he released 50 years ago. It was a groundbreaking record that launched the careers of Mike Oldfield and Virgin Records. To this day, the album is very unique, and since then there really wasn’t anything like it. Mike Oldfield wrote many albums where he explored similar themes, and eventually started writing songs with lyrics and vocals. He was successful in both areas, but Tubular Bells was his calling card.
This album does not include any contributions from Mike Oldfield. His music is being performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Contemporary Voices Choir, and some sessions musicians. It is a really well put together project. There is definitely love for the music, you can feel it in how this recording flows. There were other orchestral attempts at Tubular Bells, but this one by far is the best one. In many ways, any flaws of the past are brought to perfection here.
This is a very pleasant and relaxing listen. The whole album is a very nice surprise. Normally such tributes tend be done in a hurry, and with little preparation, but that’s not the case here. Every little sound is accounted for, and some arrangements are quite inventive and interesting. The album has a very cool mood to it. After few listens it still feels very fresh, and you get the impression that you’re hearing Tubular Bells unlike any other time before.
It's a double disc set, and there are some bonus surprises mainly on the second CD. What you get is Ommadawn Pt. 1, some parts of Hergest Ridge, and Moonlight Shadow. The last one of course was a European megahit for Mike Odlfield back in 1983. The vocals performed by Ella Shaw. The packaging goes along with the original Tubular Bells theme, only the bells are twisted to resemble number 50. This is not a new Mike Oldfield release, but still incredibly well put together and entertaining.
Mark Kadzielawa
No comments:
Post a Comment