Audio CD review:
Mike Oldfield - Incantations

Mike Oldfield - Incantations

Band: Mike Oldfield Title: Incantations Rating: Release Date: 11 July, 2000 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Part One 2: Part Two 3: Part Three 4: Part Four

Customer Reviews An Epic Soundtrack to Realms of Fantasy and Magic He was ready to head into the punk wars, with his greatest weapon shining bright; his music. Originally released in December of 1978 "Incantations" saw a rejuvenated Mike Oldfield emerge after three years of relative silence, no longer the sombre, shy, and introverted young musician. The romantic windswept cover saw a clean cut, short haired Oldfield brimming with new found confidence and musical ideas. Some could argue that the controversial therapy treatments he went through in the preceding years drove the creative spark of genius from his music. And even hardened Oldfield fans would concede that his music is markedly different post therapy. This is not to say that "Incantations" is totally different to his first three recordings. But this time Mike expands the canvas somewhat and presents a double album comprising four suites of interconnected music. This would actually be his last long instrumental album for 12 years, which was a great shame because on this record he shows that the promise of "Tubular Bells" had been completely fulfilled. This is a beautifully textured album, one which conjures up magical fantasy worlds, of epic struggles between the forces of light and dark. Ultimately with Oldfield's new found confidence the forces of light prevail, on a generally up beat album. This marks the album out from the darkness and chaos of previous records. This is a positive album, evocative, strange and undeniably British. Mike also extends his instrumental range with greater use of wind and string instruments to give this album a subtle touch of ethnicity. Synthetic instrumentation and the use of drums hint at the more commercial spectrum his work was to take with "Platinum" and "QE2". Amid its shifting sound-scapes in which the planets soar past, Oldfield created a fantasy epic, one which seems as comfortable in Middle Earth, as it is on our Earth. . Incantations- Surely one of the finest musical creations ever Mike Oldfield is one of the world's greatest musicians, and I see Incantations as among his brightest works. The title of this review says it all. If my opinion counts for anything, Incantations should go down in human history as one of the finest musical creations in all of history. I think people will think so for ages and ages. . If You Know Oldfield, Then Add This to Your Collection; If Your Are Just Exploring a New Sound, Then Definitely Try It For those familiar with Mike Oldfield, I will state up front that this review is not directed at you: you already have your opinions as to which Mike Oldfield albums are best, and those among you who have submitted reviews have very clearly articulated why you like or dislike this particular album. If you're reading this, I will assume that you fall into one of two listener categories: either you already are familiar with Mike Oldfield's music and are wondering (if you don't already own it) whether this album is worth buying or, you simply are looking to expand your musical listening options by trying somethng different. That being said, I offer the following: If you enjoy "experimental" instrumental music that I would compare to Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream (earlier years), Vangelis, Jean Luc Ponty and perhaps some of the music generated by the ambient music group Aphex Twin, then I think you would truly want to add this album to your collection. I listen to music at least 10 hours/day at my office, and consider Incantations to be among the most enjoyable and listenable music among the 1000+ CD's I own. Because of my overall love of music, I admit that I do not care about artist "integrity"; whether this album measures up to Mike Oldfield's prior output; or whether the music is as technically or intellectually challenging/ground breaking as some of his earlier works. In my opinion, Mike Oldfield's music is brilliant. For me to go on a limb and write a review, however, the bottom line is whether the music can be enjoyed and appreciated each time you hear it. Incantations is such an album: the sound quality is superior; the instrumentation is mind-blowing; and the overall excellence of the music compelled me to seek out and buy more of Mike Oldfield's music. I believe that if you already have a taste for this type of music, Incantations is a "must have" album (Ommadawn, Tubular Bells I and II and Songs of Distant Earth are among Oldfield's other albums to consider). The sound is captivating, and the fact that the album provides over 1 hour of music (uncommon for Oldfield)is a welcome bonus. . You can see a complete list of all Mike Oldfield discography, or go back to the Mike Oldfield tabs