Audio CD review:
Mike Oldfield, Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield - Tubular Bells 2003

Mike Oldfield, Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield - Tubular Bells 2003

Band: Mike Oldfield, Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield Title: Tubular Bells 2003 Rating: Release Date: 05 August, 2003 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Introduction 2: Fast Guitars 3: Basses 4: Latin 5: A Minor Tune 6: Blues 7: Thrash 8: Jazz 9: Ghost Bells 10: Russian 11: Finale 12: Harmonics 13: Peace 14: Bagpipe Guitars 15: Caveman 16: Ambient Guitars 17: The Sailor's Hornpipe

Editoral Review It may be true that the Bayeux Tapestry would look pretty good if someone re-embroidered all 230 feet of it on a modern sewing machine, but that's hardly the point. Perfectionist Mike Oldfield (unhappy, apparently, at the odd bum note on the indubitably classic original) utilizes updated studio techniques to re-record his flagship classical/folk/rock instrumental masterwork in its bar-for-bar entirety. Surely, the original Tubular Bells, which recorded 16 million in sales, has more than enough going for it. Although the production here is fatter and brighter, playing "spot the difference" between this version and the one that continues to pay for Richard Branson's hot-air balloons may require levels of diligence and dedication bordering on pottiness. There are minor distinctions, including louder bass guitar, better sounding bagpipes, Sally Oldfield (presumably) joining Mike for a grunt on the amusing "Caveman" section, and John Cleese playing master of ceremonies on "Finale," saving his best "pining for the fjords" voice for the announcement of the arrival of the "double speed guitar. ". --Kevin Maidment .. You can see a complete list of all Mike Oldfield, Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield discography, or go back to the Mike Oldfield, Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield tabs