Music : Tubular Bells Vol.1: Remastered

Rating: - Not just for technophiles and geeks
I'm a longstanding Oldfield fan, and I know this album intimately. I used to think that remastered releases were just a way for fleecing the record buying public. But I took a chance on this, and I was flabbergasted. The remastering makes all the difference, the sound quality is crystal clear and I can hear flutes and pedal basses that I didn't know existed. It's like hearing this album for the first time all over again!

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Rating: - A well worth listening investment. . .
I think Tubular Bells has to be the most courageous piece of music I have heard. This is simply and innocently brilliant from its beginning with a haunting piano intro that remains as fresh sounding now as it did 30 years ago. Each section is beautifuly dove-tailed into the next and the listener is gripped with unexpected changes in the music; it asks questions. It captures the imagination and communicates a variety of emotions whilst continuing to return to its original theme.
There is something unmistakably English about Tubular Bells, whether it is the album cover, Viv Stanshall or the the thick vinyl of the record itself (with its scratches) I don't know. Either way, for someone of just 17 to have written this is mind boggling.
I very much look forward to him doing the remake in 2003.

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Rating: - A unique recording lovingly remastered
Tubular Bells should have failed. Oldfield had never recorded an album before. Tom Newman and Simon Heyworth had never produced an album before. Richard Branson had never released an album before. That the endevour succeeded at all is incredible. The fact that it has now sold more than 15,000,000 copies and been remastered speaks volumes about its endurence.
You cannot deny the majesty of the music. From the opening piano motif it grips the listener. The first part, some 20 minutes or so, contains everything from haunting layers of shimmering chords to out and out rock, never staying with one theme or idea long enough for it to become repetitive. It ends with a fine repeating tune, MC'd by Viv Stanshall, late of the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
Part 2 is more difficult to get into, but no less rewarding, beginning as it does with an incredibly hypnotic guitar figure which gradually expands into a fully fledged Highland tattoo-like tune (complete with "Guitars sounding like bagpipes"!) From there it explodes into the brilliant, if slightly odd, Piltdown Man sequence, where Oldfield grunts and howls caveman-like into the microphone. The ending is the only place it really falls down, with the forever gruelling Sailer's Hornpipe feeling tacked on.
One of the things I had forgotten about this record is how amateurish it all feels. Although Oldfield plays most of the instruments himself, he doesn't really appear particuarly adept at any of them. Occasional fluffs and mistimed notes abound (just listen to the Timpani behind the "Bagpipes" section - it's unbelievable!) Still, for me this just increases the charm of the record - like an old friend whose quirks you are willing to live with.
So, a great record, deserved of its place in history and a place on every music enthusiast's shelf.

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Rating: - The curate's egg - good in parts, but sadly lacking in many
When I first heard Tubular Bells, many years ago, it swept me away. I was a "fan" - then, after at least 15 years without a copy, I've just bought it again and almost listenned to it "as new".

Tubular bells, when it first appeared was valluable for it's innovation and the leading edge of technology that it utilized. Now that the innovation is old, and the technology is overtaken, it must stand or fall by other standards.

It falls.

Ultimately this album is a series of experiments in tone and theme - some interesting, some less so - which are not satisfactorily blended into a meaningful whole. It still has it's moments - but, as a homogeneous work, it has little to recommend it.

In it's day it's innovation allowed us to forget it's weaknesses - today it doesn't have anywhere to hide.

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Rating: - A Touch Of Pure Brilliance!
What can i say? This album is completely, totally, and utterly amazing! Mike is the best. Thats right THE best! Anyone, of any age, can listen to this music. I only just recently heard the album, and it blew my mind. His creativeness to make original, never before tried music is pure excellence. Like his other albums, you cannot tear yourself away. Mike has to be considered as one the best independent artists of all time. Vocals dont make the song, the song makes the vocals. In some cases music is too strong for vocals.

One amazing album.

GET IT NOW!!!