 Mike Oldfield
 Tubular Bells 2003
 Review by Steve Alspach

There's an old joke that goes "Why does a dog lick himself? Because he can." Some may credit the same reason as to why Mike Oldfield has remade Tubular Bells. On the 30th anniversary of the album that launched several careers, namely Oldfield's and Virgin's Richard Branson, Oldfield has redone this prog classic, again by himself on all instruments. Unlike Tubular Bells 2 which featured all guitars, and Tubular Bells 3, which showed what happens when you send a prog rocker to Ibiza, this version is a very faithful replication of the original. But redoing this album may not be such a wasted idea after all. With advances in recording and technology, Tubular Bells 2003 is a real pleasure to listen to, especially with the headphones. And, after all, thirty years later it still stands up as an incredible piece of work. So, for those who wouldn't mind an updated version of a progressive music standard, you'll be quite happy with this one.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2003 Year Book Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
|