bee
Group: Members
Posts: 1227
Joined: Jan. 2004 |
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Posted: Jan. 25 2017, 07:12 |
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Return to Ommadawn is the beginning....
As I was listening for the first time to RTO I liked what I was hearing but I admit I was puzzled too…curious about all the subtle references to other albums but unsure as to whether it was actually going to be something in its own right.
It definitely grows stronger the more you listen.
Believing that all great works of art should be allowed to speak to you first, I sensed that it needed time and space…and the last time I felt that was with Amarok. There is so much to listen to here and, characteristically, like the majority of Mike’s work, more and more reveals itself with each listen. So much thought and work has gone in to this. It is rich, having so many ideas and connections with the past but it has its own strength and unique energy I feel. And it is mature and sure. It looks to the future.
Like getting to know a new or distant family member, we can recognise fleeting likenesses (Tres Lunas, Amarok, Ommadawn of course and Hergest Ridge) but RTO has its own energy and identity and I’m so pleased to hear this.
Although I am not a musician music is very important to me - without it I am not happy. I listen to all kinds of music and for many different reasons but Mike Oldfield is the only artist that manages to get deep inside. Words can not explain or describe exactly what he does but I feel that it is something profound and spiritual. No idea what that might be but I’m glad I’m aware of it! His music is nourishing and protective - anything can be going on in the world, or in my immediate world, and if I have this I know I will be all right…everything will eventually be all right…probably sounds a bit weird to say this but it is true.
What I love about RTO…
I love the drums and the chant towards the end of side one and rather than African drums it got me thinking of Native American Indian rhythms. And I adore the really gentle melody from 2:13 on side 2…what ever I am doing I absolutely have to stop and listen to that, it is beautiful and very touching.
I love, also, the changes between sections, the guitar beginning at 10:16 on side 2 just before the penny whistles are so good at turning our attention to the next part of the journey. He is so, so good at conversations between guitars e.g 2:10 on side 1 - he always has been - they really talk to each other and, importantly, listen…
There’s so much more I could say.
And it is a fantasy….but this album would definitely be tremendous live - just saying.
What I’m still learning…
There are a few moments when I think, ‘now what’s going on here?’…occasionally the acoustic guitars, whilst utterly brilliant, seem a tiny bit loud but what do I know about such things?
…
I think that above all this is the format where Mike can truly express himself and develop his musical ideas…I think 20-25 minute long pieces of music are the right duration for him (but I’m not against another perfect 60 minutes as with Amarok! So I am even more excited about the prospect of a Tubular Bells 4 if that is on the cards…do you think he might also return to Hergest Ridge?
I don’t know what I expected but RTO has its own special place in my heart now and I know I will listen to this often and I feel happy to know that Mike is still thinking about and making music…what a wonderful, wonderful thing to do. Thank you Mike if you read this. By returning to the past you have taken a step in to the future. You have created something amazing…again!
bee 
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....second to the right and straight on till morning....
You heard me before
Yet you hear me again
Then I die
Till I call me again
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