TheManIsBack
Group: Members
Posts: 9
Joined: June 2003 |
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Posted: Oct. 06 2003, 14:26 |
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Hi everyone,
isn't it a bit weird to have the words 'bad' and 'guitarist' connected together on a Mike Oldfield site ... ? It should be rather clear to everyone by now that Mike must be one of the best ever on the electric guitar.
Lately, from time to time, I have had a feeling that Mike isn't practising much anymore. I was very disappointed with Guitars, and (to be honest) the playing on TresLunas is not very spectacular (even though very nice on a few track). I was a bit worried ... until recently! Then, I first bought TB2003 (very good playing!, and then (last week) the TBIII Premiere Concert on DVD and the DVD Millenium Bell Concert in Berlin!!!!!!! Wow!!!
I have to tell you: even though I always had very high thoughts on Mike's technique, I never realised how TRULY GREAT and COOL Mike is LIVE! The playing is f-----g great!!!He has this amazing charisma... Whenever he touches the guitar there is magic. Very impressive indeed! He is actually a very underrated live artist, you never hear anything in the media about his concerts ... really sad.
I have to tell you: I think Mike's playing generally is better live than in the studio. Not always, but very often. There is not one solo in the MB Berlin Concerto which is better in the studio. I also realised that Mike is a lot more ROCKIER now than I thought. I mean, in light of his 90's records where there is elaborate playing, and certainly, from time to time, some kick-ass solos, but ... but not that much? In contrast, the live playing 1999-2000 is generally quite heavy, spectaculare, ... those solos on ShadowOnTheWall or MoonlightShadow, SerpentDream, FATC, ... crazy!
I was pleased to see how focused Mike was in Berlin. Never wrong, ... there were moments in the past when Mike played rather sloppy (like Knebworth, for instance).
Continue this path Mike, play like hell in the studio as well!!!
A few complaints though:
* what is the bass player up to in the TB intro? Terrible.
* Why is everyone so happy with the ArtInHeaven track? No substance, terribly boring if you ask me.
Otherwise, brilliant! The Man
ps. Is Mike better now than 1992, the Edinburgh concerto ?
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