Sir Mustapha
Group: Musicians
Posts: 2802
Joined: April 2003 |
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Posted: Sep. 17 2007, 21:49 |
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Just finished my first listen of the album. Weirdly enough, the first thing I downloaded was a horrid rip of the album, riddled with artefacts and non stop hiccuping. What I just heard is a very high quality VBR rip, and it seems pretty fine to hang on to, at least for now. But as for the music itself... well...
Well! I won't be jumping into conclusions, not for now, but it's safe to assume this album will live on my playlist for quite some time, and with some repeated listens, I'll probably go around whistling some of these melodies around the street. This basically wipes off completely everything he released after Heaven's Open, and starts again anew - though I'm not quite sure THIS is even similar to what he might've released in place of Tubular Bells II if his plans hadn't changed like they did. But I'm confident that this is the definitive Tubular Bells II, to me. I don't mean to be derogatory, you know; I admit it was a bit eye-rolling to realise the structure is mostly recycled from Tubular Bells III, but the themes are so solid and interesting, they make the whole thing worthwhile. There's a sense of authenticity in this. It has its purposes and goals clearly set, and achieves them. It also wisely sidesteps the exaggerated climaxes and sudden blasts - the dynamics are very well worked out. I was relieved the final track was so gentle and soothing the way it was. Thank you, Mike, for not trying to blow my eardrums off! Honest!
I'm also not quite sure on pigeon-holing this album as "classical"... Oldfield uses his own musical language on the album, instead of searching for traditional methods. Just because it has an orchestra doesn't mean it's classical, you know. The album fits very very comfortably within Oldfield's catalogue, and I think any attempt at separation would actually harm it. This is Mike Oldfield from beginning to end, from violin to horn.
And yes, I still can't stand that cover. But I'll just dig the music. I'm moderately sure I'll like this more than Ommadawn with a few listens - it sure has potential and melodies enough for that. As for those who haven't listened to it yet, it's very noble to wait until the CD is released, and I think it'll be worth the wait. Nonetheless, whenever you put your hands on it, crank the volume up. Let the dynamics work the way they should and cling onto the music.
-------------- Check out http://ferniecanto.com.br for all my music, including my latest albums: Don't Stay in the City, Making Amends and Builders of Worlds. Also check my Bandcamp page: http://ferniecanto.bandcamp.com
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