BOXED

I have the original 4-LP vinyl set, and it strikes me that something might have been lost in the translation to CD box set, since every original LP has to be filled out with extras, whereas in the vinyl each of Oldfield's major releases gets a disc and the 4th is neatly divided into David Bedford collaborations and singles and B-sides. Ultimately it probably does not change my rating but I just wanted to mention the distinctly different running order on the CDs.

The 3 initial Oldfield albums are all given a superior remaster here, with "Hergest Ridge" benefiting most, although Viv Stanshall's description of the manor during the "Sailor's Hornpipe" on TB is also a distinct improvement. The "extras" are also of at least historical interest, with the Bedford works being a bit too bloated in an orchestral proggy sense but still collectible, and "Argiers", with Oldfield strumming a melancholic acoustic guitar and Leslie Penning leading on equally hypnotic recorder is one of Oldfield's unsung masterpieces. Remember to breathe after the ending.

I hate to box myself in, but this gets 3.5 stars rounded down as it is really a gift for Oldfield fans rather than a place to start.