AMAROK

"Mike Oldfield's twelfth studio album "Amarok" reunited him with Tom Newman, the producer who had contributed to Mike's first album "Tubular Bells". The creation of "Amarok" was also similar to that of "Tubular Bells". Instead of using computers, Mike played almost everything by hand, using over 30 acoustic stringed and percussion instruments. The kaleidoscope of sound also includes Paddy Moloney of the CHIEFTAINS playing his uillean pipes, Zulu percussionists, a Margaret Thatcher impersonation by comedienne Janet Brown and the sounds of Mike himself brushing his teeth and stomping around the studio". That was from the liner notes.

Oldfield himself considered this album as sort of a Ommadawn II. In fact looking around the "Net" this is the hightest rated album since "Ommadawn". Although I honestly don't understand why. I am a Mike Oldfield fan but after many listens this still sounds like a mixed up mess to me. Actually Easy Livin says it well in calling this "...weak and disjointed". Finnforest's review is very enlightning and I certainly agree with his thoughts and rating.

The enjoyable moments are few and far between for me. 3 stars.