TUBULAR BELLS

I find this tough to rate; one one hand it is a major music milestone from the 70's, an album that it seemed had to be in everyone's collection, along with Dark Side of the Moon - a whole album with all (well almost all) instruments played by just one man; one long, continuous peice of music (except fo changing sides), varying from the sublime (the "Exorcist" bars that start the proceedings) to the plain ridiculous (the caveman bit). On the other hand, in the cold light of day some 30+ years on, it doesn't sound as good as a lot of other music from that era; there are some very weak spots in the composition; and whilst the playing is OK it isn't actually all that brilliant. So it has to be 3.5 stars...rounded up to 4 on the basis of nostalgia, and the fact that at the time, it really was one of THE albums to have. PS - thanks to the Daily Mail (which I wouldn't otherwise dream of buying!) for having this as a freebie some weeks ago); PPS Oldfield is a Grade A guitar player which this album doesn't really show. Try for example his solo on the final track on Robert Wyatt's "Rock Bottom".