TUBULAR BELLS

Because of the second side, which is less interesting than the first, I don't give Tubular Bells an all-stars rating (it probably deserves 5 stars, but not for me). I don't think the 'caveman' (or 'piltdown', as credited in the sleeve) part is good, or even funny, it's just stupid. The end, with the Sailor's Hornpipe traditional, is a little bit unconsistant.

But the remainder, and especially all the first side/part, is absolutely wonderful. This is probably Mike Oldfield's most acclamed work. I know some of his albums (Crises, Ommadawn, Hergest Ridge, Discovery), and this is the one I prefer.