TUBULAR BELLS

There is no doubt that "Tublular Bells" is an amazing piece of art. It is one of the most eclectic and original pieces of music I've ever heard. The young Mike Oldfield melded the genres of rock, classical, folk and ambience unlike any other. Very few artists have succeeded at such eccentricity, especially not before this release.

The opening section of part one is very sublime. A piano starts it off and other instruments build around it. It's absolutely beautiful. Some reviewers don't think that the sections link together nicely. I actually think it is all very well-crafted with occasional crescendos leading on to something new.

There are plenty of touching moods throughout. It can sometimes be haunting, other moments are graceful, whilst others are emotional or exciting. The melody that ends part one is very delicate and I personally really like the creepy-cool spoken parts introducing the instruments - "plus! Tubular Bells!" Part two is incredibly emotive, perhaps even more than the first half of the record. I particularly like the work from the mandolin and pipes. It's seamless and great from start to finish. It's hard to explain how this stuff makes me feel but if you haven't heard it, you MUST hear it for yourself. A classic!!! Not overrated. 5 stars.