Tubular Bells 2003 (+ Bonus DVD) [Enhanced, Import]

Mike Oldfield (Composer), Mike Oldfield (Performer), Sally Oldfield (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Mike Oldfield, Sally Oldfield
• Composer: Mike Oldfield
• Audio CD (June 2, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Enhanced, Import
• Label: WEA International
• Copy Protected
• ASIN: B000096H33
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,093 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Introduction

2. Fast Guitars

3. Basses

4. Latin

5. Minor Tune

6. Blues

7. Thrash

8. Jazz

9. Ghost Bells

10. Russian

11. Finale

12. Harmonics

13. Peace

14. Bagpipe Guitars

15. Caveman

16. Ambient Guitars

17. Hornpipe

18. Introduction (Dvd)

19. Fast Guitars (Dvd)

20. Basses (Dvd)

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Perfectionist Mike Oldfield (unhappy, apparently, at the odd bum note on the indubitably classic original) utilizes updated studio techniques to re-record his flagship classical/folk/rock instrumental masterwork in its bar-for-bar entirety. It may be true that the Bayeux Tapestry would look pretty good if someone re-embroidered all 230 feet of it on a modern sewing machine, but that's hardly the point. Surely, the original Tubular Bells, which recorded 16 million in sales, has more than enough going for it. Although the production here is fatter and brighter, playing "spot the difference" between this version and the one that continues to pay for Richard Branson's hot-air balloons may require levels of diligence and dedication bordering on pottiness. There are minor distinctions, including louder bass guitar, better sounding bagpipes, Sally Oldfield (presumably) joining Mike for a grunt on the amusing "Caveman" section, and John Cleese playing master of ceremonies on "Finale," saving his best "pining for the fjords" voice for the announcement of the arrival of the "double speed guitar.". --Kevin Maidment

Product Description

30 years on, a replayed and reproduced version of the groundbreaking classic Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield with the latest technology. Includes bonus DVD (NTSC / All Regions) featuring 3 5.1 mixes and video clip - 'Introduction', 'Fast Guitars', 'Basses' and the video promo 'Introduction'. Virgin. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tubular Bells - The way it deserves to sound!, May 31, 2003

By 

C. D. Hopkins (Nashville) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tubular Bells 2003 (+ Bonus DVD) (Audio CD)

After a 25-year clause in his contract with the EVIL Richard Branson of the Virgin mega-empire, Mike Oldfield was able to re-record his defining masterpiece. This album alone has influenced more musicians during the last 30-years then I dare say Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven (even though the Introduction of Tubular Bells is based on a section from Bach's Tocatta and Fugue in D-minor) or anyone else's instrumental music. You can even hear a copy cat variation of TB's Introduction in the 50-cent hit "In Da Club." Even Janet Jackson used Tubular Bells in her hit "The Velvet Rope."

This re-recording is hopefully the last we will hear of the Tubular Bells franchise. I do believe that Mike kept making TB albums (TB2 and TB3) to deal with his own disappointment with the original and not being able to re-record his original. Tubular Bells 2003 is TB the way it should sound. The beauty of the melodies is truly brought out in this recording! Every track from the original 1973 version is brought to life and given a new life in TB2003 - while remaining faithful to it's roots. The only downfall of this re-recording is the use of synths in sections. In my opinion that is what dates an album - keyboard synths. According to Oldfield only 10 percent of this album is keyboard and 90 percent is played by hand.

Some of the highlights of this album is the beautiful and constant use of the Mandolin. Breathtaking!! In the track 'Harmonics' you can hear, about 30 seconds in, a beautiful vocal by Sally Oldfield (Mike's sister) - very haunting!

The strong points in this album are the more relaxing tracks - Latin, A Minor Tune, Ghost Bells, Russian, Harmonics, Peace, and Ambient Guitars.

One of my favourite tracks is the track 'Blues'. Haunting and when you aren't expecting it, the track blows up into this heavy Blues guitar - full throttle!

'Thrash' was a bit of a disappointment as it didn't do as I thought it should have - seemed a little too programmed and perfect.

'Finale' is very good and John Cleese adds a subtle humor to his MC's of the instruments in his Basil Fawlty-esque voice. As opposed to Alan Rickman's MC'ing on Tubular Bells 2 (1992) - Classy. Mike does employ the use of real Tubular Bells instead of keyboard bells - nice and refreshing change from the other bell albums. For those who understand time signatures - the track bounces along nicely a constant 4/4 (as in club music beats.) After John Cleese annouces 'PLUS Tubular Bells' the beat changes - with the beat on 1 and 3 instead of a constant 1-2-3-4. Took some getting used to. The drums are electronic - I believe.

Funny really Tubular Bells has now employeed two Harry Potter stars Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) on TB2 and John Cleese (Nearly-Headless Nick) on TB2003. Now my favourite album and book series have something in common! :)

The 'Caveman' section is indeed a big change from the original 1973 version. There is a cavewoman with the caveman. And an army of Cavemen in sections - nice touch! The only complaint with this track is the use of electronic-esque drums. For those who care and are wondering why you have this screaming Caveman in the first place need not wonder anymore... In 1972 when Mike was trying to get a record company to buy into Tubular Bells, they all told him to throw some vocals on there and they'd consider it. Well, Mike in his sense of humor got trashed one night during the one-week of recording given to him by Richard Branson - hence all the technical imperfections in the original -Mike started screaming at the top his lungs into a microphone and then replied to the record companies by saying 'here's those vocals you asked for!' It was also based on an archeologist hoax of that time called 'Piltdown Man.' Subtle humor really. The screaming caveman and woman sound alot like two Star Trek Klingons speaking Klingon and Mike is a huge fan of Star Trek - go fig! :)

The Sailors Hornpipe - otherwise known to American's as the Popeye theme - is cleaned up and sounds more brilliant than ever.

As for the most famous part of TB - the Introduction - made famous through its use in William Blakes 'Exorcist' is brilliant in its sound quality. The only unusual change is the synth bass played by way of midi on an actual guitar.

Whether this remake will hold up in the test of time as the original 1973 version did- is up to time itself. Either way Tubular Bells will remain one of rock music's classic albums which will brave the tests of time to still be remembered in 50 years and beyond - as Beethovens Nineth Symphony (Ode to Joy). As a matter of fact, I do believe it was Rolling Stone magazine who stated that Tubular Bells is rocks equivalent to Beethoven's Nineth.

Bottom line - BUY THIS CD!!! You will NOT be disappointed!!! Plus you will hopefully be sending a message to Mike's record company - that Mike Oldfield still has a fan base here in America and they should release this album here and Canada. We shouldn't have to constantly import his music. And the RIAA wonders why people just download music instead of purchasing it. MAKE IT AVAILABLE at a reasonable price in our country and we wouldn't need to download it!!! wink wink ;)

PS I have bought - in spite of the outrageous import price - the Complete TB and TB2003 single album. PLEASE SUPPORT MIKE OLDFIELD - BUY THE ALBUM!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional re-make, and a DVD taste of the future, August 19, 2003

By 

Joe Crescenzi "From CouponPages.Com" (Staten Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tubular Bells 2003 (+ Bonus DVD) (Audio CD)

There are two versions of this release, the US Version from Rhino, and the Import Version which includes a bonus DVD. I bought the DVD/Import version and I'm glad I did.

The CD is the same in both versions, but the DVD gives you a taste of what Oldfield may have planned for yet another future release. One of the advantages of his re-recording of this masterpiece is that he now has a high end master which he can re-mix in newer audio formats as they come along.

The DVD is only about 9 minutes long, but it does contain a short animated video and an intense audio mix of a couple of tracks in a 5.1 audio format. It would seem to me that producing the entire release in a high end audio format such as DVD Audio or SACD is the next logical step.

One listen to the 5.1 DVD on your surround system and you're hooked.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great remake of a classic, July 29, 2003

By 

Steve Miller "Writer of Stuff" (Renton, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tubular Bells 2003 (+ Bonus DVD) (Audio CD)

Despite being Oldfield's most famous work, Tubular Bells is not my favorite of his works; that distinction goes to a tie between Ommadawn and Five Miles Out.

This newly performed version of his first and best-known work is as good as the original, and even better in spots. It's a bit of a shame that he had to go back to The Beginning to produce something that I really enjoyed, though. (Tres Luna, his most recent all-new work, bored me.)

All-in-all, the melody lines are more distinct in this version, there is more energy in virtually every track, and the Caveman section is even odder than in the original. Even the portions of the original Tubular Bells which felt like they went on just a bit too long for what they were doing musically have been spruced up here and are working far more effectively (the sections titled "A Minor Tune" and "Peace" on this CD being the ones that are most improved in my opinion). John Cleese brings a touch of humor to the "introducing the instruments section," as opposed to the more straight up master of ceremonies approach in the original and in Tubular Bells II. Everything about this CD works, and it's well-worth getting for Oldfield fans or lovers of the original Tubular Bell album.

So, why only Three Stars after that rave review? Well, the DVD is a total waste of plastic and money. The video is unimpressive--I could probably have produced it on my Mac, given stock footage and a few days. I can't comment on the Surround Sound mixes, as I don't have a TV set that fancy. Since the "bonus" DVD ups the price, I need to take off stars in relation to its value. And it drags the package down.