Mike Oldfield- Ommadawn Pt. 2 & On Horseback (First Listen)
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
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Song Link: • Ommadawn Pt.2 / On Hor...
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Mike Oldfield is definitely underrated as a guitar player, probably overshadowed by his compositional and multi-instrumentalist skills. He has a very specific technique, playing predominantly fingerstyle guitar using his fingernails as picks, allocating each finger to a string, and playing it pretty much like a classical guitar. This allows him to mute the strings he is not playing with his other fingers, and leads to his recognisable guitar sound on electric and acoustic guitar.
His solo on "Exposed" live album for the "Incantations Part IV" over the vibraphones is something else. It isn't fast but the sound and intensity, whoa.
at the same stature as David Gilmour for instance...
Isn't that pipe melody just achingly beautiful? Bring a tear to a glass eye, so it would.
Indeed
I swear to God that uillean pipe sound brings tears to my eyes. It is so medieval and yet speaks to our times , as any good music should.
Jan ,like listening to our ancestors?
Ye know.
@@Bohem401 It was performed by the famous Paddy Moloney of the legendary Irish folk group 'The Chieftains'. You maybe should know, that Mike´s mother was also of Irish origin
I don't recommend Amarok yet. You have to listen to a lot of Oldfield music between 1975 and 1990 to understand what Amarok means to Oldfield's career.
It's hard work to digest. It is the Oldfield style taken to the extreme, it is virtuosity in its purest form, and created so that a single cannot be extracted and no fragment could be put on the radio. A single 60 minute song and a true demonstration of Oldfield's prowess in a recording studio.
And a big middle finger to Richard Branson and Virgin Records
I agree, you should listen to Incantations next, then Crises and then Amarok. You can also check out Tubular Bells 2 and Return to Ommadawn after those. I think you can skip most of the pop stuff he did though, maybe check out a few songs Platinum and the other albums just to get a taste of the direction he was going, but I never got into those albums as much as the epic album length songs he was famous for.
I coudnt agree more.
Amarok is one of his best work, but the less comercial one. Not easy for a first listen.
I recently listened to "Amarok" again and realized that it's impossible to listen to "Amarok" if you don't have the hour to sit there and pay attention to it.
You should read his autobiography: Changeling, to get a feel for how his mind works and his childhood etc.
I think it might be too early for you Justin to jump to Amarok, as some people here suggest. I think you should simply continue the journey up to Crises. From then on, I would indeed suggest jumping to "Amarok", "Tubular Bells II" and "Return to Ommadawn". Then, do whatever you want ;).
Totally agree. Some albums are live versions such as boxed. Amarok, Crises, Tubular Bells 2 & 3, Return to Ommadawn. Possibly Platinum side 1, and the mind blowing Incantations. Sorry if I invaded your post 😁
@@x-sphere6431 You're welcome ;). I was thinking, that QE2 could be actually skipped with exception of "Taurus I", as it gives context to following albums. Not sure about side 2 of Platinum either. But I wouldn't drop anything from Five Miles Out nor Crises.
@@kozlorf plenty of drums on Platinum side 1 👌
Tbh, there are too many albums. I quite like the songs on Earth Moving, but Mike shines on progressive compositions. I think JP is in good hands with fan suggestions each time. I listened to Amarok 3 days ago, and realized JP should know the story behind it before listening. Maybe.
Agreed. I feel you really must move on to Incantations next - double LP, so 4 sides/tracks, and absolutely mesmerising, and probably the pinnacle of the progression of themes started with Tubular Bells.
AGREEEEE
Justin it is such a refreshing pleasure having you review Oldfield. After so many years it still is nice to dive into artists like Oldfield whereas the music doesn't sound dated. Incantations Next...trust me. It is a lot to digest but has some of the most exhilarating Oldfield moments. For the sake of progression...Incantations please. For me personally it contains some of my favorite passages of music from him.
Ty!
Mike Oldfield encapsulates what I love about progressive rock. The journeys are absolutely marvelous. With all the tense things going on this is a great diversion. I dusted off all my Mike Oldfield and have been playing in sequence (in addition to watching these fun videos) and I can re-dissect these complex compositions. I'd like to think Oldfield's music will be looked back on with appreciation in years from now the way we look at classical composers today.
"On Horseback" was released as a B-Side to "In Dulci Jubilo" but it was also on the original pressing of the album but not listed in the liner notes. It's considered part of Ommadawn Part II as a hidden bonus the same way the Sailor's Hornpipe was a hidden bonus after Tubular Bells Part II. That's why it feels so perfect after Ommadawn Part II, it's technically part of the same song. IMO Ommadawn Part II is very relaxing and always puts me in a calm mood. I don't like it as much as his prior side long epics but I always felt that after the massive climax in Part I it was fitting to go in a simpler and more minimalist direction on Part II. Oldfield would dive headlong into minimalism on his next album, the four sided "Incantations". It's another great one, worth checking out, but since it's more of a minimalism album than a prog album it is more repetitive and not as unpredictable of his first three albums.
That whole opening section is created recording about 60 or 70 different guitar parts. Imagine the mental thought process that has went into that and then also having the guts and stamina to execute it, recording over and over again.
Really enjoyed visiting this again with you. Carry on chronologically Incantations is fascinating though takes a slight turn form these three albums. I’d also welcome Platinum and QE2 as they contain many great ideas and a more slimmed down and pop-aware Oldfield. It all gets a bit muddy after this but no doubt Amarok has to be heard. So some skipping to be done past the 1980s. He never sat comfortably in the prog pantheon though no doubt he should. Being a solo artist, eschewing pompous forms and flashy technical show-offery his music was closer to folk and new age (well observed that this is embryonic New Age music). So proggers would have Oldfield in their collection but not call him progressive Rock. For me his music becomes more and more complex the more I return to it.
As to your reactions, they are best when they are honest. Resist the temptation to try and please those with short term concentration. We are all used to 25 min epics and if your natural reaction is to close your eyes and sit silently throughout, wonderful.
And now you get to hear Incantations, my favourite Mike Oldfield album.
Love your interpretations of the ‘musical landscape’ of his work. This is music to choose to listen to for a significant period of time, to invest in, to treat like you would a movie and if you do that and commit to it it will reward you over and over again in a way that a movie seldom does.
i was in a college music education class i took as an elective in the mid eighties. part of the class was to bring in some of our favorite music to class to be heard by the class. i brought in some oldfield. the music teacher described it as being boring and repititious. my reaction was that i was being taught about music by someone that was tone deaf intellectually. i tuned him out for the rest of the class and passed with a fairly low grade. the literal blind guide.
Thats a hilarious story, his loss though
The best thing about On Horseback is the reference to Hergest Ridge. I love that nod to his previous album there.
He used to ride horse alongside Hergest Ridge big brown beasty big brown face is a line from On Horseback.children lived at the local pub Oldfield would go to.
More a nod to one of his favourite places that is near his estate on the Wales/England border.
@@fuckamericanidiot Indeed. I've been there.
The more you listen to this the better it gets - superb Mike Oldfield.
The pipes were Uillean Pipes (Irish pipes) which you play by operating the bellows with your elbow (where as Scottish pipes are also blown into) are played by Irish legend Paddy Moloney (member of Irish legends The Chieftains).
For years i thought they were Northumbrian Smallpipes, the only English pipes, and apparently a version was recorded with those pipes, but Mike decided to go with uilleann pipes instead.
The back of my 1975 vinyl release credits ‘Herbie’ on Northumbrian bagpipes.
@@nigelcraik2429 Indeed, they are. You can hear the difference.
@@nigelcraik2429 Wikipedia says "Oldfield sought out the ancient Celtic influence on English music and composed for traditional instruments such as uilleann pipes on the original LP version. A set of Northumbrian smallpipes were also recorded, and credited to "Herbie", but this recording was not used on the album." So who knows? That came as a surprise to me, as I said for years I thought they were Northumbrian pipes, and to my untutored ear they do sound like Northumbrian pipes.
@@nigelcraik2429 according to several sources: A set of Northumbrian smallpipes were also recorded, and credited to "Herbie", but this recording was not used on the album.
Before you go any further in his discography, check out “First Excursion”, the highlight from the fourth album from 1976’s “Boxed”, a box set of Tubular Bells, Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn, and the fourth album of various collaborations. This came out before Incantations. He has never been better on guitar. It’s easy to find on RUclips.
The introduction of this second part was made by him using 92 diferent tones of electric and acoustic guitars and basses, it sounds like an organ or similar, but it's amazing how he coud create somthing like this
On Horseback is one of my Dessert Island Disc tunes. Top 10 Ever.
Thank you Thank You, Thank You!!!!
For LOVING the experience we also had the Fist Time.
Starting about 5:00 in there is a beautiful build up of tension. Most composers build up tension like that to release it in some cathartic V or I but instead, he just kind of lets it dissipate, going for such a minimalist sound that you just sort of forget about the tension. By about 6:20 it's gone. It's so organic and gentle a composition.
Also, _Return to Ommadawn_ is one of his most recent albums, and it does feel like a great continuation of this album. One of my favorites from Mike.
He will eventually go some places. Pop in the 80's, electronic in the 2000's, world music in the 90's. Always evolving. Always interesting.
I would say at some point you should check out some live Oldfield. The Premiere performance of "Secrets/Far Above the Clouds" from Tubular Bells III (it's an outdoor performance, Mike's in white) is gorgeous and shows what a production it is to put this stuff on live.
Thanks again JP. It's nice to experience our favorite music with someone who hasn't experienced Oldfield music before.
Mike Oldfield is very well known as another post has mentioned, he was asked to perform at the 2012 Olympics.
As for which albums, Incantations, Platinum(Side A Only), Crises, Amarok, Tubular Bells 2, The Songs of Distant Earth, Tubular Bells 3 & Return to Ommadawn would be my personal choices, but i for one am down with whatever you choose good sir.
Awesome channel, keep up the good work.
Everybody said it all in the comments so i will jab you again ..friendly reminder to not forget sister Sally Oldfield's amazing album "Water Bearer" A definite album listen A voice to match Annie Haslem
And she taught him three chords to “keep him busy”, he took it from there.
@@andydegnan854 Sally taught Mike chords? Didn't know that
I think continuing with Mike's albums in order is the best way, as you can hear his musical progression, so Incantations next. Mike is a fantastic guitar player and he never gets to praise he deserves, he has a unique style and tone, and a unique fingerstyle and vibrato. Justin, Mike Oldfield is a huge name, think of Tubular Bells basically starting the Virgin empire, In Ducli Jubilo on the radio every Christmas, the Blue Peter theme, Moonlight Shadow, trust me you are just getting started.
He played at the Olympics!
So I just realized that you listened to both of my favorite Prog epics, TAAB & Ommadawn, within one week. I'm getting spoiled!
Although Prog is one of my absolute favorite genres, I find that the really long compositions can sometimes be a bit noodly & abstract for my tastes. Don't get me wrong, I love sailing on Topographic Oceans when my Supper's Ready, but they can be quite taxing for a straight listen.
Both Jethro's opus & this record are more about setting a mood (sonic textures, atmosphere, ambience) than being technical or inscrutable. I can put them on & it immediately calms my mind, lightens my mood & takes me on a journey. Ommadawn in particular I love putting on while I do busywork, like cooking, cleaning, etc. It just puts me at such ease, as you stated almost in a tranced, meditative state.
I read a lot of comments that quote Amarok but for me this epic is a tangle of various themes and disjointed atmospheres but not really a full composition. I have never been convinced by this album.
From my perspective, Incantations is Mike Oldfield's last satisfying work and also his musical pinnacle.
As for Ommadawn pt. 2, apart from its first few minutes I like it a lot less than its first part. I find the content much lighter and less coherent compared to the first side of the album. it's still very good but I'm less fond of it.
Justin, for Mike Oldfield's upcoming album, you can continue in chronological order for a better look at the artist's stylistic development. so from my point of view, do Incantations (recorded in 1977 & 1978) for the next time! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I agree about Incantations. It's the conclusion of Oldfield's conceptual and musical arc of the 70s which began with Tubular Bells and progressed over the next three releases. There's a lot to take in with Incantations, but it's very rewarding listen if given the chance. Mike's musical and compositional style changed after this.
"Amarok" is a tough beast but , for me, it falls into three 20 minute cycles comprising an initial statement , two varied repititions of that statement (each announced by a return to the opening riff) followed by and extended coda (introduced by the Maggie Thatcher voice) so it does gradually start to make formal sense.
"Everything just works in this", exactly! Love his guitarplgaying so much! Saw some interviews with Mike on youtube. Interesting guy. What a creative musical talent. Great that you've entered the realm of Oldfield ;-)
Great reaction again JustJP.
the on horseback song is lovely, such a fantastic juxtaposition against the incredible complexity of his other music to make something so simple. I'll always sing along.
Side 2 was one that grows rather than the hugely impactful Side 1. Give it 4 or 5 more listens and you’ll enjoy them both equally I think.
The pipes that sound like bagpipes are uillean pipes, typically used in Irish traditional music. So a good call to be thinking of the green fields of Ireland when listening to that section 👍
LOVE Mike Oldfield... He would have been an AMAZING lead guitarist for some lucky band... but he was a solo artist through and through. There's not many guitarists that you can close your eyes and identify the guitarist... but Oldfield is one of those guys. Completely distinctive. Don't sleep on his remarkable QE2 album... splits the difference between his more pop albums and his brilliant long instrumentals... There's a lot of shorter instrumentals that are spellbinding.
Actually, he was in the Kevin Ayers (ex-Soft Machine) Band prior to recording Tubular Bells, and also guested in the same role post TB in a show that was recorded (Ayers, Cale, Eno, Nico, "June 1, 1974"). Not trying to prove you wrong - he *was* best as a solo artist, but he did also work in a 'lucky band' :)
Being a Northumberland lad myself, it pains me to say it but I think that the small pipes used here are Uilleann pipes from Ireland. They seem to have a much 'reedier' sound than the Northumbrian pipes. Anyway, I'm no musician so perhaps someone may correct me on that.
Another great reaction, Justin, full of fascinating personal insights as you hear the music. You are very genuine. I would like to add to the chorus of requests for INCANTATIONS for your next Oldfield album (if you are going to do another, that is - no pressure).
Best wishes from Northumberland, England (the most northerly county of England and sharing its northern border with Scotland).
You are correct, Tony. The pipes were played by Paddy Maloney from The Chieftains.
@@BigMacIain Well thanks for the confirmation, Ian. To me, the Northumbrian Pipes just sound a little bit smoother (which is not to say that I prefer one to the other, just that they are different). I think that Oldfield recorded some Northumbrian Pipes for Ommadawn but didn't use it. I didn't know that it was Paddy Maloney playing the Uillean Pipes, so thanks also for that piece of info. Best regards.
Ty so much Tony!
@@JustJP You're a busy man, so you won't have time to follow us down all the possible rabbit-holes, but I have a bit more to point out - sorry! If you check out some of the scans and pictures of the album, you can see pictures of most of the musicians as they appeared on the vinyl inner-sleeve. You've noticed other replies about Herbie - the other beard on the middle row - and his northumbrian bagpipes credit. We've not yet been treated to how he sounded on Part 2 - but his Part 1 appearance can be found over the last minute or so of the Lost Version. His replacement with Paddy's uilleann pipes was very late on, after the album artwork had been finalised. This link shows how side B's vinyl label added that information.
www.argiers.com/images/lpsB/UKOmmadawnPromo_01_Label.jpg
@@tonyanderton3521 You can hear the Northumbrian Pipes on the Lost Version of Ommadawn.
During uni in the late 80's when I had to revise some real hard stuff (engineering) , I had Oldfield on in the background constantly . Instrumental (no words) is what I needed to let me concentrate. I had all his instrumentals playing on my auto-reverse tape machine ... these melodies are now etched into my music library 😎 .
BTW Return to Ommadawn is a fitting return to this classic Oldfield style...
Nunca olvidaré la primera vez que oí on horseback. Y daría lo que fuera por poderla volver a escuchar por primera vez.
Te envidio
You've put in to words how I've always felt about this album, and the "horseback" song has been an all time favorite with me!
Jp I followed Mike oldfield from the beginning.
You will find that after ommodawn that mike released a box set of the first 3 albums and a fourth album called collaborations..then his double album incarnations which you may find a challenge in parts and in others superb.
Then on to a complete change in his personality due to some bizarre treatments he made platinum which is a radical change .
Ommodawn is without a doubt may favourite..but it's just cool to see you hear his stuff first time around
Thanks and best wishes
Incantations not Incarnations
@@RushfanUK I find 'Incantations' his most accessible album. Quite magical if not a little repetitive in parts.
@@FLASHAHOLIC_TV The hypnotic cyclic loops of the various instruments and choirs, as well as the repetitive aspect are part of the charm and magic of Incantations !
@@a.k.1740 I know but many won't succumb to the effect.
Thanks for the reaction to my favourite MO album. Don't worry. I'm sure no one found it boring. I find the best way to listen is to close my eyes and drift away - preferably with a glass of single malt in hand!
I know you don't react to video so can I recommend a couple of things to watch on your own when you have a spare hour. The first is a BBC documentary entitled Mike Oldfield Story and secondly the live version of Tubular Bells ll recorded in 1992 with Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop( both music and scenery are stunning!) Both are available on RUclips.
Forgot to say thanks for your review. Good to know another generation appreciates this music.
Ty Tom!
Before you go on to the next album (Incantations) you should do his fantastic non-album tracks from the 70's which show his folk side more. He made several shorter tracks which are equally as good in my opinion. The oddly titled "Mike Oldfield's single (theme from tubular bells)" which is a contemporary rerecording of a theme from TB Part 2 which sounds better than the album in my opinion. Then you have songs like In Dulce Jubilo, First Excursion, Argiers, Portsmouth, Blue Peter, William Tell Overture. These are all on Spotify!
Not forgetting the extracts from his collaborations with David Bedford on Star's End and The Rio Grande. Some wonderful guitar work on both of these.
I absolute love the greek touch in this part. That bazouki is heavenly INSANE. The first time I heard it, was such a rush...
Fantastic review. Thank you 🙏🏼
OK, part 2 of Ommadawn.. Hmmmmmm just stunning tbh. Justin, I think of yellows, blue's.. And greens butty.. Trance like.. Beautiful soundscapes.
❤️ His ear for sounds, musicality his just immense.
His guitar craft his just mesmorizing butty.
I love the places you put to his wondrous section s Justin. Perfect imho. ❤️
Genius, definitely butty.
IMHO, these first 3 opuses by Mike are is best material.
You get lost, not just now.. But, forever... When it comes to Ommadawn.. Hergest Ridge, and Tubular bells... All 5* albums IMHO. ❤️
Wonderful review butty, once again.. You get it!!! ♥️
Oh, and them acoustic guitar parts are as good as it gets .. Period butty.
Have a wonderful day Justin. Utterly Class channel.
Your material is the creme de la creme of the Prog genre imho. ❤️
The section in the middle with the pipes just knocks me on the floor. It speaks to me as I've never heard elsewhere.
I'd say continue on chronologically with Oldfield’s 70s instrumental epics to Incantations. For me, Incantations is the pinnacle of his minimalist, hippy, classical, pastoral works of the 70s taking tribal myth and imagery as its inspiration and presenting some breathtaking themes of nature, wonder, celebration, and storytelling. His rapturous melodies are bolstered here by a strong emphasis on rhythm, which, given its length, allows the the album to unfold into his most kinetic music to date. He also continues to expand on his already broad instrumental sound palate and collaborations on Incantations. Oldfield wanted to make one last instrumental masterpiece before going for a more commercial style on later albums (at least until Amarok) and this is it!!
Yeah, Mike is one of the most chill dudes in music, personality-wise.
The pipes are Northumbrian pipes. If you are curious, check out Kathryn Tickell, who is pretty much the best player out there.
She plays on Sting’s “Soul Cages” album.
You do know we English have no folk music or bagpipes, it's all Scottish and Irish you know! Seriously it gets my goat, I have some Kathryn Tickel and it's wonderful.
Please keep going with Mike Oldfield Albums, there's some interesting ones coming up including some great singles albums :)
I have to say your laugh is exactly the same as mine!🤣
I absolutely adore the uillean pipes on Ommadawn part 2. They stir up so many different emotions including joy and sadness. I actually had this playing on my record player the day my mother passed over. The way the mood changes from sadness and uncertainty to blissful joy (a musical orgasm almost) makes me think of my mother passing from this world to the next: from darkness into the light.
I want this music played at my funeral!!
Ty Ian, thats a beautiful thought
Amarok Amarok Amarok. It’s totally unique in his discography, but has some of the most impressive musicianship you’ll ever hear
Amarok yes! It has its roots in Mike’s song Branches from 1968 it’s fantastic. Ommadawn part 2: its beauty lies in repetition and reflection. The recent album Return to Ommadawn was less well received but has great moments plus the new age 1994 album The Songs of Distant Earth (a cross between Tubular Bells 2 and tunes from Amarok!). Keep listening!
“The Uilleann Pipes, sometimes known in English as the Union Pipes, is a traditional Irish form of bagpipes. Unlike the better-known Scottish Highland Pipes , which are inflated when the player blows into the bag, the Uilleann Pipes are inflated by a small set of bellows held under the player's arm.” Great sound!
I couldn't get into it.
@@FLASHAHOLIC_TV Its bascially three cycles of the first 10-15 minutes being repeated with variations. It takes a while to adjust to but when you start to connect the dots and see how the final african section is being hinted at all the way through it all makes sense.
Great review, again. For the record, that first few minutes on side 2 was a nightmare for the trippers. Trust me. So much so, many of us stopped flipping the record.
Amarok mate. Amarok!
Lol! Ty Gordon
glad to see you made it through this intact. if I'd listened to this after a family tragedy I would be reduced to cinders. yes, Oldfield is, in my estimation, an exceptional guitarist and his playing is a highlight of his best work. I have to say this side of the album is stigmatized for me. it happened to be what I was listening to years ago when my wife called to inform me that she'd just had one of our cats put down. it's never been the same for me since. Incantations?
INCANTATIONS the next album after the past 3 albums
Oldfield's music can hit so many moods. Voyager contains some of the most emotional songs, even if they are not all composed by him. Flowers of the Forest always brings me to tears. You should also listen to TB 2 and 3 - masterpieces.
I love side two of Ommadawn. The first opening chord, multitracking accordions, acoustic guitars and the like is so powerful. The Uilleann pipes bring tears to my eyes as does the climax leading to the shorter close of side two. On Horseback has stuck with me my entire life since first hearing it in 1975.
BTW the pipes are called Uilleann Pipes. They're the Irish version of the Bagpipe.
Yes, played by Paddy Moloney from The Chieftains.
JP, I demand that you react more like 18:52 in your videos! lol
I have ridden on horseback a few times. Not something I go out of my way to do, but it was pretty cool. Horses are really nice (although, as I think we discussed back in Tubular Bells Part 1, I now know that horses can eat other animals lol).
I actually don't blame you for not know if it was a bagpipe or a violin. It's a certain kind of bagpipe which has a tighter sound that can be played more melodically than those gigantic ones with a drone. Yeah, you've got to appreciate how Oldfield has that Celtic sense in his music--you can tell it's a genuine part of him, that he feels connected to it, that it's in his bones, maybe like the way I feel a certain connection when I hear Slavic music.
Ooh! Maybe request idea comes to mind for some Slavic music: You should check out the Warsaw Village Band ("Cranes" or "At My Mother's" or "Chassidic Dance"). Or "Pilentse Pee" by Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares (The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voice). Or even "Hungarian Dance No. 1" by Brahms.
Most don't realize that Mike's "trick" is to create long strings of melody, specifically 16 bars or longer on his guitar. From there, he'll build each section with layer upon layer of overdubs. Listen carefully, i.e., both horizontally (you'll hear the layers building across time) and vertically, you'll hear the density increase both harmonically and melodically. This gives the illusion that the pieces are more sophisticated than they actually are. Most of the material is folk music based with melodic "stretches". It's a brilliant process and creates a significant emotional reaction in the listener.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH JUSTIN. 👏👍
Anytime!
I've been waiting for you to get to this album I knew you would love it it's a fantastic piece of work and by the way did you notice the shirt you were wearing airbending rather appropriate have a great day
Haha ty Cdf!
Love the bit when the uileann pipes (played by the Chieftains' Paddy Moloney) kicks in. Always makes me think of sunshine on on a calm, clear sea on a rocky shore.
"If the thunder's in my brain....." evokes Mike's severe pain when he was young. Mother got mentally ill. Took LSD in his early teens, & last trip was sheer hell. The only thing that gave him relief was playing the guitar. He worked on TB's shortly after, & when the album was released & started selling well Richard Branson insisted he do at least one live performance. They hired a lot of other musicians to rehearse with, & as the concert got nearer & nearer Mike would break down a lot. - Nuff for now, but if want to see an excellent documentary telling a lot more of the story whilst composing the piece check out youtube's Mike Oldfield The Making of Tubular Bells. A fascinating & heart-rending doc on Mike.
Northumbrian bagpipes!! Most people have not enough experience hearing bagpipes to know, but yes those are northumbrian bagpipes, played by a bloke named Herbie. That's all we know, just Herbie. But they have such a cool sound, no? I see you couldn't find a 1975 mix of part 2 either. I don't know why only part 1 is available from the 1975 mix on RUclips. Glad I have both the vinyl album and the CD, which is also of the 1975 mix.
In 1975 this was monumental: nothing before had sounded like this. It changed everything. In point of fact, Oldfield invented world music and laid the groundwork for New Age music, which drew heavily on Oldfield.
Next up is Incantations, which was a double album, so it will probably take 4 separate postings. It's not for everybody, but I'm quite sure that you will appreciate it. It has 4 parts, each taking up an album side, and there are many gems to be discovered there. It is beautiful, epic, sad, happy, powerful, introspective and even has the epic poem Hiawatha set to music. I think you will like it.
Herbie is/was a chap called Christopher Herbert.
@@silgen Ah. Thanks for the info.
Thisnisnfantastic. Thank you for doing this series!
I REALLY must recommend Tubular Bells II. I would include it in “albums you should probably hear before you die” category. It contains two sides just like Tubular Bells but they’re both broken into tracks. Make no mistake, though. It is two long pieces. Part 1 starts with “Sentinel.” Part 2 starts with the song “Weightless.”
A personal favorite of mine. Bought my 1st copy in 1975, and I've worn 3 copies out. I can always count on this album "taking me away" for just a while. And be sure to check out "Five Miles Out". Good stuff!
I have no idea how you would find it - unless it's on vinyl, and even then it will probably cost you a pretty penny on eBay - but one of the things definitely worth seeking out as part of Mike's canon is EXPOSED, his live recordings of his best pieces, including TUBULAR BELLS, INCANTATIONS, the "GUILTY" single and some extra tracks. It was a truly important milestone in his career, because of his self-admitted paralyzing stage fright. It was THE most extensive tour I'd ever heard of him doing, and it was almost exclusively in the UK and parts of Europe. I only wish someone would remaster it properly and do like a special "Anniversary" release of it.
WoW Mike Oldfield ! Very Nice.
Ty!
The bagpipes are an Irish bagpipe called the uilleann pipes. They are being played by Paddy Moloney, the piper and founder member from legendary Irish folk band The Chieftains. The pipes are smaller than the well known Highland bagpipes and, unlike their Scottish cousin, the airbag is filled via bellows operated by being squeezed under the arm rather than by mouth via a mouthpiece. It’s a lovely instrument, and played beautifully by Moloney who also worked many years later with Oldfield on the Five Miles Out album.
When he talks about the ”thunder in his brain” I often wonder if he’s referring to his mental health issues (he is bipolar). I get the impression that he is a little reclusive and when you see him play live he tends to appear as if he’s in his own world and just one amongst the myriad of performers on the stage with him. On Horseback tends to give that feel of a desire to just get away from the rat race and be alone (almost alone. He’s with a horse).
Just wow! Oldfield's folkiest.
My favourite Oldfield album (together with Tubular Bells and parts of Incantations; although 'Hergest Ridge' always gets a bit overlooked...).
My favourite part is the 12 string guitar solo before the Northumbrian pipes. Awesome guitar playing.
The uillean pipes here were actually played by Paddy Maloney, but he wasn't credited for some reason.
@@ianstrange5674 That oversight was rectified in the boxed album.
That melody after the tubular bells is sublime. So deep, I think many don’t get it.
Totally agree about his guitar work. He does not do show off guitar solos despite having the skills to do so he uses the guitar to augment the overall piece. Expression of pure emotion through the guitar just about sums it up.
Listen to his "Guitars" album ! He deff makes an effort to impress on that one :)
I’ve seen him live in the 1970s when I was a kid and it my opinion that he is our own modern Mozart
Yeah Mike had his mental stresses in his teens, and he dealt with it through music. Branson was dismayed when he got himself sorted as he was happier in himself, but the creativity dropped away.
The pipes are Northumbrian pipes. You play them sitting down, operate bellows to push air though the pipes and drones. Similar to bagpipes but sufficiently different.
The horseback song is tacked on at the end of side two of the album. It finishes it off nicely.
Just checking the inner sleeve of my album. There is a photo showing everyone involved in the album sitting under an oak. African drummers. Hereford city band. ( Hereford is the nearest place of any size to Hergest Ridge) assistant musicians, Mike 's brother and sister, and a handful of children, who might be the singers on the horse song.
I find the first part heavy going, but it perks up with the pipes and never let's go. Great album.
Try listening to Tubular Bells II which is such a radical reworking of the original, it will bear a listen. It was filmed when he debuted it at Edinburgh Castle it is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
A sort piece he does really well is a cover of the shadows Wonderful Land. Very uplifting piece of music. Try it.
More of the same but since the same was great, so is this. Thanks for reviewing it.
You might want to try some Loreena Mckennitt (Mummer's Dance as a starter).
Under the big umbrella - it was always called prog. In order to buy the record at what we used to call 'record stores' it had to be found in the prog section. Here in Los Angeles - our record stores (most of them) didn't even carry progressive rock albums. Tower Records on Sunset was the exception where a chain record store actually did carry obscure music. Tower was a great store. We had many small import record stores that carried obscure and prog music ( Moby Disc, Puba and in Hollywood I think it was called Hideaway Record Store). Those were my go tos - but there were a few others - Salzer's in Ventura was also great. The vast majority of the record buying public never even heard of Mike Oldfield - which I think still holds true to today. That being said - Genesis wasn't 'known' or at least wasn't just a blip in the radar until 'Follow You Follow Me' was a hit and that was in the year 1978. Hardly anyone in my part of the world had any idea who Genesis was from their beginning all the way to 1978. Yes, KC, PF, even Gentle Giant were more well known. Genesis and of course VdGG were waaaaay behind in fame and fortune. Genesis would catch up ...big time. As for VdGG - the best of all of them - we're still waiting. Speaking of VdGG ....JP? Final note - Happy Birthday to Peter Hammill (72) on November 5!
I like Mike's voice both speaking and singing. Though he rarely let's it Shine as he does on this BEAUTIFUL Song
And then on horseback is the dream :)
On Horseback is the perfect epilogue to Ommadawn. I've always loved Oldfield's guitar playing and tones as well. While I selfishly would want you to check out Amarok next because it's one of my favorite pieces of music ever, Incantations does make more sense as a next step and is on par with the other albums you've checked out so far.
Hey Justin, now about Part 2 I think is not only a sum up of Mike Oldfield's previous work but in my opinion is a sum up of music itself all the different moods and music styles combined.. at Part 2's third and final act with the guitar solo is for me the sum up of everything I've just heard throughout the years all concluding to this.
Also the guitar solo near the end is as great as the guitar solo in Firth of Fifth by Genesis.Remember?
In my opinion best music ever.
Mike's music - may it be in parts - always has had that feel of Ambient and New Age. Already noticeable in Tubular Bells from 1973. In that department Mike was way ahead of his time, knowing that these styles only surfaced in the 80s. So feel free to join me considering Mike Oldfield being the Godfather of Ambient and New Age.
Tubular Bells part 2, not played enough. Have you tried it out?
He has a video on it
Celestial music
Taurus II, please!!
Yes, Five Miles Out is a great album 👍.
Nice one JP, good review. Bridget St John sings on this album too, she did a song with Kevin Ayers called Jolie Madame which is a really pretty song.
Ommadawn Side 1 is definitely stronger, but side 2 holds your attention. The next step is the flawless 'Incantations' that just about holds on to the 70's organic sound then after that Mike was a little too inspired by pop for my tastes. Return to Ommadawn might be the only essential Oldfield album after 1978.
Hi Justin, it's me again, the french Canadian from Montreal. I have something out of the regular scope of what you usually hear to suggest. It's not prog rock, its folk, smooth folk. and not multi instruments as what we listened today. On the suite that I suggest, only acoustic guitar, flute and violin! No drum or bass! The album is The Lady and the Unicorn by John Renbourn and the suite is "My Johnny was a Shoemaker/Westron Wynde/Scarborough Fair". It's 13 minutes long and when I feel to listen to something smooth, when it's over I always listen to it a second time.
Ty Sylvain!
Uilleann Pipes by Paddy Moloney (The chieftains) ....wonderful.
I, too, think that they are Uilleann Pipes rather than Northumbrian Pipes. Cheers.
The pipes are Northumbrian smallpipes. Similar, but different to the Irish Uilleann pipes you heard on Kate Bush's Sensual world - a bit smaller and simpler, and tuned differently, but also played by filling the air bag with a bellows under one elbow. I love that section, but I'm a sucker for well played pipes.
Sorry - no. They are Uilleann Pipes played by Paddy Maloney. Done in one take when both Passy and Mike were, apparently, quite drunk.
@@keithhealing1115 Really? I don't have my original album (somehow lost that when moving out and going to uni around 1980), but the notes on Wikipedia says they're Northumbrian pipes played by Christopher Herbert. Mind you, can't always trust Wikipedia. If it is Paddy Malony from the Chieftains, then that's really cool.
@@lbd-po7cl On Wiki it states "A set of Northumbrian smallpipes were also recorded, and credited to "Herbie", but this recording was not used on the album."
tubular.net/discography/Ommadawn
Do Amarok but only when youve done Incantations to Earth Moving. As said before you'll understand and appreciate Amarok a lot better. Jumping in to Amarok at this early stage might not be the best move lol.
Incantations should definitely be next, but for the long track to listen to after that, I would suggest Taurus II from the Five Miles Out album.
Hergest Ridge is a beautiful geographical feature rising out of the English-Welsh border like a giant green whale with the gorse bushes looking like barnacles on its side. I went there once in my early teens and the memories are still strong over 45 years later.
I love Taurus II... except that horrendous "Rosana" part near the end that sounds like a bad Eurovision song. Still can't work out what he was thinking...
Also check out his album.... Crises
It!s been tremendous enjoying these with you. Now, I know that Hergest Ridge Part One was a miasma of people debating different mixes and that you have plenty of Oldfield fans telling you where to go next so I’m sorry in advance for the following suggestion:
If and when you do Incantations, please try to consider sourcing a version prior to the 2011 remaster currently available on digital/CD/vinyl because part 4 has a tiny glitch in all versions where a tiny sliver of music is missing (there was a reissue where the glitch is smaller but it’s still there and still puts you off your stride). It doesn’t sound like much but it’s right at the start of the big finale and as such it’s like there being a little skip at the start of the African drums on Ommadawn Part One.
The main drawback is that I think the only way to legally do that now is to buy a second hand CD (etc) with the original cover, so I realise it might not be a viable option.
If not, it won’t at all be the end of the world, but you’ll definitely notice it.
Actually, you know what, ignore me. I just had a quick listen and while the fixed version is still noticeably lopsided to someone who’s heard that section of the original mix tons of times it’ll hopefully pass a new listener’s ears by without much discomfort.
Ty JJC for the suggestion/warning
uilleann pipes are the national bagpipe of Ireland. Earlier known in English as "union pipes"
Yes, wonderfully played by Mr Paddy Moloney from The Chieftains 👍.
my suggestion for next reaction is my top 3 albums .
And the album that made me start listening to Mike Oldfield .
1. Amarok
2. Return to Ommadawn
3. Crises
4. Platinum
Northumbrian pipes are played on Sting’s “Soul Cages” album, specifically the song “Island of Souls”. Great tune, great mood, great story/lyrics.
Part Two doesn't have the inner logic as Part One, but it is still very well done and grabs your feelings by the horns. It's more of a deliberate row of ideas, which is not a problem in itself. But on Hergest Ridge themes from Part One show up in Part Two, which makes it far more cohesive and satisfying. As I said, it's complaining on a very, very high level. On Horseback is nice and kinda wraps up HR and Ommadawn together, because it has more of the peacefulness of the former. Mike Oldfield never sung much himself due to a quite narrow range of his voice. I like his voice a lot (in the meantime it has darkened a lot due to heavy smoking) and somehow suits the overall serenity of his music in those days.
The pipes are the uilleann pipes, (elbow pipes) , the Irish version of the bagpipes, played by Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains, a famous Irish traditional band at the time. They did the music for Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon. Ommadawn is the first example of world music I heard. Oldfield got commercial success with complex, introspective music, and he was a great influence on my own humble efforts (which were not commercial, but for my own fun!)
They are Northumbrian on this album, not uilleann. Very similar tone, but not quite the same.
@@brumanlcy I understand the Northumbrian pipes, played by ‘Herbie’ never made it to the recording. Here is an extract from the Wikipedia entry:
Oldfield sought out the ancient Celtic influence on English music and composed for traditional instruments such as uilleann pipes on the original LP version
‘A set of Northumbrian smallpipes were also recorded, and credited to "Herbie", but this recording was not used on the album.’
Moloney certainly plays uilleann pipes.
He is a god even looks like jesus 😄😄🎹🎼🎸
😅
If you don't want to listen to all of Incantations I would suggest listening to just Parts 1 & 4 to get an idea of what it is all about before moving on to either the Live album "Exposed" or the next studio album "Platinum" (called "Airborn" in North America).
First! Now to "Amarok"!
Massively off topic, but I love your t-shirt. However, I think Waterbending is the most elegant ;-)
There's a video "out there" talking to the martial artist who designed the styles for the various "elements" and it's quite fascinating.
Ty Dav :) Water is indeed the most graceful and fluid
Out of all of MO albums, this one is my favorite!! If you want another musical journey, check out Todd Rundgren's "A Treatise on Cosmic Fire" Some of the best sound design of 1975.