Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells!

[Johnny Vinyl]

This is perhaps the most amazing album ever recorded. Everyone in the world knows of this album and I have never heard a negative comment/opinion about its content or raison d'etre. People just accept it and are in awe of it.

Will it be seen/heard this way 200-300 years from now, like Mozart, Beethoven, etc......?


John

 

[vinylphilemag]

Tubular Bells is one of my all-time favourite records (especially side 1)--I love it! I once made a pilgimige to The Manor, the (ex) recording studio at which it was recorded. When he first heard Tubular Bells, John Peel was so impressed that he played the entire album on his radio show, something that (AFAIK) hasn't been repeated since.

There are a loads of subtle sounds and nuances in Tubular Bells that a really good system reveals, and of course the album is best enjoyed in the dark, volume cranked.

Just remember that although this stereophonic record can be played on mono equipment in a pinch, it cannot be played on old tin boxes no matter what they are fitted with. If you are in posession of such equipment please hand it into the nearest police station.

 

[Ron Party]

One of my 2 favorites of his. The other is the double live album, Exposed, with versions of Tubular Bells and Incantations. Crossover progressive music at its finest.

Having stated this, both Amarok and Ommadawn are generally viewed as superior to Tubular Bells.

A point of clarification also should be made: to which Tubular Bells album are you referring, the 1973 original recording or the 2003 re-recording, when Mike Oldfield returned to the studio to re-record the original because he found flaws in the original recording?

I also agree with the post after yours: Mike Oldfield music is best served in a dark room and (IMO) preferably in an altered state.

 

[vinylphilemag]

I *think* John is referring to the 1973 original. I have most versions, but to me the 1973 version if the One True Tubular bells.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I *think* John is referring to the 1973 original. I have most versions, but to me the 1973 version if the One True Tubular bells.

Yes, I was referring to the 1973 orginal. I also have the UMG Back to Black 180g version, and just yesterday came across this:

Classic Records 200 Gram Vinyl
SKU: VS 2001-200G
Genre: Rock / Rock
Label: EMI
Reissue Label: CLASSIC RECORDS

Needless to say...I placed an order in for it.

John

 

[flez007]

It is indeed a great piece, mine is quite scratched right now, might order a replacement in my month's order to AS. Thanks for thevheads-up on a great record/artist.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

It is indeed a great piece, mine is quite scratched right now, might order a replacement in my month's order to AS. Thanks for thevheads-up on a great record/artist.

I ordered mine from TheMusic.com for $33. AcousticSounds has a Classic Records 180g version for $39.

I'm a little confused as one says its a 200g and the other a 180g? Can someone clarify this for me? Thx!

John

 

[terryj]

you all MUST hear (also) TB3. Like a lot of MO stuff there is a hit and miss or two on the album, but 80% of it is spectacular...and you simply MUST MUST hear the last two tracks on the album, in the dark, at full volume..it is mind blowing.

 

[vinylphilemag]

I ordered mine from TheMusic.com for $33. AcousticSounds has a Classic Records 180g version for $39.

I'm a little confused as one says its a 200g and the other a 180g? Can someone clarify this for me? Thx!

John

I think Classic Records released two versions: 180g and 200g. Both were presumably pressed from the original analogue masters, unlike the digitised Back to Black version...

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I think Classic Records released two versions: 180g and 200g. Both were presumably pressed from the original analogue masters, unlike the digitised Back to Black version...

Thanks Rich! Can't wait to compare the orginal to the UMG BtB and Classic pressing.

John

 

[RUR]

you all MUST hear (also) TB3. Like a lot of MO stuff there is a hit and miss or two on the album, but 80% of it is spectacular...and you simply MUST MUST hear the last two tracks on the album, in the dark, at full volume..it is mind blowing.

OK, Terry. Since I MUST hear it, it's ordered and I'll have it tomorrow.

 

[terryj]

oops, hope it meets with your approval!

I did say there were a few 'dud's didn't I?? Still, first four tracks as a group, one or two good ones in the middle, the last two, well hold on for the ride!

 

[garylkoh]

Thanks Rich! Can't wait to compare the orginal to the UMG BtB and Classic pressing.

John

I love Tubular Bells too!!

Please remember to post your findings. I have the original 1973, but it's back in Singapore somewhere in storage. If the Classic pressing is any good, I'll get a copy of that. It is unfortunate that so many of the newer pressings are made from the 2nd or even 3rd generation tapes.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I love Tubular Bells too!!

Please remember to post your findings. I have the original 1973, but it's back in Singapore somewhere in storage. If the Classic pressing is any good, I'll get a copy of that. It is unfortunate that so many of the newer pressings are made from the 2nd or even 3rd generation tapes.

Just got word that it has arrived. Will be picking it up on Sunday morning. Will try to post something later that day or on Monday.

John

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Another in DA HOUSE!



John

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Impressed, but disappointed as well.

I just finished listening to Side One of my newly acquired 200-gram Classic Records pressing and will say that it may be the best representation of this classic album I have heard to date.

Unfortunately...it is NOT as quiet as one would have expected a Quietx SV-P pressing to be. In fact, it is rather noisy with a significant amount of pops and clicks.

John

 

[garylkoh]

That's disappointing. I was hoping that you'd say that it's perfect, and I would have no qualms to leap to buying a copy too.

I've heard from many of my friends that the 180gm pressings are always better than 200gm pressings - is that your experience too?

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

My buddy bought the 200 and 180, so I will ask him about the 180 version. The 180gram JLH-The Healer is perfect, as are some others I have, so I would say say.

John

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Regardless of the fact it may be noisier than what I had expected this is still (to me) one of the finest records ever made. It blows me away every time I hear it.

My room "sans" Tubular Bells


Enjoying the sublimeness that is "Tubular Bells". Darkness and complete immersion.


John

 

[garylkoh]

Regardless of the fact it may be noisier than what I had expected this is still (to me) one of the finest records ever made. It blows me away every time I hear it.

John

OK John. You've got me..... I just ordered the 200gm from Acoustic Sounds and the 180gm from Elusive Disc. While searching..... I came across this:

http://www.amazon.com/Tubular-Bells-Amazon-com-Exclusive-Oldfield/dp/B0026RCAIA

.... which I've also ordered. Call me nuts if you like.

Cheers
Gary