Tubular Bells (2009 Re-master)

An exciting new edition of Oldfield's timeless, unique and inspirational debut album from 1973 - re-mastered / re-mixed by Mike, with two bonus tracks included.

Mike Oldfield is an artist like no other. Over the last 37 years he has produced timeless, unique and inspirational music that has enthralled listeners the world over. Fans old and new can celebrate the great man's work with this special release of his classic, multi-platinum selling album 'Tubular Bells'. The exciting new edition of his amazing debut album has been re-mastered and re-mixed by Mike himself and includes two bonus tracks.

'Tubular Bells' was originally released on May 25th 1973 and is a groundbreaking, unique piece of music, composed entirely by Mike Oldfield. The track runs for the whole album, intertwined by a multitude of instruments, all played by Oldfield. A variety of rhythms, tones, tempos and harmonies all blend precisely together, to produce an astonishing conglomeration of sounds.

The introduction was used in the controversial horror movie, 'The Exorcist', and is suitably spine chilling. From there, each instrument is gradually added to the mix (introduced by Viv Stanshall) until it builds to a grand and powerful crescendo, augmented by the tubular bells. There are so many sounds on 'Tubular Bells' that it can be listened to countless times and there is always something new for your mind and ears to discover.

Although no category could be found for this new type of music, the critics and public were hugely enthusiastic. Sales proved this: over 16 million copies sold worldwide to date, which makes 'Tubular Bells' Virgin's most successful album (and Richard Branson's ticket to multi-millionaire status).

'Tubular Bells' was a front-runner in the UK charts for several months, toppled only in 1974 by its successor, 'Hergest Ridge'. There then followed an orchestral version of 'Tubular Bells', which further boosted its popularity.

Mike Oldfield plays...
Part 1 - Grand Piano, Glockenspiel, Farfisa organ, Bass guitar, Electric guitar, Speed guitar, Taped motor drive amplifier organ chord, Mandolin-like guitar, Fuzz guitars, Assorted percussion, Acoustic guitar, Flageolet, Honky tonk, Lowrey organ, Tubular Bells.

Part 2 - Electric guitars, Farfisa organ, Bass guitar, Acoustic guitars, Piano, Speed electric guitars, Lowrey organ, Concert timpani, Guitars sounding like bagpipes, Piltdown man, Hammond organ, Spanish guitar, Moribund chorus.

Unlisted but believed to be there... Mandolin, Violin / Fiddle.

Other musicians:
Steve Broughton - Drums
Sally Oldfield - Vocals
Mundy Ellis - Vocals
Jon Field - Flutes
Lindsay Cooper - String basses
Vivian Stanshall - Master of ceremonies
'Nasal Choir' - Nasal chorus
Bootleg chorus - The Manor Choir conducted by Mike Oldfield

Produced and Engineered by Tom Newman, Simon Heyworth and Mike Oldfield
Recorded at The Manor Autumn 1972 - Spring 1973.