THE KILLING FIELDS

It is difficult to say that this is a true Oldfield album. There are lots of orchestrations throughout the album which sounds very classical during these of course. At times, Mike produces some electronic tracks which aren't truly memorable as well ("Evacuation").

The problem with this type of work (and it is not only related to this particular album) is that when you listen to it out of its context (the movie, which is great and poignant), one feels a bit lost and in this case surprised with the offering.

Some peaceful moments like "Pran's Theme II" and "Bad News" are very pleasant but too scarce on this album. "Execution" is poignant and harrowing of course. Fully renders the oppressive atmosphere in Cambodia during the awful tyranny during the Red Khmers 's regime (they killed three millions of their own people in atrocious circumstances and we (the Western countries) did not do anything to help these poor people. No oil at that time there to deserve interest I guess.

The same feeling of dread can be felt during Pran's Escape & The Killing Fields an icy and imposing part. Although fully symphonic oriented, the orchestral "The trek" is bombastic and impressive and contrasts with the sweet and sad "The Boy's Burial & Pran Sees the Red Cross". Another emotional part.

After all these demoralizing pieces, the more joyful Good News (well titled) is more than welcome. And as some fellow reviewers alreday have mentioned, the closing number Etude is the most Oldfield oriented and also my preferred one from this album. A great movie but an average soundtrack when you take it apart (so, just listen to it while viewing the film is my advice).

Two stars.