Changeling - Mike Oldfield autobiography

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I've just finished reading the Kindle version of this book.  It offers very good insights into Oldfield's music and his well-publicised psychological problems.  It was interesting to learn that Richard Branson only allowed Oldfield one single week in the Manor studio to record side one of Tubular Bells - there clearly wasn't a lot of belief in Oldfield's musical vision at the time.

Mike Oldfield gives a lot of detail about the music and recording processes.  However, he is very vague when he refers to his relationships with others, especially women, who - apart from his mother - barely get a mention in the book.

Despite his success and the admiration many have for his music, Mike Oldfield comes across as a rather sad and lonely figure, weighed down by his anxieties and social ineptness.  Not the most uplifting read in the world, but if you are interested in his music, then you should read this book.

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Green Shield Stamp Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 17 2009 Location: Telford, UK Status: Offline Points: 933	Topic: Changeling - Mike Oldfield autobiography Posted: November 01 2010 at 16:27
	I've just finished reading the Kindle version of this book. It offers very good insights into Oldfield's music and his well-publicised psychological problems. It was interesting to learn that Richard Branson only allowed Oldfield one single week in the Manor studio to record side one of Tubular Bells - there clearly wasn't a lot of belief in Oldfield's musical vision at the time. Mike Oldfield gives a lot of detail about the music and recording processes. However, he is very vague when he refers to his relationships with others, especially women, who - apart from his mother - barely get a mention in the book. Despite his success and the admiration many have for his music, Mike Oldfield comes across as a rather sad and lonely figure, weighed down by his anxieties and social ineptness. Not the most uplifting read in the world, but if you are interested in his music, then you should read this book.
	Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic....

Snow Dog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: March 23 2005 Location: Caerdydd Status: Offline Points: 32995	Posted: November 01 2010 at 16:34
	Sounds very interesting.


Chris S Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: June 09 2004 Location: Front Range Status: Offline Points: 7028	Posted: November 01 2010 at 17:03
	I must say I was very disappointed with the book. Lots about early childhood and the therapy he went through around the Ommadawn/Incantation period. But I wish he had focussed more on his individual studio releases particularly post Five Miles Out and gave more insight to them.
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Green Shield Stamp Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 17 2009 Location: Telford, UK Status: Offline Points: 933	Posted: November 02 2010 at 13:08
	I agree - he skips over the last 20 years almost as if he feels that the work he produced in this period will be of less interest to the reader. His writing style is also quite naive and peppered with cliches such as 'white as a sheet', 'drugged up to the eyeballs' , 'Jack-the lad character' etc. Also some of his philosphical insights are very simplistic. In his defense though, he is at pains to tell the reader that he is far more comfortable expressing himself through music rather than words. There are some very funny sections in the book also. The account of Richard Branson taking Oldfield on his first balloon flight is priceless.
	Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic....