ELEMENTS: 1973-1991

Easy Livin asks the right question about this thing: Just who the heck is this set intended for? I believe I got a pretty good deal on mine, but otherwise this is a ridiculous box for most people. Oldfield fans are going to have most of the albums anyway. And for those who don't, why would you want to buy "excerpts" of some of Mike's classic tracks. This really is yet another box set that makes little sense. I'm convinced these box sets are purchased mostly as Christmas gifts and that the reasons for their existence are entirely monetary (as opposed to artistic and monetary.) You'll get a sprawling taste of Mike's Virgin Records output over the years, but you'd be far better off buying the original albums.

The one bone they throw to Oldfield collectors is the 59 page booklet which features a respectable bio, some nice photographs, and a discography. Nice for sure, but hardly worth the cost of admission. This is very much "for fans only." Hard core fans with lots of disposable income.