ISLANDS

"Wind chimes parts 1 & 2" is probably one of the best Oldfield's tracks, with Amarok: despite some variations on the same theme, it is very hard to find more rhythm & melodies changes than on this track. The delicate percussions are OUTSTANDING: Benoit and Pierre Moerlen (Gong) provide some of them here. This epic track is absolutely lively, VERY polyrhythmic, loaded, dynamic, delicate and progressive. There are Jethro Tull-like flutes, African tribes chant, small bells and vibraphone. The very modern keyboards produce pleasant, melodic, rhythmic and colorful textures. Mike's expressive electric guitar is very well synchronized with the complex patterns. Some bits are even grandiosely symphonic, especially during the second half of the track. 5 stars are well deserved for this side 1!

The other side, not progressive, contains very good and catchy short and simple tracks: the sublime Anita Hegerland sings on a couples of tracks; her voice is VERY similar to Maggie Reilly's one: she is almost as good! There are 2 other male singers, having very good voices. Bonnie Tyler's granular voice can be heard on the less good last track. I give 4 stars for this side 2.

Rating: 4.5 stars