LIGHT + SHADE

Mike Oldfield and his musical work are an acquired taste for certain...It would be safe to say that I have acquired that particular taste from the age of about 14. During which time the maestro has been experimenting with just about every form of music out there...Thankfully he has returned to more "Progressive" influences in the last few years. This 2 disc album is an outstanding piece of work; having many new and varied ideas borne out through the use of some very modern technology; most notably the whole "Computer Music" area (he uses Digital Vocals and sequencing software Fruityloops, a program I have used since even before him!)

Moving up a gear from the Tr3s Lunas vein, still chilled out but also with more of the trademark Oldfield guitar work, that we all know and love...and expert nuances on the Piano that simply cannot be written or played by ANYBODY else! In my opinion both discs have their winners; my personal choices are Angelique & Sunset on Disc 1 and Surfing, Resolution & Nightshade on Disc 2. I would say that the second disc was by far the best, but then I have always preferred Mike Oldfield in darkly reflective mood; Tubular Bells 2 has the majority of my favourite work from his stable on it.

It took me 2 listens before I "Got-it" but now it has me; I can't help singing the melodies from various tunes if there is no music playing in the room I'm in! It really stays with you in a good; non-annoying way...Buy it and you won't be disappointed (just make sure you give it a second chance like I did).