Tubular Bells III

1998 album featuring an updated version of his mesmerizing 'Exorcist' theme, 'Tubular Bells'. 11 tracks. Total playing time of 46:38. A WEA International release. Album Description

Oldfield will be remembered for his genius, forever.

In the course of human history, ever since the first hints at any musical appreciation whatsoever, we have remembered those who stood out among their peers during their time. Those who appreciate good music recall the names of Hildegard von Bingen, Beethoven, Bach, Ray Charles, The Beatles, and on and on. To all of you who have not heard this piece of music or are not familiar with the music of Mike Oldfield, let me say that for as long as humanity exists in the universe, and for as long as that humanity has an appreciation for music, that humanity will know the music of Mike Oldfield.
I am a devoted fan, but I believe that this man will be recognized as one of our kind's most talented, imaginative, and gifted artists for centuries and perhaps eons to come. If you have the opportunity to hear this man's music, even if from the roadside while the neighbor plays it in the comfort of their home, you will be blessed with a wondrous gift. This is true not just of TBIII, but the two prior Tubular Bells creations, and then every other peice of music created by this God-given genius of glorious sound. Mike Oldfield could sit on the hood of a car and stomp on the hood and windshield with his bare feet, and make it sound like the songs of the angels. If you have any sense at all, do not pass up the opportunity to hear this man's music now and for the remainder of your life. October 5, 2007

wonderful!

Wonderful music, diverse yet still very much Mike Oldfield. If you love Tubular Bells I then you need this one. It has some hints of the original but they are only hints. This is a fubulous music all on its on. July 9, 2007

Mike Oldfield- Tubular Bells III

I just got this last week and so far I like the tracks. I've been listening to Mike Oldfield music since the '70's when he became popular with his music used in the movie The Exorcist. I didn't know he had this disk out, and although its from 1998, its all new to me. If you like Mike Oldfield music you got to check it out! May 9, 2007

This one is the one furthest away from sounding like a re-packaging of the original Tubular Bells

Now, I know everybody who likes Mike Oldfield is criticizing him for re-recording and re-packaging Tubular Bells over and over, and over again these past 30 plus years. But, if it wasn't for the 1992 release of Tubular Bells II, I would have probably just let myself forget all about him. I really didn't follow Mike Oldfield's music much after Crises (1983) and The Killing Fields (1984). I didn't care for how Mike Oldfield was doing less long played projects and started to perform pop sounding ditties with other singers. Sometimes, you wouldn't know if you were listening to Mike Oldfield or ABBA, or just simply someone else. Simple pop songs like "Family Man", "To France", "Moonlight Shadow", etc. And when I saw "Discovery" (1984) and seen that it had more short pop songs with vocals, I just sort of gave up on Mike Oldfield, altogether. So I think, TB II was a smart move for Mike Oldfield to re-introduce himself to the music world. "Tubular Bells" (1973) was considered a Progressive Rock achievement back then, and so TB II of 1992 had to compete with the modern day New Age music market. I don't think TB III was a great disappointment, and I certainly I won't give it a miss either. To see it performed live now (on his very hard to find PAL region only DVD release of TB II and TB III live) actually makes me appreciate this album so much more.

And why shouldn't Mike Oldfield try and keep Tubular Bells alive? When we go to see any singer or band in concert, we are usually not too concerned about hearing some of their new material. We want to see and hear the hits, or the pieces of music that are his claim to fame, of course. Especially from bands who's past is much more glorified than where they are today.

However, Mike Olfield's recording of "Tubular Bells 2003" was just ridiculous! On this album, he is trying to re-record, as closely as possible, to the original 1973 release. This might have been more enjoyable if he and his other performers filmed this tight performance live before an audience. A DVD of this performance would have been much more justified than this pointless CD only release.

So, if he tries to re-record this album just once more, he really should seek some therapy. I think by now, he's beat this horse enough. Please Mike, give it a rest! August 6, 2006

Uneven But 2 great Tracks

I found the production of this album a bit uneven, but there are two great tracks I had to have, the best one being "Man In The Rain" February 23, 2006

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