One of my favorite song/albums of all times is Tubular Bells. Comprised of 50 or so instrumental minutes, the entire composition was written and performed (mostly) by Mike Oldfield — an early accomplishment for multi-track recording.
I don’t remember specifically when I started listening to the album, though I am sure I got a hold of my father’s copy at least 12 years ago. In that time I both listened to the record for entertainment and used it as a tool. While the various melodies and moods of Tubular Bells became my perfect sound track to many of my mental movies and the comic book story X-Cutioner’s Song; these same musical components become so ingrained in my mind that by listening to the music and allowing my subconscious to trace the sounds, I was better able to focus while studying and writing throughout high-school and college.
Since this is getting dangerously close to the type of musical review I am speaking out against here, just let me say that Mike in Korea recently sent me an email linking to a 1975 live performance of Tubular Bells (Part 1). I really enjoyed this rendition. Not only is the bass more present in the mix it but it also sounds a lot gnarlier. The tone on the Fenders and the other instruments are also a little off from the original recording, which is great because it imbues the already rocking performance with a new edge.
W hat more can I say? Not much… just listen to the performance: