Track
- Tubular Bells
Note: It is generally noted that album has two tracks, Part One and Part Two, but nowhere on the original 1973 album versions is that indicated. Most albums list Tubular Bells on both sides, along with Side One and Side Two to make it clear which side is which. But Side One and Side Two shouldn't be considered part of the song title or an indication that this song has two parts. It's clear that there is one work on this album and it is called Tubular Bells. It's also clear that it's split in two because one side of an LP can not play for more than 40-odd minutes and this work is over 50 minutes long. Thus, it had to be split into two parts. But that hardly implies it is a work in two parts. The problem was exacerbated when the CD was became the medium of choice. Since a CD can play nearly 70 minutes of music continuously, the track listing should have only indicated one track: Tubular Bells. But most CDs I've seen, have it listed as two tracks.
Tubular Bells is an ambitious album. The music is progressive rock, although it shares very little in common with the other progressive rock bands of the 1970s. The sole piece on this album should be thought of as having several to a dozen or perhaps more distinct sections. In some ways it would have been better to have broken them into tracks, but since their transitions are seamless, it's clear they are part of one whole.
While there are melodies, hooks, riffs and grooves, the piece lacks structure and direction. It almost seems like Mike Oldfield is making it up as he goes.
I do like this album. It certainly has its moments, but it can get tedious at times and pointless at other times. There's certainly no regret when I'm interrupted and have to stop listening to it. So, I think it certainly be listened to because there isn't much else like a 50-minute plus piece of work in popular music. Maybe it's just novelty. I don't think it needs to be on the 1001 Albums list.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
No comments:
Post a Comment