Search - Mike Oldfield :: Light & Shade

Surfing.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 11/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I own nearly all of Oldfield's albums, and some are better than others. I'm sure Oldfield fans have their favorites (which aren't necessarily my favorites--like 1990's "Amarok"). I'll say that "Light + Shade" offers some of the best music Mike has produced since 1994's "Songs Of Distant Earth". There are actual memorable melodies here like "Sunset", "Pres De Toi", "Lakme (Fruity Loops)", "Surfing", "Angelique", "First Steps", "Quicksilver" and others.



Mike Oldfield, along with Vangelis and Tangerine Dream, was one of the first pioneers of New Age/Classical music, and he's proven himself a talent. However, the creativity department has been lacking in the past decade. "Light + Shade" is a step in the right direction.



The album is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Oldfield re-utilizes "Tubuluar Bells" segments mixed strategically into some of the songs. While some might be harsh in criticizing this albums, I found that it's one of his better instrumental albums. I was disappointed with "Tres Lunas", "Guitars", "Tubular Bells 3" and "Millenium Bell", and I really wish Mike would do away with "Tubular Bells altogether because I've had enough of the different interpretations of that piece of music.



Even though "Light + Shade" is a return to form, I'd still like to see him try something new--especially after being around for 33 years. There's nothing to lose, Mike, and why not return to what you do best which is electronic pop songs. Set aside the intrumental background music and return to "Five Miles Out", "Crises", "Discovery", "Islands" and "Earth Moving" territory for a little while."

Beautiful a tapestry of music

M. Woodard | Montana, United States | 12/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit I like Mike Oldfield, he has, over many albums, varied his music and styles, some have been more appealing than others but I find I am rarely disappointed when a new release comes along. This is no exception. He has extended some of the tres lunas material and I know that has not been some peoples favorite. But after several listenings I am mezmerized by several songs on these two albums. I read many other reviews before buying and I am frankly puzzled that so many Mike Oldfield fans indicate they are disappointed or that this work is only fair. I find some much of this music uplifting and full of so many musical colors. Take sunset on the first cd, how awesome can a musical piece get. I crank this one up full blast in my car and listen to it repeatedly IT IS one of his best. For those who like Mike's piano, he has more piano on this set than any and it is truly beautiful. Starting with the first two songs on the first CD you are carried away in fantasy by this music. On the second cd everyone will agree quicksilver is great it grabs you and won't let go but surfing is a real trip, my kids are singing that all around the house. I really recommend this cd set. It is a bit mellower than some of Mike's past releases, the guitar work is less edgy but much of the work is more complex and totally puts you in a upbeat mood. It is worth five stars on it's own merits. I hope Mike has more of the same coming."

Oldfield's best work in years...

Monica J. Kern | Lexington, KY United States | 12/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Oldfield is one of my top ten favorite musical composers/artists, so I was very excited to see this new album. While I have found some of his recent work to be somewhat bland (e.g., Tres Lunas), this album, in my opinion, is one of his best since "Voyager" and "Songs of a Distant Earth." And, indeed, I would argue that "Light and Shade" is of a style most reminiscent of those two albums than his other works.



What I like best about Light and Shade is that I see Oldfield stretching himself musically, as opposed to some of his more recent albums which seemed largely to rehash past work. For example, my favorite piece on the two-CD set is track two of the first CD, "Blackbird." It features piano and other keyboards and is achingly beautiful in a slow and haunting way. The piano is not a key instrument in the vast majority of Oldfield's work, so this piece was a very welcome change of pace.



I agree with other reviewers that the first disc is the strongest, but that is not meant as a slur on the second disc, which I also liked quite a bit. It does incorporate more of a techno sound and beat, so it is more reminiscent of Millennium Bell in that respect.



I believe Mike Oldfield is one of the most remarkable and talented composers around today. And I would not be surprised if history finds "Light and Shade" to be considered one of Oldfield's strongest works. I personally would place it in my top 5 of his albums (along with Voyager, Songs of Distant Earth, Tubular Bells, Crises, and Five Miles Out--but PLEASE don't ask me to rank order them!)"