Essential Listening #96: Tubular Bells

My Comments

It is hard to listen to just one song on this album because the entire album is one continuous song to me. I would encourage you to listen to the entire recording of Tubular Bell 2. 1 is great also but 2 is better. This album is on my top 5 list.

Details

“Tubular Bells II” is an album by English musician Mike Oldfield, released in 1992. It is a follow-up to Oldfield’s iconic 1973 debut album, Tubular Bells, which is famous for its innovative composition and use in the film The Exorcist. Here’s a detailed look at Tubular Bells II, including its background, composition, impact, and legacy:

Background

• Release Date: Tubular Bells II was released on August 31, 1992.
• Label: The album was released under Warner Music UK.
• Producer: Mike Oldfield co-produced the album with Trevor Horn and Tom Newman.
• Recording: The album was recorded at Oldfield’s home studio in Los Angeles and at The Manor Studio in Oxfordshire, England.

Concept and Composition

• Concept: Tubular Bells II is a reimagining of the original Tubular Bells album. While it retains the structure and some of the motifs of the original, it introduces new themes and modern production techniques. The album is divided into 14 tracks, unlike the continuous pieces of the original.
• Musical Style: The album blends progressive rock, new-age music, and classical influences. It is characterized by its use of a wide array of instruments, intricate melodies, and rich textures.
• Tracks: The album consists of 14 tracks, each with its own distinct character. Some tracks directly reference the original Tubular Bells themes, while others explore new musical ideas. Notable tracks include:
  • “Sentinel”: The opening track, which echoes the iconic opening theme of the original Tubular Bells.
  • “Dark Star”: Incorporates electronic elements and sets a mysterious tone.
  • “The Bell”: Features a narration by actor Alan Rickman, introducing various instruments in a manner similar to the “master of ceremonies” part of the original album.
  • “Weightless”: A serene and atmospheric piece that showcases Oldfield’s guitar work.
  • “Tattoo”: Incorporates Celtic influences with bagpipes and an energetic melody.
  • “Moonshine”: The closing track, reminiscent of a folk dance, bringing the album to a joyful conclusion.

Key Tracks and Highlights

1. “Sentinel”: This track opens the album with a familiar yet updated rendition of the original Tubular Bells theme. It introduces a series of variations that set the tone for the rest of the album.
2. “The Bell”: Featuring narration by actor Alan Rickman, this track is an homage to the original album’s “Master of Ceremonies” section, where different instruments are introduced and layered to create a complex soundscape.
3. “Tattoo”: This track combines traditional Celtic influences with Oldfield’s signature style, incorporating bagpipes and creating a dynamic, rhythmic piece.
4. “Weightless”: A serene and atmospheric composition that highlights Oldfield’s guitar work, showcasing his ability to blend melody with ambient textures.
5. “Moonshine”: The album’s closing track, featuring a folk-inspired melody that ends the album on a joyful note.

Production and Collaborations

• Trevor Horn: Renowned producer Trevor Horn co-produced the album, bringing his expertise in modern production techniques and contributing to the album’s polished sound.
• Tom Newman: Co-producer of the original Tubular Bells, Tom Newman returned to work on the sequel, helping to bridge the gap between the two albums.
• Guest Musicians: The album features contributions from various musicians, including session players and vocalists, adding depth and variety to the compositions.

Impact and Reception

• Chart Performance: Tubular Bells II was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and performing well in several other countries. It marked a successful comeback for Oldfield in the 1990s.
• Critical Acclaim: The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its inventive reinterpretation of the original and its polished production. It was seen as a successful blend of nostalgia and innovation.
• Live Performance: To promote the album, Mike Oldfield performed Tubular Bells II live at Edinburgh Castle on September 4, 1992. The concert was broadcast on television and released on home video, further boosting the album’s popularity.

Legacy

• Revival of Interest: Tubular Bells II revived interest in Mike Oldfield’s music and introduced his work to a new generation of listeners. It paved the way for further sequels and reinterpretations of his earlier works.
• Continued Series: The success of Tubular Bells II led to the creation of subsequent albums, including Tubular Bells III (1998) and The Millennium Bell (1999), each exploring different musical themes and concepts.
• Enduring Appeal: The album remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Oldfield’s best works. Its blend of familiar motifs and new ideas continues to resonate with audiences.

Technical Aspects and Innovation

• Modern Production Techniques: The album utilized the latest recording technology of the early 1990s, resulting in a cleaner, more refined sound compared to the original. This included digital recording methods and advanced synthesizers.
• Instrumentation: Oldfield played a wide variety of instruments on the album, including guitars, keyboards, and percussion. The album also features guest musicians contributing additional instrumentation, such as bagpipes and orchestral elements.
• Narration: The use of narration by Alan Rickman in “The Bell” adds a theatrical element to the album, reminiscent of the original’s narrated section by Vivian Stanshall.

Thematic Continuity and Innovation

• Reinterpretation of Themes: While Tubular Bells II revisits some of the themes and structures of the original, it also introduces new musical ideas and motifs. This balance of familiarity and innovation is a key factor in its success.
• Conceptual Cohesion: The album maintains a sense of conceptual cohesion, with each track flowing seamlessly into the next. This creates a continuous listening experience that mirrors the structure of the original album.
• Emotional Range: The album explores a wide emotional range, from the haunting and mysterious tones of “Dark Star” to the uplifting and celebratory “Moonshine.” This variety adds depth and richness to the listening experience.

Conclusion

Tubular Bells II stands as a significant achievement in Mike Oldfield’s career, successfully reimagining his groundbreaking debut album for a new era. Its blend of innovative production, diverse instrumentation, and thematic continuity has ensured its place as a beloved classic in the realm of progressive rock and new-age music. The album’s success not only revived Oldfield’s career but also reaffirmed the enduring appeal of his musical vision.