Mike Oldfield - 'Tubular Bells 2003' (Warner) Released 26/05/03

OK this album IS a classic, when you push play you'll instantly recognise the opening few bars as the theme tune to that mad head-spinning ****-jesus-****-jesus film The Excorcist. This is also one of the problems with this album, a re-recorded version to mark the 30th anniversary of the original; because even though the tunes vary throughout the album, the signature tune pops up like a possessed child every so often to remind you that this isn't just any old concept album.

That said there is plenty of listenable instrumental music on here if that's your bag. Mike recorded the original version of 'Tubular Bells' when he was only 19 years old, that in itself is no mean feat as this often orchestral piece is a testament to his undoubted talent. BUT, and it's a big but, (no not one of them unfortunately) this album feels like a film score, and although tuneful you notice that the pictures are missing. It's no surprise then to find that at least six films have used parts of the album as their score.

Despite this being released as a body of work "again", I can't really see the point in going through all the rigmarole of re-recording it. Mike write some new tunes mate. A luxury boxed set including 'Tubular Bells II' and 'Tubular Bells III' is also available.