On the border of Wales and England rests a hill. This hill is approximately 158m high. Although it was cultivated during the second World War, it is now mostly an overgrown grazing area. Tourists wishing to hike up the hill are advised to go to the nearby town of Kington, and pick up the Offa’s Dyke long distance path, which will take you close to the summit.
Until 28 August, 1974, this hill was the most famous thing by the name of Hergest Ridge. However, all that changed when Mike “20 minutes or bust” Oldfield settled nearby to escape the sudden limelight that was thrust upon him by the success of
Tubular Bells.
Again, nothing I can say will both accurately describe the album and give due credit to its marvellous musical marvels. I can only hope to paint an overall image of both parts.
Just like the Welsh countryside which inspired this album,
Hergest Ridge is simple, yet has an underlying complexity that is delightful to unravel. We hear simple folk tunes turned, twisted and melded into many layers of aural pleasure. The music reflects nature, as it moves from dark, woody textures to thunderous affirmations of sunlight. Gone is the chaotic, yet enjoyable style of
Tubular Bells, however. Although we still have tantalising glimpses of Oldfield’s previous work, this new album is a fresh meadow breeze in the face of any music fan.
Again, many different remasters means many different tracklistings. I am going off the listing for my version of the remastered CD.
Once again Oldfield regales us with his extensive repertoire of musical instruments. And the list is varied; comprising no less than acoustic guitar, bass guitar, electric guitars, Farfisa, Gemini, and Lowery organs, glockenspiel, gong, mandolin, nutcracker, sleigh bells, Spanish guitar, timpani, and his trademark tubular bells.
It should be duly noted that this album’s total length of 40:14 is exactly the same as the Porcupine Tree EP
Moonloop. Coincidence? Hehe, I think so.
It is rare for an artist to follow up a masterpiece with something that stands on an equal footing, but
Tubular Bells is to
Hergest Ridge as
Wish You Were Here is to
Animals. Once again, I implore you to investigate this musical artwork. Immerse yourself in one of the more enjoyable pastimes in this world; listening to and appreciating a Mike Oldfield album.
I could probably end this review with a joke involving Virgin Records and “aural pleasure”, but I won’t. Make one up yourself.
