Amarok [HDCD] [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

 

 

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I grew up in a house filled with Mike Oldfield's music - I remember my dad buying "Tubular Bells" when it first came out and it never being off the record player pretty much until his second album came out. As I grew older and heard each album I became more of a fan, loving every album with only a few exceptions. When "Amarok" came out there was the usual argument between my dad and I as to who'd get the first listen, and as usual I was upset to lose out. Normally after he'd had a listen he would hand me the CD, say it was brilliant, and after I'd had a listen I'd agree wholeheartedly. On this occasion, however, he simply said "see what you think."

After the first listen I was shocked. I really didn't like it - it seemed bitty, incoherent, almost insane. But I felt compelled to listen again, so I did, and after the second hearing it seemed to click. This album is truly astonishing.

Don't expect the usual Oldfield drifting melodies, the themes of "Tubular Bells" or "Crises" or "incantations". This is something different. It was recorded during his fall-out with Richard Branson and you can really hear Oldfield's anger and frustration in the music (and, if you understand morse code, there's a message to Branson hidden deep inside the music). There *are* recurring themes in here, and there is true beauty in some of the segments, but one thing is for certain - the grand finale of "Amarok" (and it certainly *is* grand) must rank as one of the most exciting and uplifting passages of music ever written.

Most of Oldfield's other work shows flashes of sheer greatness. With "Amarok" he gave us sixty non-stop minutes of greatness.

A classic.

Every now and then an album comes along which blows all the others around it out the water. In this case due to the nature of the music, this release went relatively unnoticed compared to the success of Oldfield's previous albums such as `Tubular Bells'. But to those who did get into this gem; it is impossible not to be completely captivated by it. Released in 1990, Amarok is Mike Oldfield's 13th album. After countless great albums; it is amazing how Oldfield maintains the same high standard from his first album `Tubular Bells'. With the success of each album must build the pressure for the next; both by Oldfield on himself and also the record company looking to maintain healthy profits. Amarok continues this trend with great sounds which flow into one another creating an amazing musical landscape

Sitting at just over an hour, Amarok is one long track which takes the listener on a musical journey unlike any other. Everyone has those thoughts in the back of their minds about holidays and dreaming of going on that once in a lifetime dream trip; For example trekking the Inca trail in Peru. Amarok is the musical equivalent and the most genius thing about it is that it costs a ten pound maximum compared to thousands of pounds trekking up the Inca trail is going to cost. Furthermore you can go on the journey again and again at no extra cost.

I was first introduced to Amarok by a friend who was to say the least completely obsessed with it to the point that it is his favourite album of all time and has been for many years. So when anyone is into album that much, I want to know why. After the first time I listened to the album there were two thoughts running through my head. The first was "yeah, this is ok; it's got some good bits in it". Secondly I realised I was totally exhausted just from listening to it. I have never experienced this before after listening to an album. But it's understandable as it is an hour long non-stop instrumental. Therefore it is heavy going and just sapped all the energy right out of me, due to the concentration required. The same thing happened for the next 10 or so listens. However at the same time, piece by piece, I was beginning to appreciate the album in its true splendour. By about the 30th listen, the bigger picture becomes clear and that's when you feel like you have completed the album so to speak. After this it's easy because I know what's coming next. I'm ready in position with my stick to strike the invisible tubular bell or have my invisible plectrum ready for another great guitar part. Even still the whole picture is yet to be completely deciphered but that is certainly the beauty of this album because the friend who I was talking about earlier is still finding new stuff and I dare to think how many times he has listened to it. But at the same time I don't blame him!

I think the key reason why this album is so good is because it is a really well thought out piece of work. There are numerous recurring themes throughout the album which give it a proper structure. In addition there is a very clear beginning, middle and end which can be recognised by the choir chanting style effects with `sa, sa , sa' or `ba, ba, ba'. I can assure you no sheep appeared in the making of the album, regardless of how you read the last bit! Seriously though it works really well and adds such freshness to the album. In saying that; I think bringing in the sheep would be a class idea for an Amarok spoof album.

The ending to the album is easily the best finish to an album I have ever heard and you could say it lasts for 15 minutes. You've got the appearance of the Tubular bells, a comedy interlude from Janet Brown and the usual phenomenal guitar playing some may even beginning to take for granted; but really shouldn't. The last minute especially is simply sublime. It is just a joyful, explosive and fitting climax to an awesome album

I have lost count of the number of times I have listened to this album, but I reckon it is at least 50. Still with every listen I seem to discover a different sound, theme or instrument. This is due to the sheer depth of the album; it is like an ocean where divers discover new species of fish and plants continuously. Unlike diving there is no risk of drowning here, although just don't try and hold your breadth for the duration! The attention to detail is unreal. So much so, this album would act as a great way to develop listening skills in schools. In fact there is so much to this album you could quite easily turn it in to a GCSE subject! Now that would be class. I have tried not to go into too much detail about the sounds and secrets of the album because I feel it is best for you to uncover them like I did. But I hope I have conveyed how much I like this album. Just in case ;-) ..........IT IS GENIUS!

The fact that this album has gotten solid 5 star reviews everytime, for 16 reviews, is a tribute to it. This is the last oldfield album I would have considered buying a year ago.

I saw it in a shop ages ago, and had never heard of it so I judged it to be some of his new-age/celtic pap. Oh how wrong I was!

I just got it about 2 weeks ago and I've listened to it 15 times at least. It never gets old. Sometimes oldfield tended to spend too much time on one idea in his long songs (tubular bells part 2 and ommadawn part 2). Not so here. He jumps around nice and fast, getting us to all the musical climaxes in each part then changing idea again. Each idea, or part, is brilliant. A five star piece in its own right. The whole 60 minute song contains dozens of 5 star tunes.

Get this. If you don't know who he is, if you've only listened to tubular bells, if you got this on list-mania - get it. It's cheap now and easily EASILY worth the money. I can't see anyone not liking it.

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5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars but deserves more!
This is a sublime musical experience! Maybe the most difficult album by MO listening-wise (one, hour-long suite), but certainly one of those which really stay in your mind... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Dave M.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best sounding CDs ever
Not much to add about the musical content of this album, but few have mentioned the audio quality. The version I'm referring to is the HDCD remaster from 2000. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Dapto

5.0 out of 5 stars Amarok, you love it or you hate it
For me, this album is the best album M. Oldfield ever made.
But it's not an easy album.
The first time you will heart it, you would throw it away. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Eddy Wuyts

5.0 out of 5 stars Can we lose Maggie in the remix please?
For me this is Oldfield's best album, closely followed by Incantations, Ommadawn or possibly Music of the Spheres. Read more

Published 5 months ago by A. Holliday

5.0 out of 5 stars Erm.....Brilliant?
As many people will also find, Amarok is difficult. Difficult to listen to, and difficult to comment on. Read more

Published 11 months ago by Gary Coupe

5.0 out of 5 stars Best album in the world .
I've onwed this album for two or three years ( download )and I've played it a good few times,It just gets better and better so I got this HDCD from AMAZON AT a very good price... Read more

Published 12 months ago by Mr. G. R. Dyer

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical- SIX Stars!
I'm not sure that this should be the first of Mike Oldfield's albums you should approach if you are an Oldfield virgin (excuse the pun(ish) ) The first five or so, jarring,... Read more

Published 18 months ago by John Woodcock

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one
This is Oldfield's masterpiece. A rare thing - an album truly deserving of the description 'unique'. The passion, the skill, the energy! What an uplifting experience!

Published on 26 Jun 2009 by R. Taylor

4.0 out of 5 stars Took a few years to appreciate this one!
Although I would say I'm a huge Oldfield fan, I must admit I took Amarok back to the shop a few days after I bought it! Read more

Published on 24 Mar 2009 by TrickeyMickey

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I'm not the only one that initially hated it!!!
I've got everything Mike's ever done.

Started listening via TB when I was 15 in 1978. Was quickly hooked, and bought his entire back catalogue (of 3 albums and a... Read more

Published on 19 Mar 2009 by T&F Club

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