The Orchestral Tubular Bells Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Virgin V 2026

Reviewed by Kerry Doole

A basic tenet of our whole materialist/consumerist ethos would be that if a product can make money, it should be re-packaged and re-presented in as many ways as possible, so as to ensure the full exploitation of its commercial potential. The case of Pete Townshend's 'Tommy' surely illustrates this.

We are to examine such a product here today, dear consumer, It is the musical composition of, one Mike Oldfield, entitled Tubular Bells'. Commercially, this product can be considered one of the success stories of the seventies. Released in 1973, the album steadily gained support, until its link with an artistically abysmal, but financially fruitful horror movie bought it unimagined Gold Status. A total tenure of about 100 weeks on the top 20 selling albums in Britain places it on the same pedestal as the 'Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Bridge over Troubled Waters'. Quite a track record, but Virgin and/or Oldfield apparently decided more mileage was possible. Their satori/inspiration flash? Instead of a one-man multi-instrumentalist Maestro, why not introduce something with a classy title like Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a trendy arranger like David Bedford, and to ensure authenticity, Mr Oldfield on guitar. Unveil the modified commodity at a 'cultural centre' like the Royal Albert Hall, and Zap! A new product.

The merits of Tubular Bells' as a composition cannot be denied. It exudes a gentle warmth and charm that made it an ideal accompaniment to late-night Milo and cheese toast. But taking it out of its original context and subjecting it to a full orchestral onslaught has destroyed its spontaneity and elements of surprise. Why, we even miss out on Viv Stanshall's M Cing and the voice of the Piltdown Man

A case of Orcastration, peut-etre?