Comments for Oldfield, Mike, Islands

"Islands" follows the pattern of an instrumental side and a commercial side. "The wind chimes" takes inspiration from east-asian music, and it is also evident the recurrence of tunes resembling variations on Crises's themes. Perhaps the songs are not all among his best ones. I think this album gains much in its video-tape version, entitled "The wind chimes", which contains also interesting video-clips such as "Shine" (with J. Anderson) and "Pictures in the dark".

This album is overall very good. I do admit that his commercial pop songs sound kind of ammateur, but I think he's trying to show that he has diversity in his music. "Wind Chimes" is excellent, one of the best instrumental compositions that I have heard from Mike. The arrangement is superb, and the theme is still existent despite the alternation of the many instruments in the piece. His use of different ethnic influences makes Wind Chimes a very rich piece! "When the Nights On Fire" is sung by Bonnie Tyler!

"The Wind Chimes" redeems this album. The vocal tracks are overall unremarkable (in my opinion, of course). It was nice to see him include Kevin Ayers as a vocalist.

A good album with a very full sound (no orchestra though). It takes a while to get into, particularly the instrumental half, but is well worth a listen. There is great colour and richness in "The Wind Chimes" (particularly pt. I): the sampled voices are cute and Simon Phillips provides extra focus and bounce. The six vocal songs are good: the title track featuring Bonnie Tyler and a couple of saxophonists, the excellent "Flying Start" biopic sung by Kevin Ayers, the commercial "Magic Touch" with Jim Price and three songs featuring the wonderful voice of Anita Hegerland, Mike's one-time spouse ("North Point" is fantastic). Anita's elocution is sometimes a little idiosyncratic but I suspect that this is to do with the way Mike has written the lyrical pentameter ("I believe every word"). The treatment (effects) of the vocal on "The Time Has Come" (probably the weakest song unless you're a Christian), is a bit cruel. Musical themes recur throughout the entire album, including vocal melodies. Lyrical themes ("when the night's on fire") also reappear, making the whole a cohesive and rewarding listening experience.

The song MAGIC TOUCH-Vocals By JIM PRICE is 100% better then the other release of the song. It has more of a beat to it.

I Think this album is OK - especialy istrumental track " The Wind Chimes".

Another attempt at pop stardom for MO, but Islandsat least has The Wind Chimes on it to redeem itselfas a decent album.This is the English version of the compact disc which hasbeen remixed and has a different track oredring.