Mike Oldfield- Platinum (SIDE 1)(REACTION//DISCUSSION)

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Song Link: • MIKKE OLLDFIELD - Plat...

[@BrandonBlume]

Mike Oldfield is the biggest influence on my musical career and exploits ever. Favourite artist. He's even the reason I play guitar. I know his work inside out.

[@matslarsson5988]

Amen!

[@stephendennis8739]

Mike oldfield the creative mind of a musical genius

[@rusca1962]

This first side is wonderful Mike Oldfield really got me in the 70's and in 2024 i continue loving is music for eternity

[@christiantoth7959]

Tubular Bells, Hergest Ridge and Ommadawn are great Albums, but Platinum, QE2 and Five Miles Out define "my" Oldfield. It was the Music i was listen as a Teenager and it influenced my taste in music for the rest of my life. And now it's really exciting to see how someone discovers this music for themselves

[@Coneman3]

Yes his middle period works are different but amazing in a different way. Even Islands is mostly great imo. Very dreamy.

[@XoiZhiv]

@@Coneman3 totally, my father bough a VHS in 91 in a market happened to be Oldfields, Wind Chimes pt 1& 2 video (which i would love to see a reaction to), then islands album and a bunch more Oldfields videos on the tape, Mikes been with me since childhood

[@Nidels]

Some aspects about the album: Shortly after the release of the album "Incantations", Oldfield traveled to New York with Richard Branson and there, the New York atmosphere so excited Mike that he thought it was interesting to rent a studio and get together with local musicians to play together as an experiment. There he reunites with Clodagh Simmonds, who had already collaborated with Oldfield on "Hergest Ridge" and "Ommadawn" before his final move to New York to continue his musical career. Clodagh was quick to introduce Oldfield to New York musician Philip Glass's regular sound engineer. This was Kurt Munkacsi. According to Mike, the bass player he had impressed me. His name was Neil Jason and he played fretless bass. I wrote a couple of chords that were the basis of the song. When we got back to England I asked Steve Winwood to play some keyboards at the end of the song. Hearing “Guilty”, the people of Virgin were speechless and assured that it was a potential hit ”. Released as a single, it reached the top of the charts and was incorporated into the concert repertoire. From these sessions in New York, Oldfield brought abundant material that would end up being part of “Platinum”. In addition to the aforementioned Neil Jason, also bassist Hansford Rowe and drummer Allan Schwartzberg participated in the recordings. After returning to Great Britain, Oldfield completed the recording of the album, which also includes Morris Pert, Peter Lemer, Nico Ramsden, Pierre Moerlen, Wendy Roberts, Francisco Centeno, Sally Cooper, Peter Gordon, Michael Riesman, and David Bedfor. Oldfield is limited in "Platinum" to guitars, keyboards, percussions and some vocals. A hug.

[@docnflossie7351]

Thanks 😌

[@jasonbrandt5504]

that's awesome

[@alphabennyrosy5068]

You got me into Mike Oldfield, thx so muchhh, really enjoying his music.

[@ianferguson3455]

Mike is and always will be a genius. His music gets into your soul and never leaves.

[@bthagan]

I just find these four tracks to be absolute listening pleasure, so exciting, dynamic, fun and melodic - Mike reaches some of his most soaring heights ever over incredible rhythms. I'm so glad that you get it JP. So often Mikes work after "the big 4" is dismissed but there is so much extraordinary stuff in the rest of his career - I kinda pity those that refuse to give it a chance. May I suggest that if you are doing the rest of the album you try to find the original "Sally" - track 2 on side 2. It was on the first pressing release but Branson made Mike remove it for subsequent pressings, replacing it with an utterly insipid let down of a track called "Into Wonderland". "Sally" is fantastic, utterly bonkers and it fits perfectly between the wonderful "Woodhenge" and "Punkadiddle" tracks with proper segues and elements of the other tracks appearing. Almost to the point where you need to listen to them all together as one piece! With "Sally" side two works brilliantly. Without it it is definitely lacking...

[@jwccornock]

Thank you so much for reviewing another one of Mike's masterpieces. Everytime I listen to Platinum it takes me back to my teens when his albums literally helped me through a very dark period in my life. I listen to every musical genre from Bach to Slipknot but no musical passages can take me to the places that Mike's does. After thousands of plays, these other-wordly compositions never cease to amaze and lift my spirit. If I get to heaven I expect to hear Mike playing at the pearly gates.

[@eikeharnischeh]

Between INCANTATIONS and PLATINUM Mike did his EXEGESIS experience and therapy. He felt like rebourne. He did naked pictures and married at this time. He became a different person for some years. He wasn't still the shy boy. And he made his licence for helicopters and aeroplanes.

[@markmaxwell1013]

I knew he made it through his panic issues but I didn't know when and how. Seems like he made it through with a vengeance. Good for him!

[@jameswarner5809]

The Exegesis experience was actually during the recording of Incantations, hence the clean cut look on the cover.

[@eikeharnischeh]

@@jameswarner5809 the Exegesis therapy took part after the recording of Incantations 1 and 2 in 1978. Part 3 and 4 were already more positive, especially the amazing guitar solo in Part 3. Shortly after that album he took the intro of Part 1, speeded it up and made the disco song GUILTY. The title spoke for itself. He felt GUILTY about his personal psychological problems.

[@jameswarner5809]

@@eikeharnischeh At the time, it was suggested that the title was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact he had released a disco single, which some perceived as selling out his prog rock musical ideals.

[@alejandrok2891]

h He should have gone with Branson to space

[@buidseach]

I'd forgotten about this album, It's actually really good, It's like Mike moved it more towards rock, It's awesome.

[@halldorvagn]

Platinum has a special place in my heart

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

The work of a truely satisfied positive and happy Mike Oldfield.

[@johng5859]

As a big Mike Oldfield fan, I would say that this and the first part of Ommadawn, in their very different ways, are his finest musical achievements. Platinum finds him gaining a new lease of life, his exegesis therapy having made him much more outgoing as a person and willing and eager to go on tour for the first time, and that is reflected in the music. There is a clear disco influence here, but it is given that inimitable Oldfield touch, and the North Star segment is absolutely gorgeous. I have been listening to this album for more than 35 years now, and have never tired of it. A fun fact - excerpts from the first segment were used as the theme music in the UK for a BBC quiz show called First Class in the 1980s. Indeed, I first heard those parts on that show before I ever heard the album!

[@wiredwrong8]

Who thought, when the music finished..... "Please Justin, like it. Please 🙏 like it". Then he gushed. Breathe a sigh of relief. Lol.

[@JustJP]

😁

[@Mannizilla]

The drums on this album are played by Pierre Moerlen and Morris Pert, two outstanding drummers.

[@Ian-gw2vx]

And both sadly now gone.

[@MePeterNicholls]

Damn great ain’t they

[@Mannizilla]

@@MePeterNicholls true 👍

[@Coneman3]

Mike only worked with the best.

[@Mannizilla]

@@Coneman3 true 👍

[@matslarsson5988]

The guitar playing on the live version he did in Nottingham display some of Oldfields best guitar playing in his career. The parts from Platinum, Tubular bells and QE2 are insane. Highly recommended and available on KZbin.

[@antoniocabreraperez]

I love this. It is the first one I buyed. I learn music listening. Platinum. Then, I discovered Incantations, TB, ... But Platinum simply defined what music is for me.

[@ClyderSkyner]

Oldfield was a monster for a decade 73-83. The rest of his career is also remarkable with incredible albums such as Amarok or my beloved TB II. Even Man on the Rocks. But never really reached the heights of the 70s and early 80s.

[@ghostlight1]

I pretty much worship Mike Oldfield, and Platinum along with Five Miles Out, QE2, Crises and Discovery were never out of my ears growing up in the 80s. Discovery is pure awesome! The smiles of joy you display during this video can only be achieved through listening to Mike Oldfield!

[@worldnotworld]

That sweet lead guitar tone, heart-melting. Super compositions! As big a change as this album was, it was still the Oldfield of old we loved. You can hear a lot of Incantations-era motifs and sounds. (Things began to change for real after Discovery, getting far too new-agey. Amarok is the last work of real genius...)

[@DeesoSaeed]

The live version of Platinum in "The Complete" compilation is my opinion even better than the studio one.

[@samsonau8205]

The Complete was my very first CD purchase in my life. 1985. My brother bought a DiscMan and we needed music!!

[@richarddavies8496]

I adore Platinum. I was given this LP for Christmas in 1979 and listening to it again takes me back. I think Oldfield was influenced by disco at the time... you've heard the track Guilty which i believe was recorded at the same time as Platinum in New York....he even recorded then a disco version of Tubular Bells.

[@kevinjones7870]

Amazing Album, I first heard it when I was 5 or 6 years old and still regularly listen to it now almost 40 years on

[@palantir135]

Mike Oldfield reborn and on steroids. So many beautiful and inventive transitions, melodies.

[@kenl2091]

It's good that you're doing these in chronological order, as we would have done in the 70s (though with much, much longer gaps between) It lets you see the development from one album to another though you do somewhat miss out on the context of what other music was around at the time. This was 1979 when new wave/post-punk were at their heights and prog very much took a back seat. This remains an excellent track with the bass transition into guitar a particular highlight (along with North Star - Oldfield paying his dues to his influences) Underrated amongst even Oldfield fans.

[@Ian-gw2vx]

I started listening to this exactly 40 years ago in April 1982 when 15. My love for this has not faded one iota.

[@OrbularBear]

Merci. AMAROK is Mike Oldfield’s best album according to a lot of his fans. Best regards.

[@torstenjohann9204]

AMAROK is the only album by Mike Oldfield that I could never relate to. To me it always sounded like he'd swept the floor of his studio and put together all the scraps of tape he found. And I can't get rid of the idea that he thought to himself: I set you all up.

[@a.k.1740]

@@torstenjohann9204 I agree, Amarok is very disjointed and made of bits and pieces (despite some interesting passages but nothing captivating). very disappointing for me !

[@rfill1]

Amarok is absolutely incredible, a masterpiece of unified themes. It's structured chaos.

[@acceleratedriving]

Yes. Amarok is masterpiece.

[@amarok9097]

Amarok is a joy to behold

[@torstenjohann9204]

Back in the days, my younger sister listened to Platinum and QE2 day in and day out. All the time I watched you hearing that side 1, I knew you are enjoying it. Just like me.

[@solyfiestas]

Mi gran DISCO de mi infancia, eterno PLATINUM❤

[@paulcollins5586]

Great album.

[@IllumeEltanin]

An interesting tidbit regarding Etoile Polaire (North Star) by Philip Glass, from which the choir line in part 4 is lifted: It was written as a soundtrack for a documentary. The soundtrack was released on New Year's Day 1977 on... Virgin Records. While far from pop commercialism, perhaps referencing this previous Virgin release was Oldfield's way, while still staying true to his musical muse, of offering an olive branch of truce to Richard Branson.

[@henririchard6305]

extraordinary playing !!!

[@ppuerling]

Always liked this record

[@jans724]

Yes it is fantastic! Agree! Long time since I heard this but it used to run on replay for quite some time. Well.., most of Mike Oldfields albums ran on replay.... it's been a while now so must get back to Oldfield. So much great music!

[@jans724]

And yes I hear people badmouth Platinum for it's electronic and being more commercial..., praising Ommadawn, Hergest Ridge and Tubular Bells. But they are all great and Platinum has a wonderful energy, flow and rhythm...

[@fsgreton]

Mike the best as ever ; who can betterr ?

[@JustJP]

He's amazing!

[@KNOPFLERSGOD]

Yes, welcome back to Mike Oldfield Justin, I knew you would return, you can't resist his wonderful guitar for long. The reason of Mike's musical and personal change from the previous album to this one is that Mike went through the Exegesis program to deal with his issues, and he underwent a rebirth in which he stated his issues stem from his birth, after the program he was a different person, the introvert had gone, and he was a lot more outgoing, including wanting to give interviews, and go on tour, this was a huge change for him. Some of this album was recorded in New York too which gave him different influences. His guitar is wonderful in this, and as you say, it's instantly his sound, like no-one else. The liquid on the front cover is Platinum. I love how you are lost for words at the end of listening to this, that is just as I was after hearing Mike's work for the first time.

[@SebGeddy]

North Star/Platinum Finale (a semi-cover of Philip Glass) gets me every time : those notes, that guitar tone => eargasm.

[@adhur9]

Mike recorded Platinum in New York, with studio musicians. This is why it sounds so different. I am eager for you to hear Amarok. You haven't heard anything like it.

[@jonsey156]

Such a memorable, strong opening , your reaction made my day at that point. As I recall side 2 is not quite so melodic, but 'Punkadiddle' saves the day - it instantly gets you grinning ! The butterfly is over liquid metal ( platinum) MO Rules !!

[@JustJP]

Ty Rob! Enjoy your weekend!

[@joemaurone7923]

Re: the style change: Welp...you see kids, it was the end of the 70's, and prog had fallen out of favor, and the kids started listening to the punk and the new waves, which was the style at the time...pinball wizards were OUT, and Pac-Man was IN...and side-long songs gave way to 3-minute videos on the EMTEEVEE...("Video Killed The Radio Star...") But not uncoincidentally, this is also when Oldfield got caught up in Werner Erhad's EST "cult", or "therapy", depending on who you ask...not only did his music change, but his personality, as well... (This, according to the Mike Oldfield biography by Karl Dallas.)

[@mermaidmelodies1492]

These were the other tracks on my Oldfield mix tape. From the "Airborn" bootleg which switched Nort Star with Punk A Diddle but gave a great mix of Mike's different styles. it finished, with Tubular Bells, and I was Hooked!

[@Maitatron]

I saw in an interview of 2 musicians who discovered him and worked with him since his first album, that they thought that part of the genius of Mike Oldfield came from his psychologic problems, his introverted nature, his isolation, the pain he felt at that time was a door to his inner world, it gave him a connexion with his deeper soul and a sensibility that would enable him to chanel something out of this world. But once he made his therapy and started to enjoy life or didn't feel this pain, loneliness or isolation anymore, he lost it, the sparkle wasn't there anymore, as if insanity and genius were related. After his therapy, he became a care free and a happier person, he was less in "his inner world", he and his music became more mundane. I wonder what would have happened if Mike didn't make his exegesis experience and therapy.

[@cadanrichards2615]

Yeah its better to just go in order with Mike Oldfield. This album and the next album QE2 are very underrated. Their not as great as the others but This Platinum piece is the highlight and his guitar solo song Punkadiddle. Tauras 1 off QE2 is also another great song. Five Miles out and Crisis are his best stuff he made in the 80s

[@owen2333]

Agreed with everything you said. Excited for Justin to hear Amarok too

[@lassesaikkonen501]

@@owen2333 Someone has to give him the speaker warning about Amarok though.

[@spoteach]

I also count Discovery in as a good one. Islands and Earth Moving are definitely the weaker albums.

[@trisibo]

@@lassesaikkonen501 Yeah, I warned him some time ago, but it's good to remind him just in case :) Though it's mostly in the first 6 minutes or so, after that it's completely fine, no need to be too afraid to enjoy the music

[@robertpearson8798]

@@spoteach I tend to agree.

[@jaquelinerocha2586]

Hergest Ridge,awesome😉👏

[@gzaq]

What changed? He recorded this in New York instead of the UK, working with top studio musicians. Here's a quote from his autobiography Changeling (2007) "The music became a lot more jazz-rock, it was syncopated, it used techniques such as pushing and pulling the beat, making it swing. These were all things I didn't naturally do, but I learned how to do them and went along with them because it was considered to be hip and cool at the time"

[@jjmilleniumblackshade3731]

Yes, Mike plays the bass here on Platinum, that intro is Oldfield for sure, and on Charleston as well. The drums is by Pierre Moerlen, probably the most underrated drummer and percusionist of all time. Really happy to see you reacting to more Oldfield. You will love this albums... and you will love to hear mister Jon Anderson on one of his albums

[@daveking9393]

First listen for me. Thanks. Enjoyed.

[@DascMusic]

Yes, more Mike Oldfield, I'm glad you're back with that! This is definitely the album where his style changed and will progress from here a bit more gradually - until you hit Amarok. This was the first of his albums I heard because it was the one album my parents had. I must have listened to this so many times around 20 years ago (including many car trips) and it's still fun every time. And now, listening to it again, really brings back feelings of being at home. Although over the years I started liking Hergest Ridge, Ommadawn, Incantations and Amarok more, this is still a very strong contender - and definitely one of his most underrated ones.

[@samsonau8205]

His 1981 world tour was epic...some of the greatest live performances you'll see. A tight six-person band playing everything with a more rock-style...including Platinum. I ALMOST saw the show in Quebec City. You want hear it on the Complete Mike Oldfield compilation (a version taken from the Hannover performance) or watch it on DVD on Live in Montreux DVD. Five Miles Out/Taurus II and Crisis are even more different and have some of his more famous radio hits. QE2 next.

[@markwakefield8533]

Having been a lover of Mike’s music since I first heard TB in 1973 I have found it both enjoyable and intriguing following his evolution.May I suggest you listen to “Crime of Passion” video and early music calls “The SallyAngie” with his sister Sally pre-TB keep up the fun insights

[@bobholtzmann]

I could tell this was made in 1979, when the movie Saturday Night Fever was popular - Mike threw in some Bee Gees disco! Not a negative comment - just a cultural one. It made the piece kind of fun, really.

[@josecanavezes8196]

That's true, and when we listen to Guity( about the same time) we hear the disco influence.

[@pema22]

A very enjoyable Side 1. Same pref here, Airborne and North Star. I really love the agressive guitar at the end of north star and of course the first part... synth and bass line and then BAM! I always thought the butterfly sits on a piece of ... platinum

[@nikuluspikulus]

Your reaction at the end was priceless, you were simply speechless 😆

[@samsonau8205]

Welcome to the 2nd era of Mike Oldfield. The first four albums are considered his best and essential by the hardcore original fans. The music execs were asking for more "friendly" songs including lyrics/vocals and this is what he started with. The next few albums are a combo of a single-side long composition and a series of pop tunes. It did bring some new types of fans into the world of Oldfield. I look forward to more of your reactions!

[@SteveJesson1]

This is the only reaction of yours I've watched twice, it was a joy to see you totally getting it. Saw the Woodhenge one too, but please can you do Side 2 IN FULL. As you are already an Oldfield fanboy, you will appreciate that it's much about the flow of the tracks into each other, and splitting them up will not do the music full justice in this instance. Keep up the good work man, I love this channel 👏

[@timt9625]

Wow i keep finding gems through your channel! Great reaction

[@JustJP]

Ty Tim! :D

[@Avalokiteshvara2012]

Love Platinum, thanks Justin! North Star's my favorite. Can't wait for you to get to The Songs of Distant Earth, easily my favorite Mike Oldfield album, based on a novel from Arthur C Clarke, it certainly takes you to other worlds.

[@josecanavezes8196]

Justin Mike's work on the guitar is not just impecable, it leads the all song

[@retrohoundstu]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for returning to Mike Oldfield, I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about the undisputed king of prog-rock. Platinum is an album I'd forgotten about (despite it being in my original vinyl collection) Time to put the stylus to vinyl & immerse myself in a platinum bath. By the way, I seem to recall that the moth (not butterfly) is being attracted to the light reflecting on a pool of liquid platinum

[@geeemm909]

Great to see a young guy enjoying the music of my greatest musical hero. I was at the Platinum Tour concert in 1979, the first time I saw him live.

[@pablolazaromartinez3541]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alebetasant]

IMPRESIONANTE!!!!!

[@spazimdam]

" This is ear candy to me". Ah finally back to Oldfield with Platinum! Excellent Justin. I was so happy to see this thumbnail, I clicked on it right away. I have been waiting for you to get to Platinum. It is a fun album, kinda jazzy and with a nod to big band swing like in the '40s. The bass guitar is just awesome on this don't you think? And the scat singing! Too much man, too much. And of course we are treated to Mike's completely glorious guitar and sweet synthesizer. I was buying these Oldfield albums as they came out, back in the 70s, and Platinum was such a departure for Mike. Totally different dynamic and vibe. It just scoots along and takes you with it. I love this album. It wasn't epic and pastoral like Tubular Bells and Hergest Ridge but it has its own cool sound. I think it shows a different side of Oldfield, something that was probably in his musical psychology from the beginning but didn't get expressed until this album. I am glad you enjoyed it Justin and can't wait for side 2, and eventually QE2 and Songs Of Distant Earth, a true masterpiece.

[@jerkedevries]

Qe2 is great: the Celtic together with the edginess of Platinum. And then… relaxation together with rock and Celtic in the album Five Miles out

[@kevinruss6157]

One of my favourite MO albums after Ommadawn. One of the first albums I purchased when I got into his music and possibly first concert I went to when he toured this album in the UK

[@x-sphere6431]

North Star is one of my favourite pieces so it was nice to hear that again. Not much aof a fan to Side B, except Punkadiddle. As others have mentioned, Mike was travelling between worlds so to speak which reflects his music, but thats a good thing; Music that represents the composer. Looking forward to Crises :) Thanks

[@Coneman3]

Platinum part 1 is insured genius, a big departure from previous Oldfield compositions and truly wonderful music. He was flying here, probably at his most happy and accomplished. There’s not a dull moment in that piece, it’s absolutely incredible. It moves me soooo much. I love it. Never gets old.

[@bobin1973]

Right in the Heart! 🏹 ♥️

[@edwardthorne9875]

Great way to spend a Saturday morning. Thank you so much for an Oldfield musical start to the weekend.

[@JustJP]

Anytime!

[@jackparr857]

Introduced me to a good album today, thanks.

[@Coneman3]

Ultra cool musical gymnastics.

[@onsesejoo2605]

I have the album but long time since listening it. Have to say I had forgotten how full of optimism and joy this sounds to be and also the odd "Charleston" piece with its intentionally out of place horror choir. I don't know if the references to his previous works were irony, but fun to pick up. Between "Incantations" and this Oldfield relesed a pure disco single, "Guilty" and another single "Blue Peter" which is a theme song for Childrens' Tv- show of the same name. BBC asked Oldfield to do a new version to be used in the program. Both were released 1979.

[@BrandonBlume]

The Platinum track (track 2) is a "pop" reworking of the "Diana" section from Incantations Part 1.

[@redlioness6627]

The thing that happened between Incantations and Platinum was that "during" the Incantations sessions he started having Primal Scream Therapy to release his angst and fears due to his anxiety. I don't think the therapy would have been effective enough to influence him during Incantations as that was already underway and therefore pretty much pre-ordained and so I feel that his therapy ending after Incantations and before Platinum released a different side to him that shows in his music post-Incantations. Also, this was the post-punk era which he found most hatred towards him from the punk scene, the only way forward was shorter individual songs even if on this album they all link up to create a longer piece.

[@linusfotograf]

This is the album where Mike became more care free and happier in his private life. It still has the awesome melodies but arrangements were more streamlined. I really like Platinum but the next 4 albums are were he found his best 80’s era sound. The production gets better and there is more mood and better song writing. You have some great underrated albums coming up!

[@andrewpearce9633]

The change you see in Platinum, a divergence in feel and complexity compared to previous albums, is Mike performing his slow slide towards what he perceives to be the more commercial. This is a phase that peaked (or bottomed, depending on your taste) with Five Miles Out and Crises. Thereafter, gosh, there are a lot of iterations of Tubular Bells - attempts, generally dire, to revisit success of his best selling album.

[@bthagan]

TB2 and TB3 are both excellent albums. Ill grant you the Millennium Bell is indeed dire however 😂

[@JonseyWales]

You're kidding, TB2 is fantastic, one of his best!!

[@fastcarsoldandnew]

The Tubular Bells sequels don't appeal much to me either, but you've skated over perhaps his best album of all: Amarok.

[@Silber7]

Maybe also noteworthy that starting with this album he did regular live tours with a standard rock-band format (after a full Tubular Bells orchestra proved too expensive, see 'Exposed'). So 'leaner' music arrangements also suited that.

[@Pugwash.]

When I was about 20 years old my good friend made me listen to Tubular Bells with him. Before I was 25 I had bought the entire back catalogue on CD. Everything he's released has been ear candy.

[@Hi-kq1vi]

Take it away always makes me laugh as well.

[@christopherquinn3769]

Great review! It's a really interesting album, this one. And yeah the rhythm section on this album is stunning! The drumming is by Pierre Moerlen, and Hansford Rowe plays the really funky bass lines! In fact PM and HR worked a lot together, in the band Gong (the name was later changed to Pierre Moerlen's Gong, and Hansford Rowe joined the band on the album Expresso II), I would HIGHLY recommend that you check out Downwind by Pierre Moerlen's Gong (released in 1979, the same year as Platinum), on which Mike Oldfield himself plays guitar on the 12 minute long title track! It's very cool jazz-rock, and their music is very percussion-based, with lots of vibraphone, marimba, tubular bells and other cool instruments! Also Pierre Moerlen is the same guy who performed the long vibraphone parts on Mike Oldfield's Incantations part IV!

[@thomassharmer7127]

No negativity from me about this one JP! I hadn't heard this for some reason and I'm glad I have now. I love Daft Punk too, (which often surprises the younger people in my life 🤗) and I was blown away by the melding of that kind of feel with his signature 'bagpipe' guitar tone. I think he'd gone as far as he could with the heavy, long-form pieces and needed to break out into other styles and have some fun with his music. With this one, I think he does that without losing his unique mojo.

[@wimvanbeeck1795]

Between Incantations and Platinum there was: Guilty... which is a sort-of disco version of Incantations... It was the closing song of the Exposed-tour... With Oldfield you should also check out the songs/singles between the albums... they are part of the "evolution" of Mike... Between Ommadawn and Incantations there was a single Cuckoo Song... the B-side Pipe Tune is a prototype of Incantations...

[@egapnala65]

This is the contentious album, some see it as bowing to pressure from his record label to embrace a more chart focussed outlook. It does mark a new start in many ways. There's less of the melancholy beauty of "Ommadawn" and a lot more assertive and rocky pop elements. The kind of orchestral thinking that the first four albums shared is less in evidence from now on in. He remains an interesting figure and there's plenty of really great stuff to come in this new idiom though it is never as heart-rending as some parts of the previous ones. The "North Star" reference is to a Philip Glass soundtrack which features that rising three note chorus phrase near the end of this.

[@leethomas2155]

The album that got me into Mike Oldfield and Tubular Bells. Been waiting for this review. Thanks Justin.

[@JustJP]

Anytime Lee!

[@robertrathje7770]

What so great about Oldfield's work is how diverse his releases are. Not really 2 albums alike - which then also makes them hard to compare. That being said there were a significant general change around the time of Platinum tending towards shorter and slightly(!) less complex compositions as opposed to his earlier classical progressive albums. There are "weaker" releases throughout his career, but none I would subjectively classify as bad. Look forward to "Five Miles Out" - definitely a high point on this part of the journey (btw: get a new battery with some longevity for your camera if you plan on reviewing Amarok just friendly advice :) )

[@gavingraham2851]

Dolby and Oldfield consecutively - I do like you, JP! Where was Mike in all this? The Tubular Bells money started seriously rolling in in the 75/76 tax year; most of it seriously rolled straight on to the taxman, but Mike eventually noticed that his contract with Virgin was not balanced in his favour. Pretty standard for an unknown artist at the time of signing, and unlikely that they would have reassessed it out of the goodness of their hearts but it was the first wedge in the relationship and he still had heaps of albums left to record for them. Their commercial need to prioritize Punk, and lukewarm reaction to the news of the impending double album also didn't sit well with him, but he delivered it and to their delight announced that he wanted to tour it, with TB as the second half of the concert programme. Exegesis had changed whole swathes of his attitudes and, for now, being the centre of attention was not a problem for him. Some of his new-found confidence must have influenced the planning of the tour, because neither he nor Virgin seemed to notice how economically unviable it was going to be; and when they informed him that his share of the losses was £500,000... They came to terms about how he'd repay them (royalties from the Exposed live album) but it was another mark in the ledger. Nonetheless, performing on the tour itself had not upset him and he had no fear in making advance plans for the more streamlined tours of the next few years that helped consolidate his finances. Of course musical ideas kept coming and Platinum was the next result. Others are detailing the title track's New York sessions (polished up back in Blighty naturally) which helps format another question: why did Mike abandon (for the most part) being his own rhythm section? In part, it seems to be because he got used to having other people performing those duties for extended periods during the Exposed touring. It saved time and mental energy - when he was pressed for it - to have others lay down those funky grooves! And the drums... I loved it when you had your inspiration to add a drumming pattern to Hergest Ridge, JP, and have wondered if you were wondering why so little conventional drums were heard on those first albums? It wasn't Robert Wyatt - drummer to his bass-playing with Kevin Ayers and about whom Mike has nothing but praise (same for most of us!) - but prior to TB, someone who he was playing with put him off them in a big way. Percussion aplenty when he wanted it on HR and Ommadawn but precious little paradiddling. It's back in a small way in part 3 of Incantations but there's just as much bodhran and timpani in that. After that though came the tour and a drummer was needed to play that live as well as THAT part of Tubular Bells. It's not that old friend, Pierre Moerlen, could not have been found other percussion parts to play during the rest of TB. As it happened, they chose to rock the whole thing up and Pierre pounds them with aplomb. And so, all of a sudden in Mike's compositions, the drums are here and by and large they are here to stay. You are going to love some of them! That's plenty for now, save to say that I love side 1 of Platinum - and your reaction to it, as always.

[@snowcelt]

I have forgotten just how good this album is. Lovely stuff! ❤️ The pounding 1-2, 1-2-3 beats turn up in Five Miles Out as well. I always think of Morris dancing when I hear it. 😊

[@paulcollins5586]

Five miles out is even better.

[@Mannizilla]

Yes, it is 👍

[@chrisbeach6642]

I remember the day I bought the album and took it home. Placed it on the record deck and within seconds I was blown away. Maybe Mike felt like Genesis in order to keep relevant the sound needed to change. In answer to your question love this whole side and it's in my top 3 albums of Mike. Tubular Bells, Ommadawn and you guessed it Platinum. Just like Genesis it split the fans down the middle.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

I do like (a lot!) Platinum. I actually bought a guitar just to play Platinum Finale (it goes all the way to the 24th fret. I’m serious here. I side with the others that suggest listening to the whole Side B as a whole. And I can’t wait until you reach Crises. Meanwhile, enjoy the MO journey. It’s all a good musician evolving and trying things, and (mostly) hitting the mark. To each one their own taste, but I tend to enjoy (almost) all of Mike’s albums. Thank you JP!

[@simonstock2526]

Not just me then 😂

[@tomsnow9128]

I never get tired, listening to Mike!! I grew up with him! My youngest Brother (6 Years older then my) was a huge Fan ant took me to my first Concert, as i was 14 , on the Discovery Tour and i'm hooked on him since then! IMHO he's Mozart of our Time!! And i loved, as you said comming Home to Mike!!!!

[@blacksapphire6834]

Allen Schwarzberg plays the drums and the great Pierre Moerlen (Gong) plays drums and vibraphone. Check out "Downwind" with Mike Oldfield and Pierre Moerlen. Upsolutely underrated.

[@ANerdyCanadian]

I live for your Oldfield breakdowns. It's been an absolute adventure so far watching someone experience all this for the first time

[@JustJP]

Appreciate that Nathen!

[@CaptainBlood2010]

Wondeful Land. 👍🏼

[@jimschroeder1176]

Always nice to wake up to some Mike on Saturday. This is definitely a transition album for Mike. You will see as you get further into his discography. Can't wait until you get to Crises. I think that's the perfection of this style of Mike Oldfield.

[@shaunheathcote2132]

I remember learning this album playing keyboard. Still listen to tubular bells most nights, the perfect head down music. Don't make music like this anymore sadly

[@sc3436]

Great to see you back on mike oldfield.This is probably a reaction to the rise of punk and the lukewarm reception to incantations from the public and virgin his record label who wanted more populist records and not genuine talent.This change in direction divides his fans with some of those who brought his earlier records put off by the change in style.But taken on their own merits they are all great and his talent always shines through.As a introduction you maybe could have done guilty which was Mike's first disco based release which if compared to songs like DON ALFONSO and Blue Peter really emphasise the sudden change.But it's all great so just sit back and enjoy.

[@ProgMannen]

Saw oldfield live doing the whole Ommadawn.. since then my favourite album from Oldfield. Along with "songs from distant earth", but Platinum is also very good ! I like most of Mike Oldfield's albums.

[@FuzzWoof]

I love Platinum, but the live version on "The Complete Mike Oldfield" absolutely stomps all over the album version, in my opinion. The arrangement is tweaked, and there's a lot more energy in it. The definitive version, as far as I'm concerned!

[@felipefasel1762]

Isn't it a live version?

[@paulvalletta01]

Fantastic, but wait till you get to CRISIS and his masterpiece, Songs of distant Earth?? amazing musician.

[@jimschroeder1176]

Yeah, I've been wanting him to do Crises as well. He is getting closer. I love this album. You can see the transition from more of a folk sound to more of a rock sound, but it's still very progressive.

[@JustJP]

Always looking forward to more Mike!

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Crises, the first song I heard from Mike Oldfield. My brain exploded and became an instant fan.

[@jasonbrandt5504]

crisis is incredible . the side long title track is insane!

[@josecanavezes8196]

In my opinion Crisis was not his masterpiece, it was just more popular. and after it it was downhill