Mike Oldfield has gone through many transformations. When Islands was released in 1987 he was in the middle of a pop phase- often focusing on writing songs. Islands is the best mix of his older style of long compositions and short pop songs. The instrumental first track, Wind Chimes, is a really moving piece, which is somewhat unique because of the clear influence of Balinese music and stands as one of Oldfield's best instrumentals of the 80's. The songs are more mixed. The two best that I often return to are 'Islands' with Bonnie Tyler and 'When the Nights on Fire'. Although I want to warn you they are rather syrupy, emotional and definitely over the top, they have a great overall feel to them. The theme of love is clearly, perhaps even too clearly, expressed but these songs are saved by strong performances from the vocalists and from great melodies. One of my favorite things about this disk is the way that the melodies of these two songs- indeed most of the songs in the album are based upon themes presented in the opening 20 minute long form piece- The Wind Chimes. So this is probably not the best release for 70's fans of Oldfield who want just one continously developing, almost symphonic piece in the style of Tubular Bells. Although for those fans I would recommend 'Incantations' (1978). But this album will work well for those fans of Oldfield's more recent work. All in all a very listenable album, and Wind Chimes alone would have deserved 5 stars, but the inconsistency of the vocal tracks diminish the album slightly. (Thomas Haitsma)
Personnel:
Kevin Ayers (background vocals)
Max Bacon (background vocals)
Tony Beard (drums)
Rick Fenn (guitar)
Anita Hegerland (vocals)
Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe)
Benoit Moerlen (percussion)
Pierre Moerlen (drums, percussion)
Micky Moody (guitar)
Mike Oldfield (guitar, vocals, keyboards, synthesizer)
Simon Phillips (drums)
Raphael Ravenscroft (saxophone)
Mickey Simmonds (keyboards)
Phil Spalding (bass)
Mervyn Spence (bass)
Alternate frontcover
Tracklist:
01. The Wind Chimes (Parts one & two) (Oldfield) 21.49
02. Islands (Oldfield) 4.19
03. Flying Start (Oldfield) 3.36
04. North Point (Oldfield) 3.33
05. Magic Touch (Oldfield) 4.14
06. The Time Has Come (Oldfield) 3.51
07. When the Night's On Fire (Oldfield) 6.41
ARMU 1980 (zippyshare)