1999 album, his return to guitar-based stylings after the new age legend's recent dance-oriented releases. 10 tracks total including 'Muse', 'Embers' and 'Four Winds'. Every sound on this album, including the drum sounds, ... more »were made by live guitars, midi guitar and individual guitar samples.« less
1999 album, his return to guitar-based stylings after the new age legend's recent dance-oriented releases. 10 tracks total including 'Muse', 'Embers' and 'Four Winds'. Every sound on this album, including the drum sounds, were made by live guitars, midi guitar and individual guitar samples.
"I know that Mike created all the sounds you hear on this CD using various guitars, but that doesn't excuse the fact that this is simply not up to his usual standards. There are a couple of standouts...but as a whole, it's just average. Here's hoping Mike comes back with an album towards the "Five Miles Out" or "Discovery" vein...."
The soul of oldfiled!!!
TommyElf | 06/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is the album i have waited years to hear, finally, mike has given us an album of his guitars, and only guitars, yes!11 all the sounds were generated from guitars and only guitars! you have to listen to "four winds" it is brilliant!!!! laste year's tubular bells III was good, but laked the earthier tone. this album has all of the earthy tone that i would ever expect from him, proving yet again, that mike oldfield is the best guitarist in the world! i really cant say enough about this album, it just leaps at you and says, "here, real music, real instruments" if you liked "ommadawn" and the fabulous Amarok, then get this!!!!!! watch out for the next album...it is tipped off to be called "millenium bell" or "millenium""
Exquisite
E. Swanson | Pirate Cove | 10/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Michael Oldfield at my friend's place (Lord Chimp, check him out, he's cool) Ya, so anyway, I got the slightest hint of a listen to 'tubular bells' (one of his first albums) then a week or so later I was picking up some tunes at the local used record store, and completely by accident stumbled upon a stash of Mike Oldfield CD's. I picked up 'Guitars' and headed home to listen to my new haul. I wasn't dissapointed, Mike Oldfield is an excellent composer of contemplative music, each track has its own special charm. The album consists of soft, underspoken melodies that lift you up from wherever you are and carry you to brand new places. On a few songs, most notably Embers and Muse, there are a couple of those notes which just ring out clear and dominant, and leave you breathless. You know the ones I'm talking about, the ones where you're waiting for it to come, and when it does, your just like: "Nice". If you happen by it on your musical travels, I certainly would recommend it. Cheers"
Not Stellar, But Not Awful Either
TommyElf | Denton, TX | 01/02/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Oldfield shows some really good work with the thematic instrumentation for this album. However, it lacks a little in the aspect of being something that you will remember beyond hearing it. This is definitely not a Not of This Earth or Surfing With the Alien (Joe Satriani), so don't expect anything along those lines. Definitely not a work that will get you to drive out and purchase it - but not one that you will be looking to ditch off at the nearest CD reseller either."
Just guitars!
punthooft | Netherlands | 02/28/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mike has made this Album playing all instruments. That is not so very unusual. What is more unusual that only the Guitar is used as instrument. Funny, isn't it?!
The songs on the album are less interesting as numbers on other albums, but that does not mean that this album is not good. To my opinion shall this album be in every Oldfield fan's album collection.