Mike Oldfield's talent for playing a bunch of different instruments really shines in his album "Tubular Bells." From what we've found, he played more than 20 instruments on the record. Some standout ones include electric and acoustic guitars, bass, piano, organ, glockenspiel, and, of course, the famous tubular bells.

He also dabbled with some less common ones, like the Farfisa and Lowrey organs and various percussion instruments. The way he layered all these sounds was pretty groundbreaking for its time, giving "Tubular Bells" its unique and complex vibe.

The 2009 remastered version of the album has cleaned up the sound, making those instruments pop even more. If you're a fan of the original, you might still prefer that classic edition. But for anyone appreciating Oldfield's genius, the remaster is a great way to dive into his intricate work.

In a nutshell, "Tubular Bells" isn't just an album; it's a showcase of Oldfield's incredible range and creativity, as he basically becomes a one-man band.

Whether it's your first listen or a nostalgic revisit, it's clear how talented he is with all those instruments.

The Piltdown Man section in Mike Oldfield's album "Tubular Bells" is a fascinating and surprising part of the music. It's named after the unexpected, almost primal vocal outburst performed by Oldfield himself. This part stands out quite a bit, considering the album is largely known for its instrumental depth and complexity.

Oldfield put together "Tubular Bells" by playing almost every instrument himself, weaving together a rich tapestry of sounds. According to the manufacturer’s description, the album was a groundbreaking achievement and marked new beginnings for both Oldfield and Virgin Records.

The Piltdown Man section itself showcases Oldfield's experimental approach. He incorporated gruff, humorous vocals that break away from the album’s primarily instrumental nature. This makes it feel avant-garde and adds an element of playfulness to the music.

Performing "Tubular Bells" live was no small feat, given its complexity. When Oldfield brought it to live audiences, it required meticulous coordination among musicians and sometimes whole orchestras. Our research indicates these performances were notable events in themselves, capturing the album’s essence even with the challenges of live execution.

A perfect example of the album being adapted for live settings is the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

These live versions may not replicate every sound from the album, but they certainly convey its artistic spirit and technical skill.

In a nutshell, the Piltdown Man section adds a quirky human touch to "Tubular Bells," highlighting Oldfield's willingness to experiment. It's just one piece of a larger work that has fascinated listeners both through recordings and live interpretations.

Deciding if the 2009 remastered version of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" is better than the original can be a bit of a personal journey, especially with the album's classic status, partly thanks to its link to "The Exorcist".

The 2009 remaster isn't just a carbon copy of the 1973 release. According to the manufacturer's description, Mike Oldfield himself oversaw this edition, aiming to enhance the sound quality using modern digital technology. This process cleaned up some of the low-frequency noise and audio artifacts that were in the earlier versions, offering what they describe as a version "as it was meant to be heard," with clearer and sharper sound.

From our research, many listeners like this new clarity. For them, it's like hearing details they hadn't noticed before, rediscovering the album with fresh ears. It's a deeper dive into Oldfield's composition that seems to align well with his original vision but benefits from the latest audio tech.

But it's not a hit with everyone. There's nostalgia at play, too. Some fans are attached to the warmer, original feel of the album on vinyl, complete with its imperfections. They feel that these "flaws" add character that get lost with modern clarity.

So, is the remaster "better?" It's really up to what you value more. If high-definition audio and modern sound qualities are important to you, you might prefer the 2009 version. But if you're in it for the historical texture and quirks of the original, the first recordings could still be your go-to.

If you're just discovering Mike Oldfield or revisiting "Tubular Bells," the 2009 remaster offers a polished experience that long-time fans might find surprising. But checking out both versions could give you a fuller picture of this groundbreaking album's depth.