Is the 2009 remastered version of Tubular Bells better than the original?

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"(https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs

What instruments are used in Tubular Bells?

Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells' is quite the musical journey. It's known for its blend of various instruments, giving it a sound that's really like no other. Based on what we've found, there's a pretty unusual mix in there, especially for something with rock vibes. The standout, of course, is the t

Overall Score: 7/10

Professional:6.5/10

Consumer:7.5/10

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Tubular Bells

Name: Tubular Bells
Brand: CD
SKU: B0026S1XD2
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (1637 reviews)

'Tubular Bells' is a classic, multi-platinum album by Mike Oldfield, celebrated as a defining piece of progressive rock. This 2009 remastered version revives the original's brilliance while offering modern sonic enhancements like Dolby Atmos. It's perfect for collectors and fans of music history, though those seeking more recent sounds might not find it as appealing. If you appreciate musical history and high-quality audio, this album is a gem worth adding to your collection.

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$9.99 at Amazon

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$9.99 at Amazon

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TLDR Review: Tubular Bells

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Product Score

Based on professional reviews and customer feedback

7/10

Overall

6.5

Expert

7.5

Consumer

Why this score?

*Tubular Bells* receives a moderate score due to its groundbreaking complexity and significant cultural impact, as noted by professionals, yet it is often criticized by customers who find the various remixes and added sections falling short of the original's brilliance. While many longtime fans appreciate the album's emotional depth, others feel that the newer iterations miss its essential charm, affecting their overall satisfaction with the product.

8+ Excellent

6-8 Good

4-6 Average

<4 Poor

Score

6.5/10

Expert

7.5/10

Consumer

Pros

•Iconic album with a significant cultural impact, known for its use as the theme in 'The Exorcist.'
•The 2009 remastered edition supervised by Mike Oldfield assures enhanced sound quality.
•Includes a new stereo mix and multiple formats including Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Surround, appealing to audiophiles.
•Significant historical value as a groundbreaking work in progressive rock and new age music genres.
•This limited edition release is a collector's item for fans of Mike Oldfield.

Cons

•Limited track list with only five tracks may not appeal to those expecting more.
•Listeners unfamiliar with its history might find the album outdated compared to modern music standards.
•Being a remastered version, some purists may prefer the original mix of 1973.

Bottom Line

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What Reviewers Are Saying

Praised

memorable themes4%

epic pop poetry4%

magical remaster4%

a masterpiece for the time4%

Criticized

disappointed with the remix8%

sounds not as good as I remember4%

small movements4%

annoying Piltdown Man4%

Customer Ratings

4.7

1,637 reviews

78%

14%

Based on 1,637 reviews from Amazon

Professional Reviews

d is Neu! Again (Part 1 of 3)

blog.musoscribe.com·Bill Kopp

Mike Oldfield: Tubular Bells

loudersound.com·Classic Rock

Tubular Bells Review

musicstreetjournal.com

Mike Oldfield: Tubular Bells (50th Anniversary Edition)

spectrumculture.com·Bob Fish·2 years ago

Hi-Res Edition - Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells - Atmos / 5.1 Blu-ray immersive review

hiresedition.com·Wesley Derbyshire·2 years ago

Common Questions

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...

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