TUBULAR WORLD Tubular Bells Tigermoth Records [Release date 14.12.20]
You wonder. Is there any need for yet another version of ‘Tubular Bells’? I mean, the masterwork’s creator has fine dined off the back of it for nearly 50 years now, whilst no slouch in the recycle department himself. All being well, this August will see the latest performance variation, in the shape of a 50th anniversary celebration under the stewardship of Robin A Smith.
This album is like a love letter to Oldfield and his original concept. It brings together Oldfield Obsessive Rob Reed (Magenta, Kompendium) together with various acolytes such as Steve Hillage (aka double speed guitar), Rick Fenn and Les Penning. The biggest coup is getting original producer Tom Newman to twiddle the knobs on this version.
This double CD package is slightly confusing, CD2 merely repeats the first disc although this time the various sections are given a title, for example “Latin” or “Thrash” (!), and segmented on the disc.
In truth, I don’t really get this. But all proceeds go to the mental health charity MIND which maybe is the clincher. ***
Review by David Randall
Robin A Smith (Feature, 2021)
ROBERT REED Cursus 123 430 Tigermoth Records [Release date 14.11.20]
It seems Robert Reed’s albums slip out regularly but not necessarily with the bigger promotion they deserve. The latest Chimpan A album for example. Cursus 123 430 was released in late-2020 but we’ve only just received it being another case in point.
Concept albums with spoken word are always a bit worrying, and no doubt the accompanying graphic novel will help repeated play, although we only received the album.
Les Penning (and Mike Oldfield collaborator) supplies the narrative whilst Reed consciously re-explores the sounds of analogue synthesisers and his eighties influences such as Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream.
And it’s those artists that are the best benchmark for this spacey adventure. Some will say that it’s perhaps too derivative. Maybe Reed is losing his Oldfield fixation (q.v) and heading for the widescreen. Alternatively, he may get a job re-scoring Doctor Who.
It’s expansive, immersive and perfectly executed. The second disc has the ubiquitous 5.1 mix and an interview/video. ****
Review by David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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