Mike Oldfield. Brilliant composer, multi-instrumentalist. Known for long tracks since 1973, almost always playing all the instruments himself. Tubular Bells, Ommadawn, Hergest Ridge. The switch to more commercial albums began with QE2, Five Miles Out and Crises (1983). Moonlight Shadow and Shadow on the Wall are the best known releases from the album Crises. Back then I only heard side 2. Now I only hear side 1. Although the long-runner Crises also has its weaknesses. Technically it is all flawless.

“The Watcher and the Tower, Waiting Hour by Hour”. The long track “Crises” covers the entire side A and is a little reminiscent of Tubular Bells and it briefly picks up the melody of “Forreign Affair”. At times the track is very rocky for Mike Oldfield’s standards. According to Mike Oldfield, “Crises was created for my own satisfaction and side B for the satisfaction of the fans”. I didn’t ask Mike Oldfield to do this, although I thought side 2 was better at the time. The track “Crises” is still worth listening to today, apart from the vocal passages, which I think are superfluous. The rest is more commercial than we are used to from Mike up to 1983. Still the highlight and well done. Side two starts with “Moonlight Shadow”. A real pop song, sung by Maggie Reilly and of course in the charts. “High Places” is not my favourite and “Forreign Affair” sounds monotonous despite Maggie’s vocals. I don't understand what "Taurus 3" is about. A flamenco? Technically clean, but just doesn't fit the theme. "Shadow on the Wall" is simple rock, unmistakably Mike on the guitars. Sung by Roger Chapman's excellent voice. Side 2 is commercial through and through. However, Mr. Oldfield knew how to bring together good musicians. Commercial? Yes, but technically on top.

Side 1 great, side 2 ugh? Even highly commercial music by Mike Oldfield is technically and musically well done. I listen to both sides, start with side 2 and then look forward to “Crises”. I only really listen to side 2.

Mike Oldfield various instruments and vocals, Maggie Reilly, Jon Anderson and Roger Chapman vocals, Simon Philips drums and Phil Spalding on bass.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.