album · November 13, 1973
Tubular Bells
UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)See this day
prog rockrockelectronic
This ambient, electronic, and orchestral piece was one of the first major works released on Richard Branson's Virgin Records label. The 49-minute piece is notable for its simple, repeated musical motifs and its pioneering use of multitrack recording techniques.
- "Tubular Bells" reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 4 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.
- The album was famously used as the soundtrack to the 1973 horror film "The Exorcist," significantly boosting its popularity.
- Oldfield performed almost all the instruments himself, including guitars, keyboards, and percussion, overdubbing each part in the studio.
Mike Oldfield is a British multi-instrumentalist and composer known for his innovative contributions to progressive rock and electronic music. At the time of "Tubular Bells," he was a young artist on the cusp of a major breakthrough, having previously worked with Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt.
Tracklist
