One record at a time: 311. Mike Oldfield - Platinum

I own a rather battered copy of the second pressing of "Platinum" from 1979. The fact that this is the second pressing is significant because on this version the sleeve and labels list a song called "Sally" - but the record actually plays another track called "Into Wonderland".

The story goes that "Sally" was initially included on the album but Richard Branson didn't like it and had it replaced. However, this change was made whilst the record was still being pressed and initial copies (thought to be around 30,000) containing "Sally" had already been distributed. 

A new master with the revised running order was finally cut, but the pressing plant continued to use the labels and sleeves from the first batch. This is how we end up with a record that doesn't play what is listed on the artwork. There is also a third pressing (presumably created when all of the incorrect sleeves and labels had been used up) that fixes the issue.

This album was first released on CD in 1985 and for some bizarre reason the errors on the second pressing of the LP were repeated on the CD sleeve. In fact, the correct tracklisting wasn't included on CD artwork until 2011.

The music on this record is generally lighter than previous efforts and you can even hear some disco influences lurking here and there. I had never really considered what a departure this record was until I began listening to Mike's back catalogue in the order they were released. To some degree this new style is attributable to changes in Mike's personal life, but the use of session musicians from New York must also have been a significant factor.

The first side of the record features the title track which is split into four parts. "Charleston" is one of the most immediate pieces, but the dated backing vocals and disco bassline detract from the sound somewhat. The final section of "Platinum" is one of the best tracks on the record and it builds to a very satisfying crescendo. "Finale" is listed as a co-write as the choir section towards the end is taken from a piece called "North Star" by Philip Glass.

Another change on this album is the break away from long form compositions and the inclusion of shorter pieces. The second side of this record is occupied by two instrumentals and two songs - "Woodhenge" is my favourite. You can hear the excised "Sally" on YouTube and I have to say, I quite like it. Yes it is a little light hearted and disposable, but I wouldn't say "Into Wonderland" is any better. 3.5/5