As with most of Mike Oldfield's back catalogue, I first bought this album on CD in the early nineties. This double LP came into my possession about nine years ago and it is in very good condition. Despite its condition, the sound reproduction from these records isn't very good as the bass is muddy and seems to almost disappear at times - it's quite an odd experience listening to it.
Unlike the "Impressions" compilation I wrote about previously, this one was released by parent label Virgin Records in 1985 and offers a more comprehensive (but not complete) view of Mike's career up to that point. The first record centres material included on single releases with instrumentals on side a and songs on the other. Most of these tracks are the versions heard on their parent album but "Shadow On The Wall" is presented as the 12" version for some unknown reason.
One of things this record does is collect together a series of "non-album" singles such as "Mistake", "In Dulci Jubilo", "Portsmouth" and "Guilty". Of all the material on this first disc I am most taken with the seemingly discarded b-side "Jungle Gardenia" which is an amazing piece that oozes atmosphere.
On the second LP we have excerpts from longer form pieces such as "Ommadawn", "Hergest Ridge" and inevitably, "Tubular Bells". These edits and early fades tend to truncate each piece down to a four minute "highlight" that offers a less than satisfying experience.
The most remarkable part of this compilation is the fourth side which features previously unheard live recordings. I find it interesting that the sleeve notes point out that these versions are "real live-recordings without further synchronisation or other repair- work" (sic). Why would Virgin find it necessary to point to the authenticity of these recordings on the sleeve? Assertions such as this make me more convinced that some skulduggery occurred when "Exposed" was mixed (as I hinted at in my post for that album).
So whilst this compilation pulls together some disparate threads, today there are other albums that offer a better précis of Oldfield's work. This value of this album is purely in its exclusive live recordings. 3/5
