A loosely played acoustic guitar and big drums from John Robinson start off “Sailing” from Mike Oldfield’s 2014 studio release, Man On The Rocks. For his 25th album (and first since 2008), Oldfield employed a band to play shorter and catchier tunes — quite a switch from someone known for longer, more ambient pieces.
Luke Spiller of the Struts does his best Mike Peters (of the Alarm) on “Sailing” as Oldfield manages his magic in and around a wide variety of personal lyrics. Matt Rollings’ organ opens “Castaway,” on which Oldfield’s lead is simply fantastic, as is Spiller’s dramatic shouts. “Chariots” snaps and bubbles via a synth, Leland Sklar’s bass and Oldfield’s distorted lead, while Spiller offers up a soft vocal on “Following The Angels.”
“Man on the Rocks” showcases the singer again as Oldfield lays down some very clean and precise lines behind him. “Nuclear” is the other side of the coin with Spiller biting the lyric, a big organ swirl and Oldfield delivering a tight lead. William McDowell’s “I Give Myself Away” ends Man On The Rocks. Oldfield unveils a truly inspired high wire act of a lead as Spiller provides what might be his best vocal on the record.
For anyone even slightly familiar with Oldfield’s usual 20-minute plus epics, Man On The Rocks is a different kind of record that has Mr. Tubular Bells expertly placing himself exactly where he is needed. His playing reminds me of Mark Knopfler — what they almost throw away would take most experienced guitarists years to learn and insinuate.
At its core, Man On The Rocks shows Oldfield’s talent at songwriting, arranging and picking the right musicians to accompany him. That signature sound is so surely missed and needed from what we are hearing today, it makes it all that more special to hear new music from a master.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
