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Changeling: The Autobiography of Mike Oldfield
Born without social instincts many people take for granted, brought up in an environment that was beyond his ability to deal with and possessed with an extraordinary musical talent, Mike was thrust into the spotlight at the tender age of nineteen. His first album
Tubular Bells
went on to sell fifteen million copies worldwide and catapulted him into a stardom he was ill equ
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If you're looking for a sexy look at the Rock and roll industry then don't get excited about this book. This book is not about that, it's about illness and recovery.
However, if your looking for a book that examines the driving force behind a man who can justifiably be called a musical genius then this is a book you should read.
Oldfield is candid about his childhood and his own struggle with overcoming mental illness. He also discusses the inspiration and production of his most famous musical com ...more
However, if your looking for a book that examines the driving force behind a man who can justifiably be called a musical genius then this is a book you should read.
Oldfield is candid about his childhood and his own struggle with overcoming mental illness. He also discusses the inspiration and production of his most famous musical com ...more
Mike Oldfield is one of the most amazing and yet seriously under appreciated musician, of the last 40 years!! Michael has influenced the world over. He is ever changing and challenging himself and the listener to this evolution of music. I would call Michael's music the ADHD of notes. His music will forever influence others and will be remembered for thousands of years!! I hope this books psychological side helped others to understand themselves a bit better.
The story of Mike's childhood through to the present, wherein he discusses his broken home life, personal demons and the innovative music he created amidst the turmoil. I'd recommend this book for every serious fan of his work, as it sheds a lot of light on his motivations and experiences. As a fan of his music, first and foremost, I enjoyed his stories of the recording of individual pieces throughout his career. Tubular Bells gets a great deal of attention in this regard, but some of the later
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I'm a life long fan of Mike Oldfield, so I was surprised to learn that he has a autobiography out. Maybe I just do not follow things well enough.
Bought this book Borders in Glasgow and I pretty much read it one sitting.
This book also made me think about my own relationship with my dad. Especially why he is so good doing everything with his hands and why I'm so crap in stuff like that. Maybe my problems are similar that mr. Oldfield had with his father. Also, I could relate a lot of stuff mr. Old ...more
Bought this book Borders in Glasgow and I pretty much read it one sitting.
This book also made me think about my own relationship with my dad. Especially why he is so good doing everything with his hands and why I'm so crap in stuff like that. Maybe my problems are similar that mr. Oldfield had with his father. Also, I could relate a lot of stuff mr. Old ...more
Focusses heavily on the early years of his career, and tends to skip through his later albums. The book reveals quite a lot about Oldfield himself, but little about the other people in his life.
Mike Oldfield has only seen commercial reward for his amazing musical talent. He has not received the critical acclaim that his influence and originality justify. Unfortunately, this book will do little to provide insight and burnish his reputation. I would love to see a professional writer take on the task of describing Oldfield's unique niche in pop music.
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Mock me if you want, but Mike Oldfield is one of the most important rock composers to come out of the 60s + 70s. To argue that, I'd have to write a book (not just about Mike but about progressive rock and what it was trying to do). Would that Oldfield were a better writer and storyteller than he is a composer and musician.
Being as I am a massive Oldfield fan I looked forward to this with great expectation. Sadly it's rather underwhelming, being as it is focused heavily on Tubular Bells, the early '70s and Mike's unfortunate battles with both Richard Branson & mental illness. All very interesting, but where's the rest?
Jag gillar Mike Oldfield. Därför var det spännande att läsa den här boken. Som person verkar han ha haft många psykiska bekymmer som ung men förbättrades genom en pånyttfödelseupplevelse; inte en metod för alla direkt, men det det gjorde honom gott åtminstone.
I think this was the best biography I have read. I am a big fan of MO and ot was fascinatining to know better his story.
Very recommended if you like his music!
Very recommended if you like his music!
Interesting book as far as it went but very little about life after Tubular bells.
Ill conceived, poorly planned, and badly executed – kind of like most of his latter-day albums.
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