10 Perfect Progressive Rock Albums With No Bad Songs
8. Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield (1973)
Perhaps the legacy of this album has been somewhat tarnished, due to its affiliation with the Exorcist (1973). Although only a small section, from the first side of the record, was used to score the movie, it became forever, the sound of horror inducing dread.
But if one can push aside the over riding images of demonic possession and priests covered in vomit, the experience will start to have it's own resonance. If you've yet to dive into this record, don't be mistaken by the ominous nature of its most famous component. As it unfolds, it moves through a number of textured melodies and musical styles with a subtle and affective smoothness.
Side two will have you questioning if you're hearing things correctly, however. In a section, that has become known as 'the caveman' Mike Oldfield barks and screams into the microphone as if trying to communicate like an ancient ancestor to the human race. It's one of the most bizarre and enjoyable moments in prog rock.
We told you there was going to be some WTF moments.