Mike Oldfield – Hergest Ridge

Artisan Sound Recorders is absolutely amazing , look for a NM copy the album has lots of quiet parts and outstanding dynamics when the record gets loud it REALLY GET´S LOUD

This single disc edition only has the 2010 remixes and definitely worth listening to. The deluxe edition has the original 1974 mix on CD for the first time, previous editions were the 1976 Boxed remix.

As far as we can gather there is no CD version of the original 1974 mix on CD before the 2010 deluxe edition which has a new 2010 mix by Mike on disc 1 and the original 1974 mix on disc 2. All CD masters from the 80s, 90s and even the 2000 HDCD are the 1976 Boxed mix. This was the mix I was used as I bought the VCD in London in 1991. I have always liked this mix as it the one I've listened to the most over the last 33 years. The original is more subtle and softer, even on the guitar orchestra section on part 2. This section has always irritated me as the rest of the album is subtle and relaxing. The loud guitars seem to spoil the overall beauty and tranquility.

The CDV issue from the mid 80s sounds a bit distorted and a little muddy. The acoustic guitars don't shine on part one and the distorted guitars grate on the ears. It's a little bit ragged and bleary in the higher levels. Part two is again a bit lifeless and the guitarathon a big angry mess.

The 2000 HDCD again has the goofy artwork of the CDV and the generic images that most of this series has. While there is compression the mix is more detailed. The louder passages again are a little stuff and most likely an issue with the master but separation is better and instruments leap out from time to time. The guitarathon is smoother and more musical.

I've this copy and playing it now it sounds superb. It's slightly muddy and a little too warm but the bass is incredible.
Hergest Ridge is a very subtle and often beautiful composition. I also had the 2010 edition with the new cover but sold it, but just bought another copy as the cover is unique and it's value is going up. The original mix is softer than the 1976 Quad and all the CD issues came from that except for the Deluxe edition which has a new 2010 remix and the original 1974 mix. The new single CD is the 2010 mix!

The artwork on the 2000 HDCD albums, the Virgin albums is pretty disappointing. Stock photos of unrelated images, big borders and tasteless rear inlay cards. I don’t know how they got away with this. Sound wise they do improve quality from some of the original CD issues.

Really lovely orchestral music with rock overtones. Great for relaxation, I was surprised by how much I liked this. Should be able to find this reasonably priced. If you like Mike Oldfield it's worth picking up. I think this is my favorite out of his early works.

flat and silent pressing. sounds still fantastic after all these years!

Amazing sounding LP, a holographic tour-de-force that delivers Oldfields unique aural landscape in all it's stereo-mixed glory...

A masterpiece in my humble opinion. Have listened too on apple music but nothing compares to my beautiful 48 year old vinyl copy. So many different genres of music and the fast organ piece on side two is not just amusing but clever. A nice album
to kick off the day and watch the sunrise

I bought this and eventually sold it. I didn’t like the sound or the new remix. I like the 1976 Boxed mix.