Hello All, 

Here is an interesting article in UK's Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2185154/Full-single-mothers-muggers-And-taxed-What-Tubular-Bells-star-glorious-opening-ceremony-really-thinks-Britain.html

Best regards,

Steve

That's exactly the kind of article one might expect from The Daily Mail. What a final line!

Even though he keeps changing his mind about computers and music, at least Mike still thinks the same of the UK. 

Anyway, that part was really unexpected:

He wants to see a resurgence of instrumental rock, and is planning a competition for young musicians to be held in the UK that will celebrate ‘real musicianship’ instead of the ‘mindless’ guitar thrashing and ‘talent-free clicking’ of computer keys that passes for popular music nowadays.    

A competition... in terms of X Factor or something? Battle of the bands? I mean, not all the music is done by computers, and dozens of artists keep coming using real instruments. So I cannot understand his statement.

Then, it's funny to see how media from all around the world fails when talking about discographies.

a six-disc greatest hits called Two Sides

Journalist obviously mixed up Two Sides and the new boxset.

Thanks for posting it, WorldX! It's nice to see you around again. 

Thanks, good to be back, fairlight, hope you are well. Yes, the Daily Mail has got things wrong many times, haha!

What was nice about the article, however, was the fact that Mike seems happy. I was a little worried after seeing Light & Shade interviews that Mike didn't seem too content in life. And who can blame him for wanting to stay where is with all that beautiful sunshine :o) I think the success of Music of the Spheres may have helped a little, putting Mike back on the musical Map again. Of course, there is no really bad Mike album, but I am kind of getting fed up with 'best of' albums and it would be really great to hear some original material. I agree with you on the computer generated bands thing, there are indeed some fabulous bands out there who use 'real instruments'. An Oldfield X-Factor, hmmmm? Can't see it being a huge success, only time will tell ;o)

He is so right though, when saying, ‘There’s a British thing about hating people who are too clever,’ he says. ‘It’s uncool to be too clever. It’s a great shame, and it’s not the same in America.’

It was a wonderful surprise to see him at the Olympics opening, I couldn't believe my eyes!!

welcome again worldx!!!

 First of all, welcome back World X! 

¿Oldfield Factor? NOW I'm starting to be afraid... 

Mike seems much happy and relaxed about his own life.It has taken decades to achieve that,but I don't see that massive rant and moaning from those 2009 interviews (e.g. Q magazine).

I remember when I first came to the UK in the late 90s,I lived one month in Bornemouth, you can't compare to what is now (thanks Labour!).As a Brazilian living in the UK for almost 3 years,I've got my issues with Brazil as Mike has with the UK in general. You have to find a place you feel happy in every aspect of your life,from personal to professional life. Mike's confortable in the Bahamas while I'm here in England :)

fairlight dijo:

Thanks for posting it, WorldX! It's nice to see you around again. 

Fuel dijo:

 

¿Oldfield Factor? NOW I'm starting to be afraid... 

The real fright thing in this interview is that Julio Iglesias is Mike´s  neighbor...and he is searching for singers...

8 Agosto 2012, 17:49:37

Welcome back world x!! thanks for sharing the article