Heaven's Open (song)
Encyclopedia
"Heaven's Open" is a single
by musician Michael Oldfield, released in 1991 (see 1991 in music
). It was the lead single from the album of the same name
. The various formats were backed by a mix of the A-side which featured a melodic guitar line not included in the album version, along with two excerpts from Amarok
, Oldfield's previous album.
Oldfield was credited as "Michael" on this release, while producer and long-term collaborator Tom Newman
was listed as "Thom Newman". This is due to the bad feelings between Oldfield and Virgin at the time. This is also from the last of Oldfield's albums with Virgin Records
.
", planned for Oldfield's Islands
album, with vocals by Barry Palmer
. To get a 'loose' feel to the song, Oldfield encouraged the musicians to have a few drinks; this version however was deemed as too loose and not used.
Oldfield performed the vocals himself on the final version.
and is part cartoon and part live action. Oldfield sings, plays guitar and looks into a crystal ball. Oldfield plays a PRS
Artist Custom in the video.
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
by musician Michael Oldfield, released in 1991 (see 1991 in music
1991 in music
See also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
). It was the lead single from the album of the same name
Heaven's Open
Heaven's Open is the 14th record album performed by Mike Oldfield, released in 1991. It was his last album on Virgin, and also the only album he released under the name Michael Oldfield, instead of Mike Oldfield.- History :...
. The various formats were backed by a mix of the A-side which featured a melodic guitar line not included in the album version, along with two excerpts from Amarok
Amarok (album)
Amarok is the 13th record album by Mike Oldfield, released in 1990. It is considered by fans to be his most distinctive work: a single sixty-minute track of continuous, uninterrupted but constantly-changing music....
, Oldfield's previous album.
Oldfield was credited as "Michael" on this release, while producer and long-term collaborator Tom Newman
Tom Newman (musician)
Not to be confused with Thomas Newman.Tom Newman is an English record producer and musician...
was listed as "Thom Newman". This is due to the bad feelings between Oldfield and Virgin at the time. This is also from the last of Oldfield's albums with Virgin Records
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
.
Demo version
The song that became "Heaven's Open", was originally an early version of "Man in the RainMan in the Rain
"Man in the Rain" is a pop song written and performed by by English multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield. It was included on the album Tubular Bells III and released as a single in October 1998. The vocals were performed by Cara Dillon.- History :...
", planned for Oldfield's Islands
Islands (Mike Oldfield album)
Islands is the 11th album by Mike Oldfield, released in 1987. Guest singers on the album are Bonnie Tyler, Kevin Ayers, Anita Hegerland and Jim Price. A different track list and cover was used for the American edition....
album, with vocals by Barry Palmer
Barry Palmer (British singer)
Barry Palmer, born 1958 in England, is a British singer who was one of Mike Oldfield's vocalists around 1984.-Biography and career:Barry Palmer's music career began in 1976, when he became a lead vocalist of the German rock band Triumvirat, with which he recorded three albums...
. To get a 'loose' feel to the song, Oldfield encouraged the musicians to have a few drinks; this version however was deemed as too loose and not used.
Oldfield performed the vocals himself on the final version.
Music video
The music video is available on the Elements - The Best of Mike OldfieldElements - The Best of Mike Oldfield (video)
Elements - The Best of Mike Oldfield is a video collection by Mike Oldfield released in October 1993. It was released by Virgin Records on VHS and Laser disc...
and is part cartoon and part live action. Oldfield sings, plays guitar and looks into a crystal ball. Oldfield plays a PRS
PRS Guitars
PRS Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland. PRS Guitars was founded by guitarist and luthier Paul Reed Smith in 1985. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of high-end electric guitars.-Materials:...
Artist Custom in the video.
Track listing
- "Heaven's Open" – 4:31
- "Amarok" (excerpt I) – 3:09
- "Heaven's Open" (12" mix) – 4:33
- "Amarok" (excerpt V) – 2:29