. Every time I've turned on my computer for the last 10 years, I've listened to a little Brian Eno, and you probably have too, weather you realize it or not. That little three second sound byte that signals Windows starting up? Composed by Brian Eno. Not impressed? Imagine someone asking you to compose a tune that should be universal, optimistic, emotional, and futuristic, while being no longer than three and a quarter seconds long. Still not impressed? Well, consider that Brian Eno has been behind many of the most important albums created in the last 25 years. Between pioneering the use of new technology in music and experimenting with accepted song formats, he co-wrote and played with David Bowie, produced several of U2's best albums, including The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, and made albums with the Talking Heads, Devo, and James. If you're still not impressed: Go Away, I hate you. 

Released this spring by Virgin Music are the original masters of three of Eno's lesser known compositions: Music for Films, Thursday Afternoon, and Apollo- Atmospheres & Soundtracks. Not only does the packaging for this three disc set reflect the time that Eno spent in design school, but the sound quality that results from the digitization process conveys the art of the music presented more clearly than ever before. Much of Eno's work here hinges on subtle musical phrases and intonations, and there has never been a more accurate presentation of his original intent than within the confines of these discs. 

Music for Films represents work that Eno had done in the mid 70's which was either intended for film or that came to be incorporated into film on its own. While the music does contain a sort of similarity of general intent, because this is a compilation of varied work there is a lack of cohesion and perfection of flow that the listener will draw from the other two discs in the set. Still, the music conveys such a thick aura of intent and meaning that one can't help but wish to see the music as it was set to actual film and plot. 

Thursday Afternoon is reflective in many ways of Eno's work. Most immediately recognized is Eno's willingness to experiment musically with newly available technology. While still the standard duration for a pop music hit, the three minute song format was actually imposed by the available time provided by a 78 rpm record. Recognizing the room for growth made available by CD, Eno has composed Thursday Afternoon as a single 61 minute song. There will be no skipping around- this song/album must be listened to exactly as Eno intended. And while the mood of the music can be heard after only a few minutes listening, the intent can not be completely felt and experienced without a full listening. Thursday Afternoon gives the wide, open landscaped experience of being comfortably alone in nature as dusk turns to dark, or dark to dawn. Repeated sonic themes over giant and varying loops become almost hypnotically relaxing. Apollo- Atmospheres and Soundtracks is Eno's re-thinking of the first moon landing and the following Apollo missions. While the general public was presented the Apollo news in a fashion that focused on the uptempo triumph of man and technology over natural adversary, Eno's rethinking focuses more on the human emotions that would have resulted from the completely new sights, sounds, and experiences that awaited humans as they traveled into an unknown medium. The time and distance, loneliness and exultation, discovery and awe that are so often overlooked when we think of the Apollo mission is evident in Eno's interpretation. 

This three disc set of Brian Eno's work should be used to provide musical atmosphere to a room or space. As subtle and important as color, the sounds discovered within this set need time to build to a tangible presence, but for the patient listener the result is well worth the effort. While never blown away by any one moment, as tracks and time tick by you may actually begin to feel; which after all, is the whole point of listening to music, right? 

Artistically nearing perfection. 4.5 Stars. 

Brian Eno Reissues

Label:Astralwerks
Rating:

Preview and Purchase These CDs Online:
Music for Films
Thursday Afternoon
Apollo- Atmospheres & Soundtracks.

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