Another Day on Earth

by

Brian Eno

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How long has it been since he recorded with John Cale. 15 years, maybe? Eno's vocals are still haunting, his production remains forceful and organic. This is much better than a lot of the early reviews. The disc is inconsistent only in that he is throwing together a lot of different ambiant constructs. While a lot of folk are hoping for another Taking of Tiger Mountain, this really has a lot of Thursday Afternoon disassociation flowing through it. The fact that it's not for everybody only endears it more to his admirers. Don't kid yourself, this is one of the last giants doing what he does best.

I came to Eno back in the late 1970's as an impressionable youth and this is the state I return to while hearing his voice again after so many years.

The first track, "This", is gorgeous. "And Then So Clear" evokes an AI lamenting the loss of its own cold, innocent hubris, celebrating the acquisition of reget, forgiveness and love. Or something. Much of Eno's charm is what he evokes in us, no matter what it has to do with the lyrics.

I love hearing Eno's voice. I love it so much that now I am going to go figure out how I can afford to get his 1970's post-Roxy Music, pre-ambient albums again. I last owned them all on vinyl twenty years ago.

This album isn't a good place for newcomers to start. Try the 1970's stuff. Get used to Eno's voice, then come back to this and feel the aging Eno drifting through his peaceful laments.