About | RSS News Feeds | Feedback | Search

Brian Eno originated the modern idea of ambient music. In his series of 4 ambient albums, Eno established the modern idea of a shifting audio environment, free of the constraints of melodies or song structures. His ambient work is not as immediately listenable as that of others, but it has a complexity and depth that supports close listening, as well as background listening.

Ambient 4 - On Land is a test of people's appreciation for the ambient genre. This is far away from many people's ideas of ambient music. There's nothing "new age" about this music. The cuts on this album are full of sounds and textures that are a little scary. Rumbly synths sound like thunder, or the wind blowing over an open bottle. Throughout the album, it's rare to hear recognizable instruments. The music is made up of blurps, beeps and textures instead.

Each cut is a soundscape that changes without evolving. By listening, you get a deeper feeling for the type of sound environment that your in, but the environment is still static. It's almost like listening to the sounds of insects and animals in the woods, or in the desert, except that Eno's environments are otherworldly.

The soundscapes on this album are a little off-putting. This is the type of album that could clear a party. But if it did clear a party, at least the people left would be interesting...

On Land captures on facet of Eno's unique voice, and is a classic of 20th century music.

Synthtopia Reviews of Eno's Music

Brian Eno - Ambient 1: Music for Airports

12/15/2003

Ambient 1 is simply one of the most important pieces of electronic music ever created. On Ambient 1, Eno set out to create something new, music that could be ignored as well as listened to. He succeeded wildly, and spawned a generation of imitators, inspired by the timeless beauty of Music for Airports.

Brian Eno - Ambient 4: On Land

11/23/2003

This is the last recording in Brian Eno's seminal Ambient series, and after 20 years, it still sounds beautiful and disturbing.

Brian Eno - Neroli

2/23/2004

Neroli oil comes from the white blossoms of the bitter orange tree, and is an expensive pale yellow oil used in fragrances. Neroli is also the name of a 1991 ambient work by Brian Eno that is as exotic and ethereal as the fragrance.

Brian Eno/Harold Budd - Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror

12/3/2003

Imagine Eric Satie piano pieces played in an underwater parking garage, and you'll have some idea of what to expect from this classic album.

Brian Eno/Harold Budd - The Pearl

2/23/2004

Brian Eno first collaboration with minimalist composer Harold Budd, Ambient 2: Plateau of Mirror, was a groundbreaking classic of ambient music. Budd and Eno created beautiful soundscapes, haunted by melancholy piano themes. There second CD, The Pearl, is even more beautiful.

Brian Eno/Laraaji - Ambient 3: Day of Radiance

12/17/2003

Day of Radiance is an excellent addition to Eno's series. Ambient 3 staked out new territory and new emotions for ambient music. The music is happy, even blissful, while remaining reflective and timeless. These pieces serve as an important counterpoint to the darker and sometimes disturbing music of Ambient 4.

Get Brian Eno - Ambient 4: On Land at Amazon.com!

Search for Brian Eno with the Ebay Auction Finder!