Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks [Original recording remastered]

Brian Eno (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 22, 2005)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Astralwerks
• ASIN: B0007GFFUW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,902 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #47 in Music > Dance & DJ > Ambient
  • #53 in Music > Miscellaneous > Experimental Music

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If you ever wondered what ambient music is all about, you could do worse than listen to the soundtrack by Brian Eno that accompanied the stunning visuals of NASA's Apollo missions to the moon. Created with an intoxicating mixture of acoustic and electronic, the music makes the now-classic space travel images more magical and memorable, introducing a dreamlike element to scenes of cold reality. "An Ending (Ascent)" is about as close to an actual tune as you'll get, but, as with every track, a shining example of what ambient music reveals about itself--slowly and carefully. --Paul Clark

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars at least 5 stars September 22, 2000

By Sean M. Kelly

Format:Audio CD

I was 16 when I first heard this lp (1986). A friend and I were to do an astronomy project together in high school, talking about Novas, supernovas, the moon, the sun, the whole works. We easily got footage together for the project, and we quickly went to work splicing and dicing to get exactly what we wanted for our 15 minute presentation- but we both wanted music to use for it. I wanted to use Pink Floyd's "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun," in its own right a great piece of music. But my buddy's friend had the solution- a Brian Eno lp that fit perfectly. I was no stranger to Eno, having already bought "Music for Airports" a few years earlier. So, he threw his lp on, and man, it was eerie- and perfect. We got an "A" on that report, and I had inherited an lp unlike any other.

This lp personifies all things spacy and ambient, yet sophisicated and exact in science, yet also moving and emotional. Not many lps of any grnre can mesh it so much in so few tracks, but Eno, Eno and Lanois did just that.

The tracks are barely pieces (save "An Ending(Ascent)", a piece who's beauty still makes me cry to this day, and we used for the Moon landing shots we had in our project. I'm sure Eno would have aproved), which adds to the amazing beauty and textures they create. Simply astounding.

I could babble on for years talking about this lp, but the music speaks better than I ever could for it. I still play it several times a week at night, and it still moves me to tears- almost 15 years later. That's the sign of great music. This lp is that good.

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hauntingly Gorgeous November 14, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Audio CD

After hearing Eno's name bandied about for a few years, I finally went to my local record store (yes, there were actually records back then!) and purchased this recording without a clue as to what marvels were contained therein. It was the first Eno LP I ever purchased, and the first Eno CD I ever purchased, I had to have it.

If you've ever wanted to experience weightlesness, buy this recording. It is truly atmospheric, elegant, and downright beautiful. There are also some rather frightening moments (I think)contined in "Matta" which is worthy of the best sci-fi soundtracks.

The ultimate piece on this CD is "An Ending (Ascent)". It is simply one of the most breathtakingly beautiful "songs" I have ever heard. The first time I heard it, I knew I wanted to become a musician. It's simplicity and aching beauty is something I've tried to recreate in my music, but haven't quite topped this. I've listened to this piece I would estimate in the thousands of times, and it still takes my breath away.

Also interesting are the "Soundtracks" Silver Morning and "Deep Blue Day" which, if played at 45 RPM (back in the olden days) show that these are essentially slowed down "country-western" songs. A brilliant use of the studio, synths and treatments.

I was fortunate enough to meet Eno very briefly at a talk he gave in my city. I was wise enough to have brought along my CD cover for "Apollo" which he graciously signed. It's now a double treasure for me.

He has many more great recordings (Ambient 1, Neroli, Ambient 2:Plateux of Mirror (w/ Harold Budd),the list is endless. This is a must have!

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ambient masterpiece indeed August 27, 2005

By TM77

Format:Audio CD

This is the epitome of ambient music. I originally bought this back in the early 80s and it's aged well. My personal favorites are 'Silver Morning', the slightly menacing 'A Secret Place' and of course, 'An Ending(Ascent)' which has got to be one of the most sad yet beautiful songs I've ever heard. But the entire album is excellent, and all the songs flow together to create a beautiful atmosphere.