Out of print in the U.S.! 1984 album from the kings of ambient music: American pianist Harold Budd and British music chameleon Brian Eno. EMI.
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This sublime, tranquil recording features 11 haunting ambient tone poems for treated piano. They are crafted from simple chords, arpeggios, or melodies that are frequently trailed by delicate electronic whispers to produce dreamy results. Even though Budd and Eno chose to compose and record in a minimalist style, their gorgeous, moody music evokes so much more, for the reverberating spaces between the notes are just as important as the notes themselves. In an interesting experiment, both "Against the Sky" and "An Echo of Night" explore the same melancholic musical theme in different settings--the former is a sparse piano piece with gentle electronic treatments, the latter is a murky synth work set against a nocturnal outdoor backdrop. (Budd later explored the theme again as the ethereal elegy "Olancha Farewell" on his 1986 solo album, Lovely Thunder.) Beautifully understated, the slow-motion ballet of The Pearl is a piece of striking ambient impressionism that was highly original in its day, well before the myriads of New Age imitators its composers spawned, and it remains fresh and vital two decades later. --Bryan Reesman
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5 x 5.75 x 0.45 inches; 3.2 Ounces
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This hard-to-find gem of a CD came to me in a timely manner and in perfect condition. I had searched for awhile to find a CD copy of this album. Most of the sellers wanted what I consider to be an outrageously high amount of money for this rarity but this seller had it listed at a very fair price. I was a little concerned before I received the CD; it's used and I wasn't exactly sure what kind of condition this disc would be considering the relatively low price. Well, the CD is like new, in perfect condition, plays fine and the CD jewel box and liner notes are also in perfect condition. Thanks, from one happy customer!
Simply, one of the very best albums of its kind ever produced. A true classic, in every sense. I heard this album when it first came out many years ago, and I attempted to purchase a vinyl copy right away; but I wasn't able to acquire one. Believe it or not, this album had become a kind of "underground classic" which was rather difficult to obtain, even back then. So, several years passed and I thought, someday a CD version would finally be released; and I'm happy to say that at long last I now own a copy, to add to my collection. If you haven't heard this album, or if you've only listened to excerpts, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with this purchase. This album has become harder to acquire as the years pass, so if you're really into this music, don't pass up an opportunity to purchase this album.
Brian Eno's solo work is extremely unique and not for everyone but if you are a true lover of electronic music you have to experience these works. Brian is one of the most unsung visionaries of electronic music who set himself apart from many artists in the 70's and blazed a new trail for others while helping to set the leading edge pace for the development and advancement of the synthesizer and pushing the boundaries of multi-track recording. I expect some might find the tracks too far out there but there are some really brilliant gems. When you listen to the tracks you must consider the time in which these were produced. Sure there were other artists backing up their bands with keyboard sessions but Brian was creating ALL the sections. Brian's brilliance really shines when you consider the timeline in which all these masterpieces were produced.
I love to listen to this CD at night, when I need to decompress. But this CD is really lovely to listen to. I understand that the music is mostly Budd's, but I have known about Brian Eno since the early 80s, when one of his pieces was used as the intro music for John Schaefer's WNYC radio program "New Sounds." I have to say that Eno's partnership with Budd here makes for richer music. Sorry, Eno-fans! But I'm just pretty new to this style of music. I'll probably change my mind next week :)
But the music on this CD is absolutely dreamy, but subtly engaging at the same time, without clamoring for attention - my mind just follows it without worrying about where it's going. It seems to know.
In other words, it's not typical New Age garbage. (I was a massage therapist in my younger days, and I already KNOW what THAT sounds like!)
I just lie back, listen and bliss out. This is what I call organic music.
I don't think I can improve on the previous reviews but I will say that I've been listening to this cd for over ten years and I still find it beautiful, haunting and tranquil. It's great for meditation, yoga, chi gung, or just relaxing with my cat. Sometimes I use it as ambient background. Other times I put on the headphones and just lay back and listen. It makes me feel like I'm floating in the clouds. This is one of my favorite cds. I also own most of eno's ambient cds and about 4 of Harold Budd's. The other Budd/Eno collaboration, Plateaux of Mirror is great too, but I think the Pearl is even better.
Extremely beautiful and valuable - yes. This music likely advances your soul's advancement in this Valley of Tears. Budd is super (just got the first Jane 😊). Here though is a dream team: Budd, Br Eno And the sound of the spiritual bayou: in Dan Lanois. Music to play late night anywhere: But best in the deep Florida Everglades and Georgia 's Okefenokee intense mystery.
Some people don't "get"Eno,for those of us who do,however,he is one of the most rewarding artist's, we have.Wether you want to relax,work or go on a journey of sound,Eno provides a unique soundscape! This album is one of his best.Try it.You won't be dissapointed!
I like the relaxing music on this CD. I would heartily recomend it to any insomniac. Eno is great at this sort of stuff although he says he is not a musician- sometimes a bit moe tunefullness would not go amiss. It is certainly etherial in style , so if this is what you are looking for Yes go for it!
Very beautiful and haunting acoustic piano....less is more. Very contemplative music, just what you need if the taxman is after you or you have money worries. Worked for me.
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