Discreet Music [30:35] Three Variations On The Canon In D Major by Johann Pachelbel: Fullness of Wind [9:57] French Catalogues [5:18] Brutal Ardour [8:17]

product info

Track 1 recorded at Brian Eno's studio 9-5-75 Track 2 performed by The Cockpit Ensemble and recorded at Trident Studios 12-9-75

review

This is without a doubt, my favorite Brian Eno album. It's right up there with Thursday Afternoon. In an interview around the time this album was released, Eno said that he wanted to make music which was very delicate and gentle... as opposed to the assaultive rock music which had been presented on his first 2 solo albums after Roxy Music (Here Come The Warm Jets and Taking Tiger Mountain By Strategy). Discreet Music achieves this wonderfully, and is a very effective extension of the album he did with Robert Fripp the same year called Evening Star (which contained "Wind On Wind", a short excerpt of Discreet Music). Consisting of the 30 minute-plus title track, and 3 rather interesting variations on The Canon In D Major By Johann Pachelbel, most of album is very soothing and calming (the only exception would be the last of the Pachelbel Variations, "Brutal Ardour", which is rather melancholy and restless). While some listeners might find the album sluggish or tedious, others with an open mind should enjoy it as a very peaceful listening experience. Just try playing it very quietly after a long, stressful day at work. It also works very well as tool for meditation or relaxation, whether you're on a long bus ride or just lounging on the beach. The title track, especially, is worth the price of the CD alone. Joseph Rosenberg