While known by many for his contribution to Roxy Music, and others for his triumph with the producer’s hat on, many still hold Brian Eno in exalted status for his ambient work. Not much genealogical study needs to be done to find that he’s more than one of the roots in the big tree – the trunk is more like it.
Released in 1995, the original is well past Eno’s original Ambient: series, yet offers much of the same etherial, atmospheric, slightly industrial sound we’ve all come to love. Adding PiL’s bass player, Jah Wobble to the mix is pure genius, but then you already know this. The dub like bass grooves added to Eno’s tinkly bits push your stereo system to its limits along with your perception. This one is best enjoyed in a dimly lit room.
This remaster, produced at Londons’ Metropolis studio is outstanding. The grooves are quiet and they manage to squeeze a lot of LF energy onto the vinyl. Mega bass heads will still want the CD or the digital stream – this record goes deep. But here’s the tradeoff – the vinyl sounds more dimensional on top. Which will you choose?
Discogs says that this was released on vinyl earlier, but we’ve never seen it, only the CD – and that’s awfully tough to find. It did come with a 12″ maxi single featuring “Stravinski and Lockdown,” which is now available as a digital download included with the vinyl.
If you can find an original, expect to pay around $70 + shipping.
At $24, the remaster is a great deal, and you can purchase it here from Elusive Disc.
