SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BRIAN ENO – ENO (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)

BRIAN ENO
ENO (ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK)
UNIVERSAL MUSIC/UMC

Eno (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), as the title suggests, is the official soundtrack to the 2024 Gary Hustwit documentary Eno. Brian Eno has been making music since his debut with Roxy Music in 1971, after leaving Roxy Music he embarked on a stellar solo career that not only involved many brilliant albums, but included incredible production credits, art installations, art, using technology to create new forms of art, and so much more. A documentary is long overdue, and this soundtrack serves as a tidy sampler of his vast discography. So far, in his career, Eno has released 30 studio albums and a further 22 collaborative albums. Quite an incredible career, and this does not take into account his work with Roxy Music or as a producer.

Eno has never been one to cater to marketing or search out the hit single, as such, he doesn’t have a greatest hits. Eno is not even a best of or a collection of rarities. This is a soundtrack. It is interesting that the majority of the album features his collaborations and focuses on more recent music than diving into his early 1970s music. Having said that, it is nice to have “There Were Bells” (which he performed on his recent and first ever solo tour), “Sky Saw” and “Third Uncle” in this collection, giving an all too brief overview of those classic albums from the early and mid-1970s.

Although the soundtrack does favour more recent material, the selections are quite inspiring and good. On this album, one hears Eno working with Fred Again (“Cmon” from 2023’s Secret Life), Leo Abrahams and Jon Hopkins (2010’s Small Craft On A Milk Sea) or his most recent collaboration with David Byrne (2008’s Everything That Happens Will Happen Today). His other work with David Byrne is represented here as well with “Regiment” from the classic 1981 album My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts. It is good to have his work with John Cale (“Spinning Away”), the beautiful work with Tom Rogerson (“Motion In Field”) and Cluster (“Ho Renomo”) in the collection as well. It does give a somewhat rounded view of Eno.

Other people might be surprised by his dance music from the 1990’s, “Stiff” and “Fractal Zoom” (both from 1992’s Nerve Net) and perhaps expect more ambient music, such as “I’m Hardly Me” (from 2022’s ForeverAndEverNoMore) and “The Secret Place” from the 1983’s Apollo album he recorded with Daniel Lanois and his brother, Roger Eno. But that is the beauty of Eno. He has created so much different and varied music, it is impossible to collect it all on one disc. And even though the music is so varied, it all fits together nicely. There are no jarring moments in listening to this collection; rather it is a small glimpse at a puzzle that lets one understand an aspect of Eno’s career.

For fans, they will be happy with the inclusion of three breathtaking songs. Eno and his brother, Roger, performed live at Acropolis in 2021. From that show fans will get to hear their incredible version of “By This River”. It is achingly beautiful, featuring one of Eno’s strongest vocal performances. He performed this live on his tour as well, and the song, originally from 1977’s Before And After Science is beyond words in its beauty.  Another new song, “Lighthouse #429, is much more experimental, with a few jazz influences, and is an interesting song and welcomed on the collection. However, it is Eno’s newest song, written for the project, “All I Remember” that is the absolute star of this collection. Eno writes about his past with such honesty. “I try to recall all those treasures I found in those days,” he sings. “But the connection is weak, and the moment is lost in the haze.” It is heartbreaking and nostalgic and sublime.

Eno has been a fixture in the world of music since 1971, and recognition of his genius, talent, art, and music is long overdue. This soundtrack, and documentary, are her to set that right, somewhat.  Eno (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is a good jumping off point and should encourage people to explore more of his music and career. He is one of the most important figures in music for the last half century and his influence will continue on for centuries to come. This album provides a small answer as to why he is so important and the wonderful music he has made over the years.

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