ANOTHER GREEN WORLD

Another Green World is considered by many to be the most celebrated album by Brian Eno. And they have all right to consider it as such since this release is definitely a bold artistic statement!

The album marked an even further development of Eno's electronic experimentation, a style which at the time was still considered somewhat underdeveloped. Although bands like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream went further into developing their music into long atmospheric pieces Brian Eno chose to maintain the short music format and instead give us as many different variations of the electronic sound that he possibly could fit on a vinyl record. This decision has been met with both criticism and praise from the listeners. Still there is no denying that Another Green World will go down in history as a landmark of experimental music.

Sky Saw is a famous album opening that features a steady bass pattern while the rest of the arrangements constantly change their instrumental structures. This type of contrasts will play an important roll all throughout the album but surprisingly enough the music here never feels forced or difficult to enjoy. Besides, there are still quite a few catchy pop tunes with memorable melodies that will keep the audiences attention all throughout the album.

St. Elmo's Fire features one of the most memorable contributions by Robert Fripp playing one of the weirdest improvised guitar solos of his career! For me this is his second best performance on an album outside the realm of King Crimson. Had it not been for his work on the title track of Bowie's Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) it would have easily taken the first spot.

Becalmed is an almost ambient piece and considering my unsuccessful history with ambiance I was quite critical to this composition but unlike some of Eno's later full-fledged ambient experiments the music here is much more melodic. On top of that there is tight structure that keeps the listener's attention all throughout the piece making it the perfect introduction for even those of us who find ambient music difficult to enjoy!

It's another excellent release from the ever-surprising Brian Eno-discography and a great addition to any prog rock music collection!

***** star songs: St. Elmo's Fire (3:02) In Dark Trees (2:32) Golden Hours (4:00)

**** star songs: Sky Saw (3:28) Over Fire Island (1:51) The Big Ship (3:02) Another Green World (1:42) Sombre Reptiles (2:21) Becalmed (3:57) Zawinul/Lava (3:00) Everything Merges With The Night (3:59) Spirits Drifting (2:37)

*** star songs: I'll Come Running (3:50) Little Fishes (1:35)