TAKING TIGER MOUNTAIN (BY STRATEGY)

After being a member of Roxy Music for two albums , s/t and For Your Pleasure, the former I enjoy more, he was dismissed by the fatuous Bryan Ferry, and immediatly embarked on solo career. I have been collecting Eno's albums in chronological order,, however, I can safely say that Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strtegy) is his most consistent studio effort, yet consistency does not mean flawlessness. To be candid, Eno seeamlessly implements brillian pop sensibibilities in an unusual way that manages to appeal to the listener. Th tracks on this album, like its predecessor, are accessible, however, the vocals may appear insipid and contrived. Moroever, the immatuity of some of the song titles on this album like "The Fat Lady of Limbourg" and "Mother Whale Eyeless" may dissuade potential listeners from this marvellous record; the reson being that it seems immature and childish. It is important to keep in mind that Eno's first four albums would appeal to Avant-Garde fans, than progressive elctronica fans, theres no TD, Kraftwer, and JMJ here.

A qucick overview of selcted tarcks should provide you with an adequate understanding of the material presented on this album

"Burning Airline Give You So Much More" this is mellow, caribean-tinged track, with sweet lyrics about love abroad in Japan I believe. Personally, I love the drumming on this particular track its crips and yet restarined to create the perfect effect. Collins does a fantastic job.

"Back in Judy's Jungle" is an interesting track that is mainly driven by simpe drumming byt Eno's vocals are really funny. This song reminds me of standing on beach during WWII and my superior officer is taking roll call while on crack, which smoothly leads me into the follwoing song

"The Fat Lady in Limbourg" a friend told me Eno sampled part of a song featured in the film Bridge on the River Kwai (pronounced kway, quay), which wouldnt surprise me considering that this album has has a prfound chinese, asian influnce throughout it. The song is good.

"Third Uncle" is a good track, nothing special though. The band Bauhaus covered this track on one of their albums, forget the name but has a guitar solo in it unlike the original Eno song featured on this album

"China My China" perhaps the lyrical zenith of this album, its not in the same league as Hammill, Sinfield, and Dubois, but captures the mood perfectly

The title tarck is probably the most melllow tune on the album and most musically complex. A Great way to end the album

If you want to get into Eno's work, I would advise you to buy this album along with Here Come the Warm Jets in the same purchase. From there move to Another Green World.

If your familiar with the Eno's work with Tallking Heads, Bowie, U2, and slowdive,, this will be a change for the better. This album is definietly worth buying.