HAROLD BUDD & BRIAN ENO: AMBIENT 2 - THE PLATEAUX OF MIRROR

I had always thought of this as more of an Eno album than a Harold Budd album, but he was given first billing and once you delve into Budd, you realize that Harold is the driving force behind this music and deservedly gets top billing on the album.

In the end this is one incredible collaboration. If there is one ambient album everyone should have, this is it. Some may consider ambient music boring. But this one is rich if you have the patience to sit down and listen and immerse yourself in it. Toss aside your chains of metal and relax in the warmth and coldness of this music.

First Light. The title of the opener really fits. It starts out subtle and builds just like the early morning sun. Has to be solo Budd with Eno treatments until near the end where Eno compliments the solo piano with some synth.

Steal Away. A simple and beautiful solo piano piece. Which takes you away to..

The Plateau Of Mirror. Eno dominates this track, though I don't think domination is the best word to use when it comes to ambient music. The best adjective that comes to mind for this one is shimmering.

Above Chiangmai. Floating in air above an ancient Thai city. High above the mountains.

An Arc of Doves. I can see them in my head. Reminds me of a nice warm spring day.

Not Yet Remembered. I forgot what I was going to say about this one. Oh, how about haunting. There is some vocals without words. I don't know if this was Harold or Brian or someone who didn't get credit.

The Chill Air. Brrrr. Say no more.

Among Fields of Crystal. Another chilling piece. It's really weird how the titles on this album fit with the tracks.

Wind in Lonely Fences. Desolate.

Failing Light. Your day on the Plateau comes to an end much as it began. The sun slowly retreats.

Eno's concept of ambient is that it is music that can be either listened to intently or ignored and indeed you can with this album. Best not to do the latter.

What a day it was.

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