Brian Eno – Another Green World (1975)

Awesome Artist of the Week logo by Sarca @caughtmegaming

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[Album 503/1001]

I’d like to propose a new Brian Eno theory: He’s simply in another world when it comes to album enjoyment.

Though the theory may be lacking in research and reek of narrative convenience, there are graphs!

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Best radio song of the last few years? I’d have a tough time choosing anything other than Uptown Funk.

There are many reasons why I believe this song works, as it even inspired another of my questionable theories (The Uptown Funk 70/30 Principle), but I anticipate that the song’s consistent appeal will be its greatest legacy.

For me, I’ve heard the tune dozens of times, and my enjoyment hasn’t wavered.

Which sadly can’t be said for every song…

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…like that novelty song that is cute/funny/catchy at first. Then gets a bit old. Then quickly becomes irritating, eventually leading to listener rage upon hearing the first few notes.

That song where the sound of styrofoam being rubbed together has since become preferable.

I’ll let you fill in the blank on the graph!

Finally, there’s Brian Eno…

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…and Brian Eno does not fit either of the first two graphs, not even a little bit.

Few would call Another Green World instantly accessible.

Fewer still would lump it in with __________ (whatever novelty song you chose above).

However, I imagine I’m not alone in thinking that this Eno record was OK at first, before gradually watching my enthusiasm grow with each subsequent listen.

Now some features, like the Robert Fripp “restrained lead guitar” (incidentally, what an instrument credit!) on I’ll Come Running, were immediately appealing.

But it’s those details I missed on the first run through, the layers that slowly started to reveal themselves, that made me look forward to the next immersion in Another Green World.

I’m currently on about my 5th listen and it feels like there still much to be discovered.

If I give it a 6th spin, would the trend continue?

Eventually, mathematically, the graph would have to level off (unless Brian Eno is one of those star athletes implausibly capable of giving 110%).

But I don’t think my enjoyment as a listener would flatten out just yet.

And that’s probably a tell-tale sign of a durable record.

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Verbalize the Positive

I appreciate the many fine features that Rich @ Kamertunes has put together over the years, especially his compilation or catalogue series. I’m guessing Eno may be among those catalogue-worthy artists!