Album Mini-review: Brian Eno — The Ship
File next to: Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Low-era David Bowie
Though he came to prominence initially as a member of art-rockers Roxy Music (and then, years later, as an in-demand producer), Brian Eno’s specialty has long been ambient music. His groundbreaking 1970s albums (Discreet Music, Music for Airports, etc.) established the style, and since then, Eno has often returned to that approach. The Ship is the latest example of Eno’s exploration of ambience, and fans of his 70s work will find it warmly familiar. Two lengthy pieces are followed by two works that adhere in length – if not structure – to pop conventions. They’re deeply textured, fascinating, meditative and (almost by definition) static. Unexpectedly, Some of the textures on “Fickle Sun (i)” could almost be termed aggressive. Prominent vocals give *The Ship an emotional character that bridges the divide between ambient and conventional music; yet again, Eno demonstrates that electronic music need not be bloodless.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.