Monday, May 30, 2011

Brian Eno - "1971-1977 - The Man Who Fell To Earth" DVD

An informative and enlightening discussion and assessment of Eno's time in Roxy Music, and his subsequent solo career, "The Man Who Fell To Earth" is another unlicensed, unofficial documentary from Sexy Intellectual. But this one works well, bringing together the usual array of journalists and collaborators to analyze Eno's career and musical works.

Robert Rich, Jon Hassell, Roedelius, David Toop, and Robert Christgau all appear to discuss Eno's pioneering sounds and influence, so credibility isn't an issue. Also examined are Eno's short-lived Obscure Music label, and the lineage of his best-known contribution to modern art, "ambient" music, tracing the inspirations back to Erik Satie, John Cage, LaMonte Young, and others. As well, Eno's work with Bowie, Cluster and Harmonia are examined, with some fascinating anecdotes from those who were there.

In all, a very well-done documentary, only missing a companion disc with a look at Eno's later years. Maybe that one's in the works?

Finally, I need to give props to the artist(s) who created the animations and films to accompany all the Eno sound samples here. The visuals were appropriate and well-attuned to the sounds. Great work! (Sexy Intellectual)

Eno info site

Eno site (more official)

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