Brian Eno: Visual Music Hardcover – September 24, 2013

It seems almost inconceivable to have a discussion about ambient music without mention of Brian Eno--it was, after all, he who coined the very term. Most bios of ambient musicians (including my own) claim him as an influence, even a dominant force. All of this from a man who does not like to be called a musician at all, preferring to think of himself as an engineer or precipitator of aesthetic experiences with light, shape and sound (he has spent much time experimenting with scent, too, but found this realm too elusive as an artistic medium).This new book by Brian Scoates is a visually stunning examination of Eno's work as a an artist, musician and philosopher. It's a hefty tome, textbook-sized and exceeding 400 pages (on heavy paper), more than half of which consist of images. Dozens of Eno's light/sound installations are magnificently reproduced, along with facsimiles of many of his handwritten journal entries (well worth study in themselves). The text is by several different authors, each of whom has a unique perspective on this seminal artist. Various themes are covered in detail: Eno's early training at the process-oriented art school in Ipswich, his involvement with Cagean "happenings" and his response to the "anything goes" school of thought, his use of repetitive / recursive patterns and mathematical algorithms to derive interesting and beautiful imagery and sound, his quest for art that creates a quiet space for contemplation. From beginning to end, the book is an insightful peek into the mind of ambient music's most influential player. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in art--of any kind--and consider it a must-read for ambient music enthusiasts, who may discover in it, as I have, a wealth of inspiration. Yesterday afternoon, after turning the last page, I went into my studio, hauled out my old deck of Oblique Strategy cards, and drew the following: Make a blank valuable by putting it in an exquisite frame

This book is a monolith of material filled with astounding artwork. It’s hilarious that the bookmark bound into the pages (with thought-provoking little tidbits like “repetition is a form of change”) ends in the phrase “distorting time” - because that’s exactly what it feels like when I sit down to digest another chunk of it. Suddenly the sun has went down, it’s pitch black outside and I’m still in my chair all consumed by everything Eno. I love the section entitled, “Perfume, Defense, and David Bowie’s Wedding” which has some valuable insight into the question, “what is art?”I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Brian Eno event at the Royal College of Art a few weeks ago, where he was promoting this book. I also spotted Gabe Bartalos, the Los Angeles based special effects guru talking with Eno. I know Bartalos has worked with musicians in the past, I wonder if the two could be considering a project together? I know I for one would be ecstatic if they were!

The many full color photo graphics and captures are engaging and well reproduced, although static of course! Informative essays, plus a tremendously thoughtful transcribed talk by Eno, “Perfume, Defense, and David Bowie’s Wedding.” I did not expect such an insightful arc of reasoned connections and implications, having only been familiar with his music.

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my brother in law. He loves Brian Eno's artwork. He fell in love with the book.

Being a huge Eno band, I will not give this the two stars it probably deserves. I am not sure what the aim of this book really is. It deals with the visual aspect of Eno's music. Anyone who knows Eno knows that he has done quite a lot of so-called installations. He has done some really ground-breaking things but this book comes across really as dry and pretentious. While I can understand a more intellectual approach to music, this is really a bit too brainy even for me. Even the interview with Eno at the end does not satisfy me. There is a download code for some new music, but the whole thing turned me off so much that I have not had time to use it. Snore.

It’s probably the best book into Brian Eno’s visual art so far...

Fantastic tome on Brian Eno. Brian Eno contributed in a big way with the author on this book. Full of great content. 10 out of 10 for this book from me.

Perfect service in every way, thank you so much! I'm sorry, I don't have the required amount of words that Amazon's feedback/review system seems to be requiring now. I think this is an impediment to people leaving feedback, and wish it wasn't like this! What more needs to be said?

An amazing book.Highly recommended for anyone who's either a fan of Brian Eno and his music, or a fan of sound art.

This is a must for all Eno fans and anyone interested in the world of video art. Having written my degree thesis (many moons ago) on Eno's Video Art this book not only added to my knowledge of Brian's work in this field but went far deeper and further in placing Brian and his video art into context.A plethora of archive images from Eno's famed notebooks as well as images of every video piece he has made up to the recent 77 Million makes this a joy to read and look at.The author took 7 years to complete the large and heavy book and is to be commended for his thoroughness and tenacity.I cannot recommend this any more highly.Love the top hat Brian!

From his early days of art school to his light installations of the 21st century, Brian Eno's work is covered in whole, if not thoroughly. Hundreds of photos showing his sketches and plans for his pieces to his final works in galleries. I just wished they got into a bit more details of specific musical projects. All in all, a treat to Eno fans.Also comes with an exclusive musical download for an ambient piece from 1984; almost 20 minutes in length.

I just want you to know that I like the ideas in this book and it is inspirational and makes you think

Un libro molto bello. Come la sua musica migliore va osservata nel tempo. Un libro da tenere nella propria biblioteca etica.