Overdue Reviews, Part 1

My Life In the Bush of Ghosts
by Brian Eno and David Byrne
Barnes & Noble link

*A long time ago, I posted this brief review (go to the near bottom) on the album. While, in a few words, it did sum up my initial feelings on the album, it wasn't enough to call it an actual review.*

Brian Eno and David Byrne had been working on the album, at least a few years, before its release in 1981. When it was unleashed onto the world, electronica music would have its solid foundation. Nothing like it was being done at the time. Eno and Byrne borrowed various samples, mostly from radio shows and old records, and created music around them. No other lyrics than what was said or sung on the tracks. The result was a feast for the ears.



Breaking it all down, track by track, would take too long. Each song merit at least a five-line paragraph on what goes on during the piece. The bonus tracks, while wonderful in their own ways, will not get as much lengthy discussion. The bonus tracks are good though, but do what I like to do when I get the deluxe version: listen to the original track listing. This gives you a good idea on what the artist(s) originally had in mind.

"America Is Waiting" is just wonderful. How interesting that only a few clips of a radio DJ could create suspense! What is America waiting for? What message? Is it meant to be taken literally? This could easily be in a film about protest, the drums marching to the steps of the people united for a common cause.

"Very, Very Hungry" is a standout due to the vocals. The feathery voice of the mystery female skips many times, creating an interesting faux echo. The music and various sounds also skips, but it adds to the uneasiness of the song's mood. The guitar notes add an extra chill.

The personal favorite is the haunting "Mountain of Needles". While it does sound like needles being dropped (hence the name), there's the addition of guitar notes that sound like screams caught in a gust. It would fit perfectly in a sophisticated suspense/horror film. Each pin-drop undulates into shivers up the listener's spine. It wraps up the album beautifully.

The album wasn't a mainstream hit, but it was the more artistically recognized of the other Talking Heads solo projects. Byrne continued to impress with his soundtrack to the dance show The Catherine Wheel, but Ghosts would be his early victory.

Even with all the sophisticated words and analysis, the album stills warrants a LOLbunny. Internet meme aside, Ghosts is an album not to be passed up. The remastered version is available with the aforementioned bonus tracks (no "Qu'ran", original LP only. Details here.). Groundbreaking and hauntingly beautiful, My Life in the Bush of Ghosts did so much in a time that didn't call for it.