Born in Suffolk, Eno studied painting and experimental music at the art school of Ipswich Civic College in the mid 1960s, and then at Winchester School of Art. He joined glam rock group Roxy Music as synthesiser player in 1971. After recording two albums with Roxy Music, he departed in 1973 to record a number of solo albums, coining the term "ambient music" to describe his work on releases such as Another Green World (1975), Discreet Music (1975), and Music for Airports (1978). He also collaborated with artists such as Robert Fripp, Cluster, Harold Budd, David Bowie on his "Berlin Trilogy", and David Byrne, and produced albums by artists including John Cale, Jon Hassell, Laraaji, Talking Heads and Devo, and the no wave compilation No New York (1978).
Eno has continued to record solo albums and work with artists including U2, Laurie Anderson, Grace Jones, Slowdive, Coldplay, James Blake, and Damon Albarn. Dating back to his time as a student, he has also worked in media including sound installations and his mid-70s co-development of Oblique Strategies, a deck of cards featuring cryptic aphorisms intended to spur creative thinking. From the 1970s onwards, Eno's installations have included the sails of the Sydney Opera House in 2009 and the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank in 2016. An advocate of a range of humanitarian causes, Eno writes on a variety of subjects and is a founding member of the Long Now Foundation. In 2019, Eno was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music.
Eno is frequently referred to as one of popular music's most influential artists. Producer and film composer Jon Brion has said: "I think he's the most influential artist since the Beatles." Critic Jason Ankeny at AllMusic argues that Eno "forever altered the ways in which music is approached, composed, performed, and perceived, and everything from punk to techno to new age bears his unmistakable influence." Eno has spread his techniques and theories primarily through his production; his distinctive style informed a number of projects in which he has been involved, including Bowie's "Berlin Trilogy" (helping to popularize minimalism) and the albums he produced for Talking Heads (incorporating, on Eno's advice, African music and polyrhythms), Devo, and other groups. Eno's first collaboration with David Byrne, 1981's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, pioneered sampling techniques that would prove to be influential in hip-hop, and broke ground by incorporating world music into popular Western music forms. Eno and Peter Schmidt's Oblique Strategies have been used by many bands, and Eno's production style has proven influential in several general respects: "his recording techniques have helped change the way that modern musicians;– particularly electronic musicians;– view the studio. No longer is it just a passive medium through which they communicate their ideas but itself a new instrument with seemingly endless possibilities."
Whilst inspired by the ideas of minimalist composers including John Cage, Terry Riley and Erik Satie, Eno coined the term ambient music to describe his own work and defined the term. The Ambient Music Guide states that he has brought from "relative obscurity into the popular consciousness" fundamental ideas about ambient music, including "the idea of modern music as subtle atmosphere, as chill-out, as impressionistic, as something that creates space for quiet reflection or relaxation." His groundbreaking work in electronic music has been said to have brought widespread attention to and innovations in the role of electronic technology in recording. Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright said he "often eulogised" Eno's abilities.
Eno's "unconventional studio predilections", in common with those of Peter Gabriel, were an influence on the recording of "In the Air Tonight", the single which launched the solo career of Eno's former drummer Phil Collins. Collins said he "learned a lot" from working with Eno. Both Half Man Half Biscuit (in the song "Eno Collaboration" on the EP of the same name) and MGMT have written songs about Eno. LCD Soundsystem has frequently cited Eno as a key influence. The Icelandic singer Björk also credited Eno as a major influence.
Mora sti Fotia (Babies on Fire), one of the most influential Greek rock bands, was named after Eno's song "Baby's on Fire".
In 2011, Belgian academics from the Royal Museum for Central Africa named a species of Afrotropical spider Pseudocorinna brianeno in his honour.
dow
Brian Eno Lyrics
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Frequencies steal adrenaline
Shifting like a lizard spine
And a didgeridoo as number stack and break
And diamonds shard in two in two
Ballistic timps and driving night
Signalling diodes and natural light
Stock exchange by day Tokyo by night
Muddle think brew paddle on through
Money in the mix you pick up sticks
Pitching loud performing proud
Manna kanna mazzu as numbers stack and break
And diamond shard in two in two
Ballistic timps and driving night
Signalling diodes and natural light
Tokyo by day stock exchange by night
Stock exchange by day Tokyo by night
The lyrics of "Dow" by Brian Eno and Rick Holland paint a vivid picture of the frenetic and complex world of finance and technology. The song describes the Dow Jones, a major stock market index, as a thundering caffeine wheel, symbolizing the relentless energy and fast-paced nature of the financial world. The use of the word "thundering" suggests power and intensity, while "caffeine wheel" implies that the market is fueled by constant energy and stimulation.
The next lines, "Frequencies steal adrenaline, shifting like a lizard spine," continue to emphasize the dynamic nature of the market. Frequencies refer to the flow of information, with news and data constantly shaping the direction of the market. "Adrenaline" represents the excitement and urgency felt by traders, while "shifting like a lizard spine" implies adaptability and agility in response to market changes.
The lyrics also mention a didgeridoo, which is known for its deep, droning sound. Here, it symbolizes the steady rhythm and foundation of the financial system. The following line, "Number stack and break, and diamonds shard in two in two," suggests the volatility and instability of the market, where fortunes can rise or crash in an instant.
The second verse brings in more references to technology and the global nature of finance. "Ballistic timps and driving night" describe the intense rhythm and energy of the stock exchange, while "signalling diodes and natural light" juxtapose artificial technology with natural elements. The lines "Tokyo by day stock exchange by night, stock exchange by day Tokyo by night" underscore the interconnectedness of global economies, with financial activities spanning across different time zones.
The chorus, "Money in the mix you pick up sticks, pitching loud performing proud, manna kanna mazzu as numbers stack and break, and diamond shard in two in two," reinforces the theme of money and numbers, as well as the high-pressure performance required in the financial world. The words "manna," "kanna," and "mazzu" are likely nonsensical words meant to evoke the rhythm and soundscape of the market.
Overall, "Dow" explores the chaotic and ever-changing nature of the stock market, highlighting the excitement, pressure, and interconnectedness that define the world of finance.
Line by Line Meaning
Thundering Dow Jones caffeine wheel
The explosive and powerful influence of the Dow Jones stock market combines with the energy and rush of caffeine.
Frequencies steal adrenaline
Vibrations and rhythms effectively capture and captivate our adrenaline, provoking excitement and intensity.
Shifting like a lizard spine
Constantly adapting and evolving, just like the flexible and agile nature of a lizard's spine.
And a didgeridoo as number stack and break
The deep and resonating sound of the didgeridoo mirrors the rise and fall of numbers in the stock market.
And diamonds shard in two in two
Precious diamonds fracture and split apart, symbolizing the breaking and fragmentation of wealth and fortunes.
Ballistic timps and driving night
Highly energetic and explosive beats mix with the intensity of the night, creating a powerful musical experience.
Signalling diodes and natural light
Electric signals and natural illumination come together, representing the combination of technological advancements and natural beauty.
Tokyo by day stock exchange by night
Tokyo is a bustling metropolis during the day, transformed into a hub of financial activity and stock exchange at night.
Muddle think brew paddle on through
Despite the chaotic and confusing nature of thoughts and ideas, we push forward, stirring and navigating through the mixture with determination.
Money in the mix you pick up sticks
Money becomes part of the equation, leading us to carefully analyze and handle the situation to avoid negative consequences.
Pitching loud performing proud
With a bold and confident approach, we raise our voices and present ourselves proudly, showcasing our abilities and talents.
Manna kanna mazzu as numbers stack and break
Different mysterious elements combine, representing the ups and downs of numbers stacking and collapsing in the financial world.
And diamond shard in two in two
Once again, diamonds fragment into pieces, emphasizing the recurring theme of wealth being shattered and divided.
Ballistic timps and driving night
The intense and rhythmic beats persist, enhanced by the relentless spirit of the night.
Signalling diodes and natural light
The same imagery of electronic signals merging with natural light depicts the combination of technology and the beauty of the natural world.
Tokyo by day stock exchange by night
Reiterating the juxtaposition of Tokyo's daily vibrant life with its transformation into a stock exchange center during the nighttime.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind