TAKING TIGER MOUNTAIN (BY STRATEGY)

Brian Eno´s second solo efford is not as interesting and varied as his first, Here Comes The Warm Jets. It seemed he was still struggling to find his own sound. And Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) is maybe his popiest atempt ever, even if his eletronic processings are all there too. The album´s opener, Burning Airlines Give You So Much is pleasing enough and it also includes one of his most famous (and better) songs in the form of the great Third Uncle (Bill MacCormick´s bass lines are unforgetable!). I didn´t find the remaining tracks all that inspired, but they were also interesting and all had Eno´s trademark treatment which is quite unique and, at the time, very innovative.

The production is of course something very well done, and the musicians involved are all top notch. Taking Tiger Mountain can be seen as a transitional work and has its merits. It is not an easy listening album, but after a few spins it grows on you and each time you hear it you´ll find more nuances and details. Like a more avant guard version of his former band Roxy Music. It may not always work, but that´s something most early RM fans would like to hear, I guess. In other words, savory, but for special tastes. 3 stars.