TAKING TIGER MOUNTAIN (BY STRATEGY)

"Taking Tiger Mountain (By Stragedy)" is the 2nd full-length studio album by UK experimental rock artist Brian Eno. The album was released through Island Records in November 1974. After Brian Eno left Roxy Music he opted to start a solo career which spawned his debut full-length studio album "Here Come The Warm Jets (1973)". That album featured quite a few guest musicians, which is something Brian Eno has limited on "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Stragedy)". however the album still features guest appearances by prolific musicians like Phil Manzanera, Phil Collins and Robert Wyatt.

The music on the album is predominantly vers/chorus structured rock with the occasional more artsy edge. The tracks are centered around Brian Eno´s generally melodic and memorable vocal lines. Even though Brian Eno is a keyboard player you shouldn´t expect too much keyboard noodling here. The compositions are in focus not complex playing. With that said there are lots of innovative keyboard playing on the album, it just functions as backing to the vocals. Brian Eno´s voice reminds me a bit of David Bowie paired with Bryan Ferry. That´s also the two artists the music generally reminds me the most about. But there´s a distinct Beatles influence in some of the tracks too. Brian Eno´s love for doo woob and r´n´b also shines through more than one place on "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Stragedy)". This is easily asseccible music but the way the tracks are arranged provides the album with a level of sophistication you rarely hear on mainstream recordings.

The sound production is professional and very well sounding. A very modern and fresh sounding production considering the album was released in 1974. Upon conclusion "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Stragedy)" is a good quality second album by Brian Eno. It´s not quite as surprising as his excellent debut but definitely a nice listening experience. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is well deserved.