On Some Faraway Beach: The Life and Times of Brian Eno

On Some Faraway Beach is a comprehensive and authoritative biography of Brian Eno, featuring interviews with collaborators and updated to cover his life and creative output since its initial publication in 2008. It has received positive reviews for its engaging writing and comprehensive coverage of Eno's career.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Brian Eno, the legendary musician and producer, has been the subject of numerous biographies, but none have been as comprehensive and authoritative as On Some Faraway Beach. This book, originally published in 2008 and now reissued as part of White Rabbit's Deep Cuts series, features interviews with many of Eno's key collaborators, including Bryan Ferry, David Byrne, and Robert Wyatt. The book has been fully revised and updated to cover Eno's life and creative output since its initial publication, with brand new material and a new introduction by Alan Warner.

The book has received widespread acclaim for its ability to celebrate Eno's great achievements with Roxy, Bowie, Talking Heads, and his own solo work in compelling detail. Uncut magazine praised the book for its "honourable, authorised attempt to do justice to a mind-bogglingly restless and prolific subject." The Sunday Times described it as an "honourable, authorised attempt to do justice to a mind-bogglingly restless and prolific subject."

On Some Faraway Beach provides a comprehensive overview of Eno's life, from his early days in England to his rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. It explores his musical influences, his creative process, and his collaborations with other artists. The book also delves into Eno's political activism and his work as a producer, including his work on U2's "One" and Coldplay's "A Head Full of Dreams."

One of the key strengths of On Some Faraway Beach is its ability to capture Eno's unique voice and perspective. Eno is known for his innovative and experimental approach to music, and the book does a great job of conveying his ideas and beliefs. Eno's interviews are insightful and revealing, and they provide a fascinating insight into his creative process.

The book also includes a wealth of photographs and artwork, which help to bring Eno's music and life to life. The photographs are taken from various stages of Eno's career, and they provide a visual representation of his style and personality. The artwork includes album covers, posters, and other promotional materials, and it helps to showcase Eno's artistic vision.

One of the most interesting aspects of On Some Faraway Beach is Eno's relationship with technology. Eno has been a pioneer in the use of technology in music, and the book explores his early experiments with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. It also discusses his work with digital music and his role in the development of the internet.

However, On Some Faraway Beach is not without its flaws. Some of the interviews can be repetitive, and the book can be a bit long at times. Additionally, some of the information presented may be outdated, particularly in the area of technology.

Despite these flaws, On Some Faraway Beach is a must-read for anyone who is interested in music or the creative process. Eno's unique voice and perspective make the book a fascinating read, and his interviews provide a wealth of insight into his creative process. The book also includes a wealth of photographs and artwork, which help to bring Eno's music and life to life.

In conclusion, On Some Faraway Beach is a comprehensive and authoritative biography of Brian Eno. It features interviews with many of Eno's key collaborators, and it provides a comprehensive overview of his life, music, and creative process. While the book has its flaws, it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in music or the creative process.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399605717