Imagine flipping through the personal diary of one of music's most innovative producers—Brian Eno didn't hold back in 1994 when he started jotting down his thoughts. What began as casual notes exploded into profound reflections on his work with David Bowie on Outside, U2's groundbreaking albums, and experiments with James and Jah Wobble. This isn't just a log; it's a window into how a pioneer of ambient and generative music thinks, creates, and navigates the world.
Back in the '90s, Eno planned cinema trips and gallery visits, but life pulled him into deeper waters—music collaborations and big ideas. His entries mix everyday frustrations with sharp essays from 1978 onward, tackling everything from the artist's purpose to global events. You'll find letters, sketches of ideas, and honest takes on the music industry that still resonate today. It's raw, unpolished, and utterly human.
This hardcover matches the original diary's size, with thoughtful touches: two ribbons for marking spots, pink paper for the 'swollen appendices' (those bonus essays), and a two-tone paper-over-board cover nodding to the first design. A new introduction by Eno himself adds fresh context, making it feel current even 25 years later. At around 400 pages, it's substantial but inviting, with the Guardian calling it 'one of the seminal books about music.'
Musicians sketching late-night ideas will nod along to Eno's workflow revelations. Producers pondering ambient soundscapes get practical philosophy. Even non-musicians discover how one mind shapes culture. Curl up with it on a rainy afternoon, or gift it to that friend obsessed with Bowie or experimental tunes—it's the kind of book that sparks conversations and new projects. Dive in, and you'll see why it's an essential for anyone curious about creativity's inner workings.
Grab A Year with Swollen Appendices and let Eno's words fuel your own inspirations.
