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10 favorite albums of 2010 - #7: Small Craft on a Milk Sea by Brian Eno

What's that? You haven't yet discovered the music of Brian Eno? I hate to break it to you, pal, but you're about 40 years late. Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (actual name) has been making great music since the 70s, and his latest album is just beautiful. 


Small Craft on a Milk Sea is an album you feel. "What does it make you feel, Deric?" I hear your question, but I've not any good response. The opening track, "Emerald and Lime," for example, makes me feel a strange mix of nostalgia and adventure, as if I'm catching the faintest trace of a scent from my childhood.


"Complex Heaven," makes me feel both sad and stealthy.


Realize that this album is open to myriad emotional interpretations. For me, a strange intense excitement underlies almost every track. Every listener might agree that, whatever this album makes you feel, it's sure to be complex.


Don't let the brevity of the first four tracks fool you. They play out as a series of distinct, interesting ideas. Close your eyes and let this music really affect you. 


All in all, this album has direction. Listen to it and feel yourself being taken on a journey. Where is this journey taking you? Is it a place you want to be going? Are you prepared? What would you do if you found yourself aboard a small craft on a milk sea?

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