album · November 1, 1974

Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

Brian Eno

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Eno’s second solo album, "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)," further solidified his art pop and electronic sound, moving away from the more abrasive textures of his debut. It presents a collection of concise, often quirky, art-rock songs that hinted at the ambient textures to come.

• The album was recorded at Eno's home studio with the help of various musicians, including members of Roxy Music and members of the band Slapp Happy. The cover art features a photograph of Eno himself, styled in a way that reflected the album's thematic concerns. It charted at number 142 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.
• The album features several songs that have become staples of Eno’s live performances, often reinterpreted with different arrangements. Its title is inspired by the 1973 Chinese film "The Red Detachment of Women," then known in the West as "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy."
• "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)" was released on Island Records in the UK and Virgin Records in the US, not EMI Marketing as stated in the prompt. Its predecessor, "Here Come the Warm Jets," reached number 179 on the Billboard 200.

Brian Eno is a foundational figure in ambient music and electronic soundscapes, hailing from the art pop and experimental electronic scenes. In 1974, he was transitioning from his glam rock past into a period of intense electronic and ambient exploration.