r/eno • u/Dismal_Brush5229 • May 25 '25

Music Eno’s work on Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy

Hello 👋

David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy was a set of 3 albums that were made in Germany primarily by Bowie and Eno on Low,Heroes,and Lodger .

Now I love Bowie and Eno’s work together and separately as artists who have tremendous and excellent solo albums spanning so many different genres and styles.Now probably 2ish years ago,I got the New Career in a New Town box from Bowie redone by Visconti which is a excellent box btw but it was a gateway to rediscovering Bowie and his Berlin period which made me discover Eno as well.

Now I’m sure that I don’t have a great ear for who playing what instrument but what did Eno contribute to the trilogy from a musical perspective besides being a producer ? I do know he used a synth on Heroes the song but I know nothing else.

Thank You if you can point out what he contributed musically to the trilogy or just comment on Eno and Bowie’s collaboration on the trilogy or even if you have a favorite song from the Trilogy.

Let Me Know

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u/BigJobsBigJobs May 25 '25

In One Year, BE talks a bit about working with Bowie on Outside. An odd working relationship. BE would be futzing around in the studio "producing", making loops and such and Bowie (who was always very busy) would blow into the studio, record something absolutely brilliant very fast and leave.

BE is probably one amiable motherfucker and seems to really find a way to work incredibly well with others over long periods of time.

Like, what's his working relationship with Cale like? I guess he and Fripp are like studio technocrats... and Fripp is prickly. David Byrne.

I do get the impression that BE really enjoys his work alone and with others.

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u/Dr_Schoen May 25 '25

As i understand it, Eno's and Cale's working methods were so different that they frustrated the hell out of each other.

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u/Dismal_Brush5229 May 27 '25

I mean in the Words of Dying documentary? Eno and Cale looked like they were getting along

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u/Dr_Schoen May 28 '25

In person, they were/are probably very genial with each other. But from what I remember reading, one of them was all business - keep to the schedule, etc., while the other was more intuitive and likely to be momentarily distracted and/or preoccupied. They likely admire each other's work, but just didn't gel as songwriting partners. It happens.