My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
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4.6
Average of 32 reviews
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Inspired by the 1954 novel “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” penned by Nigerian author Amos Tutuola, the album’s title encapsulates a metaphorical journey. The story follows an unnamed West African boy and his elder sibling, both lost in the bush, a wild expanse that could symbolize the boy’s mind, as they strive to evade slave traders. Much like the album, the book is a tapestry of interconnected tales, steeped in dreamlike and surreal qualities, with a structure that defies linear order. This non-sequential approach is what renders the collaboration between David Byrne and Brian Eno so captivating and almost essential, as the sequence of tracks doesn’t dictate the experience. In fact, it’s a delight to play the album on shuffle, an advantage that compact discs offer over vinyl or cassette, allowing the record to unfold anew each time, akin to witnessing the same sunset from varied angles. One can certainly enjoy this record without grasping its underlying concept, but once acquainted with the book, the music becomes an intricate puzzle, with each song weaving into the written word. The music embodies the boy’s oblivion to the perils lurking in the bush, a nocturnal realm of spirits and ghosts that prey on the living, where the songs serve as a guide, leading the listener through a series of nightmares and chilling encounters. Byrne and Eno delve deeply into Tutuola’s African folklore, crafting a sense of the supernatural, where reality and faith blur, offering a profound exploration of the human spirit in dire times. ***The Fun Facts: The packaging and artwork were designed by Peter Saville. The cover image was created by sticking small cut-out human shapes onto a monitor and capturing the video feedback with a camera, endlessly multiplying the shapes. Byrne remarked on the process: "In a way, despite it being quite technical, these methods also felt akin to what we were doing on the record. It was funky as well as techie. Surprisingly low-tech, truth be told, and not what you were supposed to do with a TV set." Review by Jenell Kesler
Familiar with Eno's ambient stuff and Byrne's global beats? Then you've got a clear idea of what's in store. There are some truly delightful tracks and sounds here, a lovely mix of folk instrument samples and electronic ones. The pressing is top-notch, super clean, heavy discs, great inner sleeves, and dead silent too. Highly recommended.
I'm trying to figure out if this version comes with a gatefold cover like it says, or if it doesn't. Either way, I got one without it.
Out of this world, as we'd say in The Netherlands, featuring Bill Laswell & Busta Jones on the bass, and with Robert Fripp on Frippertronics.
This album is absolutely phenomenal, often making it into all-time top 100 lists. Its innovative use of samples—like exorcisms, tribal chanting, and religious ceremonies—was revolutionary and is just one reason why many consider Eno the Godfather of modern electronic music. The track "Qu'Ran" had to be taken out of later pressings due to complaints and was swapped with "Very Very Hungry," which was originally on a 12" release of "Jezebelle Spirit.
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| Date | Lowest price | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| 27 May 2025 | £39.99 | €39.99 |
| 28 Jun 2025 | £39.49 | €39.49 |
| 31 Jul 2025 | £39.99 | €39.99 |
| 17 Aug 2025 | £39.99 | €39.99 |