The LP that got me into ambient to begin with. Music for Airports is as much a sound installation as a piece of musical performance. In fact, Eno conceived of the album as being looped inside of actual airport terminals. Its inspiration supposedly came from the Köln Airport, which he had flown in and out of numerous times throughout the ’70s. He didn’t like its atmosphere, and came up with something soothing to counteract the tension and anxiety of international travel. Later it became an installation at LaGuardia Airport in New York, and has been performed by chamber ensembles in airports (including San Diego’s Lindbergh Field), though the music doesn’t need to be heard in that specific context to be appreciated or enjoyed. ✈️
