Because apparently, retirement is just a myth in the music industry, and another legendary label is back from the dead. Opal Records, the brainchild of Brian Eno, has risen from the ashes after a mere three decades of slumber. And, of course, this means a plethora of reissues, deluxe editions, and possibly even a few more farewell tours (as if we haven’t had enough of those already). The label that was once a haven for outsiders and experimental music is back to shake things up once more. Or, you know, to cash in on nostalgia – we’re not judging.
The Return of Opal Records
Opal Records is kicking off its grand reopening with the reissue of two beloved Brian Eno albums: “Another Day On Earth” (2005) and his collaboration with J. Peter Schwalm, “Drawn From Life” (2001). These albums have been unavailable outside of Japan for nearly 20 years, because, you know, music fans outside of Japan don’t deserve good things. To celebrate this momentous occasion, two previously unreleased live performance videos have been unearthed, featuring tracks from each album. Because what’s a music comeback without a little bit of nostalgia and some dusty old footage?
The label’s history is a fascinating one, with a roster of artists that read like a who’s who of experimental music. From Harold Budd to John Cale, Opal Records was the place where outsiders came to push the boundaries of sound. And now, it’s back to do it all again, with new releases planned to celebrate the label’s past and forge its future. We can’t wait to see what other treasures they have in store for us – or how many deluxe editions we’ll have to shell out for.
Another Day On Earth
This album, released in 2005, was Brian Eno’s first song-based album in over a decade and featured a young Jon Hopkins, among others. It’s a critically acclaimed record that has been unavailable outside of Japan since 2008. But don’t worry, the fans have kept it alive, with tracks like “And Then So Clear” racking up millions of streams on YouTube. The 2026 reissue will include the previously Japan-only bonus track “The Demon of the Mines,” because who doesn’t love a good bonus track?
Drawn From Life
Originally released on Virgin Records in 2001, “Drawn From Life” was a collaboration between Brian Eno and J. Peter Schwalm. It featured a veritable who’s who of experimental music, including Holger Czukay and Laurie Anderson. The album has been out of circulation since the rights reverted to Opal, but now it’s back, with a bonus track to boot. Because, you know, one can never have too many bonus tracks.
The Future of Opal Records
So, what’s next for Opal Records? Will they continue to mine their back catalog for reissues and deluxe editions, or will they actually release some new music? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – we’ll be keeping a close eye on them. After all, as we all know, nobody truly retires in the music industry; they merely wait for the 40th anniversary edition. And with Opal Records back in the game, we can’t wait to see what other treasures they have in store for us. Somewhere, a record label executive is rubbing their hands in glee, thinking about all the ways they can repackage and resell us music we already own. Ah, the remaster economy remains undefeated.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
