Band of the Day (11.04.09): BRIAN ENO

Who?

Even if you don't know his name, it's a guarantee that you've heard some of Brian Eno's handiwork. Primarily known as a producer and trendsetting ambient musician, Eno has collaborated with everyone from U2 to the Talking Heads to... Microsoft? Yes, that little noise from Windows 95 was all him. Even at age 61, Eno continues to push boundaries and aid artists like Coldplay and Paul Simon who are looking to add an experimental edge to their often dry tunes.

And I Care Because?

- The man is a bona fide visionary. Aside from being the godfather of the ambient movement, Eno's production work has resulted in a batch of albums that are by and large considered game-changers, including David Bowie's "Berlin Trilogy" and a 1981 collaboration with Byrne that helped pioneer sampling music.

- He's still ahead of the curve. When he's not producing albums or inventing new genres, Eno is embracing new technology, including one of the coolest iPhone apps to date and championing the Buddha Machine.

- It's time to revisit those reissues. The last few weeks have seen two groundbreaking Eno-related reissues, and it gives listeners yet another chance to notice how ahead-of-the-curve Eno was in the '70s and '80s. While you've no doubt heard U2's classic Unforgettable Fire, you might want to check out the just-reissued Tracks and Traces, a collaboration with influential krautrockers Harmonia.

Stream Tracks and Traces below, take a look at his vast discography, and learn about the making of Unforgettable Fire.