I’ve always listened to music while working. I wouldn’t call it “background music”—that seems insulting to the many excellent composers on my writing playlist, now nearly 29 hours of classical and ambient mixed. But it’s music that’s a tool for sinking into thought, not for active listening, at least not consciously so. It’s a mysterious alchemy, working music—if you notice it, it’s not working; but you notice its absence if it’s not there. The great Brian Eno has facilitated deep thinking for many years now. He co-composed this stunning song for a documentary on the Apollo space missions.

Working playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56cYa5h2nm2DV45N5zuBXT?si=xMBrvwYOQi6Ad_5YRz9Qgw&pi=pVVgXBaaQ8iiV

“An Ending (Ascent),” written and performed by Brian Eno, with Daniel Lanois and Roger Eno, 1983.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to 4th of July, 2025.

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