I own two copies of this pressing, both have the same problem with heavy crackle in the right channel A1-A3. From A4 and forth there are no deviations in sound quality. Do anyone else experience this? Both records are visually flawless. Both cleaned a couple of times but the problem remains.

Harold Budd plays piano here, but the album is dominated Eno's production. It is very much in the spirit of his "Ambient" series. Quiet, slow soundscapes create a rich atmosphere of melancholy. I only wish some of the tracks were longer. Essential work if you're into this type of music.

Same version (2009, RM, EMI – 50999 6 84538 2 4 is available for under 20$ from Amazon and MusicnStack.

This album came out a year after my birth, and I consider myself blessed to have discovered it several years ago. It is truly a gem captured on recording. Hence, the very fitting name: The Pearl. It is every bit as enthralling, captivating, and mesmerizing as those gently glistening gems that lie hidden in the depths of a vast mysterious ocean. The Pearl is one of those pieces of music that just FEELS like you've heard it before. I think it is the emotion behind this music that some of us have FELT before. To me, the main theme sails from Despair and Solemness to Pensiveness and Hope. It is a courageous piece of work, and I think it is one of the most emotionally stimulating pieces of music that Brian Eno & Harold Budd have created. Just as a Pearl forms from immaculate layers of nacre, so does this musical Pearl form from rich layers of emotion. It deserves every one of those 5 stars.

I remember the first time i heard this album. After a night in the pub with a good mate,we went back to his and played chess. The Pearl was playing on repeat in the background and with a mixture of alchohol and The Pearl,the game went on till early morning. 7am to be precise. The whole experience seemed to have been in slow motion. So there you go,an essential album for playing 7 hour chess matches to.