CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

.

Music from the Penguin Cafe

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date June 15, 1987
The PCO's debut album is a fascinating record of mostly instrumental music that combines elements of classical, folk, jazz, and minimalism. Many of the tunes, like the opening "Penguin Café Single", sound familiar like you've heard them before (and often you have in a film or commercial) but they are littered with unexpected twists and turns that lend an edge to the music.

Whereas some instrumental music spawns somewhat random titles the marvellously titled "The Sound of Someone You Love Who's Going Away and It Doesn't Matter" describes the album's brooding 12-minute masterpiece perfectly. A heartrending melody is lightly plucked on guitar before being gradually joined by strings and jazz lounge electric piano. Following a ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

.

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date July 06, 1987
I have loved this album since it was released. It is sounds strange the first time it is heard. If you like it will become part of your life and part of your soul.

I saw the Penguin Cafe Orchestra play at Islington Union Chapel in 2007 when they played three concerts. It was one of the most astounding concerts I have seen. The atmosphere was electric with excitement that was shared by both the audience and the players alike.

The music was, apparently, created by Penguin Cafe's founding member so that he and his friends could meet and share a common interest. Not many works are created for nine musicians from very different disciplines; two violins, a cello, a saxophone, an oboe, pianist and trash percussion. The musicians ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

.

A Brief History

from: Virgin Records

Release Date November 12, 2001
what a fantasic album. i first heard of the penguin cafe orchestra on irelands classic radio whilst on holiday there. on my return home i bought a copy of "a brief history" and my ears have been truly treated. if you have heard anything by the pco but dont own any of their stuff, but like this sort of music then take the plunge you wont regret it and just like me treat your ears.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

.

Broadcasting from Home

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date January 05, 1987
This is the place to start with the music of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. It's hard to describe where the music is about; its minimal music with built-in humour and melodies. The feel is acoustic with a few electric guitars and basses thrown-in. There are sounds that nudge towards chamber-music, but there's reggae too. Highlights are the classic Music for a found Harmonium, the dreamy Music for Helicopter Pilots and the sunny In the Back of a Taxi.

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

.

Signs of Life

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date March 23, 1987
This album is a godsend. The three greatest pieces of music ever written are on here - Dirt, Rosasolis and Perpetuum Mobile. I still struggle to believe how great they are. It's hard to describe the style of music - modern orchestral maybe, though it's not avant garde. Penguin Café's music is amazingly relaxing, and always de-stresses me instantly. People always go on about certain artists deaths being a waste of talent - none more so than Simon Jeffes. I am just thankful he managed to do so much great work before he passed away. God rest his soul.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

.

When in Rome...

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date July 14, 2008
The music of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra is the most elctric music I have heard in a long time. It takes classical Music to a new edge that will make the hairs on the back of your neck literally stand on end.

The repertoire is a wonderful mixture of spine tingling and calming, serene and bombastic. There is something in here for everyone. There are many pieces that are quirky and funny and ones that will have you applauding out loud with the audience from the concert! I have done so myself on many a piece! Buy this CD, lock yourself in a quiet place and down a bottle of wine and you will be "chilled" to horizontal proportions!

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

.

Union Cafe

by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date
This was the last studio album from Simon Jeffes and his amazing friends before he died. In my view, this is the best album by the PCO -- the influences range from classical to folk, and the tunes range from foot stamping folky style tunes through to slow, atmospheric songs with a bit of a blues and jazz thrown in for good measure. Some of it is incredibly beautiful. This is one of those CDs that makes me go back to track 1 when I've finished for another listen.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

.

That's Proper Folk

by: Various Artists

Release Date April 07, 2008
Who cares whether it's proper folk; it's proper good and at an indecently low price

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

.

History

from: Eg

Release Date November 26, 2001
I bought the box set aswell as the the single c.d 'a brief history' and to be honest I think that anyone unfamiliar would be better off buying 'Brief History' first because it has all the famous tracks on.

If you know their music then it would be a good idea to buy the single c.d 'Brief History' aswell as the 'History' box set.

The remastering is top notch.

My only criticism is that it's a little heavy on the live tracks.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

.

Seventh Tree

by: Goldfrapp

Release Date February 25, 2008
For all those who loved Felt Mountain and were horrified at Goldfrapp's complete departure from it with 'Black Cherry' (well, I was horrified, anyway!), you're sure to enjoy this album.

I guess it's unreasonable to expect any band to keep churning out the same material - except for Status Quo who got away with it for years, how I do not know. So I would describe 'Seventh Tree' as a beautiful return to Goldfrapp's original album, but with a slight difference. It is not as dark as Felt Mountain can be in places, but every bit as deep. I would also say it's the most gentle work Goldfrapp has produced.

In short, if you loved Felt Mountain (and loathed Black Cherry) you will love this album.