A Brief History

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Customer reviews

review by: K date: 2009-01-08 rating:
A real find
I heard about the Penguin Cafe Orchestra years ago but heard their music for the first time only recently when "Telephone and rubber band" came on Radio 3 as a filler, and I realise now what I've been missing all those years. This is a genuine pick-me-up if you're feeling a bit low or suffering from overload of any other kind of music: it's unique in itself but full of amusing references to almost any variety of music you can think of, from African through folk, English Renaissance, jazz and shades of Mike Oldfield/Brian Eno to something a bit more serious in "Surface tension". Some numbers are unstoppable foot-tappers but there's always an enjoyable hint of danger lurking underneath. Even the photograph of the orchestra, some of whose faces show that they can't quite work out why they're there, is a classic.

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review by: wolfdieterwales date: 2008-12-12 rating:
Supplement to History Box Set
Yes - it's true: it's a real joy to listen to. And it's not taken out of the Box Set. True - you will find the same titles in the Box Set, but all of them are in different versions. Here is what the Box Set says: "This 4 CD box set is supplemented by the single CD "A Brief History" with other versions and pieces not included on "A History"."
So, there you have it: 77 minutes of relaxing music by the one & only Penguin Café Orchestra for less than 5 Pounds. Treat yourself with this beautiful & nicely sequenced collection.

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review by: johngutman date: 2005-05-22 rating:
up lifting stuff.
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.

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review by: date: 2004-11-09 rating:
5 stars for the contents, 3 stars for the SACD
The Penguin Cafe Orchestra is one of these groups that always will have a smaller public. No on-stage pyrotechnics,no displays of instrumental virtuosity; just good, melodic compositions that sound fine in the background but equally deserve a closer listen.
There a great diversity; from African rythms to cod-classical sounds, from Marley to Brahms.
The SACD however adds little to other compilations. It isn't a multichannel or 5.1-remix, the the improvement in sounds is probably only audible when you're having a very expensive sound-system.


review by: forestsmiths date: 2004-06-24 rating:
A joy to listen to
'A Brief History' has 19 tracks from the 4-CD set 'History', so it's a 'best of the best of...' album. The first track, Bean Fields, is guaranteed to have you tapping your foot or even dancing around the room or car.

You could say the odd track or two is a bit repetitive - for example, Telephone and Rubber Band lasts almost three minutes - but there's always quiet music going on behind the scenes that you have to listen out for to appreciate the full tune. Any like this that you don't like are easily made up for by the others. Others are very tuneful, foot-stomping creations to delight the soul, body and mind. (I'm getting carried away now. Well, at least I should be.)

A delightful album I feel privileged to have in my collection. You'll be so glad you took the plunge.

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