artist: Penguin Cafe Orchestra country of origin: UK style(s): Folk, jazz, minimalism, ambient essential releases: Broadcasting From Home (1984, Editions EG) Signs Of Life (1988, Editions EG)

The Editions EG label is best known for releasing Brian Eno's pioneering series of ambient albums, but a look at its other releases from the 70's and 80's reveals a catalogue so diverse and idiosyncratic as to defy any real categorisation. The Penguin Cafe Orchestra is a case in point. To describe Simon Jeffes’ delightful one-of-a-kind ensemble as weird would be a bit like calling James Brown soulful. Their music is obviously strange, but how do you actually describe it to the uninitiated? Best not to try too hard, except to say it combines elements of minimalism, classical, African and South American music in a way that’s unique, charming and at times quite off the wall. Broadcasting From Home and Signs Of Life have a higher melody count than earlier works and are recommended starting points.

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