Customer Reviews
up lifting stuff. - By: , 22 May 2005 
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" & 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 & just like me treat your ears.
5 stars for the contents, 3 stars for the SACD - By: Yovra, 09 Nov 2004 
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 finein 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 improvementin sounds is probably only audible when you're having a very expensive sound-system.
A joy to listen to - By: , 24 Jun 2004 '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 & 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 & mind. (I'm getting carried away now. Well, at least I should be.)
A delightful album I feel privileged to havein my collection. You'll be so glad you took the plunge.
very good! - By: , 12 Oct 2003 I heard this band first at a party a few weeks ago - very different from anything i've heard before. I was quite surprised to hear a few well known tracks (from TV adverts) - but even the ones i hadn't heard before were extremely interesting. This is a great band & this sort of greatest hits collection is just a really good listen.
