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Penguin Cafe Orchestra — Steady State
Album: Preludes Airs & Yodels
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1127









Released: 1996
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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(Instrumental)
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Penguins Promote Plastic Waste Reduction at Seafood Restaurant [Video ...
Posted 9 months ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
Love it
Posted 9 months ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
quiescence!
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
Always nice to have a snack every so often at The Penguin Cafe.
Posted 1 year ago by TurtleMan    [ Reply ]
Avant-pop, interesting name for the  genre.  I am waiting for some quantum mechanics-rock.   
Posted 2 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 gazinroze wrote:

Heard this on RP while doing static exercise on my jaw following recent surgery. Perfect accompaniment.


OK, that is a first in music that fits the task at hand. 
Posted 2 years ago by BBoyes    [ Reply ]
NICE!! I never heard of them before. Thank You RP!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
This is the 1st P C O track I've heard on RP - Thank You Bill, they were wonderful! 
Could you bring yourself to play more of it? - You may already and I've just missed it of course.
Posted 2 years ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
There's a Penguin Café in Naharía, Israel, pretty town on the coast. Café's been there seems like forever. Cool music.
Posted 2 years ago by Dr_Ross    [ Reply ]
IN THE MONTHS OF LISTINING I DON'T SEE HOW ANY ONE CAN GIVE THE MUSIC THE EXCELLENT MUSIC PLAYED ON THIS STATION GIVE  NOTHING BUT 7 OR  UP ON WHAT IS PLAYED.
Posted 2 years ago by 1020850003    [ Reply ]
we need more bands like this
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
PCO ... we salute you beautiful people - whom ever you are ... you’re my favourite kind of Kind people! I I hear, I feel, I’m you ....
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:
Never heard this but I really like it! 
 

me too.. 
Posted 4 years ago by stanohlohovec5    [ Reply ]
California Guitar Trio has regularly performed a coupler of Penguin Cafe Orchestra songs which is how I discovered.
Posted 4 years ago by NelsonBlack    [ Reply ]
Discovered PCO back in the 80s; several quirky tracks and albums
Some of you may recognise this one
Telephone and Rubber Band
Posted 4 years ago by LoudshirtsBand    [ Reply ]
The playlist/music is so great, I can' find a moment to escape!
Posted 5 years ago by sonicsurfer    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys on NPR Tiny Desk.
So many people- so much great music.
Posted 6 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
Fire On Low.
Posted 7 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Bringing back old memories from the 80th's {#Heartkiss}
Posted 7 years ago by pilapus6    [ Reply ]
Never heard this but I really like it! 
Posted 8 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Just bumped this 2 points to a NINE.  Sounds even better as I get older :)
 
Posted 8 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
It sounds like some instrumental version of a Coldplay song : beurk ! 
{#Skull} 
Posted 9 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
wedgetable wrote:
This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :(
 

miahfost wrote:


I agree. And the guy in the photo needs some penguin-head wearing lessons. Specifically he/it needs to work on tetature to keep the head steady. This is where penguin-head wearing gets that bad rap of looking like a dying penguin.
  

 
{#Clap} Mad props for that comment miahfost, we think alike.
Posted 10 years ago by racerx    [ Reply ]
Sounds so nice on this high quality feed !
 
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
wedgetable wrote:
This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :(
 

miahfost wrote:
I agree. And the guy in the photo needs some penguin-head wearing lessons. Specifically he/it needs to work on tetature to keep the head steady. This is where penguin-head wearing gets that bad rap of looking like a dying penguin.
 

Really, the things you learn on RP E-ver-y DAY! 

Stingray wrote:
More terrible is only the cover! TERRIBLE!
Penguins of the world unit against this!

  

Stingray, why can't you be more like miahfrost and invent words like "tetature"? 

By the way...have you met Charles? Relation, perhaps?

Picture of Charles Barkley saying "That's Just Turrible. Turrible Turrible Turrible."

 
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
wedgetable wrote:
This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :(


Miahfost:said: I agree. And the guy in the photo needs some penguin-head wearing lessons. Specifically he/it needs to work on tetature to keep the head steady. This is where penguin-head wearing gets that bad rap of looking like a dying penguin. 



     Miahfost  oh you devil you nailed it


  
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Oh Thank You!

Would love to hear Telephone & Rubber Band sometime.
Posted 11 years ago by number7    [ Reply ]
And now in August the room is even warmer...
 
msymmes wrote:
Works for me.   Sounds awesome in a warm sounding room with the volume up.   

 


Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 shutter wrote:
This is one f the most under-the-radar groups ever to have played.  Just perfect.  Always a joy to hear PCO.
 
Your post made me wonder whatever became of them. Didn't know that Simon Jeffes passed away in '97. His son dropped "Orchestra" from the name and kept the torch burning. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Works for me.   Sounds awesome in a warm sounding room with the volume up.   
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
There's not much in the world quite like the PCO. which is slightly sad.
Posted 12 years ago by wyleu    [ Reply ]
Preludes Airs & Yodels is a "best of" compilation of sorts. If you like this, explore their substantial catalog..wonders abound.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Ever since I heard 'Bean Feast' on 'Desert Island Discs' chosen by the actor Jonathan Price some years ago I have loved Simon Jeffe's 'Penguin Cafe Ochestra' and saw them once before Simon's early death. I know of no other radio station that would play their music and this is why I support RP, thanks to Naim's iRadio selection.
Posted 12 years ago by Horsechestnut    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
More terrible is only the cover! TERRIBLE!
Penguins of the world unit against this!
 

Is there any music that you actually like or do you just listen to RP to vent your anger management problem?
Posted 12 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
Heard this on RP while doing static exercise on my jaw following recent surgery. Perfect accompaniment.

It's one of those tracks that goes unnoticed on the first few listens and seeps into your conciousness. Then: bing! You notice it. Well, that's how it was for me.

I didn't know the PCO until now but, listening to the track samples on Amazon, I realise several are familiar (from ads on TV or film soundtracks). I like the minimalist style. Reminds me of some of John Adam's work.

Anyway. This album is clearly a classic collection and I've just ordered it via the RP affiliates link to Amazon UK. Thanks for playing the track :)
Posted 13 years ago by gazinroze    [ Reply ]
More terrible is only the cover! TERRIBLE!
Penguins of the world unit against this!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Awesome, I haven't heard this in years!  Love me some Penguin Cafe Orchestra!
Posted 13 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]
I think this is a very nice song, but I agree with comments regarding the oboe part.  It's such a simple part that it ought to be much farther down in the mix, and ought to be played on pitch. I could forgive some of the style problems if it were a more moving part.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
very cool
Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Way back in the day my college roommate (guitar) and I (violin) used to play "The sound of someone you love who's going away and it doesn't matter" at open mike nights.  Of course, nobody in the audience knew what the hell we were doing, or where it came from.

Posted 13 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
This is one f the most under-the-radar groups ever to have played.  Just perfect.  Always a joy to hear PCO.
Posted 14 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
This has heart and hope and energy. 

Posted 14 years ago by Jeff09    [ Reply ]
Blimey, I haven't heard PCO for decades!

Posted 14 years ago by Dillinquent    [ Reply ]
PCO also does a fun version of "Walk, Don't Run"
Posted 14 years ago by lostintokyo    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
I think they're from New Yor
 
a_genuine_find wrote:
Sussex England
 
Didn't you mean Susse Englan? {#Wink}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
okay but a bit boring and repetitive
Posted 15 years ago by AdyMiles    [ Reply ]
Very nice — soothing without putting me to sleep.
Posted 15 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Hey that penguin has a man body costume on!
Posted 15 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]



Source: https://asymptotia.com/wp-images/2008/04/penguin_flight.jpg


Posted 15 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]

 
 
 
{#Meditate}
Posted 16 years ago by hobiejoe    [ Reply ]
Nice composition saves the sloppy musicianship, I give it a decent rating, pleasant.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
Alafia wrote:
I love PCO.
me too... me too!
Posted 16 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
a little bleh at the moment.
Posted 16 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
I'm wondering if maybe that's not an oboe. Sounds like a shawm to me... It also kind of sounds like (if it is an oboe) it's being played that way on purpose to give a broad, folksy sound.
Posted 16 years ago by Happygirl    [ Reply ]
Wow - nice! RP turns me onto yet ANOTHER artist that I really like. The oboe player isn't great, but I like the instrument here....(Oboe is a bitch to play, trust me!) Yep, this place RAWKS.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
I love PCO.
Posted 16 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
damien wrote:
I would love to hear 'telephone & rubberbands' I've been waiting for a long time to hear PCO on RP & rubberbands would be really nice.
Posted 16 years ago by sharkey    [ Reply ]
puke
Posted 16 years ago by bdblinux    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
I think they're from New Yor
Sussex England
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
sounds goo. where are they from?
I think they're from New Yor
Posted 16 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
sounds goo. where are they from?
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
miahfost wrote:
Iwedgetable wrote: This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :( I agree. And the guy in the photo needs some penguin-head wearing lessons. Specifically he/it needs to work on tetature to keep the head steady. This is where penguin-head wearing gets that bad rap of looking like a dying penguin. Now that is the best post I've ever read!!!
Posted 17 years ago by kjf06    [ Reply ]
wedgetable wrote:
This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :(
I agree. And the guy in the photo needs some penguin-head wearing lessons. Specifically he/it needs to work on tetature to keep the head steady. This is where penguin-head wearing gets that bad rap of looking like a dying penguin.
Posted 17 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
This is a cool song... but the oboe player could use a few lessons. Specifically he/she needs to work on embouchure to keep the pitch steady. This is where the oboe gets that bad rep of sounding like a dying duck. :(
Posted 17 years ago by wedgetable    [ Reply ]
Nick? is that you?
Posted 17 years ago by jenakle    [ Reply ]
I always like hearing this band.
Posted 17 years ago by Alafia    [ Reply ]
hobiejoe wrote:
Uncanny, played at tea o'clock here in the UK, and I'd just made a brew. Perfect for a contemplative slurp. If only my partner hadn't snaffled the last of the cake. Bugger.
great post great wee tune love pco!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Damn, I missed this. Play it again. Please?
Posted 17 years ago by zorrofox    [ Reply ]
well now, that was fun!!
Posted 17 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
Finally! A song dedicated to the often overlooked kinetic principle.
Posted 17 years ago by DebateG    [ Reply ]
PCO does a great version of "Walk, Don't Run", too. And kudos to RP for always pushing the envelope...
Posted 17 years ago by lostintokyo    [ Reply ]
Chunnamark wrote:
I just want to say that this is the best post. Ever. Also, I have become in recent weeks absolutely obsessed with PCO. The music just gets stuck in your head. Someone upload Music for a Found Harmonium. Please!
Chunnamark, I'm touched, thank you! I know it's not on quite the same subject, but I got married 3 weeks ago - to Perpetuum mobile (playing in the background, obviously...)

Posted 17 years ago by hobiejoe    [ Reply ]
Penguin Cafe Orchestra helped me through many a late night during my teaching practicum. Another album I had was by a group called Bukken Bruse, from Norway. Any chance of some of that? Thanks RP!
Posted 17 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
I really love Penguin Cafe... I guess im a little biased as 2 of the members used to be old family friends. But still really great music... Always did love there stuff. I havnt herd one track that just made me wish it was over. Great stuff. And thanks Bill for not going down the cheap route and not playing the telephone song.
Posted 18 years ago by NutsyUK    [ Reply ]
rosedraws wrote:
Groovy! This is the ONE album that has the Napoleon Dynamite version of the "Harmonium" song from the end of the movie... which took forever to find. I'm glad that there is at least one other terrific song on the album, as I've ordered it.
Thank GOD for RP, and all the people here ... a friend (who I watched ND with) gave me a couple of the songs from the movie, without id'ing them for me, and it was driving me crazy trying to figure out the instrumental one! I might have to get this cd! Thanks Rose!!
Posted 18 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Lovely! If ever you get the chance, see the ballet "Still Life at Penguin Cafe" danced by the Royal Ballet. It is one of the most stunning ballets I have ever seen: incredible dancing and choreography, wildly imaginative costuming, and beautiful moving music by the same composer as this.
Posted 18 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
Lovely
Posted 18 years ago by Zukiwi    [ Reply ]
Chunnamark wrote:
Someone upload Music for a Found Harmonium. Please!
I think I uploaded it at the time with some others.
Posted 18 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
hobiejoe wrote:
Uncanny, played at tea o'clock here in the UK, and I'd just made a brew. Perfect for a contemplative slurp. If only my partner hadn't snaffled the last of the cake. Bugger.
I just want to say that this is the best post. Ever. Also, I have become in recent weeks absolutely obsessed with PCO. The music just gets stuck in your head. Someone upload Music for a Found Harmonium. Please!
Posted 18 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
Uncanny, played at tea o'clock here in the UK, and I'd just made a brew. Perfect for a contemplative slurp. If only my partner hadn't snaffled the last of the cake. Bugger.
Posted 18 years ago by hobiejoe    [ Reply ]
Groovy! This is the ONE album that has the Napoleon Dynamite version of the "Harmonium" song from the end of the movie... which took forever to find. I'm glad that there is at least one other terrific song on the album, as I've ordered it.
Posted 18 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
You gotta be kidding.
Posted 18 years ago by denizenusa    [ Reply ]
Truly eclectic. Good stuff.
Posted 19 years ago by hackbraten    [ Reply ]
Dang! Those penguins are good!
Posted 19 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
wow, should have expected them here. I love PCO. This is excellent.
Posted 19 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
PCO is great listening. I recommend all of their stuff. Learn more about the group here: https://www.penguincafe.com/home.htm
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Like it! Bright and catchy.
Posted 19 years ago by Filofox    [ Reply ]
PCO leader and composer Simon Jeffes was a brilliant, brilliant man who helped create an amazing body of genre bending music. His passing in 1997 was a great great loss. I treasure my whole PCO collection. Wonderful to hear on RP.
Posted 19 years ago by llazare    [ Reply ]
Should get a '10' just for having a cool name. But the music warrants a high score, too.
Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
willyworx wrote:
At first I thought it was Nick Drake. Awesome.
exactly my thought - the tuning of the guitar?
Posted 19 years ago by kars    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear 'telephone & rubberbands' (think that is the name) by PCO.
Ooh, me too! This track really took me back to my heyday selling LPs in the early '80s. Yeah, I'm old. But PCO is still great!
Posted 19 years ago by ceebeedubya    [ Reply ]
Pengui......What the...?
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
At first I thought it was Nick Drake. Awesome.
Posted 19 years ago by willyworx    [ Reply ]
Where is that cafe?? I want to be drinking beer and dance to a reel with a penguin!
Posted 19 years ago by coentje    [ Reply ]
Another "Must investigate this artist" for me, courtesy RP. You're gonna help put me in the poorhouse. Thanx!
Posted 20 years ago by Thor    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear 'telephone & rubberbands' (think that is the name) by PCO. If anyone remembers the band Spacehog from the mid nineties and their only hit 'in the meantime' you will see what a ripoff of PCO it was. The song was also featured during the end credits of Talk Radio. Haven't heard it since the the last time I saw movie about 10 years ago.
Posted 20 years ago by damien    [ Reply ]
Is it a cafe RUN by penguins or a cafe that SERVES penguins? Either way, I really LIKE this cut!
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
penguins are so sensitive to my needs...
Posted 20 years ago by marzipanic    [ Reply ]
Most PCO is great!
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
endless and boring
Posted 20 years ago by ColdBear    [ Reply ]
Yes! Penguins. :D \:D/ nice violins :-({|= :-({|= :)
Posted 20 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
wow! that was amazing!
Posted 20 years ago by ankit    [ Reply ]
indigo_xia wrote:
Beautiful! More from Penguin Cafe Orchestra, please.
Here, here !!!! A most beguiling new example of an undefineable genre of pure musical brilliance that I associate with "Oregon", the first I've heard that comes close , in fact that equals it. Will be curious to see if I'm alone in noting a similiarity.
Posted 21 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
Beautiful! More from Penguin Cafe Orchestra, please.
Posted 21 years ago by indigo_xia    [ Reply ]