Song of the Day: Penguin Cafe Orchestra – “Music for a Found Harmonium”
Released: 1984
Album: Broadcasting From Home
Founded by classically trained guitarist and composer Simon Jeffes, Penguin Cafe Orchestra emerged as one of the most original bands of the 70s when they released their debut LP Music From the Penguin Cafe on Brian Eno’s Obscure Records in 1976. Their sound is near impossible to pin down. It’s an odd instrumental mix of classical, folk, and pop that can at times sound like an acoustic version of The Residents, or a cross between Van Dyke Parks, Brian Eno, and Philip Glass.
While their name may not be totally recognizable to many, they’ve released some songs that would be instantly recognizable. “Perpetuum Mobile” is frequently used on This American Life. And anyone whose had the insane pleasure of watching Napoleon Dynamite would have to be familiar with “Music for a Found Harmonium”.