A massive tribute to this groundbreaking, genre-busting label – a short-lived imprint on Island Records that was put together by Brian Eno in the mid 70s – all to showcase some
of the best new experiments in avant classical and minimalist music! There's a special sort
of quality to these records – work that maybe has a bit more "heart" than some
of the colder, more academic work
of the period – even in comparison to some
of the other records issued by some
of these artists – warmer and more personal than the productions
of Cramps or CRI, for example – and always seeming to have that special sort
of sonic brilliance that Eno brought to his own music
of the time! The label only issued ten full records, but that makes for a very unified vibe for the entire catalog – which is collected here with a huge booklet
of notes inside the box set. Albums include The Sinking
Of The Titanic by Gavin Bryars, Voices & Instrumentals by Jan Steele & John Cage, Irma by Tom Phillips, Pavilion
Of Dreams by Harold Budd, Decay Music by Michael Nyman, Discreet Music by Brian Eno, New & Rediscovered Musical Instruments by Max Eastley & David Toop, Music From The Penguin Cafe by Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Machine Music by John White & Gavin Bryars, and Ensemble
Pieces by Christopher Hobbs, John Adams, & Gavin Bryars.
(LP box has a tiny bump on two corners, and is priced accordingly – still is fantastic overall.)