Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 Perhaps my favorite album ever. January 2, 2000
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
When I saw this on the new release shelves from across the room in December 1992, I was pulled towards it, as if in a trance. Knowing nothing about it, but enraptured by the artwork and the song titles, I paid an obscene import price and took it home, with a distinct hunch I had just landed on a new planet. When I heard it, I realized I was right. Peng! felt to me wholly new, mystical, and of mighty portent. Gorgeous! Deep and sophisticated, this music is about societal progress and personal transcendence. I have been an avid Stereolab listener ever since, and have nearly every track they've released. Facts: The cover art comes from a Swiss socialist pamphlet from the 1960s. "Peng" is the sound of the gunshot that the institutionalist-beaurocrat fires at the people. One Track, "Envirez-Vous," is a Baudelaire poem. Sample lyric (from "Surrealchemist"): "True life embodying pleasure principle's noblest triumph over the cowering mendacity of bourgeois / Christian civilisation." This album is a classic. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please support your local independent record stores.
The Definitive Stereolab Masterpiece January 3, 2000
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
Ok, I'm definitely in the old school camp as far as "The Groop" goes...I can't make it through many of the newer songs without hitting the >> button...IMHO, the "Chicago Influence" bores me...(too bad, it's my hometown!; If it didn't I'd be waiving the flag high!)...but at least they're experimenting (unlike most groops) Too bad they didn't make a few more LPs in this vein. Not too slick production quality...this album flows continuously start to finish; it's perfect. After 5 years of listening, still, by far: my favorite Stereolab album.
Awesome Debut! May 8, 2004
kaban43 (Somewhere over the rainbow.)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
When Stereolab hit the scene in the early 1990's, the music world had been taken over by three billion Nirvana wanna-bes... interesting music took a backseat as alternative became mainstream and in the crossover lost a lot of its urgency and power. PENG!, Stereolab's debut album was like a breath of fresh air when released and it hinted at what was to come.. today it still rocks, rolls, and moves. There was and is nothing like it. Guitars, Farfisa, Moog, drums, drum machines and vocals combine in an almost wall-of-sound aural soundscape. Clanging guitars, Nico-esque vocal deliveries, sonic distorted keyboards, repetitive licks which revolve layer upon layer of trancelike sound, beautiful soft songs, fast pop workouts, and interesting lyrics are all some of the reasons I love this LP! Please get this record - or borrow a copy from a friend. Put on "Super Falling Star" first and tell me what you think... I have a feeling I know what you will think - It's great!
Radio On! August 9, 2005
Chet Fakir (DC)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Grooving like '70s krautrock meets the Velvet Underground in a cafe in Paris, this debut album by Stereolab is one of their best. Droning and lo-fi, yet beautifully and joyfully dreamy. It's a must have for the casual and/or dedicated fan, and wouldn't be a bad CD to start with if you're new to Stereolab. The funny thing is that this was the last album by them I bought having gotten every other release in their catalog and it's become one of my favorites. It's got a charm and emotional resonance all it's own. What a strong debut album!
one of the best moments in music history. June 19, 1999
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is my favorite Stereolab album. This is exactly why i like Stereolab. Every song is great and the production has that slightly worn feel to it. Much the same as transient random does. Stereolab changed quite a bit in their later released. Not neccessarily for the worst, but did definately changed. Buy this for that raw Stereolab sound that started it all. Tim Gaine is a god as for as i'm concerned. And Sadier's voice is just perfect. The last 4 minutes of "Surrealchemist" are amazing. I'd almost buy it just for that. Stereolab remain one of my faves, even today
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