This undersung Hoffman cat can be best placed by who he's been seen with - from his CBGBs days with edgy popsters the Mumps and O.G. loungecore unit the Swinging Madisons, through collaborations with the likes of Lydia Lunch, Klaus Nomi, and Dave Davies of the Kinks. His latest "solo" CD includes a whole parade of his pals on the mic (except Van Dyke Parks - he does his arrangement thing). Russell Mael of Sparks, Rufus Wainwright, Ann Magnuson, Paul "Pee-Wee" Reubens, El Vez, the Lunch lady and plenty more put their spin on Hoffman's lyrics.

His music - an exquisite, extravagant pop-pourri of carnival-coloured hooks and pinwheel feelings remains the constant, and consistent throughout.