When we heard lounge was coming back, I think we all had a bit of a giggle.
Then cigars popped up, people started downing Crantinis (blechh) and
listening to Esquivel and Sammy Davis Jr. and newcomers like Combustible
Edison. Listening to lots and lots and lots of this stuff. Nobody seems to
take it very seriously, or actually think the music is very good, which
gives its return (on the downward arc, now, I think, in terms of currency) a
decidedly transient feel. So, a question for you, some of the finest and
sharpest music fans in the world: Does "lounge" music have any socially or
musically redeeming values? Is it music, and so, what type of music, in the
sociological sense? Or is it strictly part of the scene, accessorized music
to go along with your cocktail dresses, foxfur scarves and slicked back
hair? Social commentary (yeah right)? Fun to listen to?
Next question...Is trip hop music just accessorized background noise to go
along with hanging out in a veeeeery laid back barn full of wigged out young
people? Most of it seems to go nowhere, slowly, without a point or melody
but with a roomful of mood. Kind of like the Grateful Dead, minus the
instruments and melodies.
Just an attempted incitement to get us off this name game thing.
Sean