> 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?
As with everything else, it depends on your point of view. This was the
stuff that I listened to when I was a kid because that's what was on the
TV and radio in the 50s and 60s. Actually, this was some of the better
stuff. I've picked up I think four of the ultra-lounge series, or whatever
it's called--I'm not near them. The sound quality is great because of the
Hi-Fi recording. Listening to this stuff isn't really a nostalgia thing.
I think it's mostly just fun to hear this stuff again, after going through
so many music trends since it was popular.
On a side note, dumb me, I picked up this used CD the other day, thinking
it was one of the recent lounge-type recordings. It had this sixty-ish
model in a white bathing suit on the front, the title and stuff said
something like "super-sexy sounds." I don't have it here either but it's
by the White Zombies, which again sounded like it could be some recent
group doing a lounge take off. Then I get home and listen to it and it's
got this heavy rock-guitar stuff on it, so I said, "shit," but it's got a
pretty groovy beat to it and I can get into it after a few minutes--sort
of like drinking a really cheap wine; it tastes better after chugging a
glass or two. I suppose the white zombies are some really popular grunge
or alternative group--I wouldn't know. Sounds like it might be closer to
music like John Zorn's Naked City but I could be way off base and I don't
want to get into another labeling discussion...
bil
bdwyer@grove.ufl.edu