Muzak to my ears
A few days ago I was a lazy slob so I decided to take the elevator up to the floor I live on. Left all by my lonesome in that big hollow box, I occupied my time by looking at myself in the ceiling mirrors, having a face-making battle with a rather formidable opponent. I can't remember who won, but it was definitely a close call. In the heat of battle, however, I thought to myself, "Why isn't this elevator playing any elevator music?" For the rest of the trip up I contemplated this anomaly only to conclude that my elevator is in fact not an exception, rather it is the standard. Honestly, how many elevators can you credit as purveyors of fine muzak? Not that many, eh?! I raced to unlock my front door only to barge into my room and discover more about the little known subject of elevator music.
Wikipedia was my primary point of reference. Major General George O. Squier coined the term "Muzak" by combining music with Kodak. Apparently he just liked the name Kodak and figured "what the hell, Kodak is a fine film and I've created a fine way to transmit background music, MUZAK!" Wikipedia is some fine reading but it's not as complete as Muzak.com. At that site you can listen to music programs that the Muzak corporation has created for various clients, such as Popeye's, Lenscrafters, Red Lobster, and many more. They give detailed descriptions for why they chose the music they did. For example, the Lensecrafters program "is a mix of current and recurrent adult contemporary, adult alternative, mature vocals, classic soul and acid jazz." They chose this program because it is "Confident, Engaging, Integrity, Authentic, Experienced, Innovative, Honest, 'In The Know.'"
These people put a lot of thought into the jams, a lot more thought in fact than a lot of stupid bands these days. Check out the USPS case study if you want to listen to some awesome instructions in Spanish. You can even create your own Muzak with their "audio imaging" form! It rules, you can create music based on energy, mood, lifestyle, and style! Check it out!
Muzak.com
Wikipedia
Wikipedia was my primary point of reference. Major General George O. Squier coined the term "Muzak" by combining music with Kodak. Apparently he just liked the name Kodak and figured "what the hell, Kodak is a fine film and I've created a fine way to transmit background music, MUZAK!" Wikipedia is some fine reading but it's not as complete as Muzak.com. At that site you can listen to music programs that the Muzak corporation has created for various clients, such as Popeye's, Lenscrafters, Red Lobster, and many more. They give detailed descriptions for why they chose the music they did. For example, the Lensecrafters program "is a mix of current and recurrent adult contemporary, adult alternative, mature vocals, classic soul and acid jazz." They chose this program because it is "Confident, Engaging, Integrity, Authentic, Experienced, Innovative, Honest, 'In The Know.'"
These people put a lot of thought into the jams, a lot more thought in fact than a lot of stupid bands these days. Check out the USPS case study if you want to listen to some awesome instructions in Spanish. You can even create your own Muzak with their "audio imaging" form! It rules, you can create music based on energy, mood, lifestyle, and style! Check it out!
Muzak.com
Wikipedia
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