Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Morale vs Muzak
About two weeks ago the local Safeway switched its Muzak playlist. The previous selection was modern light pops. No rap, no heavy metal, just soft and bouncy vocals, with some country in the mix.
The new list is MY playlist. A nearly exact copy of my internal jukebox. Albinoni. Early 20s swing. From the late '50s, Somewheeeeere beyond the Seeeeea by Bobby Daaaarin, and Summer Place. The latter aren't my favorites musically speaking, but they're pleasantly familiar from my late-night WIBW listening. All of these old items are certified organic, not reprocessed and autotuned.
What's the motive? Maybe the management figured out that their morning customers are old coots and biddies? Doesn't matter. I like it, I can sing along, and it keeps me in the store longer.
The new list DOESN'T please the young checkout clerks. They were always singing along with the earlier light pops playlist, and they're silent now with grandpop's playlist.
Labels: coot-proofing
¶ 7:50 AM
