Listen to Elevator Music: A Surreal History of Muzak, Easy-Listening, and Other Moodsong; Revised and Expanded Edition by Joseph Lanza
Enjoy this audiobook with MP3 Audiobook Player - the ultimate iOS audiobook experience
It's campy, it's cool, empty, intrusive, trite, and treacly. It's Big Brother singing. Call it what you will -- elevator music, Moodsong ® easy listening, or Muzak ®. For a musical genre that was supposed to offend no one, it has a lot of enemies.Musical cognoscenti decry its insipid content; regular folk -- if they notice -- bemoan its pervasiveness; while hipsters and campsters celebrate its retro chic. Mindful of the many voices, Joseph Lanza's Elevator Music sings seriously, with tongue in cheek, the praises of this venerable American institution.Lanza addresses the criticisms of elites who say that Muzak and its ilk are dehumanized, vapid, or cheesy. These reactions, he argues, are based more on cultural prejudices than honest musical appraisal.Says Lanza, today's so-called mood music is the inheritor of a long tradition of mood-altering music stretching back to the ancients; Nero's fiddle and the sirens of Odysseus being two famous examples. Contemporary atmospheric music, Lanza argues, not only serves the same purpose, it is also the inevitable background for our media-dominated age.One of Lanza's premises, to quote Mark Twain, is that this music is "better than it sounds." "This book will have succeeded in its purpose," he writes, "if I can help efface...the distinction between one person's elevator music and another's prized recording."Joseph Lanza is an author, producer, and music historian. His most recent book is Russ Columbo and the Crooner Mystique.
With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. 🚗📚 Turn traffic into a literary escape – this app's functionality keeps me engaged while I'm on the move. 🚗🎧 Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. 📱🎧
🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. 📚 Turning my phone into a portal of stories – this app's ease of use is remarkable! 📱💫 Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy.
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. 🌟 Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? 🚗📖 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends.
Plays MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and iPod with seamless integration
Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x for your listening preference
Import audiobooks via iTunes, cloud services, or direct downloads
Get your favorite audiobooks in supported formats from various sources
Import audiobooks to MP3 Audiobook Player using multiple methods
Control playback from your device, headphones, Apple Watch, or CarPlay
Join thousands of users who enjoy audiobooks with MP3 Audiobook Player daily
Download Now