Stop the Music!
A few years back a very prolific friend of mine told me that when he was on deadline, he would play Who Let the Dogs Out? by the Baha Men on a continuous loop until he completed the assignment. He also drank more Diet Coke than any human being I’ve ever met, which I guess isn’t that surprising.
Every few months I like to do a snap check of my co-workers’ taste in music by demanding to know what they are playing at that moment. It’s a good way to learn about new music that I won’t listen to ever because I’m old. The results are kind of fun. See if you can guess the age and job of the person based on their music choices. Afterwards you can check out our employee page to see how you did. Hint: You’re mostly wrong.
Me: I was listening to Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. Most new music bewilders me, but I can get behind female pop singers with anger issues and social awkwardness.
Meghan: The Praetorium Theme by Masayoshi Soken, from “Final Fantasy XIV.” “I listen to the soundtrack while I work since lyrics jam my brain.”
Michelle: I’ve Got a Little List by Gilbert and Sullivan from The Mikado.
Courtney: ABCs by Kids TV. Courtney claims that it’s actually her kid that’s listening to the music; I guess we’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Phillip: Da Pacem, by Arvo Pärt. This is Estonian choir music by one of the most prolific and successful living classical composers in the world. But you knew that.
Nathan: Death on Speed Dial by Enhailer. (Note: turn your speakers down before playing. Maybe listen from the hallway the first time.)
Taylor: Canary by Joy Williams. Cool folk-rock singer. Never heard of her. Making note.
Lief: Drinks on Me by More to Give. Or maybe the other way around? Awkward. Say, is this Techno? (Taps ear trumpet angrily.)
Brian: All Along the Watchtower, by birthday boy, Bob Dylan. Happy 80th, Bob!
Satch: Sunny by Boney M. Wow. This is a deep cut. I totally dressed like the dudes in the video back in the 70s.
Zachary: WAP by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion. I’m not sure you get the full effect of this song on YouTube since they appear to have erased about a third of the lyrics. Also, what’s with the “Thee,” Megan?
Michael: Lake Pontchartrain by Ludo. This is alternative rock with a lot of crawfish in the lyrics.
Krisitin: Starburn by VOLA. What is this: more alternative rock? It’s very loud. Kinda catchy, but far too raucous for this guy.
So there you have it: a couple of classical performances, some classic rock, some alternative music, A 70s funk song, and WAP, whatever that stands for. (I couldn’t tell by listening to the YouTube video.) Good strong list of music. Fun.
Next up: I sneak around the office to see what games everybody is playing when they should be working.