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Music for the Pajiban Dinner Party

An Evening Comment Diversion / Dustin Rowles

Comment Diversions | July 9, 2009 | Comments (91)

This diversion comes from, let’s call her A, and it’s really more of a request. But we like to help out folks when we can, and when their needs fit ours. This is kind of an unusually broad comment diversion about the sort of music one should play at a dinner party. I’ll let A describe her situation:

“I’m throwing a full-on, proper, sit-down, adult dinner party on Friday. By “full-on,” “adult,” and all that jazz, I mean that it’s not a kegger, but an actual, eat-and-talk kind of affair. The problem is, I have no idea what music to play in the background. The menu is going to be your average, Southern, summer fare (I’m not sure if it matters but salad, dip, salmon, spinach, potatoes, bacon-wrapped dates, grilled peaches, peanut butter brownies, and coffee), and the persons attending will eat fully without wholly giving a shit what’s on the radio. I mean that my guests are not the kind of people who will object horribly to bad music and would riot on the spot. I only wish to play music that works well for a dinner party, is duly awesome, and is Pajiba-approved I’m curious as to whether the Eloquents have good suggestions above and beyond the Esquire Top 50 Songs Which Men Should Love, which I found deeply lacking.”

Bacon-wrapped dates and peanut butter brownies? Now, that’s a dinner party I’d like to attend, although if you’re doing a Southern dinner party, I might suggest mint juleps. A couple of those, and nobody will know will notice the music anyway.

Dinner-party music, then. Not too fast; not too slow. Some mid-tempo background music that’s not too embarrassing, not too hipster, that’s pleasant, but doesn’t call attention to itself.

I think Explosions in the Sky would be just about perfect. I invite the rest of you to top that suggestion.


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Comments

Side two of Led Zeppelin IV

Make the ladies all moist yo

Posted by: Clancy Brown beating up your dad wtf at July 9, 2009 8:36 PM

Anything by Randy Crawford and the Crusaders.

Posted by: Guess Who! at July 9, 2009 8:40 PM

I like Afro Celt Sound System. I think it'd work. It's unusual, but not offensively so, and it's lively. I like to put it on when I'm cleaning the house; it's got a quick tempo that's great for making it (the cleaning) go fast. But it's not, like, speed-metal tempo. It's traditional African & Celtic music mixed with modern dance-type stuff. God, I'm terrible at describing music. You can probably find samples online to listen to. I have the first album they did (Volume 1: Sound Magic) and I adore it. I don't have any of the later stuff, though, but perhaps Mr. TK could suggest whether it's appropriate?

So, if you use my suggestion, do I get an invite? I love salmon and spinach....

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at July 9, 2009 8:43 PM

A fine suggestion, AvB.

Posted by: Rykker at July 9, 2009 8:48 PM

I suppose it depends on whether the music is just there for ambiance or if you expect your guests to actually listen to it.

If you just want something cool and laid back, Zoot Sims, Astrud Gilberto (bossa nova, baby), Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane. Personally, I like Julie London and Dinah Washington for these kinds of things.

If you want hot, there's Dizzy, Miles Davis, Louie Prima (who can get corny) or somebody who really roars such as Etta James (yeah, yeah, she's more blues).

And of course, Count Basie (who I especially like when fronted by Joe Williams) and Duke Ellington can do anything.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at July 9, 2009 8:54 PM

It's just got such beautiful texture. It's good for background under conversation, but should people want to get their dance on, it's great for that too.

Seriously, I cannot adequately express my love for them.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at July 9, 2009 8:54 PM

Maybe something kind of folky/acoustic like Paul Simon (with or without Garfunkel) or Chris and Thomas. Van Morrison has a tendency to sound cozy, too.

Posted by: kelsy at July 9, 2009 8:55 PM

When I did potlucks in college, the entire "Fantastic Plastic Machine" album by Fantastic Plastic Machine worked gangbusters.
However, if you want to do something afterward, be forewarned, as:

FPM + southern food = the itis.

Posted by: Wales at July 9, 2009 8:59 PM

Isn’t spinach a natural laxative?

Posted by: Guess Who! at July 9, 2009 8:59 PM

You can never go wrong with Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald in the background during a chatty, friendly dinner gathering.

Posted by: Nicole at July 9, 2009 9:03 PM

Cowboy Junkies' Trinity Sessions is a good one. Very mellow and backroundy.

Posted by: Julie at July 9, 2009 9:12 PM

The soundtrack from Amelie.

Posted by: ahamos at July 9, 2009 9:12 PM

Nice job Tracer.

I'd suggest big band/swing. You want lively and engaging; not overwhelming and not sleepy. Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Jimmy Dorsey. I don't know all the artists by name, but I'm sure there are a lot of "best of" compilations out there that would do well for you.

Posted by: Cindy at July 9, 2009 9:21 PM

I second the suggestion of Amelie soundtrack and also recommend Dustin O'Halloran's Piano Solo albums.

Posted by: claire at July 9, 2009 9:23 PM

I'm with Nicole & Cindy here, old standards always go perfectly with a good meal and conversation.

Posted by: Kolby at July 9, 2009 9:39 PM

Anything by Jamiroquai... I'm telling you, it makes for some funky, interesting background music.

Posted by: logar at July 9, 2009 9:42 PM

My favorite background music at the moment is "Berlin Serengeti" by Radio Citizen. Downtempo trip hop with musky female vocals that sound great at low volume. Might be a little risky, but would be great for after dinner if the wine is still being poured.

Posted by: sansho1 at July 9, 2009 9:43 PM

For more downtempo, but modern, I'd say Sia, Zero 7, Thunderball or maybe Blue Six.

Otherwise, it's hard to go wrong with Jazz. Coltrane, Davis, Wes Montgomery, any of the great female vocalists. Charlie Hunter works well for more mod stuff too.

Then there's some great mellow guitar stuff - Adrian Legg sticks in my mind.

My all time favorite for mellow evenings is Skip, Hop and Wobble, by Jerry Douglas, Russ Barenberg, and Edgar Meyer. Simply phenomenal instrumental featuring a dobro, guitar and bass. I can't recommend it highly enough.

If none of that strikes your fancy, then I'd say just play From Enslavement to Obliteration by Napalm Death. That's always a crowd pleaser.

Posted by: TK at July 9, 2009 9:47 PM

Britney's Spears Greatest Hits.

The people who say they like it will be the people you will poison.

Posted by: figgy at July 9, 2009 9:55 PM

Nice, TK. Einsturzende Neubauten is also the musical equivalent of offering coffee ("you're leaving soon, right?")...

Posted by: sansho1 at July 9, 2009 9:55 PM

I'll suggest pretty much anything off of Esthero's Wikked Lil Grrrls which is, for the record, a sexy motherfucking album.

Posted by: Jeremy Feist at July 9, 2009 10:05 PM

Jazz is always good. I like instrumental or laid back pop music with food. There are tons of options out there. The best I can suggest would be The Shins.

You really can't go wrong with Ella or Billie though.

Posted by: Melody at July 9, 2009 10:17 PM

back in the day, a certain einsturzende neubauten teeshirt was censored in our high school. the horse's urine stream was covered up with black magic marker, making it pretty much invisible unless you knew you were looking for it.

damn, but that horse had to pee.

Posted by: gp at July 9, 2009 10:19 PM

I like Pink Martini's album Hang On Little Tomato as nice background music. Also, all of Tracer's suggestions are spot on.

Posted by: AbbyNormal at July 9, 2009 10:21 PM

Pinback's title album or Pedro the Lion's It's Hard to Find a Friend are good bets. They're cool, interesting to listen to lest anyone actually pay attention to the music, and good for summer.

Posted by: Zuzu at July 9, 2009 10:26 PM

I'd recommend In the Reins which is Iron & Wine's collaboration with Calexico. It's Iron & Wine's folk rock mixed with Calexico's southwestern/Mexican jazz and rock.

Posted by: MelBivDevoe at July 9, 2009 10:38 PM

Nora Jones.
Harry Connick Jr.
Michael Buble.
Elvis Costello.

Posted by: blackbird at July 9, 2009 10:38 PM

There's a lot of similarities between good dinner party music and a good make-out mix. They both should be interesting and enhance the mood without overwhelming it.
Maybe this is good for tomorrow's diversion, DR? Make Out Mixes.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at July 9, 2009 10:39 PM

TOM TOM CLUB.

Posted by: Jerce at July 9, 2009 10:40 PM

I'm a big fan of putting together mixes (I was that dude who made you a mixed tape for date 2 if date 1 went well).

I say take the time to put a couple mixes together of your favorite songs. You might find a couple of people really appreciate it and at least you know that you'll enjoy it.

Posted by: superasente at July 9, 2009 10:50 PM

I'm going to say anything Billie Holiday

Posted by: Kate at July 9, 2009 11:01 PM

Ocean's 13, The Truth About Charlie, and The Italian Job soundtracks.

That should do it. For a bit.

Then, Megadeth's So Far, So Good, So What, Anthrax's Among The Living,
and pretty much anything by The Cult, perhaps High Octane Cult, a splendid compilation. Should the guests stick around, maybe a little Morphine/Cake
to wind things down.

Posted by: Skitz at July 9, 2009 11:11 PM

Anything by Randy Crawford and the Crusaders.

Posted by: Guess Who! at July 9, 2009 8:40 PM

How can you be such an asshole and still be possessed of such insight...and, dare I say, taste? But with you the comeback I expect is, "the taste of ass!"

Posted by: Che Grovera at July 9, 2009 11:13 PM

When in doubt, go for jazz. It doesn't have to be obscure stuff. A mix of Miles Coltrane, Brubeck, throw in some Billie, Ella (Ella and Dizzie duets are good too) and I would say that's perfect. If you have some Afro-Cuban (a la The Buena Vista Social Club) to mix it up a bit--even better.

Posted by: tamatha at July 9, 2009 11:16 PM

80s mix!

No? Ok Amy Winehouse, Van Morrison, mix it up with some Kay Starr and Dinah Washington, maybe Adele? She's iffy. Might not be relaxed enough.

Oooo Bill Withers!

I second Jamiroquai. melpo mene, maybe?

No. Wait: Otis Redding. The end.

Jerce I love you for saying that.

Posted by: Snuggiepants the Deathbringer at July 9, 2009 11:17 PM

And if, for some unfathomable reason, Joe Sample doesn't do it for you, I highly recommend the Latin jazz flute of Nestor Torres...Morning Dance verges on dance rhythms while maintaining a light background airiness.

Posted by: Che Grovera at July 9, 2009 11:17 PM

I recommend "A Night Out With Verve"...not entirely original, but a great collection of songs for, as the discs are conveniently titled, "Wining," "Dining," "Dancing," and "Romancing."

Posted by: Django at July 9, 2009 11:17 PM

Show some real class and hire a string quartet. Are you anywhere within 50 miles of Hartford?

-- father of violin grad student

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 9, 2009 11:19 PM

Van Morrison--for the win! Or how about Wilco? No one finds Wilco objectionable.

Posted by: Lucie at July 9, 2009 11:19 PM

Oooo Bill Withers!

Posted by: Snuggiepants the Deathbringer at July 9, 2009 11:17 PM

Yes. Grover Washington, Jr.'s Winelight on a loop...

Posted by: Che Grovera at July 9, 2009 11:21 PM

If you wanted something a bit more upbeat, zydeco is good and would match well with the southern theme. The only zydeco I have is on the Passionfish soundtrack, which includes some good instrumental, non-zydeco tracks too. I love that cd. I should bust it out soon.

Oh, and having gone back and actually read others' comments, I'm seeing a jazz/swing theme indeed.

Posted by: tamatha at July 9, 2009 11:24 PM

Show some real class and hire a string quartet. Are you anywhere within 50 miles of Hartford?
-- father of violin grad student

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 9, 2009 11:19 PM

Why, when for $5 more you can buy the CD and have a keepsake?

-- father of aspiring pop musician

Posted by: Che Grovera at July 9, 2009 11:27 PM

Summer dinner party...

If I were planning it would be something Lazy and unassuming enough to fade into the background yet cheery enough to give your party a happy vibe.

I'd suggest Saturday Looks Good to Me's All Your Summer songs which I've seen described as sounding like it is coming out of an old car radio or Islands, Return to the Sea, because it flows like water.

Posted by: Gigi at July 9, 2009 11:32 PM

I like the Dave Brubeck Quartet album Take Five as background music. Really nice jazz, but also accessible enough not to jar its way out of the background.

Posted by: Phaedawg at July 9, 2009 11:39 PM

First of all, the bacon-wrapped dates are going to be such a hit. I brought them to a party 2 weeks ago and several people asked if I was God. Are the dates stuffed with anything? I stuff mine with goat cheese and an almond sliver.

Jazz always works, but I also like a mix of girl group Motown, like Martha and the Vandellas, the Dixie Cups, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Aretha . . . mixed with more contemporary stuff like Adele and Little Dragon.

Not trying to shirt the men of that era, but I find that women's voices still carry even if the volume is kind of low. And hey, throw in some old Stevie Wonder just for the hell of it.

Posted by: myysharona (formerly Sharon) at July 9, 2009 11:42 PM

shirt = shirk.
God.

Posted by: myysharona (formerly Sharon) at July 9, 2009 11:43 PM

You can't really go wrong with old school jazz. As others have said, Ella and Billie are always a good choice. I also think old blues go nicely. Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton. Or if you wanted something a bit livelier, you could go with Muddy Waters or John Lee Hooker.

Oh! Plus Bob Marley's Greatest Hits. Warm summer night, reggae, alcohol....

Posted by: Jeni at July 9, 2009 11:44 PM

Whenever I wanna have background music without having to spend 98% of the time singing along or saying "check out this part, this is the killer... listen... listen... LISTEN, DAMMIT!!" I play compilation CDs. Verve Remixed is always a great choice, so is Ennatural Chillout Vol. 1 or Man Ray Vol. I. The Thievery Corporation's The Outernational Sound is also very pleasent to listen to, as are the Hotel Costes compilations (Volume 2 is my personal favorite.)

Crap, I have waaaay too much lounge music in my iPod...

Posted by: Sofía at July 9, 2009 11:46 PM

Well ... when we have friends over for dinner and games, the playlist generally looks like that Top Ten Pansy White Boy Bands list of last month.

But depending on the crowd, a bunch of Leonard Cohen or Bob Dylan might really do the trick too.

Posted by: Steven Lloyd Wilson at July 9, 2009 11:57 PM

I actually hosted a dinner party tonight! (Menu if you are interested: Grilled herb shrimp, sauteed fresh corn, oven roasted baby heirloom tomatoes, and tomato cheese grits [Paula Deen's, they are DIVINE!] and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream)
I played: The Life Aquatic Soundtrack, Van Morrison, Sigur Ros (after dinner), but my all-time favorite summer dinner music is Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" One of my ex's played it while we were having dinner on his porch one night, and it lent the already gorgeous evening a magical quality.

Posted by: ami at July 9, 2009 11:59 PM

"Those Were Our Songs," American music of WWII. Gets people in that romantic mood and inspires nostalgia even though my friends and I were born 40 years after the fact.

Posted by: Sarah at July 10, 2009 12:12 AM

I was that dude who made you a mixed tape for date 2 if date 1 went well).

Ah, I loved you - and the mixed tapes. WTF was up with that Interstate Love Song? That shit fucked me up for months.

Posted by: Cindy at July 10, 2009 12:13 AM

Che, I'd have her stab you to death with her bow but then we'd prolly just have to get the thing rehaired and it would cost $50 so instead I'll just say: Bite me.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 12:57 AM

Oh, BTW, here's a story: ,daughter was supposed to play a wedding on Saturday. The gig came in two weeks ago through the college's gigline, and there's a clause in gigline deals about a nonrefundable deposit, but she says since it was two-weeks' notice, nobody bothered to enforce it, they figured, what could go wrong?

Well, two days before the wedding the groom backed out. Funny how many people got screwed, including the bride, who won't be getting screwed.

I also know some guys in a band who were booked for a wedding and paid in advance. They spent all the money, and then the wedding got called off. They had to play a gig to make enough money to pay back the bride/groom.

I feel a minidiversion coming on, for those of you who are musicians: My worst gig.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 1:02 AM

I cannot recommend enough the self-titled (and sadly, as yet only) album from Eastmountainsouth (and yes, it is all one word like that).

Posted by: Bistro at July 10, 2009 1:05 AM

It depends on what you're going for, but if it were me, I'd do something like Diana Krall, maybe The Look of Love. Good stuff without being too pretentious or overwhelming.

Posted by: Smokin at July 10, 2009 1:26 AM

How about Riot on an Empty Street by the Kings of Convenience? That is very mellow.

Posted by: Mr. Vlach at July 10, 2009 1:55 AM

Richard Cheese. See how long it takes your friends to realise that lounge singer is crooning 'Come on, you fuckers, get down with the sickness'.

While I love me some old style jazz as much as the next dinner guest, if you're inviting friends, throw in a couple of songs/albums that have meaning, even if (especially?) if it's bad. I once included 'Shut up' by the black eyed peas, because that fucking song would NOT get off the radio during a long road trip we shared, and nothing gets a conversation going like three of your guests going all Pavlov's dog and screaming 'No, YOU SHUT UP!!' in perfect unison in the middle of dinner.

Posted by: ScienceGeek at July 10, 2009 1:58 AM

Fat babes here .Life is fucking boring.people trade piks on msn ,fool around the chatroom.they are seeking one night stand,i am one of them though i wanna the outsideme match the insideme.We have to enjoy our dull life.that is the truth.So babes , If you wanna have fun.just come in and join us. http://www.biguklove.com/ No matter wherever you from. No matter whatever your skin color is .You guys are just welcomed to this link.

Posted by: nikkibabes at July 10, 2009 2:01 AM

Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie McCoy, Big Mama Thornton, Ma Rainey, Robert Johnson, Tampa Red, and/or anything by Snoop Dogg.

I think the Blues goes with EVERYTHANG.

So does Chronic. And hos.

Posted by: Cletus at July 10, 2009 2:20 AM

Pinback

Honestly, that's all you need. Maybe throw in some Cannonball Adderly or a smoky version of "Canto de Ossanha," but "This is a Pinback CD" lets you just hit play and focus on making sure everyone's glasses stay full.

Posted by: eskiimomo at July 10, 2009 3:34 AM

Oh, and if you like Explosions in the Sky, check out Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Posted by: eskiimomo at July 10, 2009 3:40 AM

Loving the electronica, sansho1 and Sofia. Kudos. For more of this:

Downtempo trip hop with musky female vocals that sound great at low volume.

Add Black Box Recorder. Musky female vocals with an extra helping of irony, kind of a sensibility like Steely Dan, but with Sarah Nixey. Mmmmmmmmm. Speaking of which, Steely Dan. (Which is now running through my head " ... time out of mind ...") Works remarkably well behind the festivities.

I suppose I'd add the Ultra Chilled compilations to the compilation compilation. And it is impossible to have too much lounge in ones collection, regardless of the media - science says so!

Posted by: BierceAmbrose at July 10, 2009 4:09 AM

On the Jazz side, for a tasty combo with the musky female vocals one must have some early career Rikki Lee Jones albums including Rikki Lee Jones (Best), Pirates, and Girl at Her Volcano. And Shadows and Light, by Joni Mitchell - not her folkie stuff, but a live recording of a seriously jazzy performance including Pat Metheny(!), Jaco Pastorius(!!), Don Alias & Michael Brecker.

I feel a music binge coming on ...

Posted by: BierceAmbrose at July 10, 2009 4:13 AM

Never hosted a dinner party, but I'd play Architecture in Helsinki if I did. Light, pleasant, quick without being fast, and great whether you're listening to it or just using it as background. That or the Dandy Warhols, obviously.

Posted by: Chugga at July 10, 2009 5:34 AM

Bite me.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 12:57 AM

I detect a note of bile that leads me to believe you may have thought I was commenting on your daughter's talent, when in fact I was merely commenting on how little money aspiring musicians make...or perhaps how little money my aspiring musician makes.

Posted by: Che Grovera at July 10, 2009 5:54 AM

For the main meal, play the Donnie Darko soundtrack. Relaxing yet cheerful ambient music. Make sure you get the one with the alternate "Mad World" version on the end so your guests have double the time to contemplate the futility of life over some delicious grilled peaches. If that ends too quickly, and it will, go for the Terminator: Salvation soundtrack. Everyone will love "All Is Lost," "No Plan," and "Hydrobot Attack"!

When you bring out the peanut butter brownies in, I assume, individually wrapped boxes, it's time to break out "Dick in a Box."

If you decide to go with the Britney Spears/murder angle, I's suggest for the aftermath "Still Alive," by Jonathan Coulton and GLaDOS, the evil computer from Portal.

Posted by: SaBrina at July 10, 2009 6:04 AM

Depending on who you'd invite, I'd play any of the Buddha Bar compilations. They come in handy since there are always two cd's: one cd that's more laidback and lounge-y (or however it's spelled)and another one to get the party started post-dinner if that's the plan.

Otherwise I second the love for oldie jazz/big-band, it always brings a nice atmosphere :)

Posted by: silviou at July 10, 2009 6:58 AM

I like to put on a bit of old blues or country in the background: Blind Lemon Jefferson, maybe, or Bob Wills. Failing that, some French chanson always goes down a treat - a touch of Juliette Greco, perhaps; maybe a bit of Carla Bruni's first album, or some Vincent Delerm.

Posted by: Caspar at July 10, 2009 7:12 AM

Tracer, I'm with you on this. You don't have to be a huge fan of the old jazz/standards to enjoy the ambiance of the music in the background of a get-together.
You can find some good compilation CDs anywhere.

Posted by: Whorish Mouth at July 10, 2009 7:36 AM

Nina Simone. Her voice is soothing, yet interested, it doesn't quite fade into the background, but provides texture to everything else that's going on. Pick the songs for their tempo and arrange them for how you want the evening to progress; more up-tempo during arrivals, apperitifs, and hor d'oevres, slowing down progressively toward dessert.

Anything by either Farke Toure but especially Ali Farke Toure's collaborations with Ry Cooder; intricate Malian rhythms with a classic blues guitar soul.

Or, in fact, anything by Ry Cooder. He did some fantastic instrumental collaborations with the Dirty Three that would be pretty great background for a dinner party.

Posted by: Codger at July 10, 2009 8:16 AM

interesting*

Posted by: Codger at July 10, 2009 8:18 AM

Any day I get the support of Whorish Mouth is a good day.

I should throw Melody Gardot in the mix. She's still on the come up, but her sound is a very cool mix of jazz and folk. It's not as blusey or funky as I usually like, but she avoids that awful "white girl with a guitar in a coffee shop" sound that similar musicians can get and you'll be surprised to find yourself swaying to the music. Plus, you can play that ultimate cool kid card of introducing your friends to new music.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at July 10, 2009 8:30 AM

Richard Cheese.

I just developed a small crush on ScienceGeek.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at July 10, 2009 8:50 AM

LoL

Sexy ++ ++ Love ++ Celebrity Singles +++NBAplayer
====
~~~B l a c k W h i t e l o v i n g.c O m~~

Posted by: kelly at July 10, 2009 8:57 AM

Definitely Jazz is a great background ambiance for a dinner party. Hell, you could even go so low as to grab one of those 2 dollar mixes at Target and just pop that in.

And you could always go the classical route, but not too classical, you don't want your guests thinking you're all hoity-toity and shit.

Is that vague enough? I'm of no help this morning.

Posted by: annoyingmouse at July 10, 2009 9:03 AM

i like feist's suggestion of esthero, but i'd recommend her album, 'breath from another' instead

Posted by: gem at July 10, 2009 9:07 AM

It's got two recommendations already, but the "Verve Remixed" series is pitch perfect for a cocktail party and its "Unmixed" companions make great ambience for dinner conversation.

Posted by: Brad at July 10, 2009 9:27 AM

Che, "Bite me" was for taking theoretical money out of my girl's pocket and steering it to the aspiring pop musician (but she's made CDs too, and I bet she'd sell them!).

But I meant it in the best possible way.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 9:49 AM

May I suggest anything by Lightning Bolt, or if that is not quite refined
enough how about Hella?
Screw all that dinner-party jazz (the good jazz doesn't work well
at dinner parties). Bring on the noise...

Posted by: annakaffuffle at July 10, 2009 9:58 AM

I'll second Dave Brubeck's Take Five--awesomeness! I'll also add The Best of Getz and Gilberto--Brazilian mellow classics that scream hot weather and cocktails!

Posted by: courtney at July 10, 2009 12:34 PM

Generally, when I'm in doubt about music for gatherings, I fall back on Chet Baker. His music isn't as assertive as Ella or Coltrane, and isn't likely to intrude on conversation, while providing a gorgeous background texture. Or some simple Spanish guitar; I'm a Segovia fan, but there are many many other wonderful artists to choose from. For something outdoors, or when its time to dance, warm weather parties were made for Cumbia. And at the end of the evening, when dancing is over and quiet conversation begins again, Gilberto Gil has a collection of songs called "Copo Vazio" that features just his beautiful voice and acoustic guitar accompaniment that's perfect.

Posted by: Jan at July 10, 2009 12:50 PM

Oops, my bad: the Gil CD is called "Luminoso".

Posted by: Jan at July 10, 2009 12:56 PM

Rufus Wainwright. Poses and/or Release the Stars.

Posted by: Hoof Hearted at July 10, 2009 2:01 PM

How about some Bossa Nova or Samba? - lovely, mellow not overpowering. Astrud & Joao Gilberto are tops, or for something more modern, Céu is pretty fantastic.

Posted by: nidaros at July 10, 2009 2:40 PM

Everything But the Girl - "Walking Wounded" or "Temperamental"

Posted by: Natalie at July 10, 2009 3:25 PM

Britney's Spears Greatest Hits. The people who say they like it will be the people you will poison.

So true, Figs, so very very true.

As for music, I'd recommend Vanessa-Mae. 95% instrumental violin/pop/ethnic fusion, which makes for incredible variety within one disc. If classical violin is your thing some of her earlier releases were straight-up, non-fused, classics. Go on YouTube and check out I'm a Doun, Happy Valley, Bach Street Prelude, or anything from her latest (Choreography) for some good examples.

Posted by: lordhelmet at July 10, 2009 3:33 PM

Ella, or Dionne Warwick, or Coltrane, or Miles Davis, or Nina Simone.

All good digestin' music, with not too many loud bits to make people choke on the bacon-wrapped dates.
Which, by the way, sound delicious!

Posted by: Tarn at July 10, 2009 4:52 PM

I tried wrapping my dates in bacon but then they'd never pick up when I'd call to ask them out again.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 4:55 PM

So now I wrap my nuts in bacon and whistle for the dog.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at July 10, 2009 5:07 PM

There's a new reissue of Tony Bennett with Bill Evans that might do the trick. Bennett dials down his belting style. Evans did the piano work on Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue", which is also in the pantheon.

Posted by: sansho1 at July 12, 2009 11:25 AM