Perhaps inspired by the popularity of martinis, lounge music and the late-night party essence of swinging, a barrage of talented musical acts have converged to make an impressive and often funny collection of lounge tunes.
October 25, 1997
Whatever the inspiration for the artists involved with Lounge-a-palooza, it provided some of the most creative takes on lounge songs and even some songs not always associated with lounge-style music.
Ben Folds Five utilizes all the instruments associated with lounge music for their witty version of the Flaming Lips’ campy tune She Don’t Use Jelly. A small string arrangement, maracas and a horn section accompany the schmoozy lounge vocals Ben Folds applies with credible success.
Other featured songs include Pizzicato Five’s energetic version of the lounge classic The Girl From Ipanema, and Fun Lovin’ Criminals take on the sappy 70s hit I’m Not in Love.
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Poe’s version of A Rose is a Rose highlights the album with its jazzy bass and her smooth and cool vocals. The song epitomizes the atmosphere of smoke-filled bars, cocktail napkins and small talk between strangers with slow and easy verses and a complex, built-up chorus.
The only track not quite fitting in with the rest of the material is Steve & Eydie’s orchestrated version of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun. The song comes off with too much crooning and sounds like a bad Christmas song.
What makes lounge music work for the individuals who love the style is that the upbeat songs make them want to dance, while the slower numbers give them the self-deprecating it’s-late-and-I’m-alone-again feeling. Lounge-a-palooza offers plenty of both.
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