Compilation albums to turn a deaf ear to...
Are you of the generation that still enjoys a trip to a CD store to flick through the latest offerings?
Or perhaps you're a bright young thing who downloads tunes for your iPod gizmo?
Either way, you can't fail to have noticed the rash of compilation albums that offer soundtracks to suit your mood or activity.
On the run-up to Mothering Sunday I was bombarded with adverts to purchase 101 Housework Songs. Mild curiosity led me to find out more – I was flummoxed as to why anyone would want to give this five-CD collection to their Ma as a present and I know I'd be taking
my life in my hands if I presented Mrs B Senior with such a gift.
I mean, what does it really say? 'Thank you for all that you do for me, mum'? No. More like, 'Mum, any chance you can iron my shirt while you listen to your new CD?'
A turgid selection of tunes that include inferior offerings from Cliff Richard, KC and The Sunshine Band and Dolly Parton, this insensitive gift would, I feel sure, see any mum opting for the noise of the vacuum cleaner over this din.
And it's not just housework that comes with a 'soundtrack'.
There's even one of songs inspired by Jackie, the teen magazine of the 70s. Featuring gems like Paul Nicholas warbling Dancing with the Captain and Middle of the Road belting out Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep,
you'll be reaching (or possibly retching) for the Babycham or the off button before you can say I love the Bay City Rollers.
But one fabulous double CD compilation has come my way.
Entitled Dinner Jazz, it features the cream of gentle jazz from luminaries including Miles Davis, Bobby Wellins, Billie Holliday, Chet Baker, Stan Getz and Nina Simone.
Inspired by the Dinner Jazz radio show you can hear on digital, internet and satellite radio station Jazz FM, it's perfect for dining, romance or just as a stress-buster after a taxing day.
With record companies always keen to make a quick quid it's not surprising that sometimes quality plummets.
So, what might we expect next? Given the state of the nation at the moment I'm guessing Music to Bash a Banker To is only a download away, closely followed by Songs to Sign On To, Binge Drink Beats and The Recession Blues Box Set.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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