‘Ok Camp, here is one of my pet peeves. Every restaurant and pub somehow believe that we all want to listen to loud classic rock’ n roll. Look around. What’s the demographic? I bet you it’s barely south of pension age. In other words, people like you and me who just want to have a quiet beer, hear each other talk and enjoy the atmosphere.’

‘I feel your pain brother. Worse than restaurants and pubs are the grocery stores. Why do I have to listen to Pink Floyd, who I like but not while I’m wandering around the vegi section. The other day it was ‘Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer at full volume while I’m standing at the deli counter. Is that really necessary? I asked nobody in particular and the woman beside me just shook her head in resignation. I try not to listen, she said.’

‘Honestly I’m not going back to certain restaurants because not only does their choice of music not fit the menu but it’s way too loud,’ she said and I had to agree.

            ‘You know there are studies that identify what’s the best music for a certain type of activity. Restaurants should stick to muted classical music or chansons. Grocery stores need to tone it down and play Kenny G or electronic music, the liquor store needs to play more pop and party tunes.’

            ‘It used to be called elevator music, you know background tunes, something to take the tension out of riding in an elevator, close to strangers.’

 ‘Or drown out the din of bumping shopping carts and beeping cash registers.’

            ‘What do you think of our pub’s music?’ Camp said.

            I had to concentrate for a moment and listen to the country and western song coming from the sound system. ‘I don’t mind C&W in a pub, it kind of suits the surroundings and it’s not in your face loud. The other day I was shopping and ‘Californication’ by the Chili Peppers blasted through the aisles. I like the Peppers but it’s the wrong music while I’m trying to concentrate on my shopping list.’ 

            ‘At least in a sports bar you know it’s going to be 80’s rock’ n roll during a hockey game and you expect loud music to go with the games but not in public places like grocery stores or shopping malls.’

            ‘Or restaurants.’

            ‘The worst time of year for the worst kind of music is of course Christmas. They start playing that holiday mush right after Halloween. The handful of smarmy and soapy songs burrow into your brain and can’t be purged even in your sleep. 

            ‘What kind of music do you listen to at home?’ Camp wanted to know.

            ‘Usually the same stuff over and over. Blues, some Mexican and Cuban, old standbys like Chris Rea and Boz Scaggs, Cohen, the Stones including their latest album. They’re pushing eighty and have just finished a sold out North American tour if you can believe it. How about you?’

            ‘I play the same stuff over and over at the book store. Mostly jazz, instrumentals and classic guitar.  Soothing music, good for browsing books. I try to stay away from Christmas music. Give the customers a break.

            When Vicky came by with our refills, we wanted to know her favorite music.

            ‘Billie Eilish, Byoncee, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift.’

            Camp and I both nodded, clueless as to her choice of music. 

‘You two are a bit like the Blues Brothers,’ she said. ‘All you need are matching sunglasses and Trilby hats.’

‘Ho, ho, ho.’