Eye of Modok

The other day at a restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to hear an old favorite, “My Sharona” by the Knack, at a restaurant. As that song contains what I consider to be a definite contender for all-time top ten guitar solos, it was great to hear it after so many years and I really enjoyed it. The first time. Unfortunately, after the song ended they played it again. And again. And again. And again. And again. Finally, I had to leave.

I just don’t understand it. No matter where I go, I have to hear a song, or even worse, just a portion of a song, played in an endless loop - shopping centers, restaurants, buses, elevators… you name it. It seems that once they have determined that a particular song presents the image they like, they are content to repeat it ad infinitum. The worst part is that no one seems to be affected by this practice except me. People just sit there as if hearing the same song over and over again is not driving them crazy. How can this be? Could it be a legacy from all of the rousing communist anthems they were subjected to in their youth, played over and over again? Or does it go much deeper than that?

Back when I consulted on the opening of Sequoia Cafe, I managed the shop for a few months. I was in charge of music. Of course, I selected an eclectic mix of songs from all over the world that would suit the modern decor and present the right image of “indie cafe”. I also made sure there were enough songs in the playlist that no song would be repeated for several days at least. Sometimes, I would go out for lunch. When I came back, invariably they would be playing some horribly cheesy pop song they had snuck in that made me want to hurl. And when the song finished, they would rewind it and play it again. And again. And again. I don’t get it! Why would anyone want to hear the same thing over and over again? Don’t they realize that it drives some people crazy? Why doesn’t it drive them crazy?

I just don’t understand.