Post #8216 by Swanky on Fri, Sep 13, 2002 9:58 AM

There are really 3 styles of music that fit the true tiki bar theme: Exotica, Hawaiian and Polynesian.

In terms of Exotica, which is "South Seas Lounge" there really are only 3 guys who do that stuff. Some of their music became standards like "Yellow Bird" and others did their versions, but no one else is in the genre.

Hawaiian music is characterized by the steel guitar and a typically slow beat.

Polynesian music is more drum heavy and much faster tempo and more "tribal" sound.

But, there are lounge versions of Hawaiian music by the score. Which isn't exactly Exotica. Or is it? It gets tricky.

I've said it before, any lounge is fine in the tiki bar. That's the music of that time, so it fits to me. But, I also tend to think the real experience has to have one of the 3 genres above, or the pseudo-sub-genre of Hawaiian or Polynesian Lounge music.

Gleason is Mr. Romance. I am not a big fan because he isn't that interesting or dynamic, but his LP covers are tops. His music is like 101 Strings or Melanchrino Strings, bland, sappy. I like my lounge with a kick. But, of course, I have it all. I have just added Gleason to my broadcast this week. Here's a peak at the new front page of the Swank Pad I am working on, a la Gleason. The buttons are not finalized yet...

[plug] All the above is ready to be heard on my broadcast or on the Swank Vinyl Exotica CD. Click below for either. ; ) /plug]

The Swank Pad Broadcast - If it's Swank...

[ Edited by: Swanky on 2002-09-13 10:01 ]