Why is elevator music so-called?

[Coldicote]

There's a lot about Muzak and 'elevator music' on the internet, but what if anything has it got to do with elevators? Or is it supposed to 'elevate' the spirits when one is bored sick waiting for a response on the phone? What do others think?

[ABerrant]

Music was piped into elevators to make the experience of travelling between floors more pleasurable! (so the theory goes)

[Buenchico]

'Elevator', in US English, equals 'lift' in British English. The type of music you refer to is typical of what big hotels and offices used to play in their lifts/elevators. (A few places probably still continue with the practice but it's not as common as it used to be).

Chris

[ABerrant]

http://music.muzak.com/music/elevator/

[saxy_jag]

Love it or hate it, it's got to be better then 'Third floor. Please MIND the doors.'

[Coldicote]

Thanks for the explanations. Personally I find it 'off-putting' and don't stay any longer than I have to in places with sound, be it Muzak or Music, I don't choose to listen to.

[andy-hughes]

The whole point about 'elevator' music is that it has had all the tonal highs and lows removed, so it is utterly bland, unintrusive, and unmemorable - which in turn has made it a generic term for music some people don't like.

A fabulous example is in the film 'The Blues Brothers' which is chock-full of amazing soul and rhythm and blues music, until the Brothers get into the lift at the Cook County building, and are riding up to a high floor to make their tax payment. The elevator music is 'The Girl From Ipanema' from which anyone would be hard pressed to ring any kind of emoitonla reaction - but this version is so bland it's hysterical. The Brothers of course, act as though it simply is not there - which given the music they have heard and played thus far in the film - it's probably not there for them!

[mushroom25]

on the subject of the girl from ipanema, here's a version that may precipitate an emotional response, even if that's just an irrational desire to gnaw your own leg off...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEPPbONFXYc

[4candles]

@mushroom AAAGGHH - imagine being stuck in a lift with that playing!

[Booldawg]

You leave the Girl from Ipamena alone! She served me well when I was learning the saxophone....

[VHG]

Mrs Miller was a famous "bad singer".

I remember years ago Kenny Everett used to have a "bad song" section on his radio show.

Lovers Concerto by Mrs Miller was one of his favorites, here it is

http://www.youtube.co...PL&playnext=1&index=6