My local Somerfields (small kwikSpar-like store) plays the most awesome music. Every time I go in there, the first thing I notice is the music. And every time I am struck by what amazing taste somebody in there has. I don't think they play a radio station. Apparently one of the cashiers used to work for EMI records, so this might have something to do with it. On more than one occasion I have heard music in there that I have been inspired to download at home.
Now this surprises me for many reasons.
1) I have not met many English people that like the music I like. They tend to listen to more British (UKish?) music over here. In the 90's in South Africa we were exposed predominantly to American music (baby). Over here they often haven't even heard of bands like Live or Pearl Jam that were huge in SA when I was wee. But this store plays it all, even the Goo Goo dolls.
2) My music taste is not mainstream. I am old and uncool and stuck in a 90's timewarp. I hate most of the stuff on the radio over here. I do like some new stuff though, and most of it I have discovered through my friendly local Somerfields.
3) It's a freaking supermarket. What supermarket has good taste in music? I have never been anything other than tortured by supermarket music before. Boney M's greatest Christmas travesties springs to mind as a prime example of supermarket music-hell.
It is an excellent marketing strategy, because I go there often even though they are twice as expensive as other supermarkets. They should be sponsored by iTunes.
Who would have thunk it? I am 100% musically compatible with a room full of groceries.
