I love listening to AOL Radio while at the office. Whenever I'm doing something monotonous -- coding HTML, PhotoShop -- it's the perfect distraction. I can't listen while reading or writing, because it's tough to concentrate, but otherwise it's a great way to whistle while I work.
Of course, I'm using headphones so I don't disturb It's Hot Missy, It's Hot Summer and It's Hot Jeff, who all sit within 12 feet of me. But in the common areas of our office, such as the kitchenette and bathroom, they're piping in XM '80s -- my favorite channel, of course. Nothing better than going for a cup o' tea and walking out humming Guns n' Roses, right? (You know where you are? You're in the jungle baby.)
But it made a few of us wonder: What if some of those songs aren't exactly workplace appropriate? For example, what if George Michael's "I Want Your Sex" is on? Or Billy Squier's "The Stroke"? (Look up the lyrics to that one.) Madonna's "Like a Virgin"? The list goes on.
We're not Puritans here, but it makes you wonder. I for one would rather hum along to tunes I love over some piped-in muzak or elevator music. But if I walk out of the bathroom singing along to "Blister in the Sun," and then down the hall to a meeting while pondering its lyrical content ... well, let's not go any further. Perhaps it's better not to know the lyrics.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1. FIRST!, thank you for using headphones. I'm not so polite but since you DO use headphones, it probably doesn't bother you. :)
Second, I suppose since that station tends to play 80's top 40 hits, I guess whatever powers that be determined what station to pipe in for us decided if it was safe enough for the top 40 stations, then it must be work appropriate. Of course, the 80's was pre-Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction (aka: Boobgate) and people are a little more sensitive these days.
I don't like most of what they play on the muzak which just motivates me back to my desk faster instead of lingering in the kitchen to read all the flyers on the bulletin board. Humm... maybe that was the reason for picking that station.
Having said that, I was totally rocking out to Wall of VooDoo's 'Mexican Radio' the other day in the cafe but I skipped toasting my bagel this morning when I heard 'American Pie' because I didn't want it stuck in my head (ug... just typing the title got the stupid tune going).
I listen to Punk U which definitely does not have work appropriate titles and even worse lyrics so maybe I SHOULD look into headphones.
Posted at 4:40PM on Sep 12th 2007 by itshotsummer
2. I can't work without music in the background. Muzak, though, is horrible. If I had to sit around an office all day listening to orchestral versions of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" I would definitely go postal.
Posted at 12:54PM on Sep 13th 2007 by T-Mo
3. When I hear that watered down pop crap, I can't help but think how half-assed it is...at my company (internet), when they tease us with 80's/90s XM pop rock (and yes GNR is still pop), it just makes me think...wow someone high up just DOESN'T GET IT...they ought to keep it real and let us jam on a richer diet of Kennedys, X, Zep, Dre, etc...uh we are an internet company after all..
Posted at 4:52PM on Sep 25th 2007 by sweetlou