What is good dinner party music?
Asked by
nikipedia (
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December 30th, 2008
I invited some classmates over for dinner and they (foolishly) agreed to subject themselves to my attempts at cooking. What should go on the playlist for dinner and afterward? Crowd-pleasing pop hits? Obscure indie music designed to show off how unique and cool I am? Something instrumental (e.g., jazz) that won’t interfere with conversation? Lost hits of the 90s for their potential as conversation pieces?
Of course, any dinner party hints are welcome…
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23 Answers
I say put on whatever is You, then ask for preferences once everyone is there. Everyone will be pleased. They’ll see how cool and generous you are. :D
Yeah, DD is on the mark.
I always start with Jazz (my favorite), and then extend the offer to change it. I do this after appetizers. Most times folks will say, “no, this is fine” – unless it’s my brother-in-law who will grunt, “Wha’s this anyway?! Any sports on?!”
I lurve you for making 90’s an option!! I love the 90’s!
Party music from the 90’s:
1. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
2. No Diggity – Blackstreet
3. Nothin But A “G” Thang – Dr. Dre/Snoop Dog
4. The Rain – Missy Elliott
5. Mo Money, Mo Problems – Notorious B.I.G.
6. Mr. Jones – Counting Crows
7. What’s Up – 4 Non Blonds
8. Can I Get A… – Jay-Z
9. Good Vibrations – Markymark
10. Freak On A Leash – Korn
11. Mama Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J
12. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
13. My Name Is… – Eminem
14. Genie In A Bottle – Christina Aguilera
15. Gangstas Paradise – Coolio
16. Escapade – Janet Jackson
17. Gone Away – Offspring
18. Waterfalls – TLC
19. Ironic – Alanis Morissette
20. This is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
21. Bitch – Meredith Brooks
22. It Was A Good Day – Ice Cube
23. Jump – Kriss Kross
24. California Love – 2pac
25. Never Gonna Get It – En Vogue
26. Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
27. Whatta Man – Salt-N-Pepa
28. Tub thumping – Chumbawumba
29. No Scrubs- TLC
30. Sabotage – Beastie Boys
31. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
32. Freedom ‘90 – George Michael
33. Don’t Tell Me – Madonna
34. Vogue – Madonna (no homo)
35. Poison – Bel Biv De Voe
36. If – Janet Jackson
I didn’t put slow songs and there are much more I could give you. If you want more or want slow songs, just tell me.
The sounds of amiable conversation, laughter, and great food being eaten, perhaps with a fire crackling in the background.
Maybe you can listen to something totally different: Gilberto Gil and João (sounds like Zho-ow) Gilberto are two of the best musicians of Brazil, or anywhere, IMO. Or maybe Fela Kuti or Angélique Kidjo, who are well-known and regarded Afropop musicians.
Anglo-American pop music, jazz and all is great. My favorite band is The Beatles. And yet it’s nice to hear musics that aren’t based in American (yes, I mean R&B and rap, too) or British/Northern European traditions. Dinner parties are cool for this, at least for a few melodies in the mix, anyway. I can always bust out the Metalocalypse at other times. :)
Anything Jazzy, or even simply fun! I like the Dan in Real Life soundtrack!
I love to play any kind of mellow music, like Norah Jones. Put it on random, if you can, so you can get a mix of artists.
I think it really depends on the mood that you’re aiming for. Personally, I’ve never gone wrong with Nora Jones.
‘Nother vote for Nora Jones.
I actually sleep with her (music) most nights.
The kind of food and the mood of the party can also guide what you choose. I’ve found three staples for an audience of mixed ages and tastes are Django Reinhardt, Pink Martini and The Buena Vista Social Club soundtrack. On a few occasions, the guests have asked me to burn them copies, which I think is a good sign : )
I second figbash’s recommendations. Also Aaron Copeland.
No, seriously, check out Jackie Mitto.
Loser listened to and approved!
For whatever the heck that’s worth…
There is an amazing semi-upscale place to eat here in Portland that I love, love, love…Sometimes they will be playing the first snoop dogg album. It just makes me love the place even more. I say go for old school gangsta rap. NWA, Dre, Snoop, Ice-T….Just keep it low. You’d be suprised! I’ve seen grandmas eating to that stuff. Something about the bass and the way they say “fucka hoe” that makes a good dinner romance.
What is this place you speak of, Judo? I need to go there, just for pure weirdness factors.
Yeah I was gonna put sexy romantic songs at first because I thought it was a 1 on 1 but apparently not so I put after party dance songs and left out slow ones.
@Judo: Ah, yes. I love that restaurant. They have the best macaroni in the world. I don’t even need to travel the world to know that. It’s just true… ;)
It is a great spot however I have a problem paying $12 for macaroni. It is just so much fun there though.
Oh wait, I thought it was just for afterward :S. I never read things correctly.
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