As I was trying to find some suitable movies to watch at the video store, I found it hard to concentrate because the clerk's music was blasting loudly through the speakers.

I asked him to turn it down, twice actually, because he couldn't hear me the first time.

After shooting me a sour look, as if to say, hey pal, this job isn't worth it without my music, he acquiesced.

Before you think I'm a fuddy-duddy, let me say, some of MY music I like to play loudly, and I do just this when I'm in my car, or taking a break from working, in my office.

But I don't subject other people to my tastes.

The real test is this: Are people more productive or less, when music is playing?

I suppose, one issue is evident in the video store situation: Is the music in the background or in the foreground?

If it is kept in the background, and the business purpose is in the foreground, it's probably fine. In a call center, for instance, if representatives can easily hear and be heard by clients, then there may be no problem at all.

A Melrose Avenue boutique may blast its music out the door to signal to a very specialized clientele that it is a good place to shop. Then, music is in the foreground, and it is a marketing tool.

I get that, and obviously, a music store wants to feature and to highlight certain CD's, so have at it!

No problem.

Yesterday, I had lunch at an Italian restaurant that was playing the many moods of Tony Bennett,

including some depressing ones. It was okay during the meal, though the tunes bordered on the sad, but I can't imagine playing this crooner as background in an office.

In that context, it would be too much of a downer. Also, a lot of workers might flee to the city by the bay; having heard Mr. Bennett left his heart there.

I think there is a role for science in all of this. You can test various types of music and see how productivity fluctuates. Try eliminating music, too.

You may be surprised to find that's the soundest idea of all!

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