Been knocking up a nut roast for the tinies, their mum and dad, and me and the missus if we’re lucky, and my thoughts turned to cooking music. It’s got to be something I know and love, with no sudden skronking or other unexpected surprises that make me cut myself or bring Mrs thep running to remind me that we have neighbours above and below. But it’s not always that simple. Why? Here’s a technical interlude (can safely be skipped if not interested).
The wifi in my not very big flat is a bit flaky at its farthest reaches, which includes the kitchen. (Sometimes the wifi on passing buses is stronger.) So I’ve installed a mesh network, which has solved the problem triumphantly. But the Sonoi (One in kitchen, Beam under the TV) are still on the original network, which makes controlling the One in the kitchen with my phone a chancy affair – sometimes it just gives up. For some reason, however, controlling it with Alexa works fine every time. So complicated curating is out, the routine is, ‘Alexa, play x’, where x is a single artist or album.
Back to the original question: it has to be Nick Lowe. A songbook to die for, witty and sophisticated and occasionally soppy in just the right way, beautifully produced and recorded, never raucous even at his most energetic, and always with that reassuring thudding Basher bass underpinning things, which the Sonos particularly enjoys.
You?
mikethep says
PS Any advice from Sonosheads about transferring to the mesh network gratefully received.
jazzjet says
I found that buying a Sonos Boost and connecting it to my router has helped provide a rock solid Sonosnet mesh network. I’m told that just connecting one of your Sonos speakers to the router will also work but the Sonos Boost is probably a better option.
mikethep says
Now I come to think of it, the Beam has an ethernet connection to the router, so that explains why it always works so well in the kitchen via Alexa. Only problem is that my computer and phone always default to the mesh, which is fine, that’s what I want them to do. But I have to return them to the original network if I want them to interact with the Sonoi. Which means that my computer in the office starts dropping out, which is why I set up the mesh in the first place. First world problems, eh?
Gatz says
I like to cook to music, and Nick Lowe is a good choice – anything that I can sing along to works, though I’m partial to a bit of opera in the kitchen too.
Kaisfatdad says
Some genres are conducive to the culinary arts.
Americana works well. Some classic Ry Cooder perhaps.
Old School reggae. The Heart of the Congos.
Avant Garde Jazz is a non-starter. Screeching and honking will I fear not enhance your magnificent chocolate cakes, DuCool!
I am also partial to a bit of opera in the bathroom. Soap opera!
I will get my bathrobe.
Moose the Mooche says
Minimalist techno is also not advisable. All that bleeping will make you think you’ve set off the smoke alarm.
Junior Wells says
I’ve got a solution. Flick through crate, select album. Remove vinly from sleeve, position on platter, remove dust with thingy, lower stylus onto vinly. Adjust volume to level required.
No mesh required
mikethep says
Get tomato paste and oily fingerprints all over vinyl…
fatima Xberg says
I would feel like an idiot if I were to use my telephone to switch on the music in my flat. And loudly talking to machines – has no-one here read “The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide To The Galaxy”?
But maybe I’m too old…
mikethep says
I doubt you’re older than me…And yes, I have read HHGTTG. And seen Black Mirror. You get used to it. And I’d happily embrace the new if it means I don’t have to give hundreds of vinlys shelf room.
Moose the Mooche says
Louis Jordan provides superlative titting-around-in-the-kitchen music. This being an obvious example.
mikethep says
Choo Choo ch’Boogie worked well when feeding the Oz grandson, I found.
Moose the Mooche says
Life in general does not provide one with enough opportunities to pal around with democratic fellows named Mac.
Mike_H says
In my opinion you can’t really go wrong playing Louis Jordan in the kitchen.
Mike_H says
Or pre-’50s Ella Fitzgerald.
mikethep says
Or Fats Waller, now I come to think about it.
Moose the Mooche says
That can and does result in using worktops as air-pianos, resulting in ingredients and utensils being scattered to the four corners of the earth. Or the kitchen, leastways.
Rigid Digit says
Cooking needs a soundtrack.
(Mrs D has been informed of this FACT several times, but is still not convinced)
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here are particularly helpful when rustling up a Shepherds Pie or Lancashire Hotpot
bang em in bingham says
Willie Nelson’s completely lovely “Stardust” album works everytime for me
duco01 says
I was playing Ellen Arkbro’s “For Organ and Brass” a few days ago.
NOT good cooking music.
Not unless you fancy falling asleep while stirring your bechamel sauce.
mikethep says
I’m in danger of doing that even if there’s loud music playing.
Black Celebration says
I am hoping I have about 30-40 years left and by the time I get to the home straight (last 10 years) life will be very different. TV entertainment will be all-important and will provide the sense of community that we all crave. Real time discussion shows with politicians and panellists will be 24 hour, 7 day channels. Alexa (or Thargbot) will arrange all kinds of mundane things and will be able to converse in a genuine sounding way about anything. I’m all for it.
I have had my ear bent by many an old bloke in a pub, rambling on toothlessly about God knows what and not letting me get away. I’ll probably be like that. It doesn’t matter if the other person isn’t listening. Alexa would be ideal for this purpose. Tirelessly responding with “oh really?” and “yes”.
mikethep says
Or “Alexa. Kill.”
Moose the Mooche says
“Pointlessly collecting music? Hardest game in the world. Been at it forty years, man and boy..”
Kaisfatdad says
There are songs where the artist kindly gives some culinary advice.
Judy Collins Cook with honey
Fats Waller – All that meat and no potatoes
Cream – Spoonful
Bob Marley and the Wailers – Stir it up
Tahir W says
Some zydeco perhaps? With your seafood gumbo, you know …
Kaisfatdad says
Zydeco is a great suggestion. In the Big Easy they take their music and their food very seriously.
Tahir W says
As indeed they should.