Other Worlds Other Sounds - Esquivel (1958)

Ideated from: The Eights. going back ten years each day

Here I go again with 50s “exotica” but man I kinda get it. This so-called “Space Age Lounge Music” is schmaltzy for sure. But it’s also just off kilter enough to be very interesting. Occasional jagged tempo changes and stabs of instruments you wouldn’t expect make this a lot more fun to listen to than you you might think.

Like a lot of people my age, I first heard of him in the 90s when this 50s output briefly became the king of ironic retro coolness.

I don’t really know if Esquivel was a genius or just did some cool, weird shit. Maybe it’s better not to think about it too deeply and just enjoy.

Tracks I Liked

Playfully - A great latin ballroom piece with some Hawaiian steel guitar, i think?

Adios - he led the band from the piano and this is a good showcase for him as a pianist

Music Is The Moonlight - one of the best on here. fun and weird.