| If you are hosting a tiki party or want to feel as | | | | suggest the serenity of an island paradise. |
| relaxed as if you were on a tropical island, try Tiki | | | | One popular name for the tiki genre, "exotica", is |
| music. Tiki music began as part of the tiki craze | | | | drawn from the name of a 1947 Martin Denny |
| of the mid-1950s, which popularized other aspects | | | | album. In fact, Martin Denny is often seen as the |
| of Polynesian or island culture. Other elements | | | | father of exotica music. This particular type of |
| that became popular in America were statues, | | | | music was popular during the original craze, and as |
| grass skirts, and hula girls, among other motifs. | | | | characterized by tribal and Latin rhythms set |
| This sub-genre first gained popularity outside tiki | | | | against a tropical soundscape. |
| restaurants in the 1960's in California, where it | | | | Arthur Lyman, perhaps the second most popular |
| grew out of surf culture. Today, tiki music is very | | | | artist, got his start playing the vibraphone with |
| popular, and not just for themed restaurants. Tiki | | | | Martin Denny. His style includes bird calls, bells, and |
| music has also been described as "exotica lounge | | | | other sounds meant to simulate an island |
| music" When listening to this music, you can | | | | environment. |
| picture yourself on the beach, with the waves | | | | Tiki artist Les Baxter was actually born in Texas. |
| lapping gently at the shore, a tropical drink in your | | | | His music has been sampled by P. Diddy and The |
| hand. | | | | Beastie Boys. He composed many songs for |
| Although tiki music is often associated with a | | | | movies and television, and also worked with Nat |
| kitschy and somewhat cheesy environment | | | | King Cole, Bob Hope, and others. He is also |
| because it was played in popular restaurants like | | | | well-known for Jungle exotica; this genre, when |
| Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber's, the | | | | compared to tiki exotica, includes more natural or |
| music movement was actually much more | | | | jungle-inspired sounds; it is mainly a Hollywood |
| sophisticated than that. The inspiration for these | | | | creation stemming from Tarzan and similar |
| sounds came from soldiers returning from the | | | | movies. |
| South Pacific after World War II, as well as | | | | Today, tiki music is experiencing a revival. New tiki |
| Hawaii's statehood in 1959. | | | | bars are even opening, replacing their kitschy or |
| Popular artists include Les Baxter, Martin Denny, | | | | campy predecessors. As expected, the rising |
| Arthur Lyman, and Yma Sumc. The tropical genre | | | | popularity of other tiki elements has led to a |
| is a fusion of jazz, jungle, and a Caribbean drum | | | | newfound popularity of the music. |
| beat. Perhaps it is known as Exotica because it | | | | If you are having a party this summer, consider |
| can instantly transport your mind to an exotic | | | | picking up a few tiki CDs to complete the mood. |
| beach. With titles like "Taboo", "Forbidden Sounds", | | | | The classic sounds of tiki music are |
| "Heat", and "Bali Hai", the music suggests an | | | | understandably popular in tiki bars, decorated by |
| unknown and somewhat mystical, far-away | | | | bamboo and dried grass as well as other island |
| culture. "Quiet Village," "Enchanted Sea," and | | | | motifs. This unusual blend of music is sure to add |
| "Hawaiian Sunset," among other popular titles, | | | | to the fun and relaxing atmosphere. |