Help me pick out music for a party

Hi, Richard.

Personally, the more music I get to hear, the better I like it. Background music at a party makes it much more civilized. But that's just my preference.

HOWEVER, the rock you mentioned doesn't work very well as background music, IMHO. When you turn the volume down to the point that people can easily converse over it, the music is just a distraction, not really an enjoyment.

I'd suggest:

Bryan Ferry "As Time Goes By" if you can find it, with songs by Cole Porter et al. A beauty.

Frank Sinatra "Romance - Songs From the Heart" is GREAT. I've never really been a Sinatra fan, but this CD is changing my mind. It is a remastered complilation of Nelson Riddle arrangements from the 50's and the recording quality is excellent.

Chris Botti "When I Fall in Love" works either as background music OR for serious listening.

Steve Tyrell "Standard Time" is another great CD of familiar standards.

Maybe those choices are too tame for your tastes...

How about a few that refer to birthday.

Beatles, Beach Boys, Elvis, Stones. Hermans Hermits, Buckinghams, Kinks, Who.............look up some hits from the mid to late 60's- early 70's- should bring back many memories for all of you.

Verve has a fantastic 4-CD compilation set out called "A Night Out With Verve." It is divided into "Wining", "Dining", "Dancing" and "Romancing." Great for both background and serious listening with a wonderful array of jazz classics.

You might also check out any of the Rhino "Masters of Jazz" series.

All of the above give you a very nice "mix" without you having to work at it.

Finally, don't overlook your library. I've been visiting the one down the street from my house and have made some pretty interesting finds.

John Coltrane "Ballads" always works for dinner.It can be played low without putting anyone into snooze mode.