Chart toppers

The domestic trend in lifestyles, with an emphasis on nesting and home, has had a huge impact on the way consumers decorate their homes. According to Gifts & Decorative Accessories' Trends and Forecasts 2003 survey, 49 percent of home decor manufacturers and vendors indicated that nesting/entertaining at home would be a primary design direction for 2003. That number is up 8 percent from the year before.

The emphasis on home has influenced the music people are listening to, as we learned after speaking with the leading gift industry music companies. Consumers are looking for the right music to set the mood for entertaining or relaxing, and these companies are responding.

Nostalgic music, which includes everything from jazz and blues to golden oldies, is particularly in vogue with consumers buying compilations by such greats as The Platters, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. North Star Music's Vintage Master Series, a collection of original tracks that have been re-mastered, is one of that company's most requested selections.

Lifestyle CDs — music that coordinates with everyday activities or special events — also tops the list of hot categories. Sugo Music offers a selection that creates the perfect ambience for a casual dinner party. Michael Chiarello's Music for Casual Cooking and Dining is a two-CD set that comes with booklet and music to accompany the listener from preparation to presentation and cocktails, and even to clean up.

But customers are also spending time on their own, taking care of their bodies and souls, which is why Relaxation is another strong music category. With the increasing popularity of yoga and meditation, customers are looking for a musical accompaniment to their at-home exercise ritual. The Solitudes line from Somerset Entertainment includes a number of albums in this category, such as Classical Garden and Piano Songbirds.

Gift CDs offer an ideal blend of music to set the right tone for a party, a yoga session, or a quiet evening at home. While each company's categories vary, they all have one thing in common: music that creates a mood and reflects the way we live.

Gianluca Veloci, vice president of Brisa Entertainment, notes that his company doesn't sell only music, but also packaging that reflects a certain style. "The content of the CD is always a classic," he says.

Lifestyle. Modern themes paired with retro packaging. CDs include Movie Nights, hit songs from motion pictures, and Moonlight Cocktail, tunes from the 1940s.

Entertaining. Gift CDs presented in designer tins. Titles include Never Can Say Goodbye: Live 70's Disco Party and Spanish Guitar Music.

Latin American. From lively collections of Cuban music to passionate Argentine tangos, titles include Cabana Mambos, Noches Latinas, and Buenos Tangos.

Nostalgia. Collectible gift idea with evocative cover art makes a great impulse purchase. CDs include Idols, a compilation of songs from pop icons, as well as Jive: A Century Party, and The Greatest of Swing.

"There's a trend toward looking for reassurance and hearkening back to simpler times, when our lives weren't so complicated," say Bryan McLaughlin, director of marketing at Green Hill Productions. A category on the rise is Bluegrass/Folk, which is catching on with the young.

Pop/Nostalgia. Vintage instrumental renditions of classic pop songs from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. CDs include Moonlight in the Fifties and Cruisin' Through the Sixties.

Inspirational. Uplifting music to soothe and inspire; creates an atmosphere of calm and reflection. Titles include Hymns of Hope, Inspirational Piano Moods, and The Gospel Collection by George Jones.

Classic Vocalists. The Legendary Masters Collection features original recordings from some of the most famous voices in the business. CDs include titles by Perry Como, Elvis Presley, and Rosemary Clooney.

Entertaining. Elegant jazz selections with a romantic air. CDs include I'll Take Romance by Beegie Adair and the Light Jazz Sampler, featuring various artists.

Bluegrass/Folk. Acoustically driven music from the heart of the country. CDs include Bluegrass Jamboree and Country Legends Bluegrass.

"People want comforting music," says the director of promotion at North Star Music, Sue Waterman. Anything that represents comfort and fits the modern lifestyle is popular right now.

Nostalgia. Upbeat, sometimes romantic, these familiar favorites are great for entertaining and dancing. CDs include Slow Dancing in the 50's, Divas of Broadway, and The Marvelous Miss (Peggy) Lee.

Lifestyle. A good place to start for people who aren't sure what music they want. CDs include A Touch of Mellow, Romantic Nights, and A River of Faith.

Inspirational. Timeless inspirational melodies provide solace. CDs include Amazing Grace and Red, White & Blue, each featuring David Osbourne on solo piano.

Romance. Provides the perfect romantic ambience. CDs include In a Sentimental Mood and Like Someone in Love, as well as Unchained Melodies by Robin Spielberg.

Karen Green, marketing coordinator at Somerset Entertainment, notes that the demand for music to suit entertaining at home is growing. Watch for Latin music to flourish in the near future, she says.

Entertaining at Home. From an intimate dinner to a lively gathering, music can set the ideal tone. Titles include My Funny Valentine and Gershwin Love Songs.

Relaxation. Soothing music blended with the gentle sounds of nature. CDs include Rhythms of the Sea, Songbirds at Sunrise, and Woodland Flute.

Nostalgia. Stroll down memory lane with everything from vintage vocals to instrumental renditions of standards, including Great Gents of Jazz, The Very Best of the Platters, and With Love From Dean Martin.

Latin. Lively, upbeat, and sizzling hot, Latin music is quickly becoming a big-selling category. CDs include Flamenco Magnifico, Club Mambo, and Fiesta Del Sol.

Seasonal. Holiday music to suit every taste. CDs include Christmas Crooners and Christmas Angels, performed by the Toronto Children's Chorus.

According Elif Somay, product manager at Sugo Music, music created especially for enhancing ambience is what people are demanding today. "Cocooning is not at its peak yet," says Somay.

Entertaining at Home. Create the perfect mood for a brunch or dinner. CDs include The Best of Elton John, The Beatles: Instrumental Jazz Tribute, and Bossa Nova.

Armchair Travel. Bring the vacation back home. CDs include Destination: Africa, Destination: Ireland, Destination: Mediterranean.

Home Spa/Relaxation. Create a private sanctuary at home with titles such as Tranquility, Vitality, and Quiet Moments.