OPEN POST: Manor Music Monday With The Exotic Les Baxter!

Greetings, hors, and happy Manor Music Monday! Are you coherent? Can you stand? Or more to the point, do you miss that hour so cruelly lopped off on Saturday night? Perhaps you're feeling a bit loopy. Or exotic? Or more to the point, if you're feeling the voodoo that you doo (doo), then by all means, run, skip or skedaddle to "Social Lube," the Manor's exclusive cocktail lounge and nail salon, because tonight only, DJ Li'l Scratch will be playing outta sight tunes. Do you recognize this fella?

Probably not, but you've definitely heard his music, and if you were around in the 1960s, then you know him very well, because there's no better practitioner of exotic lounge music. In fact, he's considered the best. Yes, it's Les Baxter, who started out as a popular swing band leader, then segued into "exotic" music in the mid-1950s, collaborating with the starry likes of Yma Sumac. From there, he carved out his own path, and trust me, his music is never less than luscious. 

I just know you'll thank me - and I know your cat will thank me, too (because someone has finally translated their thoughts into music). If you're unfamiliar with Les, try out "Quiet Village," one of his most popular tracks, and included on countless compilations. Why? Because this indolent, relaxed, moody track is the pinnacle of daddy-o chill. 

In addition to arranging hit tunes for stars like Nat King Cole, Les scored over 250 films - yes, you read that right - many for American International Pictures, like The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), and the jammin', hip-shakin' Beach Blanket Bingo (1965). Dig. I know you need more space-age music from Les, and this compilation is fantastic, so fire up a fatty and chill, as they once said in another age, because Les is timeless. For me, it's perfect springtime or summer music, whether I'm relaxing by the pool or enjoying a cocktail by moonlight. 

What are you listening to this week? DJ Li'l Scratch wants to know.
Till next time...purr, bitches, purr! 🐾

Photo Credits: Getty Images; Capital Record/Universal Music Group