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By Jeph Translation by Maria King        This year Taipei is moving in the Lounge direction. Here there are two kinds of Lounge: One is the typical alcohol-and-coffee consuming place; while the other involves a certain kind of music. Both places emphasize leisure and fashion.

     Lounge is by no means a fresh idea. The idea of a high fashion bar where society's elite may drink, socialize, and flirt with one another, has existed since ancient times. What sets these places apart is Lounge music (soft music), music suited to the setting.

Because Lounge is about atmosphere, it is not just about one kind of music. What is seen is a collection of music which together forms the Lounge style. It isn’t difficult to understand that style. Just look at the front covers of a Lounge CD, and you will know the exact type of Lounge you're looking for.

1. A pretty girl wearing fashionable clothing, because the music has to suit young ladies’ tastes.
2. People spread out on a sofa, to suggest coziness.
3. A foreign beach, city, or sunset—usually French, Italian or Spanish.
4. A Buddhist image. This type of CD is less common, and has an oriental style of music.

Why has Lounge culture has become so popular? This age we live in changes so rapidly. Everyday there is a ceaseless flow of information that big city people (slowly) thirst for; and even if it's how to spend your leisure time, you still want to keep up with the times. Although some people think Lounge culture is generally too feminine, why not just relax?