My favorite coffee shop/bagel place has a lot of young kids working there and often theres music I find to loud even though I like reggae I dont want to listen to it all the time. The music varies depending on whats on the cd changer. Since I like to go there to read I find when I cant sit outside (if its cold) Ill listen to my discman and shut out the other stuff. Sometimes though Ive heard some enchanting music being played and asked what it was. I do agree that we dont get enough silence. At a fiddle festival after 5 days of constant music (during the waking hours) having a walk in the woods in complete silence was soothing break.

on the subject of muzak, I hate it, as its an attempt to make a bland music that will please everyone and probably pleases no one. Recently I heard a bird conservation society in england had birdsongs their phone system. People loved it so much that they called all the time and asked to be put on hold. Maybe others can learn from that.