Hawaii Becomes Our 50th State
On August 21, 1959 Hawaii is granted Statehood and becomes our 50th State. It being the only state totally made up of islands, Americans were eager to learn more about its Polynesian and tropical heritage. Tiki culture’s distinctive lifestyle catered to the escapist longing for journey to tropical regions of the South Pacific. The appeal was accelerated by people who had visited such areas and Hollywood hype of exoctic islands, forbidden love, danger and intrigue. ...explore Tiki style!
Enter Exotica Mood Music
With the advent of Hi-Fi stereo systems, recordings such as Exotica Mood music excelled at showing off your new equipment. It was the perfect Bachelor Pad Paradise date music. Exotica could turn “erotica” quickly after a few Martini’s and the fetching, dreamy sounds of the tropics from your new Hi-Fi. (Or at least that’s what the Ad-Men would have you believe.)
Among devotees of exotica music and tiki subculture, vibraphonist Gene Rains is one of the Big Three of the “exotica” genre. Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman were the other leaders. (Though Les Baxter had some first rate releases of exotica, it no longer become his “thing”, so he isn’t generally taken into consideration within the same league as the Big Three). Read more below…
These Titles Available | Buy Now! | ||
 Don Tiki - The Forbidden Sounds |  Jungle Jet Set |  Exotica |  Les Baxter 8 Classic Albums |
 Quiet Village - Martin Denny |  Luau Tiki |  Don Tiki - Adulterated |  Far Away Lands - Gene Rains |
 Contrasts In Hi-Fi |  The Best Of Exotica |  Tiki Pop |  Technicolor Paradise |
 The Sound Of Tiki |  Skinny Dip - Don Tiki |
The Big Three
Baxter, Denny and Lymon all had later success in the 90’s when their entire album catalogs came out on CD. However, Gene Rains has remained an enigma and true Exotica cult icon.
We know little about him, except that popular Hawaiian crooner Alfred Apaka found Gene Rains and recruited the vibraphonist and his organization to play at the Hawaiian Village Hotel in Waikiki.
In the 60’s he will record 3 albums for Decca records. One of which is “Far Away Lands” which is NOW finally available Above 2nd Row #4
Quiet Village by Martin Denny plus many other records in this table above are considered prime examples of this seemingly odd lost genre of music. Which makes it fresh & fun to rediscover.
So, put on that Hawaiian shirt, grab a tall cool Mai Tai and transport yourself into the relaxing world of Exotica Mood Music, you wont regret it!
MORE!
Exotica & Tiki Art Posters
Tropical Décor - Islands Serenity
 Exotica & Tiki Art Posters |  Tropical Décor - Islands Serenity |
You might like this also:
Tiki Bar
Amazon paid link
Extra: New Artists in 2021 keeping Exotica Mood Music alive!
Mid Century Living Room Ideas – Tropical Home Office Décor
The Forbidden Sounds of Don Tiki
Noteworthy: Mid Mod Scout does not stock torches only lamps – However, the “Tiki” brand posted on Facebook “TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place in Charlottesville and are deeply saddened and disappointed. We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way. Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard.”
We absolutely support TIKI on this. They got a bum rap because a group picked up their products for a racist rally. Fred Perry polo shirts experienced a similar problem
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