Ryuchi Sakamoto hating the music at the place he sips miso soup is the inspiration and example for the author's argument: too many establishments treat music as an afterthought, and it's interesting to put some thought into it so that it complements the business. I agree, I can name a local coffee chain and a laundry near me at that use Pandora - complete with inserted advertisements - & it could be better. I have family that worked at A&F who brought home their music DVDs. Sure, there would be a couple indie surprises tossed in the playlists, but overall I associate their music with the lowest common denominator demographic. Starbucks was playing Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz when I recently walked in. These companies play "brand-establishing music, or the kind that makes you want to spend money". I don't think Mr. Sakamoto's goal is the same, he is choosing brand complementing music.