In common parlance, muzak is any soft, ostensibly unobtrusive music played in stores, shopping malls, over phone lines, and in public places where people are likely to buy something. In many places, it can go unnoticed entirely, sinking out of aural range amid the general commotion of talking, rustling, and cash register sounds that are the true soundtrack of places of commerce. In one place, however, the muzak reveals itself for what it is. That place is the elevator, and muzak's glaring presence there has given rise to its perhaps unfortunate nickname, "elevator music."