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Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine (or simply Richard Cheese) is a cover band and comedy act, performing popular songs in a lounge/swing style. Lounge singer Richard Cheese is a character created and portrayed by Los Angeles–based actor/comedian/singer Mark Jonathan Davis.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Davis had previously worked as Director of Comedy Network Programming for Premiere Networks. [1] He developed the Richard Cheese lounge singer idea in the mid-1990s.[citation needed] The band's work was first broadcast in 2000 by KROQ-FM and the Dr. Demento show.[2]

Releases

[edit]

Since 2000, Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine band has released 28 albums.[citation needed]

The band's debut album Lounge Against the Machine was released in 2000 by Oglio Records.[3] Cheese's second and third albums, Tuxicity and I'd Like a Virgin were independently released in 2002 and 2004 by Cheese's own label, Ideatown Entertainment (later renamed to Coverage Records).[citation needed] From 2005 to 2006, Surfdog Records released three Richard Cheese CDs: Aperitif for Destruction, a studio album, Silent Nightclub, a collection of songs tangentially related to the holiday season, and The Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard Cheese, which included newly re-recorded versions of six covers from previous albums, plus four new studio recordings. Surfdog also re-released the Richard Cheese albums Tuxicity and I'd Like a Virgin on their label.[citation needed]

Beginning in 2007, the band returned to releasing its own albums, through Davis's independent Coverage Records label.

Film work

[edit]

Richard Cheese's cover of Disturbed's "Down with the Sickness" was featured in the 2004 Zack Snyder-directed remake of Dawn of the Dead.[4]

In 2016, the band had two songs in the motion picture Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and released a one-track parody album called Live at Wayne Financial Tower in which the band's performance is cut short by Superman's heat vision.[4] Warner Bros. included the band as animated LEGO mini-figs in the 2017 film The Lego Batman Movie.[4]

The character of Richard Cheese appeared in the Kristen Wiig comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, released in February 2021.[4]

In May 2021, Snyder's Army of the Dead movie featured Richard Cheese singing the opening song "Viva Las Vegas" in a duet with Allison Crowe.[4]

Band members

[edit]

As of 2015, the lineup of the Lounge Against The Machine band was:

  • Richard Cheese – vocals
  • Bobby Ricotta – piano, keyboards
  • Frank Feta – drums, percussion
  • Billy Bleu – upright bass, bass

The names are all pseudonyms that refer to types of cheese (ricotta, feta, bleu).[2]

The role of pianist and musical director Bobby Ricotta is currently[when?] played by Noel Melanio. The band's first drummer, Buddy Gouda, was played by Todd LaValley, and then by Charles Byler. Byler left the band in 2004; he was replaced by Brian Fishler, and the drummer's stage name was changed to Frank Feta. The current bass player, Billy Bleu, is portrayed by Ron Belcher.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

All self-released as Coverage Records except where noted.

Studio albums

[edit]
  1. ^ originally released in 2002 by Ideatown/Coverage Records[citation needed]
  2. ^ originally released in 2004 by Ideatown/Coverage Records[citation needed]

Compilation albums

[edit]
  • The Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard Cheese (2006) (Surfdog Records)[5]
  • Hail to the Cheese: Richard Cheese's All-American Greatest Hits (digital only) (2012)[citation needed]
  • Down With the Dickness: Richard Cheese's Dirtiest Greatest Hits (digital only) (2012)[citation needed]
  • Lord of the Swings: The Best of Richard Cheese, Vol. 2 (digital only)[5] (2018)[citation needed]
  • Snappier Than Ever: The Original Songs (2021)
  • Besame Queso (vinyl only) (2022)
  • Pussy Party (vinyl only) (2022)
  • Microphone Colossus: The Best of Richard Cheese, Vol. 3 (digital only)[5] (2025)

Film soundtracks

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
  • The Sunny Side of the Moon – No. 9 on Billboard Comedy Album Chart, March 17, 2006[9]
  • OK Bartender – No. 15 on Billboard Comedy Album Chart, April 9, 2010[6]
  • Numbers of the Beast – No. 6 on Billboard Comedy Album Chart, August 15, 2020[7]
  • Big Cheese Energy – No. 10 on Billboard Comedy Album Chart, March 13, 2021[8]

See also

[edit]
  • The Lounge Kittens, an English comedy band who performed rock and heavy metal songs in a lounge music style.
  • Black Velvet Flag, an American trio who performed punk rock songs in a lounge music style.
  • Frank Bennett, an Australian jazz singer who recorded several big band arrangements of popular songs.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Richard Cheese

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard Cheese is the stage persona of Mark Jonathan Davis (born November 27, 1965), an American comedian, actor, and lounge singer based in who performs humorous covers of rock, rap, and pop songs reinterpreted in a retro swing and Vegas-style lounge format with his backing band, Lounge Against the Machine. Since debuting in 2000, Cheese has released over 30 albums featuring "swankified" versions of contemporary hits, such as Nirvana's "Come as You Are" and Eminem's "," transforming them into smooth, ironic vocal standards accompanied by instrumentation. His act, which emphasizes satirical exaggeration of lounge tropes, has sold millions of recordings and drawn crowds to hundreds of live performances, establishing him as a niche figure in novelty music while avoiding mainstream commercial endorsements to preserve artistic independence.

Background and Persona

Origins and Mark Jonathan Davis

Mark Jonathan Davis was born on November 27, 1965, in New York. He was raised in , where he briefly attended before dropping out. After relocating to , Davis pursued a multifaceted career in entertainment, working as a radio , jingle singer, announcer, traffic reporter, and program director. He began creating musical parodies as early as 1984 during his time at a radio station, drawing from influences in and music production. Davis's interest in lounge music and crooners, which he described as universally appealing at some life stage, informed the development of his lounge singer persona, Richard Cheese. In the mid-1990s, while employed as a producer at in , Davis conceptualized the character as a satirical take on swing and lounge styles applied to contemporary songs. This emerged from his broader comedic and performative background, blending his skills in , song arrangement, and to create a distinct lounge reinterpretation of popular tracks. The idea gained initial traction through radio broadcasts, setting the stage for formal recordings and performances under the Richard Cheese name starting in 2000.

Creation and Characteristics of the Richard Cheese Persona

Mark Jonathan Davis developed the Richard Cheese lounge singer persona in the mid-1990s while employed as a producer at KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, drawing from his interest in classic crooners to reinterpret modern music. The character was formally launched in 2000 as the frontman for the band Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine, coinciding with the release of their debut album Lounge Against the Machine. This creation aimed to revive the lounge singing tradition of interpreting contemporary standards in a retro style, akin to how Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett adapted songs of their era. The Richard Cheese persona embodies a comedic , characterized by slicked-back hair, a tiger-striped tuxedo, and a martini in hand, performing with finger snaps and exaggerated swagger as "America's loudest lounge singer." Davis, portraying Cheese, delivers covers of rock, rap, hip-hop, and pop hits—such as Nirvana's "Come As You Are" or Snoop Dogg's ""—rearranged into , swing, or Vegas lounge arrangements with ironic, often profane lyrical tweaks for humorous effect. The style "swankifies" aggressive or explicit originals into smooth, vocal- standards, blending musical with high-energy live shows backed by Lounge Against The Machine's instrumental ensemble. This approach highlights contrasts between source material's raw energy and lounge polish, appealing through novelty and performance flair rather than original composition.

Musical Career

Early Development and Debut (1990s–2000)

Mark Jonathan Davis conceived the Richard Cheese lounge singer persona in the mid-1990s while working as a at in , where he began creating humorous lounge-style covers of contemporary rock and rap songs. This development stemmed from Davis's longstanding interest in crooners and his prior experience producing song parodies and comedic voices for radio stations, including characters like a 55-year-old fan for KROQ's Kevin and Bean show after relocating to in 1990. The persona evolved as a Vegas-style lounge act, "swankifying" popular tracks into big-band and swing arrangements, with "Richard Cheese" chosen for its retro, martini-soaked connotation—evoking a Fifties-era name paired with a playful, cheesy twist. Davis performed these covers initially in radio segments, building the act's foundation without formal live touring or recordings during the decade. Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine debuted publicly in 2000, with the character's covers first broadcast on , leading to wider recognition. The eponymous debut album, Lounge Against the Machine—a pun on —was released on October 17, 2000, featuring 16 tracks including lounge renditions of "," "Creep," and "Guerilla Radio." This release, produced by Davis, marked the formal entry of the act into the music industry, emphasizing ironic, cabaret-infused takes on modern hits.

Breakthrough and Expansion (2000–2010)

Richard Cheese achieved his initial breakthrough with the release of his debut album, Lounge Against the Machine, on October 17, 2000, via Oglio Records. The album featured lounge-style covers of contemporary rock and rap tracks, such as medleys of Limp Bizkit's "Nookie/" and Rage Against the Machine's "," establishing Cheese's signature "swankified" aesthetic of transforming aggressive modern hits into retro arrangements. This release garnered attention for its satirical contrast between source material and lounge delivery, contributing to early among alternative music audiences. Following the debut, Cheese signed with Surfdog Records and expanded his catalog with a series of studio albums that built on the lounge cover format while incorporating holiday themes and parodic titles. Tuxicity appeared in 2002, followed by I'd Like a Virgin in 2004, Aperitif for Destruction in 2005, and Silent Nightclub—a Christmas-themed record—in 2006. These releases sustained momentum, with Surfdog handling distribution that enabled wider availability on CD and digital platforms, ultimately contributing to millions of units sold across Cheese's output since 2000. Live performances marked significant expansion during the decade, as Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine toured extensively across the and , playing hundreds of shows in venues ranging from casinos to theaters. The band served as the house band for NBC's in 2002, 2003, and 2004, providing musical interludes that amplified exposure to viewers. Additional appearances on programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live! further integrated Cheese into , blending live lounge sets with comedic elements tied to the persona's tuxedo-clad, martini-sipping stage presence. This period solidified Cheese's niche as a novelty act capable of drawing consistent audiences through recurring tours and broadcast spots.

Recent Activities and Releases (2011–Present)

Since 2011, Richard Cheese has maintained a steady output of albums, primarily through independent channels including his Coverage Records label and , focusing on lounge-style covers of contemporary and classic tracks, alongside compilations and live recordings. Early in the decade, releases included Live At The Royal (2011), a live album capturing performances tied to the event, and A Lounge Supreme (2011), featuring swankified versions of hip-hop and rock songs. Subsequent albums such as Back In Black Tie (2012) and The Royal Baby Album (2013) continued this pattern, with themed content like holiday tracks in Cocktails With Santa (2013). In the mid-2010s, Cheese issued multiple projects in quick succession, including live sets like Bakin' At The (2015) and Richard Cheese: Live At Wayne Financial Tower (2016), alongside studio efforts such as The Lounge Awakens (2015), parodying Star Wars-themed , and Supermassive Black Tux (2015). Licensed to Spill (October 16, 2017) presented covers of spy and themes alongside pop hits like Rihanna's "Work." Compilations like Lord Of The Swings: The Best Of Richard Cheese, Volume 2 (2018) curated prior material, while Richard Cheese's Big Swingin' Organ! (2019) highlighted organ-backed arrangements. The 2020s saw continued innovation with Numbers Of The Beast (July 31, 2020), a 22-track collection incorporating covers and live excerpts from shows, emphasizing horror and metal themes in lounge format. Big Cheese Energy (February 26, 2021) followed, delivering 17 tracks of energetic parodies, and Snappier Than Ever: The Original Songs (2021) showcased original compositions. Live From Hollywood (2023) documented recent performances. In 2024, Blue No Matter Who (August 30, 2024) marked the 28th studio , featuring politically themed lounge tracks, accompanied by the Richard Cheese Mucho Queso Collection, bundling 20 digitally. An upcoming compilation, Microphone Colossus: The Best Of Richard Cheese, Volume 3 (2025), includes recent hits like "WAP." Live activities have been sporadic, with no extensive tours announced for 2025, though performances occurred as recently as November 10, 2023, at Rocks Lounge in . The act remains available for private events, weddings, and corporate functions, sustaining the lounge persona through targeted bookings rather than large-scale touring.

Discography

Studio Albums

Richard Cheese's studio albums primarily feature lounge and swing-style reinterpretations of contemporary rock, hip-hop, rap, and pop songs, often with humorous or exaggerated vocal delivery accompanied by instrumentation. Released independently or through labels like Surfdog Records after his debut, these albums emphasize and stylistic contrast to original tracks. The discography spans over two decades, with more than 20 full-length releases by 2024, many available digitally via platforms like .
TitleRelease YearLabel
Lounge Against the Machine2000Oglio Records
Tuxicity2002Surfdog Records
I'd Like a Virgin2004Surfdog Records
Aperitif for Destruction2005Surfdog Records
Dick at Nite2007Surfdog Records
Viva la Vodka2009Self-released
OK Bartender2010Self-released
Lavapalooza2010Self-released
2012Self-released
Down with the Dickness2012Self-released
The Royal Baby Album2013Self-released
Licensed to Spill2017Self-released
Numbers of the Beast2020Self-released
Big Cheese Energy2021Self-released
Blue No Matter Who2024Self-released
The debut album Lounge Against the Machine established the format with 16 tracks, including covers of "" by and "" by , selling over 100,000 copies independently before wider distribution. Subsequent releases like Tuxicity and I'd Like a Virgin expanded on themed covers, with the former drawing from and Nirvana, and the latter from and hits. Later albums shifted toward self-released digital formats, incorporating seasonal or topical themes, such as The Royal Baby Album's focus on 2013 pop tracks timed to cultural events. Production credits often list Mark Jonathan Davis (as Richard Cheese) handling arrangements, with lounge backing by Lounge Against the Machine ensemble members like pianist Ron Della Chiesa.

Compilation and Live Albums

Richard Cheese has released multiple compilation s that aggregate selections from his earlier studio recordings, often organized thematically or by popularity. The Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard Cheese, issued in 2006, features 18 tracks including re-recorded versions of hits like "" and "Closer" with a live arrangement. Dick Sings, a 2004 boxed set, compiles early material. Subsequent volumes include Lord of the Swings: The Best of Richard Cheese, Volume 2 (2018), Hail to the Cheese: Richard Cheese's All-American Greatest Hits (2012), and Down with the Dickness: RC's Dirtiest Greatest Hits (2012), each curating tracks aligned with patriotic, explicit, or swing-infused themes. Besame Queso: Richard Cheese's Supremo Latin Hits (2022) focuses on Latin-influenced covers, available primarily via streaming. The most recent, Microphone Colossus: The Best of Richard Cheese, Volume 3 (2025), spans 18 tracks from 2019 to 2024, serving as an entry point for new listeners. In addition to compilations, Cheese has produced several live albums documenting his lounge-style performances. Viva La Vodka: Richard Cheese Live (2009) captures a show with 16 tracks, including lounge renditions of "." Live at the Royal Wedding (2011) records a themed performance, followed by Richard Cheese: Live at Wayne Financial Tower (2016). The Lounge Awakens: Live at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina (2015) features Star Wars-themed covers recorded in a conceptual setting. The latest, Live from Hollywood (2023), includes live takes on contemporary hits like "WAP." These releases highlight Cheese's stage energy and improvisational flair in transforming rock anthems into swing.
Compilation AlbumRelease YearNotes
Dick Sings2004CD boxed set of early works
The Sunny Side of the Moon: The Best of Richard Cheese200618 tracks, some re-recorded with
Hail to the Cheese: Richard Cheese's All-American Greatest Hits2012Patriotic-themed selections
Down with the Dickness: RC's Dirtiest Greatest Hits2012Explicit content focus
Lord of the Swings: The Best of Richard Cheese, Volume 22018Swing-oriented hits
Besame Queso: Richard Cheese's Supremo Latin Hits2022Latin covers, streaming
Microphone Colossus: The Best of Richard Cheese, Volume 320252019–2024 tracks
Live AlbumRelease YearNotes
Viva La Vodka: Richard Cheese Live200916 tracks from Las Vegas
Live at the Royal Wedding2011Themed performance
The Lounge Awakens: Live at the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cantina2015Star Wars covers
Richard Cheese: Live at Wayne Financial Tower2016Concert recording
Live from Hollywood2023Recent hits live

Singles and Other Releases

Richard Cheese has released several digital singles, featuring lounge interpretations of popular songs, theme music, and original tracks for media projects. These standalone releases supplement his album discography and are distributed primarily through platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp. Key singles include "Gimmie That Nutt (Mozzarella)," a 2015 cover reinterpreting 2 Live Crew's explicit track in a comedic lounge style. In 2017, he issued the "Wonder Woman Theme" as a single, adapting the television series' iconic melody to his swanky vocal arrangement. This was followed by a 2019 single of "Yesterday," a lounge rendition of The Beatles' classic ballad. The 2020 single "WAP (Lounge Version)," released on August 11, parodies and Thee Stallion's hit with orchestral backing and crooner delivery, marking a timely response to contemporary rap trends. In 2021, "I Love Boobies" debuted as part of the Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar soundtrack, an original song co-written by , , and Mark Jonathan Davis, with an extended version released on July 30 via .
TitleRelease YearNotes
Gimmie That Nutt (Mozzarella)2015Lounge cover of track.
Wonder Woman Theme2017Adaptation of 1970s TV theme.
Yesterday2019Lounge version of song.
WAP (Lounge Version)2020Cover of Cardi B and hit; released August 11.
I Love Boobies2021Original for Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar soundtrack; extended version July 30.

Performances and Collaborations

Live Touring and Stage Shows

Richard Cheese, the lounge singer persona of Mark Jonathan Davis, has delivered live performances characterized by cabaret-style renditions of rock, rap, and pop songs since 2000, accompanied by the band Lounge Against the Machine. These shows feature "swankified" arrangements transforming contemporary hits into retro and swing numbers, delivered with an exaggerated, humorous lounge delivery in intimate venues. Touring has encompassed hundreds of concerts across the and internationally, from to , spanning over two decades through 2025. Performances often occur in lounges, nightclubs, and conventions, emphasizing a high-energy, comedic stage presence with instrumentation including , bass, , and horns. Notable regular appearances include multiple shows at Red Rock Casino Resort's Rocks Lounge in , such as on June 29, 2018; November 9, 2022; and November 10, 2023. Stage shows incorporate visual and theatrical elements aligned with the lounge aesthetic, such as tuxedo attire and mic stand antics, while setlists draw from Cheese's discography of covers like "" and "," performed live in venues like The Bourbon Room in Hollywood on June 14, 2021, and the Dynasty Typewriter in on October 25, 2023. The ensemble also participates in themed events, including the Tiki Oasis convention on July 31, 2022, at the Town & Country Resort in . In addition to public tours, the act is available for hire at private functions such as weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, and corporate events, adapting the lounge format to customized settings. As of 2025, no public tour dates are scheduled, though the history reflects consistent activity in niche lounge and circuits.

Band Members and

Richard Cheese fronts the backing ensemble Lounge Against the Machine, a specializing in lounge interpretations of contemporary songs. The group employs a minimalistic of vocals, , upright bass, and drums, evoking mid-20th-century Rat Pack-era swing and aesthetics adapted for modern covers. The core lineup includes Richard Cheese on lead vocals, Bobby Ricotta on piano and keyboards, Frank Feta on drums, and Billy Bleu on bass. These stage names are cheese-themed pseudonyms, aligning with the performer's . Bass duties have historically rotated among musicians such as Gordon Brie and others, but Billy Bleu (real name Ronnie Belcher) has been the primary in recent performances and recordings as of 2023. This configuration supports Cheese's delivery of ironic, suave renditions of rock, rap, and pop tracks, with the trio providing rhythmic propulsion and harmonic foundation without additional guitar or horns to maintain the intimate lounge vibe. The ensemble has remained stable for live tours and studio work, enabling hundreds of concerts worldwide since the early 2000s.

Media and Cultural Appearances

Film and Television Roles

Richard Cheese, the lounge singer persona of Mark Jonathan Davis, has undertaken a limited number of acting roles, primarily cameos and voice work, often incorporating his musical performances into the characters. In the 2017 animated feature , directed by , Cheese provided the voice for a lounge singer character who performs a swanky rendition of Johnny Cash's "" during a scene. Cheese made his live-action motion picture debut with a as himself in the 2021 comedy Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, directed by , where he features in a brief musical sequence amid the film's satirical narrative involving and Annie Mumolo's characters. On television, Cheese voiced minor characters in the American Dad!. In the 2020 episode "Exquisite Corpses" (Season 13, Episode 5), he provided the voice for a , while in "Game Night" (Season 15, Episode 9), he voiced the character Groban, billed explicitly as Richard Cheese.

Soundtracks and Licensing

Richard Cheese's lounge-style covers have been licensed for synchronization in multiple film soundtracks, showcasing their ironic, retro appeal in high-profile productions. In the 2004 remake Dawn of the Dead, directed by , his version of Disturbed's "(Down With) The Sickness" plays during a key sequence, providing a humorous contrast to the horror elements. The 2016 film Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, also directed by Snyder, features two standards performed by Cheese: "Night and Day" and "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," integrated into scenes for thematic underscore rather than inclusion on the official release. In 2017's , Cheese's rendition of Michael Jackson's "" appears, aligning with the film's playful, meta tone. More recent placements include "" (a duet with ) in the 2021 Netflix film , again under Snyder's direction, and tracks in Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), highlighting ongoing demand for his swanky reinterpretations in comedic and action contexts. Licensing for these uses typically involves synchronization rights for Cheese's master recordings, managed through his official channels, which facilitate approvals for , television, and placements. His music has also surfaced in television, such as on HBO's The Leftovers in 2017, though specific tracks remain less documented than usages. These sync deals underscore Cheese's niche as a provider of novelty lounge covers for media needing lighthearted or subversive musical cues, with over a dozen credited appearances across two decades.

Reception and Impact

Critical Response and Achievements

Richard Cheese's lounge-style covers of rock, pop, and hip-hop songs have generally received positive responses from niche critics and audiences appreciative of novelty acts, often praised for their humorous delivery and ironic reinterpretations. A review on his official site highlights Cheese as having "unquestionably fulfilled his stated ambition of being the loudest lounge singer in America," emphasizing the bold vocal style over traditional lounge restraint. Similarly, the Iowa State Daily described his tracks as "catchy and sometimes an easier listen than their originals," recommending the album for its accessibility. Album of the Year aggregates a critic score of 60 out of 100 for the debut Lounge Against the Machine, based on one professional review, reflecting moderate appraisal amid user enthusiasm averaging 71. Critics have occasionally noted limitations in the format's repeatability, with a assessment deeming initial amusement from tracks like a rendition of "" insufficient for sustained appeal, labeling subsequent listens as unengaging. Despite this, bloggers and fan outlets have lauded the concept's execution, with one arguing that while seemingly a "one ," Cheese's covers surpass originals in tracks like Papa Roach's "Last Resort." Cheese has not received major industry awards such as Grammys, but his achievements include maintaining a prolific output with over 30 albums since and conducting hundreds of live performances, fostering a dedicated . His influence extends to inspiring similar acts, as evidenced by the Lounge Kittens citing him as an "idol" in a 2014 . Artists covered by Cheese, including those from Blink-182, have provided on the reinterpretations.

Commercial Performance and Charts

Richard Cheese's albums have achieved modest commercial success, primarily within the novelty and comedy music niche, with entries on the chart but no notable placements on broader charts like the or genre-specific mainstream lists. Releases through independent labels such as Oglio Records and Surfdog Records have relied on direct-to-consumer sales via platforms like and , fostering a dedicated fanbase without generating reported multi-platinum or gold certifications. Specific sales figures remain undisclosed in public records, underscoring the artist's focus on cult appeal over mass-market dominance. Key charting performances include:
AlbumChartPeak PositionDate
Numbers of the Beast Comedy Albums6August 11, 2020
Big Cheese Energy Comedy Albums10March 13, 2021
Earlier albums, such as the debut Lounge Against the Machine (2000), built initial recognition through word-of-mouth and licensing deals rather than chart metrics, contributing to sustained catalog sales over two decades. No singles from Cheese's have charted on major formats like the Hot 100 or , aligning with the lounge cover style's emphasis on album-oriented consumption.

Criticisms and Cultural Legacy

Richard Cheese has encountered criticism primarily for his uncompromising stance against unauthorized recording and music sharing. During a at a , event security enforced a no-video in his by disabling members' cameras, an action decried as antithetical to the event's digital and emblematic of outdated control in an era of pervasive sharing. His aggressive anti-piracy efforts, including banning fans from for posting clips or files and legal battles against infringers, have alienated portions of his , who view such measures as counterproductive to building grassroots support for niche acts. Some listeners and reviewers have also faulted his vocal delivery as occasionally warbly or off-pitch, diminishing the polish of live shows despite proficient backing instrumentation. In terms of cultural legacy, Cheese's oeuvre has sustained a dedicated by bridging lounge traditions with modern genres, reworking over 100 rock, rap, and pop tracks into swing-infused standards since his 2000 debut album Lounge Against the Machine. This "swankification" approach—transforming aggressive anthems like Rage Against the Machine's "" into suave fare—has amplified appreciation for underlying songcraft, earning endorsements from originals' creators such as and Limp Bizkit's , who praised the ironic homage to lyrical strengths. While not a mainstream chart dominator, his persistent output of 15 albums through 2021, alongside Vegas-style theatricality, has reinforced lounge's niche revival as a comedic to high-energy , influencing cover trends in comedy circuits. Critics acknowledge the format's challenges, like adapting complex harmonies, yet credit it for injecting humor and retro flair into otherwise disposable hits.

References

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  53. https://americandad.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Cheese
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12104794/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363547/soundtrack/
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_Ky37na7jE
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2975590/soundtrack/
  58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC3DC04UILk
  59. https://richardcheese.com/licensing-requests.html
  60. https://iowastatedaily.com/184061/uncategorized/cd-review-richard-cheese/
  61. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/120044-richard-cheese-lounge-against-the-machine.php
  62. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/3774/reviews/10057-
  63. https://championofthesun.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/the-500-greatest-things-ever-333-richard-cheese-and-lounge-against-the-machine/
  64. https://www.discoveryrecords.co.uk/2014/08/interview-lounge-kittens.html
  65. https://www.billboard.com/charts/comedy-albums/2021-03-13/
  66. https://www.techdirt.com/2008/08/22/singer-at-new-media-conference-turns-off-audience-member-cameras/
  67. https://geeknewscentral.com/2008/08/19/richard-cheese-the-ultimate-classless-act/
  68. https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/15swir/richard_cheese_fighting_his_fans_and_swinging_the/
  69. https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/qei02/you_younger_redditors_may_not_have_heard_of/
  70. https://richardcheese.com/media-presskit--bio.html
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