Swing music represents our regression to the primitive tom-tom-tom, a rhythmic sound that pleases savages and children. It acts as a narcotic and makes them forget reality. They forget the Depression, the loss of their jobs … it’s like taking a drug.

Dr. A. A. Brill, psychiatrist, c. 1938
Quoted from Jazz, A Film by Ken Burns, episode 5, “Swing — Pure Pleasure”

Jeez, Dr. Brill makes it sound like a bad thing! Silly man.