Uncover the Sounds that Define Australia
Victoria Bitter's "Big Cold Beer" Ad
You could envision it, the ad playing in the background as people relaxed with a cold beer. The words immortalised by John Meillon became an affectionate and oft-parodied incantation for generations. It usually came on at about four, creating a familiar rhythm in the lives of Australians. This ad, created by the George Patterson agency for Carlton & United Breweries in 1967, is almost etched in muscle memory. Meillon returned on repeat occasions to record new versions, each voiceover laid over Bob (Beetles) Young's rousing score. As society and culture matured, so did some of the ads' portrayals of manliness. Deleted from the original version were lines like "You can get it swimmin', arguing with women." Even after Meillon's death in 1989, his family gave permission for the ad to continue using his voice through digital remastering. This ad is a true testament to Australia's love for a good beer and the memories it evokes.It's not just a commercial; it's a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. The "big cold beer" tagline became synonymous with that afternoon moment of reaching for a refreshing drink and enjoying the company of friends. It's a sound that brings back memories of lazy afternoons and good times.
The George Patterson agency's creation was a masterstroke, and John Meillon's voice added an extra layer of authenticity. This ad has left an indelible mark on Australian culture and will continue to be remembered for years to come.
Doctor Who's Original Theme Music
The original theme music for Doctor Who, which also made it onto the archives' 2024 list, was the creation of an Australian. Ron Grainer, who spent much of his working life in the UK, collaborated with Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson to produce a sound style that defined the science fiction genre of its time.As the theme pulsated ominously from Australian small screens in the 1960s and 70s, it became instantly recognisable. Delia Derbyshire, a recording pioneer, cut, spliced, sped up, and slowed down segments of analog tape to create what is believed to be television's first electronic theme music. She called it "music concrete," and while it's common now, she did it all by hand at the time.This theme music set the tone for the Doctor Who series and became an iconic part of Australian television history. It transported viewers to a world of adventure and mystery with every note.The collaboration between Grainer, Derbyshire, and Hodgson was a creative masterpiece. Their work laid the foundation for the unique sound of Doctor Who and influenced future generations of television music.
Even though Grainer's role is now widely acknowledged, it's important to remember the contributions of Derbyshire and Hodgson. Their innovative approach to recording and music production helped create a sound that is still loved by fans today.
Jimmie Barker's Indigenous Sound Recordings
Jimmie Barker, a Muruwari man, began his electricity generating and sound recording experiments in the late 1960s. Growing up on a reservation on the Culgoa River, he saw a lot of change in his lifetime but was particularly interested in using technology to preserve the stories and culture of his community.With funding from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies (AIAS), Barker was able to preserve more than 100 hours of audio recordings between 1968 and 1972. These recordings detailed what he referred to as "the old ways" – preserving his elders' stories from pre-colonial Muruwari and Ngemba culture.His work was a significant contribution to the preservation of Indigenous culture and helped ensure that these stories would not be lost.Barker's experiments with recording on abandoned water tanks and kerosene tins in mud using similar principles to developing recording techniques at the time were groundbreaking.
His recordings are a valuable resource for understanding Indigenous history and culture and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving these traditions.
Nova Peris' Inaugural Speech to Parliament
Nova Peris, an Olympic gold medal winner and Labor senator, made history with her 2013 inaugural speech to the Australian parliament. As one of the first Indigenous Australian women to hold such a position, she used her speech to call for more effective strategies to close the gap between black and white Australians.This speech was a powerful statement and served as a bookend to another significant speech made almost seven decades earlier by Jessie Street. Street, the only female Australian delegate at the first meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945, dared to demand that the word "sex" be inserted into the UN Charter.Nova Peris' speech shows the progress that has been made in Indigenous representation in Australia while also highlighting the ongoing work needed to address social inequalities.Her words carried weight and inspired others to continue the fight for equality. Nova Peris is a role model for Indigenous Australians and a symbol of hope for a more inclusive future.
Her inaugural speech will be remembered as an important moment in Australian history and a testament to the power of one person's voice.
Tina Arena's "Chains"
Tina Arena is known for her strident support of women's equality in her field. Her 1994 hit "Chains" from the multi-Aria award winning album "Don't Ask" is a powerful anthem that showcases her talent and message.The song's lyrics and melody convey a sense of empowerment and the struggle for freedom. It became an iconic part of Australian music history and continues to resonate with listeners today.Tina Arena's music has always been a force for change, and "Chains" is no exception. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her songs is what makes her a true icon.
This song is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what you believe in and fighting for equality. Tina Arena's contribution to Australian music is immeasurable.
Sound Unlimited's "Kickin' to the Undersound"
Sound Unlimited's 1992 hit "Kickin' to the Undersound" is included as Australia's first hip-hop song to reach the Top 20 in the local charts. This song was a game-changer for Australian music and paved the way for future generations of hip-hop artists.The unique sound and lyrics of "Kickin' to the Undersound" captured the essence of the time and became a cultural phenomenon. It showed that Australian music could compete on a global stage.Sound Unlimited's innovation and talent brought a new sound to Australian music. "Kickin' to the Undersound" is a testament to the diversity and creativity of Australian artists.
This song remains a classic and is still loved by hip-hop fans today. It represents a significant moment in Australian music history.
The Lost Sounds of the Pipistrelle Microbat
The now permanently lost staccato sounds of the Pipistrelle microbat, unique to Christmas Island, were last heard and captured in a single ultrasonic audio recording in 2009. Shortly after, the species was declared extinct.These sounds were a unique part of Christmas Island's ecosystem and a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural world.The loss of the Pipistrelle microbat is a tragic reminder of the impact of human activities on endangered species. Preserving these sounds is not only about music but also about conservation.
These ultrasonic recordings are a precious record of a species that is no longer with us, and they serve as a call to action to protect the remaining biodiversity on our planet.