A British man who regularly visits Australia has made an uncanny observation about the music played in stores and supermarkets – and its accuracy has impressed locals.
Milo Edwards, from Essex in southeast England, recently declared in a video that ‘Australia is the nation of the forgotten banger’ – a conclusion he had drawn from hearing snatches of songs in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations.
What the Englishman had picked up on was the penchant of Aussie retail stores to play long-forgotten hit songs.
‘Uniquely in this country – I think, more than any other country on earth – you’ll just be at a service station – and the nation of Australia will ask you: “Would your experience of buying some petrol and a meat pie be improved by the addition of Usher’s ‘Bad Girl ‘from 2004?”
‘Or, you’re in the supermarket. You’re minding your own business. The voice of Australia chimes in. It says: “Would your experience of buying a few grapes, perhaps, be uplifted in some way by the addition of ‘Life is a Roller Coaster’ by Ronan Keating?”‘
The video – which was filmed while walking the streets of Sydney – concluded with the comedian even encountering a ‘prime example’ in the wild.
As Milo strolls through an ordinary suburban shopping mall, a store he passes is blaring the 1993 Counting Crows hit ‘Mr. Jones’.
‘This is exactly what I’m talking about – they’re just playing this. Why? I’m not against it, but why?’ Milo says.
British comedian Milo Edwards observed that ‘forgotten bangers’ are frequently played in ordinary Australian retail settings
The video was shared to Milo’s social media accounts ahead of his upcoming Australian comedy tour – and quickly generated thousands of views, likes and comments.
The majority of replies came from Aussies who were unaware that tunes from bygone eras were not regularly played at retail stores in other countries.
‘Never realised it was not usual around the world. It’s seriously awesome shopping for milk and then Blondie comes on,’ read one reply.
‘Do people overseas not experience a curated soundtrack to their mundane activities, drawing from a vast catalogue of nostalgic hit songs? Does this also mean that their future generations will never again hear Ronan Keating?’
Several people commented on how the hits of yesteryear greatly elevated the everyday shopping experience.
‘Why not? Life is more fun with a soundtrack,’ one woman replied.
‘Random songs being played in shops and servos or in the background is just a nice experience.’
‘I love hearing people quietly singing along as I’m cruising the aisle with my trolley,’ added another.
The comedian shared a video about his observation to @milo_edwards social media accounts. Even as he filmed the video (right), Milo passed a store inexplicably blaring the 1993 Counting Crows hit ‘Mr. Jones’
‘Love a little dance in the aisle,’ another woman agreed.
‘If you’re not walking around Woolies singing a banger you forgot existed, are you even grocery shopping?’ jokingly added another.
Many shoppers declared a specific affinity for Coles Radio – with multiple replies branding it ‘elite’.
‘I love Coles Radio. I walk along doing shopping, singing along, dancing if my kids are with me to embarrass them. Good times.’
A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail that their in-house music station aims to give ‘customers and our team members a mix of chart toppers, trending tracks and classic hits to enjoy while they shop and work’.
‘We love seeing customers trolley‑tapping and having fun, so we work hard to select music that everyone can enjoy,’ the spokesperson added. ‘Our playlists are constantly curated to match the mood and time of day, focusing on songs that make people feel good.’
Coles Radio is even popular outside the store, with their playlists accessible digitally via iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Coles Radio-inspired Spotify playlists highlight some of the ‘forgotten bangers’ that are regularly heard in supermarkets, such as the 2013 song ‘On Top of the World’ by Imagine Dragons, the 2006 Aussie hit ‘Pictures’ by Sneaky Sound System, Jason Mraz’s 2008 tune ‘I’m Yours’, and Martika’s 1998 song ‘I Feel the Earth Move’.
A number of shoppers cited Coles’ in-house music station, Coles Radio, as ‘elite’
A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘We love seeing customers trolley‑tapping and having fun, so we work hard to select music that everyone can enjoy.’
Other Aussies cited specific examples of how a retro pop hit enhanced their retail experience.
‘I was in Big W recently and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” came on. And I have never felt better,’ read one reply.
‘Was in Coles today and got surprised by “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole. Couldn’t resist singing along.’
‘I’m buying apples at the fruit and veg shop, and suddenly I’m hit with some 1988 Crowded House “Better Be Home Soon”, and I’m feeling more than I have in years,’ another said.
But one cheeky remark declared: ‘Oof. Mate, you’ve hit the magic age where supermarkets’ and other stores’ music hits perfectly. In other words – you’re old.’
