Nigel Anthony Davenport Sawyer

Anti Boom Boom Boom Society

Nigel Sawyer

I have become increasingly alarmed at the amount of incredibly intrusive Boom Boom Boom "music" contaminating public places. During 2004 I was fortunate enough to travel the world visiting countless countries. I was horrified that virtually everywhere I went incessant loud music with little or no melodic content bombarded my ears: this in shops, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, hotel reception areas, even airports.

Have you ever walked up to a bar and asked for the music to be turned down only to be told, "Sorry mate I can't hear you"?

I was in Ubud (central Indonesian Bali) one morning listening to birds outside a lovely café writing a postcard saying "Wow — I finally have found somewhere without my ears having to hurt from Boom Boom Boom noise! It used to go Boom Cha Boom Cha now its just Boom!" A scant few seconds later a car pulled up directly opposite me. Guess what kind of racket was coming from the open windows!

I appreciate that some people do enjoy this type of cacophony, but there must be other people somewhere that share my view. I have an extremely varied taste in music but why do we all have to be insulted like this every time we step outside our doors?

If you would like to comment please do join the Anti Boom Boom Boom Society (blog only for the moment!)

Soundbite 6 — In the Jungle: