A British comedian's sharp observation about the soundtrack to everyday Australian life has struck a chord, going viral and leaving locals both amused and surprised by its accuracy.
The 'Nation of the Forgotten Banger'
Milo Edwards, from Essex, regularly visits Australia and recently took to social media to share an uncanny cultural quirk he's noticed. In a video filmed on the streets of Sydney, he declared Australia to be 'the nation of the forgotten banger'.
He explained that ordinary retail settings like supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations have a unique penchant for blasting once-popular hit songs that have long faded from regular airplay elsewhere. 'Uniquely in this country,' he mused, shops seem to ask if your experience of buying petrol or grapes would be improved by a blast of Usher's 2004 track 'Bad Girl' or Ronan Keating's 'Life is a Rollercoaster'.
A Prime Example in the Wild
As if to prove his point during the video, Edwards walked past a store in a suburban Sydney mall that was inexplicably playing the 1993 Counting Crows hit 'Mr. Jones'. 'This is exactly what I'm talking about,' he said, baffled yet amused. 'They're just playing this. Why? I’m not against it, but why?'
The video, shared ahead of his Australian comedy tour, quickly amassed thousands of views and comments. The most significant reaction came from stunned Australians who had no idea this wasn't a global phenomenon.
Aussie Shoppers Embrace the Nostalgic Soundtrack
Many replies expressed delight at the revelation that their mundane shopping trips were uniquely scored. 'Never realised it was not usual around the world. It's seriously awesome shopping for milk and then Blondie comes on,' one person wrote.
Shoppers passionately defended the practice, arguing it elevates the everyday experience. 'Why not? Life is more fun with a soundtrack,' one woman stated. Others described the joy of quietly singing along or having a 'little dance in the aisle'. One joker asked: 'If you're not walking around Woolies singing a banger you forgot existed, are you even grocery shopping?'
Coles Radio, the supermarket's in-house music station, received particular praise, with multiple commenters branding it 'elite'. A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail their station aims to give customers and staff 'a mix of chart toppers, trending tracks and classic hits'.
'We love seeing customers trolley‑tapping and having fun, so we work hard to select music that everyone can enjoy,' the spokesperson added, noting playlists are curated to match the time of day. The station's popularity extends beyond stores, available digitally and inspiring Spotify playlists full of so-called forgotten bangers.
Shoppers shared specific moments where a retro hit transformed their errand: hearing Coolio's 'Gangsta's Paradise' in Big W or Paula Cole's 'I Don't Want to Wait' in Coles. However, one cheeky remark suggested Edwards had simply hit 'the magic age where supermarkets' music hits perfectly', adding: 'In other words - you're old.'
Regardless of age, the observation has highlighted a beloved, and perhaps uniquely Australian, retail ritual where the forgotten hits of yesteryear are very much alive on the grocery aisle.
