Buzz
The internet is a powerful tool for sharing information globally. Before the 20th century, people relied on word-of-mouth or eyewitness reports to learn about distant events, which were often unreliable. However, with the advent of film and audio technology, we can now experience these events firsthand. Below are ten extraordinary audio recordings made accessible through the internet.
10. The earliest known recording of a human voice
The oldest surviving recording of a human voice dates back to 1860 and features the French melody ‘Au Clair De La Lune.’ This recording was created using a phonautograph, a device designed to study sound waves by etching vibrations onto paper. Although the phonautograph wasn’t intended for playback, modern technology has allowed these etchings to be reconstructed and heard in a form close to the original.
9. The sound of an earthquake
Sound moves at varying speeds depending on the medium it passes through. Generally, denser materials allow sound to travel faster and farther. Earthquakes generate waves that move through the Earth's crust and can even resonate in the mantle, causing the planet to vibrate like a bell. These vibrations can be detected by scientific instruments and converted into audible sound. Below is a recording of the seismic waves from the 2011 Japanese earthquake.
8. The restless spirit
Sound has been a tool of psychological warfare for centuries. Soldiers have used unsettling noises to intimidate and demoralize their enemies, often achieving victory without direct combat. In Vietnamese culture, it was believed that the deceased must be properly buried; otherwise, their souls would roam aimlessly, unable to find peace. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military created recordings of eerie voices and haunting sounds, designed to mimic the cries of lost souls and unsettle Vietcong troops.
7. Mongolian Throat Singing
Throat singing is a unique vocal technique that produces two distinct tones simultaneously. While it may sound unusual to Western listeners, this practice has deep roots in various cultures, especially in Eastern Asia. Although modern adaptations have integrated throat singing with Western instruments, its traditional form relies solely on the human voice to create its mesmerizing effects.
6. Beethoven Hymn Unearthed
Beethoven’s symphonies remain beloved and widely performed across the globe. While he composed in various genres, he was not known for creating hymnal music. However, a notebook belonging to the legendary composer contained an unidentified short piece.
This piece remained unperformed until recently. A religious music expert from Manchester University examined the notes and identified the composition as an adaptation of Pange Lingua. This year, for the first time in nearly two centuries, Beethoven’s hymn may finally be heard by others.
5. The Bloop
The Cold War spurred numerous technological advancements. The looming threat of nuclear submarines drove governments to develop methods for detecting them. Since sound travels exceptionally well underwater, hydrophones—underwater microphones—were employed to listen for these vessels.
In addition to submarines, these hydrophones have captured various mysterious sounds. One such sound, known as the Bloop, was recorded off South America's western coast. Theories about its origin range from icebergs fracturing to the possibility of a massive sea creature. Interestingly, the sound's location aligns closely with the fictional resting place of the deity Cthulhu. Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn!
4. Atomic Bomb
Few of us will ever experience the deafening roar of a nuclear explosion firsthand. During the peak of nuclear testing, every detail of these detonations was meticulously documented. As decades-old secrecy classifications expire, recordings like this one—capturing an underwater nuclear test conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific—are now being revealed.
3. Rebel War Cry
War cries have long been used by soldiers to ignite their fighting spirit before battle. Among the most feared was the high-pitched scream of the Confederate army during the American Civil War. Known as the rebel yell, its shrill tone was often compared to Native American battle cries. While historical accounts have described it, recent discoveries include actual recordings made by Civil War veterans, preserving this iconic sound for posterity.
2. UVB-76
Around the globe, enigmatic radio stations transmit cryptic signals. Among the most renowned is Russia’s UVB-76, which emits a continuous series of buzzing pulses day and night. At times, the monotonous tone is interrupted by a voice delivering what appear to be coded messages in Russian.
The most plausible explanation for this station, and others like it, is that they serve as communication tools for intelligence agencies to relay messages to operatives. These so-called Number Stations even influenced the mysterious number broadcasts in the TV series Lost.
1. Aztec Whistles
Archaeologists have uncovered small ceramic whistles in numerous Aztec burial sites. These artifacts, often shaped like animals or adorned with intricate patterns, have been replicated by Roberto Velazquez, who dramatically refers to them as Whistles of Death. His recreations allow us to hear the sounds these ancient instruments produced centuries ago.
