SOUNDS FROM THE PAST

These are in the form of MP3 files.  For the "MP3 versions", what happens when you click on the link will vary, depending on which browser you are using and, in the case of IE, what patches you have applied to IE.  If you are using IE and if you have applied certain of the many amusingly-called "security patches" for IE, you will find that you can no longer play MP3 files simply by clicking on a link.  Instead, you will first be offered a "choice" of saving the MP3 file to disk (and playing it later) or opening (i.e. playing) it now.  However, the "open now" choice is grayed out!  So, this "choice" is just there to annoy you.  Your option to play the file right away has been taken away by Microsoft "for your protection".  On the assumption that you don't want to mess around saving the file to your C: drive and then playing it from your C: drive, I have also included "MP3 version without the pain".  (Thank you to Dan Doman, creator of YoDJ, for this feature.)

1. The sound of a nice old British telephone ringing: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.

2. "Excuse Me" - an example of the nice recorded announcements that the old AT&T used to use in the '60s: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.

3. The answering-machine message from the Pink Pussy Cat Club of Hollywood in 1969: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.  On this "sound from the past" it sounds as though they needed a new machine, or at least a new tape.  

4. The Horace Batchelor advert from Radio Luxembourg: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.  This recording is taken from Paul's Radio Museum.  Horace was from K-E-Y-N-S-H-A-M, near Bristol.    

5. The old UK Speaking Clock (1963 to 1985) with the voice of Pat Simmons: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.

6. A brief extract from the Private Eye Christmas Record of 1967: MP3 version or MP3 version without the pain.