As part of the CIA’s torture of so-called “enemy combatants,” songs played with great repetition were part of what the agency used in an attempt to “break” prisoners to the point where they would divulge whatever information they might have.
But what makes the 12 songs below surprising is that many of them were big hits in America, meaning they had been played repeatedly and yet still managed to be acceptable to us. What that says about us is unclear, but take a look and see what you think:
Meow Mix Jingle
OK, this one I understand. It drives me crazy, too.
We Are The Champions
I am huge fan of Queen’s music, but this one, in my opinion, has been played into the ground.
Sesame Street
This one confounds me. I kinda like the Sesame Street song, but playing it again and again over hours might get on your nerves.
Enter Sandman
Never been much of a Metallica fan. To me, they’re just wannabe Led Zeppelin imitators. But this song, played at top volume, could easily rattle your brain.
Saturday Night Fever
I hate disco as much as the next guy, but this is not a bad song. But again, played a million times it could easily become incredibly annoying.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Really? I don’t get this one at all. I like much of what the Peppers have done, but that’s just me.
Tupac
Guess the detainees weren’t rap fans.
Baby, One More Time
Now this one I totally understand. If I hear this one anywhere, if possible, I leave the room.
Eminem
I don’t care for rap, either, so hearing this for hours on end might well push me to confess.
We Will Rock You
Same thing with this Queen song: Massively overplayed and still used at sporting venues. Needs to be taken out of rotation and allowed to rest for a few centuries.
Barney
Parents with children who loved Barney will understand this one without any explanation necessary.
Dirrty
The sexually suggestive song was used to frustrate Muslim prisoners. Full disclosure: I don’t like the song, either, and it has nothing to do with the sexual innuendo.
h/t and All Images: BrainJet
