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A few have complained that pounding soundtracks are distracting from the competition. The Daily Telegraph criticized what it called the "deafening pop and techno music" played on the first night of Olympic track and field competition. Its sports writer Paul Kelso said blasting loud dance music during the women's 10,000-meter final had been "disgraceful disrespect ... horribly, unforgivably misjudged." Paul Deighton, chief executive of the London Olympic organizing committee, conceded that "we did tone it down a bit" after that first night, but insisted the musical selection was popular with everyone but purists. "There are people of course who would prefer complete silence and focus and concentration on the athletes," he acknowledged. Most visitors seem to like the tunes. "I think it adds something," said Claire Wilkinson, coming out of synchronized swimming at the aquatic center. "It's really upbeat, good, well-known songs. Happy songs." Three songs have been impossible to escape at these games. "Heroes" by David Bowie has been adopted as the British team's anthem. "Gold" by Spandau Ballet is the BBC's song of choice for medal-winners. And Vangelis' theme from "Chariots of Fire" is played loudly and often in all sorts of venues. But the act that gets the most negative reaction is -- sacrilege! -- The Beatles. Some volunteers have been heard grousing about how much of the Fab Four's music is being played in the park. Others joke about how often Paul McCartney has popped up at the games --
playing the opening ceremony, turning up for cycling and track competitions,
leading the inevitable audience singalongs of "Hey Jude" and "All You Need Is Love." It has led some to suggest the 68-year-old musical icon dial it down. "Will Paul McCartney please stop playing?" said Peter Forrest, a street performer in the city's Covent Garden area. "He's done his bit for England. Tell him to relax."
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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