The Windows 95 start-up chime has been added to the Library of Congress

Engadget - Apr 9th, 2025

The National Recording Registry has announced its 2025 inductees, featuring iconic technological and cultural sounds, including the Microsoft Windows 95 reboot chime and the Minecraft Volume Alpha soundtrack. These selections are among a diverse range of audio recordings chosen to reflect America's broad history and cultural tapestry. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden emphasized the registry's role in creating an evolving playlist for the nation, preserving sounds that mark significant cultural and technological moments.

The inclusion of the Windows 95 chime, composed by ambient music pioneer Brian Eno, and the Minecraft soundtrack by Daniel Rosenfeld (C418), highlights the growing recognition of technology's impact on culture. The Windows 95 chime, known for its welcoming and hopeful tones, symbolizes a transformative era in personal computing. Meanwhile, the Minecraft soundtrack represents the cultural significance of gaming music, joining the Super Mario Bros theme as the only gaming compositions in the registry. These additions are part of a broader selection that includes the original Broadway cast recording of 'Hamilton,' Miles Davis's 'Bitches Brew,' and Celine Dion's 'My Heart Will Go On,' showcasing the diverse range of genres and eras celebrated by the registry.

Library Of Congress Minecraft National Recording Registry Microsoft Windows 95 Brian Eno C418 Cultural Preservation Gaming Music

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the significance of the 2025 inductees to the National Recording Registry, with a particular focus on the Windows 95 start-up chime and the Minecraft soundtrack. It accurately reports the facts and provides a balanced perspective by highlighting a variety of inductees across different genres. The story's clarity and timeliness make it accessible and relevant to a contemporary audience, although it could benefit from greater transparency and source citation. The potential for public interest and engagement is present, particularly among readers interested in music, technology, and cultural preservation. However, the article's impact in terms of influencing public opinion or provoking debate is limited, as it primarily serves to inform and entertain. Overall, the story is well-crafted and provides valuable insights into the cultural significance of these audio treasures.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports the inclusion of the Windows 95 start-up chime in the National Recording Registry. It correctly attributes the composition to Brian Eno and describes the purpose and impact of the sound as conveying 'welcome, hopefulness, and progress.' The story also accurately lists other inductees, such as the Minecraft soundtrack, and contextualizes its significance by mentioning the previous induction of the Super Mario Bros. theme. The factual claims are well-supported by authoritative sources, and there are no significant inaccuracies noted. However, the article could benefit from more explicit citations to reinforce its claims.

Balance

The story maintains a balanced perspective by highlighting a variety of inductees across different genres, from gaming music to Broadway and jazz. It does not display favoritism towards any particular genre or artist. However, the focus is primarily on the technological and cultural significance of the Windows 95 chime and the Minecraft soundtrack, which could be seen as an imbalance if the reader is interested in the broader scope of inductees. Including more information on the selection process or criteria could further enhance balance.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, with a logical flow that makes it easy to follow. It uses straightforward language and effectively communicates the significance of the inductees. The structure is well-organized, starting with the announcement and then providing details about specific inductees and their cultural impact. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations or background information could improve comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the National Recording Registry.

Source quality

The article references credible sources like the Library of Congress and includes statements from Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress. However, it lacks direct citations or links to these sources, which would help verify the claims made. The reliance on authoritative institutional sources suggests a high level of reliability, but the absence of direct quotes or specific references to documents slightly diminishes the perceived source quality.

Transparency

The article provides some context about the significance of the National Recording Registry and the selection of the Windows 95 chime. However, it does not explain the methodology behind the selection process or any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about how these selections are made and why certain sounds are chosen over others would enhance the reader's understanding and trust in the reporting.