The Holmes Archive of Electronic Music

Radio Stockhausen

Episode 61
Radio Stockhausen
Playlist
Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Kurzwellen,” side 1 from Kurzwellen (1970 Deutsche Grammophon). This is the Radio Bremen performance from the original 2-LP recording dated May 5, 1968. Composed, mixed, and electronics (filters and mixers), Karlheinz Stockhausen; Electronium, shortwave radio, Harald Bojé; Tamtam, shortwave radio, Alfred Alings, Rolf Gehlhaar; Piano, shortwave radio, Aloys Kontarsky; Electric Viola, shortwave radio, Johannes G. Fritsch. 23:25
Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Spiral Für Einen Solisten” (1970) from Siebengesang/Spiral Für Einen Solisten (1971 Deutsche Grammophon). Composed and directed and mixed by Karlheinz Stockhausen; Oboe, shortwave radio, Heinz Holliger. Recorded at Tonstudio Max Lussi, Basel, Switzerland, October 1970. A little klezmer music with the shortwave plus some creative vocalizations by oboe soloist Holliger. “Spiral (1968) für einen Solisten. Events received by a soloist on a (short-)wave radio are imitated, transformed and transcended.” This is an interpretation that often sticks closely to imitating the sounds heard on the shortwave, an approach often avoided (admittedly) by Stockhausen’s regular troupe of musicians, despite the composer’s suggestions for doing so. This interpretation stands out in this regard. 15:45
Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Stockhausen - Beethoven - Op. 1970” side B from Opus 1970 (1970 Deutsche Grammophon). Composed and mixed by Karlheinz Stockhausen; Piano, Aloys Kontarsky; Elektronium, Harald Bojé; Tam-tam, Rolf Gehlhaar; Electric viola, Johannes G. Fritsch; Tone Production Associate, Otto-Ernst Wohlert. This special version of Kurzwellen, sometimes known as Kurzwellen mit Beethoven-Musik, Stockhoven-Beethausen and released as Opus 1970, was produced for the bicentenary of Beethoven’s birth in 1970. Following on the heels of his ensemble work for Kurzwellen (1968) and his use of shortwave tape collages in Hymnen (1969), Stockhausen substituted four tape collages of recorded Beethoven works for the shortwave radios of Kurzwellen. The recorded tapes retained shortwave sounds to simulate the real-time reception on radios. His ensemble used the same performance practices as they had for Kurzwellen but replaced the live shortwave radios with sounds they picked up from the montages on tape. They were each asked to respond to the tape collages as they would radio transmissions, choosing to tune-in and out as they wished. 25:33
Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Spiral - Version Elektrochord,” from Spiral/Wach/Japan/Pole (1973 Die Stimme Seines Herrn). Elektrochord, Schalmal, Japanische Bamboo flute], shortwave radio (KW-Empfänger, Péter Eötvös; mixer and potentiometer, Karlheinz Stockhausen. This album includes two versions of Spiral, one by Peter Eotvos and the other by Harald Boje. The Boje version uses the Electronium alone wth a shortwave receiver while this version uses an Electrochord, a shawm, a Japanese bamboo flute, and a shortwave receiver. The Electrochord in question is actually a combination of instruments consisting of a Hungarian zither with 15 strings along with an EMS VCS-3 synthesizer. The sounds of the zither are picked-up by two contact microphones and fed through the synthesizer for modification, for example filtering and ring modulation. This is one of the first instances I can find of someone from Stockhausen’s performing group using a synthesizer other than the accordion-like Electronium. This Electrochord should not be confused with the organ-like instrument of the same name invented in the 1930s in Germany. The composer later purchased a very large EMS model 100 synthesizer for the WDR studio. 16:03
Background Music
Thom Holmes, “Love Thump” (2015) for shortwave and processed sounds. 11:62
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
More information about Stockhausen’s shortwave radio era with a breakdown of the compositions and recordings can be found in this extensive article by Ed Chang. While you are there, check out his other “chapters” of analysis.
 

Electronic Music from Radios

Playlist
John Cage, “Radio Music” (1956) from John Cage (1974 Cramps Records). Performed on radios by Gianni-Emilio Simonetti, Juan Hidalgo, Walter Marchetti. Each of these performers used a Panasonic multi-band portable Radio Model RF-1600 B receiver. 6:00
Dick Raaijmakers, “Ballade Erlkönig (1967)” from Ballad 'Erlkönig'/5 Canons (1981 Composers' Voice). Tape composition by Raaijmakers. Recordings realized in the studio of the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. 23:33
Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Kurzwellen” (1968), excerpt from Festival 0f Hits (1970 Deutsche Grammophon). Composed By, Mixed By, Electronics, Filters, Potentiometers, Karlheinz Stockhausen; Electronium, Harald Bojé; Tamtam, Alfred Alings, Rolf Gehlhaar; Piano, Aloys Kontarsky; Electric Viola, Johannes G. Fritsch. This is the opening of this long work, excerpted for this strange collection of greatest “hits” by Stockhausen (you had to be in 1970 to understand this). Kurzwellen is a piece where the musicians need to improvise and react to signals they receive on randomly tuned shortwave radios. This is from the Cologne recording made in the Rhenus studio in Godorf for the Cologne Radio (WDR, Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln) on the 8th and 9th of April 1969 (53'30), which was record 2 of the original 2-record set. By the way, this ensemble also featured the Electronium Pi, made by Hohner beginning in 1952. It was a monophonic, electronic keyboard instrument and was an add-on instrument for the piano mounted under the keyboard, which is the model used by Stockhausen. His keyboardist, while Harald Bojé used the accordion-like model. 6:19
Michael Snow, “Short Wavelength, excerpt (1980)” from 2 Radio Solos (1988 Freedom In A Vacuum). Recorded August 1980. Short-wave pieces played on a circa 1962 Nordmende receiver. Reissued on CD in 2009. What I would call truly improvised; no score, no rules, just listening and responding with the radio. 15.18
Philip Perkins, “Radio Music” (1956) from Virgo Ramayana (And Other Works For Radio) (1989 Fun Music). From an obscure cassette released in 1992 of a studio recording made by Perkins in 1989. Note that the later CD-R reissue of this album did not include “Radio Music” but did include other interesting works including radio sounds. 6:00
Ann Hamilton, “Mantle” from recordings made at the Miami Art Museum in 1998 for an exhibit by the artists. This audio CD was made in Mantle on June 1, 1998, during a twelve-hour period. The tracks and timings are: 7:30am (4:20); 8:00am (4:19); 9:00am (3:01); 11:00am (3:01); Noon (4:16); 1:00pm (2:15); 3:00pm (4:28); 6:00pm (1:50); 7:00pm (3:27). Mantle was a 3,500 square foot, site-specific installation created by Ann Hamilton. It included over 60,000 flowers piked on a 48-foot-long steel table. Buried within the flowers 30 speakers emitted muffled voices and mechanical noises. Thirteen shortwave radios were placed high on a shelf. An attendant sitting by the window sewed together wool coats. 32:09
 
Background Music
Thom Holmes, “The World” excerpts (2015) for shortwave and processed sounds. 23:30
 
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.
 

Synthesizer Demonstration Records, Part 2

Playlist
ARP demonstration. Roger Powell and Harry Coon, the ARP 2600—How it Works, side 1 from The Electronic Sounds Of The Arp Synthesizer 2600 And 2500 (1972 ARP Instruments). Vinyl, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM. Narrated and all music by Roger Powell. 7:38
ARP demonstration. Roger Powell and Harry Coon, the ARP 2500—How it Sounds, side 2 from The Electronic Sounds Of The Arp Synthesizer 2600 And 2500 (1972 ARP Instruments). Vinyl, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM. Music by Harry Coon and an improvisation by Roger Powell. 6:20
ARP demonstration, Dave Fredericks, “I Can See Clearly Now” from The ARP Pro Soloist Synthesizer (1973 ARP Instruments). Vinyl, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP. 2:24
ARP demonstration, unknown artists, The First Symphonic Keyboard - ARP Omni (1976 ARP Instruments). Flexi-disc, 7", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided. 5:05
ARP demonstration, Dave Fredericks, “Zarathustra” from The ARP Pro Soloist Synthesizer (1973 ARP Instruments). Vinyl, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, EP. 2:58
ARP demonstration, Music and Narration By Roger Powell from side 1 of The ARP Family Of Synthesizers (1973 ARP Instruments). Vinyl, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo Music By Dave Fredericks, Harry Coon. The narrator is credited as being musician Roger Powell, but I don’t think that’s true. Powell was an ARP sponsored artist around this time and some of his works from Cosmic Furnace are played on the disc, though. 7:08
PAiA Synthesizers demonstration. “Selections From Epsilon Boötis” by Richard Bugg from PAiA Synthesizers (1974 PAiA Electronics, Inc.). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo, Red.Uses the Paia 2720 and Paia 4700 synthesizers. Interesting demonstration that also includes instruments being processed through PAiA modules. PAiA demonstration record which included an 18-page booklet with pictures and schematics of the featured composition. 6:17
Electro-Harmonix demonstration of guitar pedals and effects. The Electro-Harmonix Work Band. “Fame and Fortune” from State-Of-The-Art Electronic Devices (1976 Electro-Harmonix). Vinyl LP. Directed by Elliott Randall who organized a band of studio musicians recruited to play a variety of Electro-Harmonix effects boxes and pedals. Bass, Will Lee; Drums, Gary Mure; Engineer, Joe Vanneri; Guitar, Dan White, Jim Miller; Producers, Dan Gershon, Elliott Randall, Mike Matthews; Vocals, Piano, Philip Namanworth. Record was basically made to feature and promote high-end electronic guitar/bass/voice effect devices by Electro-Harmonix. Detailed explanations of each device and its role in each given track are given in the liner notes on the sleeve. This track features the Golden Throat, a mouth filter device running guitar sound through a tube into the player’s mouth; and Octave Multiplexer, a downward octave displacer with tone control possibilities, used here on voice. 5:08
Electro-Harmonix demonstration of guitar pedals and effects. The Electro-Harmonix Work Band. “I Am Not a Synthesizer” from State-Of-The-Art Electronic Devices (1976 Electro-Harmonix). Vinyl LP. Directed by Elliott Randall who organized a band of studio musicians recruited to play a variety of Electro-Harmonix effects boxes and pedals. Bass, Will Lee; Drums, Gary Mure; Engineer, Joe Vanneri; Guitar, Dan White, Jim Miller; Producers, Dan Gershon, Elliott Randall, Mike Matthews; Vocals, Piano, Philip Namanworth. This track features the Hot Foot universal pedal, “allowing real-time foot control of any potentiometer (knob) on any other device; Frequency Analyzer, or ring modulator; Memory Man, a solid state echo/analog delay line; Electric Mistress, a flanger; Doctor Q, an envelope follower and voltage controlled filter; and Big Muff Pi, a harmonic distortion and sustain device. Not synthesizer was used in the making of these sounds. 8:19
The Elektor Music Synthesiser demonstration , no artist, (1977 ESS). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided. This was a small, analog synthesizer with 3 VCO’s, 1 VCF, and a dual VCA.The Elektor Formant had a three octave keyboard and was made in the Netherlands and available by kit. From the manual: “Formant is not a suitable project for the beginner. The complexity of the synthesiser demands a high degree of competency in soldering p.c. boards and interwiring if an unacceptably large number of faults are not to arise.” 7:35
RMI Keyboard Computer demonstration. Mike Mandel, “Mandel Does it” from RMI Harmonic Synthesizer And Keyboard Computer (1976 Rocky Mount Instruments, Inc.). Vinyl LP. Mike Mandel, RMI Keyboard Computer. 1:58
RMI Keyboard Computer demonstration. Clark Ferguson, “Voices” from RMI Harmonic Synthesizer And Keyboard Computer (1976 Rocky Mount Instruments, Inc.). Vinyl LP. Clark Ferguson, RMI Keyboard Computer. 1:38
RMI Keyboard Computer demonstration. Clark Ferguson, “Strings” from RMI Harmonic Synthesizer And Keyboard Computer (1976 Rocky Mount Instruments, Inc.). Vinyl LP. Clark Ferguson, RMI Keyboard Computer. 3:00
Prophet 5 demonstration. Part 1, Performed by John Bowen from The Prophet (1978 Sequential Circuits). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Two Sided. Recorded at Music Annex, Menio Park, CA. 3:27
Prophet 5 demonstration. Part 2, “Sinfonia No. 11 in G minor” (Bach) performed by Dan Wyman from The Prophet (1978 Sequential Circuits). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Two Sided. John Bowen, Recorded at Sound Arts, Los Angeles, CA. 2:23
Synclavier demonstration. Denny Jaeger and Patrick Gleeson, side 1 from The Incredible Sounds Of Synclavier II (1981 New England Digital Corp.). Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Stereo, Blue Translucent. Demonstration disc for Synclavier sampling system. Includes “Untitled,” composed, programmed, and performed by Denny Jaeger; additional programming, composition, and performances by Bill Keenan. 14:23
Equinox 380 MusiComputer demonstration , Bob Snyder, “Heaven Came Down” from Equinox - Featuring The Amazing Equinox 380 MusiComputer Electronic Keyboard (1982 CBS). Vinyl LP. Equinox 380.” All selections were recorded 'Live" with a standard production model of the Gulbransen Equinox 380 MusiComputer. No "over-dubbing" was utilized in the production of this album.” Snyder himself recorded the following demo tracks that are different than the album I am sourcing for this podcast, Here is that recording of a YouTube video that demos this organ synthesizer with added narration and audience clapping. 2:46
Equinox 380 MusiComputer demonstration, Danny Saliba, “Runaway” from Equinox - Featuring The Amazing Equinox 380 MusiComputer Electronic Keyboard (1982 CBS). Vinyl LP. Equinox 380.”All selections were recorded 'Live" with a standard production model of the Gulbransen Equinox 380 MusiComputer.” 2:18
LinnDrum demonstration. Side 1 from The Ultimate Drum Machine (1982 Linn Electronics, Inc.). Red Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single Sided, Promo. 2:25
Emulator Demonstration, Side 1, “The Andrew Wilson Emulator Demo” (written by Andrew Thomas Wilson); and “Batteries Not Included” (written by Marco Alpert); narrated by Marcus Hale from Emulator Demonstration (1982 E-mu Systems, Inc.). Flexi-disc, 8.” Featuring the E-mu Emulator sampler. 6:51
Fairlight Computer Music Instrument demonstration. Don Blacke, narrator. Side 1 of the cassette, Just Fairlight - Number Three (1982 Fairlight Instruments Pty Ltd). Cassette. “Cassette released by Fairlight Instruments Pty Ltd promoting the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument - the first polyphonic digital sampling synthesizer. Cassette was available when purchasing the synthesizer from the company. Printed information and tracklisting included on a separate sheet of paper. Side A includes informative narration explaining the Fairlight CMI and features various samples and short compositions. The last quarter of Side A includes recording of a presentation by Dr Robert Moog commenting on the Fairlight CMI. Side B contains all musical extracts from Side A, though without the commentary.” 20:02
Yamaha Electone demonstration. Claude Dupras, “Pulstar” from Interface Yamaha FX-1 (1983 Yamaha). Vinyl LP. Dupras, a longtime Yamaha Electone user, recorded this album for Yamaha to showcase the features of the latest model, the digital Electone FX-1. Here he plays the Vangelis piece “Pulstar.” 3:21
Yamaha DX7 demonstration. Side 1 from DX7 Sound Sensation (1983 Yamaha). Flexi-disc, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo. Tracks: Bell, Female Voice (2); Bagpipe, Snare Drum, Footsteps (3); Stardust (1); Harp, Cello (2); Electric Guitar (2); Church Organ (1); Violin (1); Train, Banjo, Fiddle, Honky-Tonk Piano (4); Volcano (1); Pan-Flute, Timpani, Shimmer, Chinese Organ (4). Notes on DX7 settings per track: (1) Signal processors used on this recording: Reverb, Delay, Graphic Equalizer, Parametric Equalizer, Flanger (used on 'Guitar'); (2) Number in parentheses indicate the number of overdubs used for the corresponding voice; (3) The entire recording was made with a single Yamaha DX7." 6:37
Background Music
Excerpts from the Moog 900, RCA Music Synthesizer, Sound of Moog, ARP family of instruments, E-mu Emulator, demonstration recordings.
Blue Marvin, “Release Time” from the album With Arp Sinthesyzer 2600 (1973 Joker). Blue Marvin is Alberto Baldan Bembo in this Italian release of ARP Odyssey tracks.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog Noise and Notations.

Synthesizer Demonstration Records, Part 1

Episode 58
 
Synth Demonstration Records, Part 1
Playlist
Ondioline demonstration disc. Side 1 (circa 1955 Gaveau). With French narration, demonstrates how the Ondioline can imitate other instruments. This was a monophonic, electronic organ made famous by Jean Jacques Perrey. 7:07
RCA music synthesizer demonstration. Programmed by Dr. Harry F. Olsen, narrated by john Preston. Excerpts from side 1, “The Physical Characteristics Of Musical Sounds - Synthesis By Parts - Excerpts From Musical Selections” from The Sounds And Music Of The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer (1955 RCA Victor Red Seal). Vinyl LP, Mono. This recording was widely distributed in the US, Canada, and Australia. My copy is an Australian copy. "On side 1 you will hear demonstrations of frequency, waveform, envelope, intensity, portamento and vibrato, synthesis by parts and excerpts from musical selections, all produced on the RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer. On side 2 you will hear complete selections produced on the RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer." 22:01
Moog 900 Series demonstration, side 1 Music by Wendy Carlos using the Moog Modular Synthesizer circa 1967, narrated by Ed Stokes - Electronic Music Systems (1969 A. Moog Company, Inc.). Vinyl, 10", Promo, Mono. This is from the second version of the release, after Wendy Carlos had released Switched-on Bach for which there are excerpts on the second side. The first edition was released in 1967 with the help of Carlos and this side remained as side 1 of this second release. This was a promotional disc for the Moog Modular Synthesizer. 8:59
Moog synthesizers, Chris Swansen and Jim Johnston, side 1 from “The Sound Of Moog (1971 Moog Music Inc.). Flexi-disc, 7", Promo, 33 ⅓ RPM. Moog played by Swansen, narrated by Johnston. This flexi-disc provided examples of the Minimoog, Moog Modular and ensemble work by Swansen. 6:37
ElectroComp synthesizer demonstration. “Fugue in G Minor” (Bach) and “Puerto Vallarta”from The Sound of E.M.L. Synthesizers (circa 1972 Electronic Music Laboratories Inc.). Flexi-disc, 7", 33 ⅓ RPM, Two Sided. Programmed and performed by W.M. Hartamon and P.J. Hartamon. Modular synthesizer circa 1972, probably including models 101 and 200. 9:47
Yamaha demonstration. Masa Matsuda, “In the World of Solitude” from International Electone Grand Prix Concours 1972 (1972 Yamaha). This is a rare album from 1972 featuring participants in the annual Electone performance competition sponsored, produced, and release on a double LP by Yamaha. This event took place at the Yamaha Music Camp in Nemu-no-Sato, Japan. Yamaha sponsored this camp around building enthusiasm and a repertory of artists who could play the Electone electronic synthesizer design for virtuosic keyboard performance. 7:25
Background Music
Excerpts from the Moog 900, RCA Music Synthesizer, Sound of Moog, ARP family of instruments, E-mu Emulator, demonstration recordings.
Blue Marvin, “Release Time” from the album With Arp Sinthesyzer 2600 (1973 Joker). Blue Marvin is Alberto Baldan Bembo in this Italian release of ARP Odyssey tracks.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

I Think To Tomorrow: An Audio Interpretation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation

Episode 57
 
I Think To Tomorrow: An Audio Interpretation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation
 
An imagined reconstruction of the Spy-Beam technology from the novel The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov, using randomly selected phrases in different tones and voices.
 
Playlist
Isaac Asimov read by William Shatner – Foundation: The Psychohistorians. (1976 Caedmon Records). Passages the 1951 edition of the novel comprising page 14 plus the Spy-Beam passage from page 34. 1:40 and 0:18
Isaac Asimov, “Psycho History And Encyclopedia” from The Foundation Trilogy (1990 BBC Enterprises Ltd.). Passages the 1951 edition of the novel comprising page 14 plus the Spy-Beam passage from page 34. 1:37 and 0:17
Isaac Asimov, miscellaneous passages, The Mayors From Foundation Read By The Author (1977 Caedmon Records).
Additional audio processing and synthesis created by Thom Holmes using WavePad, Logic Pro, MetaSynth CTX 1.2, Arturia ARP 2600 V, Arturia Moog Modular, Arturia Pigments, Madrona Labs Aalto, and various audio processing applications. The piece is organized as follows:
Part 1: Foundation “Spy-beam” passage from page 34, dramatized readings from the BBC and Caedmon (with William Shatner), with audio processing. 4:00
Part 2: Foundation page 14, computer-voiced versions, randomized, plus synthesized sounds. 20:00
Part 3: Foundation page 14, computer-voiced versions plus myself recorded and played back using the Bell & Howell Language Master, randomized, with synthesized sounds and audio processing. The Bell & Howell 1757B Language Master was made in the 1970s and was Language Card Teaching System using magnetically striped cards that could record and playback sounds that were about 5 seconds in length. It could only play or record one time at a time that was manually fed into the transport system, essentially a capstan with a magnetic head like a reel-to-reel tape recorder. It was used in classrooms to teach language skills, vocabulary, and so forth. 11:00.
Part 4, Foundation page 14 plus read by William Shatner plus random passages from The Mayors section read by author Isaac Asimov. Both dramatized readings from the Caedmon records, with audio processing and synthesis. 6:00
Background Music
Isaac Asimov read by William Shatner – Foundation: The Psychohistorians. (1976 Caedmon Records). Passages page 14 including Encyclopedia Galactica 4. 1:40
Isaac Asimov, miscellaneous passages, The Mayors From Foundation Read By The Author (1977 Caedmon Records). 2:60
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog Noise and Notations.

An Imaginary Movie in Sound

Episode 56 
An Imaginary Movie in Sound
 
Playlist
John Carpenter, “Opening sequence” from Dark Star (1980 Citadel). This record contains incidental music, sound effects and dialogue from the motion picture. Electronic music by John Carpenter. Completed in 1974, the film wasn’t released until 1979 following the success of Carpenter’s Halloween. The soundtrack followed in 1980. Early synth music from Carpenter for which he used the EMS VCS3 synthesizer. 3:30
Dick Maas, “Main Title” and “Out of Breath” from L'Ascenseur Bande Originale Du Film (The Lift) (1984 Milan). Composed by, Roland synthesizers, Dick Maas. 5:11
Mike Oldfield, “Pran's Departure,” “Worksite,” “The Year Zero,” “Blood Sucking” from The Killing Fields (1984 Virgin). Composed by, guitar, Fairlight Computer, Mike Oldfield; Choral & Orchestral Arrangements, edited by, David Bedford; Choir, Tölzer Boys Choir; Composed by David Bedford (“Worksite”), Mike Oldfield; Conductor, Eberhard Schoener; Orchestra Of The Bavarian State Opera; Asian Percussion, Preston Heyman (“The Year Zero”). 6:56
David Holmes, “You're Going To Belfast,” “The Hunt,” and “’71” from ’71 (2014 Touch Sensitive Records). 10:01
Arthur B Rubinstein, “Video Fever” plus dialogue from Wargames (1983 Polydor). Composer, Arthur B Rubinstein; Synclaver II Digital Music System; Linndrum Drum Machine; Roland System 100 Analog Synthesizer, programmed and performed, Anthony Marinelli, Brian Banks. 3:30
Michael Stearns, “Meditation 1” from Chronos (1984 Sonic Atmospheres). Created for the Ron Fricke film and produced for the six-channel discreet surround sound system of the OMNIMAX IMAX theaters. Stearns plays synthesizers made by Serge Modular, Oberheim, Yamaha, and EMU. Constance Demby plays “space” bass. 8:36
Cliff Martinez, “I Drive” from Drive (2011 Lakeshore Records). Composer, performer, Baschet Crystal, Cliff Martinez; Guitar, Mac Quayle; Lute, Sitar, Gregory Tripi. The Cristal Baschet is a contemporary musical instrument developed in 1952 by the brothers Bernard and François Baschet. To play, musicians rub the rods with wet fingertips. Martinez was also known as the drummer for the early Red Hot Chili Peppers. He uses the Baschet Cristal, a kind of glass harmonica, for many of the sustained, ambient tonalities, plus vintage synths and percussion devices to create these beautiful textures. 2:04
Cliff Martinez, “My Name on a Car” from Drive (2011 Lakeshore Records). Composer, performer, Baschet Crystal, Cliff Martinez; Guitar, Mac Quayle; Lute, Sitar, Gregory Tripi. 2:19
Cliff Martinez, “On the Beach” from Drive (2011 Lakeshore Records). Composer, performer, Baschet Crystal, Cliff Martinez; Guitar, Mac Quayle; Lute, Sitar, Gregory Tripi. 6:35
Cliff Martinez, “Rubber Head” from Drive (2011 Lakeshore Records). Composer, performer, Baschet Crystal, Cliff Martinez; Guitar, Mac Quayle; Lute, Sitar, Gregory Tripi. 3:09
Michael Stearns, “Meditation 3” from Chronos (1984 Sonic Atmospheres). Stearns plays synthesizers made by Serge Modular, Oberheim, Yamaha, and EMU. Constance Demby plays “space” bass. 5:05
Popol Vuh, “Sieh Nicht Überm Meer Ist's” from Cobra Verde (1987 Milan). Piano, Synclavier, vocals, Florian Fricke; Synclavier programming, recording and digital mastering by Ralph Graf; Guitar, percussion, vocals, Daniel Fichelscher; Vocals, Renate Knaup. 1:23
Popol Vuh, “Nachts: Schnee” and “Der Marktplatz” from Cobra Verde (1987 Milan). Piano, Synclavier, vocals, Florian Fricke; Synclavier programming, recording and digital mastering by Ralph Graf; Guitar, percussion, vocals, Daniel Fichelscher; Vocals, Renate Knaup. 4:24
Christopher Spelman, “The Final Journey” from The Lost City of Z (2017 Filmtrax). Composed, Arranged, Christopher Spelman; Conductors, Adam Klemens, Pejtsik Péter, Richard Hein; Drum, Jim Berenholtz; Flute, Jim Berenholtz; additional music, Kent Sparling; FILMharmonic Orchestra, The Budapest Film Orchestra, orchestrated by Daniel Halle. 7:51
Background Music, Introduction
Vangelis, “Blade Runner Blues” from Blade Runner (1994 EastWest). "Most of the music contained in this album originates from recordings I made in London in 1982, whilst working on the score for the film Blade Runner. Finding myself unable to release these recordings at the time, it is with great pleasure that I am able to do so now. Some of the pieces contained will be known to you from the Original Soundtrack of the film, whilst others are appearing here for the first time. Looking back to Ridley Scott's powerful and evocative pictures left me as stimulated as before, and made the recompiling of this music, today, an enjoyable experience." Vangelis (Athens, April 1994). 8:54
Opening: Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog Noise and Notations.
 

Drum Machines: A Recorded History, Part 2, Digital Drum Machines

Episode 55
Drum Machines: A Recorded History, Part 2: Digital Drum Machines
 
Playlist
Linn Drum
Gary Numan, “My Brothers Time” from Dance (1981 Beggar’s Banquet). Early use of the Linn LM-1 by John Webb on this track. Note the sound of the claves, played by Numan but not digital. Bass, Saxophone, Mick Karn; Linn LM-1 drum machine, John Webb; Piano, Claves, Gary Numan. 4:37
Rajie, “ストーミー・ナイト (Stormy Night)” from Acoustic Moon (Sony 1981). Early recognition in Japan of the original Linn LM-1 drum machine. Rajie, vocals; Guitar, Mikihiko Matsumiya; Bass, Tsugutoshi Goto ; Chorus,  Hiroshi Koide,  Raji ; Composed By,  Akira Inoue ; Drums,  Tatsuo Hayashi ; Electric Guitar-Tsuyoshi Kon; Flute,  Motoya Hamaguchi ; Lyrics By,  Etsuko Kisugi ; Percussion,  Motoya Hamaguchi ; Prophet-10, Linn LM-1, Electric Piano,  Akira Inoue. Early Linn Drum Computer. 5:08
Herbie Hancock, “The Twilight Clone” from Magic Windows (1981 Columbia). If you want to study the latest in emerging electronic music instruments, just listen to the many albums by Herbie Hancock throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was an early adopter of the Linn LM-1, heard here and played by Hancock. Bass, Louis Johnson; Linn LM-1 Drum Machine, Herbie Hancock; Ghanian Drums, Moody Perry III; Ghanian Drums, Bells, Kwasi Dzidzornu, Kwawu Ladzekpo; Lead Guitar, Adrian Belew; Percussion, Paulinho Da Costa; Rhythm Guitar, George Johnson; Written by, A. Belew, H. Hancock. 8:16
Don Henley, “The Boys of Summer” Linn Drum demo version (excerpt) (1984 private). Guitar and Linndrum, Mike Campbell; Synthesizer, Steve Porcaro; Synthesizer, Guitar, Danny Kortchmar. Bass, Larry Klein; vocals, lyrics, Don Henley. The instrumental part of the song came first and was put together by Tom Petty bandmate Mike Campbell who had just purchased a LinnDrum machine which was a more affordable model than the original LM-1 released in 1980. Campbell put together a rhythm track and played some guitar. Tom Petty wasn’t interested in the song at that time, so it went to Henley, who wrote the lyrics. This demo was close to the final version. The final mix of the song also included some human drumming, as did live performances where a human drummer tried to replicate the sound of the original Linndrum. 0:42
Jean Michel Jarre, “Zoolookologie” from Zoolook (1984 Disques Dreyfus). A fascinating exploration of samples both of voice and drums. This is the later version of the Linn Linndrum machine, just before the introduction of the Linn 9000. There is pure joy in this track as Jarre uses the Linndrum to create many unexpected sounds and atypical rhythms. Bass, Marcus Miller; Composer, Producer, Ethnic Vocals Processing, Keyboards, Electronics, Jean-Michel Jarre; Drums, Yogi Horton; Daniel Lazerus; Guitar Ira Siegel; Guitar, Effects, Adrian Belew; Keyboards, Frederic Rousseau. 4:13
David Van Tieghem, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” from In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1986 Wide Angle). Drummer and percussionist Van Tieghem created this version of the Iron Butterfly song using electronic drums (Octapads) and digital drums. Engineer, Programmed By Fairlight Programming Assistance, Eric Liljestrand; Guitar, Larry Saltzman; Vocals, Synthesizer Digital, Analog, Percussion Acoustic, Electronic, Mixed By, Producer, David Van Tieghem; Written-By, Doug Ingle. Basically a one-person performance aside from guitarist Saltzman. Van Tieghem was using both hand played electronic drums (the Octapads) plus some digital drum machines. 5:36
Suzanne Ciani, “Mosaic” from Neverland (1988 Private Music). Composed, Arranged, Performed, Produced by Suzanne Ciani. Among the many electronic instruments used by Ciani were keyboards made by Yamaha, Roland, and Bode (vocoder). For drum programming, she turned to the Linn 9000. This track has some decidedly simple, yet complex rhythms using the Linn 9000 that are truly nuanced and more jazz like. The care with which she programmed this track is in contrast to the typical drum machine beats you hear on records. Ciani also used a Roland TR-707 on this album, which you may also detect on this track. 4:37
Oberheim DMX
Todd McKinney, “Kimberlite” from The Sound Of The System (1982 Oberheim). This 7-inch demo disc includes music created by Todd McKinney and Daniel Soger, two Oberheim employees. “Kimberlite” was composed and performed by McKinney using the DMX Programmable Digital Drum Machine, the DSX Digital Polyphonic Sequencer, and the OB-Xa Polyphonic Synthesizer. 2:28
Tangerine Dream, “Poland” from Poland (The Warsaw Concert) (1984 Jive Electro). You can hear the Bohn Digital Drums in the first half of the song and the Oberheim DMX in the second half. But that’s a bit of a guess. Dr. Böhm DIGITAL DRUMS was a rhythm machine made in Germany from 1982-83, also known as ''the German Linndrum.'' Composed, performed, and produced by Tangerine Dream. Jupiter 8, PPG Wave 2.3 Waveterm, Minimoog, Korg Monopoly, Sequenced by EEH CM 4 Digital Sequencer, Bohm Digital Drums, Roland Tr 808 Drums, Roland SDE 3000 Delay, MXR 01 Digital Reverb, MXR Digital Delay, Johannes Schmoelling; Prophet 5, Prophet 600, Prophet 1, E-mu Custom Programmable Synth, Moog Custom Programmable Modular Synth, MTI Synergy, Sequenced by the PE Polyrhythmic Sequencer, Compulab Digital Sequencer, Syntec Custom Digital Drum Computer, Electronic Drums Simmons Drum Modules, Effects Quantec Room Simulator, Roland SDE 3000, Electronics Hill Multi-mixer, Chris Franke; Yamaha DX 7, Yamaha YP 30, Jupiter 8, Jupiter 6, Prophet 5, PPG Wave 2.2, Sequenced By Pe Polyrhythmic Sequencer, EEH Cm 4 Digital Sequencer, PE Custom Trigger Selector, DMX Oberheim Digital Drum machine, Edgar Froese. 8:43
Herbie Hancock, “Earth Beat” from Future Shock (1983 Columbia). In addition to the DMX, this track includes evidence that Garfield Electronics Dr. Click Rhythm Controller was a much-needed rhythm device for wrangling the otherwise incompatible signals prior to the introduction of MIDI a few years later. Craig Anderton wrote the following about Doctor Click in an article in Keyboard from 1983: "Doctor Click is not a keyboard instrument, not a drum machine, and not a signal processor: What it does is synchronize and interface these three families of devices together. Not only can it interface to existing sync tracks, it can build up click tracks from incomplete click tracks, and even create sync and/or click tracks which are referenced to a live musician." Hancock masters Dr. Click on this album. Fairlight CMI, Yamaha GS-1, Yamaha CE-20, Dr. Click Rhythm Controller, Herbie Hancock; DMX Drum Machine, Synare Electronic Drums, Memory Moog Programming, Michael Beinhorn; Bass, Bill Laswell; Bata, Daniel Ponce; Turntables – Grandmixer D. ST. 5:09
Herbie Hancock, “Hardrock” from Sound System (1984 Columbia). The sound of the Oberheim DMX digital drum machine as used by Herbie Hancock. This album was his follow-up to the album Future Shock on the DMX made a famous appearance in the song Rockit, which was unusually a top-selling hit for Hancock. The DMX is played here by non-other than Bill Laswell. Note that Simmons electronic drums are also being played on this track by Anton Fier, but I think you can tell the difference. Bass, Drum Machine DMX, Tape, Bill Laswell; Bata, Daniel Ponce; Simmons electronic drums, Sound Plates, Cuica, Anton Fier; Guitar, Henry Kaiser, Nicky Skopelitis; Fairlight CMI Programming, Will Alexander; Fairlight CMI, Rhodes Chroma, Apple IIe, Yamaha DX7, Emu 4060 Digital Keyboard, Herbie Hancock; Synthesizer (XMD), Rob Stevens; Turntables, D. St; Written-By, B. Laswell, D. Showard, Herbie Hancock. 6:10
Davy DMX, “Bonus Beats” from One For The Treble (Fresh) (1984 Tuff City). Davy DMX when he first met the Oberhheim DMX digital sampling drum machine. He is also known as David Franklin Reeves, Jr. Here is a bonus track of only drum machine and turntable. 1:47
Davy DMX, “One For The Treble (Fresh) (Instrumental)” from One For The Treble (Fresh) (1984 Tuff City). Davy DMX when he first met the Oberheim DMX digital sampling drum machine. Another track from that same 12-inch. 7:31
Movement MCS Drum Computer
John Foxx, “Pater Noster” from The Garden (Virgin 1981). This album was produced after Foxx left Ultravox. It is another example of the MCS Drum Computer. This track only features Foxx on synthesizers, voice, drum programming, and a manually struck Tom Tom. 2:30
Roland
El Escuadrón Del Ritmo, “Las Cucarachas” from Back Up: Mexican Tecno Pop 1980-1989 (2021 Dark Entries). I discovered this wonderful collection of Mexican synth-pop tracks, some never before heard, and immediately dug-out a track using a drum machine. This track is from 1982. In this case, the drum machine is the Roland Compu-Rhythm CR-78, which was a transitional analog device with analog drum sounds and digital control for programming patterns. 3:44
Nahtabisk, “La Dama De Probeta” from Back Up: Mexican Tecno Pop 1980-1989 (2021 Dark Entries). Another hidden gem from Mexico. This track is from 1984 and features the Roland drumTR-606 Drumatix. The TR-606 featured PCM-encoded sounds of real drums. This small device, that ran on batteries, helped define the sound of early techno. 3:20
E-mu
Joe Mansfield, “Drumulator (Instrumental)” from Drumulator (2014 Get On Down). This is a track featuring the sounds of the E-mu Drumulator that was sold from 1983 to 1985. It had twelve, 8-bit sampled sounds of real drums and at about $1000 was more affordable that drum machines like the Linndrum and Oberheim DMX. It was created on the heels of the sample synthesizers they made under the Emulator name. It also had a relatively short life so few recordings from the time were made. This demo is an example of what could be done with the Drumulator and Herbie Hancock took a liking to it prior to switching to the Oberheim DMX. 2:02
Richard Souther, “Uncharted Waters” from Innermission (1986 Meadowlark Records). Music and realization by Richard Souther. Includes synthesizers from Roland, PPG, Sequential Circuits, and Casio. He also used both the Linn 9000 and E-mu SP-12 drum machines, which are both heard on this track. You can clearly hear the Linn 900 and its distinctive snare and bass sounds, while the E-mu, which was built around the circuits in the company’s popular keyboard samplers, provided some of the more unusual, even exotic, percussion sounds. 3:23
Alesis
Slant, “Sheep” and “Ducks” from Hive (1989 These Records). This amazing group, although short-lived, was a British experiment in rock with noise elements that included Cris Cheek, Philip Jeck, Sianed Jones, and Osian Tam. Cross used an Alesis HR-16, which is showcased in the second of two tracks, “Ducks.” I think that is probably the same drum machine in the first track, “Sheep” so I thought this represented some good contrast in the way that the sound could be treated. This had 49 digital samples of drums that could be programmed in real-time by playing the velocity sensitive drum buttons. Double Bass Julia Doyle; Guitar, Cabasa, Engineer, Co-producer Maciek Hrybowicz; Keyboards, Accordion, Synthesizer DX7; Piano, Clarinet, Voice, Marimba, Goblet Drum Darabouka, Tambourine, Bells Agogo Bells, Sampler Cassette Samples, Flute Souffara, Rattle Seed Pod Rattles, Performer Emax, Alesis HR-16, Breath Rhythms, Face Slap, Mixed By, Co-producer Cris Cheek; Turntables, Radio Philip Jeck; Violin, Piano, Vocals, Organ, Fife, Viol Viola Da Gamba, Harmonium, Claves, Performer Emax, Breath Rhythms, Mixed By, Co-producer Sianed Jones; Voice Osian Tam. 4:31
Closing, Linn LinnDrum
Mikel Rouse, “Quorum part 2” from Quorum (1984 Club Soda Music). It was inevitable that a composer would create an extended piece of music using only the Linn Linndrum. Mikel Rouse was that person. Listen to the hypnotic patterns of this work. From the composer’s notes: “Quorom is a piece for LinnDrum machine (or 18 percussion players) in 9 parts running approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. Though the sequence of parts 1 through 9 must be maintained, the parts may be divided into sections, or run continuously. Themes are produced through the synchronization of the 3 generators, 3-5-8, and their complimentary factors yield counterthemes. Power series are then applied to produce harmonic contrasts from the original themes. Thematic material is developed through multiple variation techniques (circular permutations, accents through superimposition of an additional component, natural growth through the summation series). I decided to undertake the programming myself and, with the aid of Jim Bergman, successfully completed the programming in about 5 hours. I would like to stress that all programming was done through the step-by-step process provided in the operator’s manual for construction “songs” from “patterns”. No special treatments or extensions (including cassette interfaces) were required.” Such was the versatility of the Linn Linndrum. 11:16
 
Background Sounds
Volti, “Corazón” from Back Up: Mexican Tecno Pop 1980-1989 (2021 Dark Entries). Mexican electro-pop group. This track is from 1986 and features unknown drum programming. vocals, synthesizer, Lyndell Brookhouse; bass, synthesizers, drum programming percussion, Eddie Rubello; Backing Vocals, Katie Taylor; Congas, Edgar Herrera; Piano, Vincent Kenis; Timbales, Pedro Ortiz. 3:45.
Adams and Fleisner, tracks “a1, a2, b1, b2, b3” from Modern Digital Recorded Drumcomputer Rhythm Tracks (1983 Break Records). I think this track of library digital drum samples from the Netherlands was made with the Drum Computer MCS II (or Percussion Computer) from Movement Computer Systems, a rare British made-drum machine circa 1983. It had an integrated CRT monitor and had an orange (or black) case. It used 8-bit samples of drums and featured 14 voices and programmable patterns.
Opening: Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog Noise and Notations.
There are dozens of drum machines that dot the history of electronic music. For an encyclopedic list of almost every drum machines ever made, and there were dozens of variations and models up until around 1985, check-out the excellent books by Alex Graham, a UK-based drum machine collector and specialist.

Drum Machines: A Recorded History, Part 1, Analog Drum Machines

Playlist
Chamberlin Rhythmate
Two Times The Trauma, “Freak Show” from I Fell In Love With An Ocean (2006 Starfly). There is an original Chamberlin Rhythmate at Roth Händle Studios in Stockholm, plus some other precious vintage equipment used in the making of the first album by Two Times The Trauma. Double Bass, Vocals, Magnus Eugensson; Drums, Percussion, Optigan, Mellotron, Tin Whistle, Turntables, Chamberlin Rhythmate, Mattias Olsson; Electric Guitar, Eric Fallope; Mellotron, Orchestron, Tobias Ljungkvist; Tuba, Fredrik Wennström; Vocals, Cecilia Åhlfeldt; Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mattias Eriksson; Xylophone, Daniel Kåse. Recorded at Roth Händle Studios 3 & 4, Stockholm. Mellotron bee tape set used with kind permission from Gaby Stenberg. Yamaha GX-1 used with kind permission from Benny Andersson. Orchestron French Horn disc on 'In Your Eyes' used thanks to Zac Rae. All Optigan, Mellotron and Chamberlin Rhythmate service and maintenance was performed way beyond the call of duty by Markus Resch.
Wurlitizer Side Man and Swingin’ Rhythm
LCD Sound System, “Somebody’s Calling Me” from This Is Happening (2010 Parlophone). Somebody's Calling Me; Finger Snaps Snaps, Matt Thornley; Finger Snaps Snaps, Synthesizer Casio MT-68, Wurlitzer Sideman, EMS VCS3 Putney, Korg Poly Ensemble, Bass, Piano Acoustic, Keyboards Roland System 100, Vocals, James Murphy; Mixed By, DS; Trombone, Jason Disu; Written-By, J. Murphy.
Glenn Derringer, “The Girl From Ipanema” from Wurlitzer Swingin' Rhythm (1968 Wurlitzer). Glenn Derringer at the Wurlitzer electronic organ, demonstrating the Wurlitzer Electronic Swingin' Rhythm attachment with an unspecified Wurlitzer electronic organ. Each track on this demonstration disc explains the Swingin’ Rhythm settings that were used. For “The Girl From Ipanema,” the settings were: “Moderate Bossa Nova. The Swingin’ Rhythm was set at Latin, tempo control set to 1 o’clock.” What more can I say?
Dick Hyman, “Strobo” from the single Strobo/Lay, Lady, Lay (1969 Command). Dick told me about this track, which was one of his Moog experiments that didn’t make it onto his two albums around this time. Normally, he produced his Moog tracks with the help of synthesizer programmer Walter Sear. But in the case of this single, he did all the programming. For “Strobo,” he used a drum machine. It sounds like a Swingin’ Rhythm.
Jean-Pierre Sabar, “Fool on the Hill” from Super-Danse/Les Orgues Électroniques De Jean Pierre Sabar (1969 Sava). French LP of instrumental cover versions of popular music, all played on the Wurlitzer 4300 electronic organ with integrated Multi-Matic Percussion unit and Swingin’ Rhythm, which was also sold as a standalone drum machine. In this case, I’m having a little trouble telling the difference between the drum machine and what sometimes sounds like a drum set with bass and toms. The settings on the organ indicate that the pedals can be used to play “drum” and “cymbal” sounds, and the Swingin’ Rhythm unit had buttons for drum, brush, snare, block, and cymbal. Still, I can’t account for the tambourine sound but so much of this rhythm section sounds like a drum machine repeating sounds robotically that I must assume that this is a combination of live drummer and drum machine.
Jerry Styner And Larry Brown, “Dock of the Bay” from Orbit III (1971 Beverly Hills). Album produced to showcase the sounds of the Wurlitzer Orbit III organ, the “orbit” portion being a a third, two-octave keyboard that was a monophonic synthesizer. The instrument was equipped with the latest Wurlitzer rhythm machine built in. On this track, you not only hear sounds of a drum machine that sounds similar to the Wurlitzer Swingin’ Rhythm machine introduced in 1969. Although the liner notes suggest that all of the sounds were created using the organ, there appears to be a regular human drummer playing along (probably percussionist and co-producer Larry Brown). I say this because there is a hit hat heard throughout and although Swingin’ Rhythm had setting for a Snare, Brush and Cymbal sounds, as fills for the rhythm settings, they really did not reproduce the hit hat sound that is heard here. That and the miscellaneous drum fills added throughout sound more “played” than mechanized. Anyway, that’s my take after examining this recording as compared to the actual sounds of the Swingin’ Rhythm unit.
Thomas Organ
Byron Melcher, “Spanish Flea” from The Entertainers (1966 Thomas Organ Co.). Thomas Organ was one of the leading makers of electronic organs for the home. On this track, you can hear the Playmate rhythm component, a drum machine with 15 preset rhythms. The Thomas organ drum machine, circa mid-1960s. Thomas Organ was another maker of electronic organs for the home market. By 1966 they had created the Playmate rhythm component, a drum machine with 15 preset rhythms and a standalone device called the Band Box that had 10 preset rhythms. These were often sold as part of their Color-Glo line of transistorized organs. Color-Glo helped amateur musicians by lighting up the keys for preprogrammed melodies and chords to guide them along.
Lowrey Organ
Johnny Kemm “Taboo” from Latin Days (1970 Concert Recording). This album was created using the Lowrey Theater Console Deluxe organ model H25R-2 equipped with the built-in Automatic Rhythm drum machine feature.
Not Sure Which Drum Machine
Robin Gibb, “Mother and Jack” from the single Saved by the Bell/Mother and Jack (1969 Polydor). There was brief period in 1969 when the Brothers Gibb, otherwise known as the Bee Gees, had a sibling riff and Robin went off on his own to record some solo projects while Barry and Maurice completed a two-man Bee Gee album called Cucumber Castle. Perhaps because he was working along, Robin used a drum machine to mark time while recording various tracks and in the case of a few songs, he kept the mechanical rhythm as part of the finished recording. This might be the earliest purposeful use of a drum machine on a pop hit. I include it hear because it is probably a Swingin’ Rhythm, although it might also be a Seeburg Select-A-Rhythm, also available at the time.
Bruce Haack “Saint Basil” from The Electronic Record For Children (1969 Dimension 5). Tape composition, drum machine, and synthesis by Bruce Haack; Directed by P. Pandel; Performer, The Children Of Holy Trinity Cathedral School. Bruce used an unidentified drum machine on this album of children’s music.
Roland (Various)
Michael Iceberg, “Mexican Hat Dance” from Does It Live: 100th Week At Walt Disney World (1977 Hihomusic). This album was only sold to tourists as a souvenir at Walt Disney World during the Michael Iceberg residency as a performer at Tomorrowland Terrace during the late 70's through the late 80's. Unknown drum machine, but likely a Roland Rhythm TR-55.
Miha Kralj, “Apokalipsa” from Andromeda (1980 PGP). Yugoslavian record from synthesist Miha Kralj features a Roland CompuRhythm CR-78. Composer, producer, Synthesizer, Vocoder, Sequencer, Drum Machine, Effects, Miha Kralj.
Gary Numan, “Slowcar To China” from Dance (1981 Atco). Bass , Mick Karn; Percussion, Gary Numan, Tim Steggles; Polymoog, Prophet 5, Roland JP 4, CP30, Claptrap, Electronic Drums Roland CR78, Gary Numan; Viola, Chris Payne.
The Noyes Brothers, “Byte to Beat” from Sheep From Goats (1980 Object Music). Synthesizer and electronic drums, Solamar. The Noyes Brothers had two members, Steve Miro and Steve Solamar. They were from the UK and Solamar seems to be the only artist on this track and uses an non-specific Roland drum machine. This track is taken from a double LP, the only record I know of for the Noyes Brothers.
Comateens, “Ghosts” from Comateens (1981 Cachalot Records). Here is a group who’s unofficial fourth member was a Roland Compu-Rhythm CR-78. The inner notes for the album featured profiles of all of the artists, including Lyn Byrd on synthesizers and vocals, Oliver North on guitar and vocals, Nic North on bass, and vocals and the Roland machine, which was described as having a square black head, no body, with red, blue, and yellow buttons. In addition, the notes state that the Roland drum machine was born in Japan and existed as 3,468 separate pieces before assembled and called upon to serve with the Comateens.
Joël Fajerman, “Espace – Oiseaux” from Azimuts (1981 PSA). French record by Fajerman featuring a Roland TR 808 Rhythm composer, and instruments such as the Multimoog, Prophet 5, Korg polyphonic 3100, Clavinet D6, ARP sequencer, Oberheim module.
SPK (System Planning Korporation), “Emanation Machine R. Gie 1916” from Information Overload Unit (1981 Side Effects). Australian industrial sounds released in the UK. Guitar, Bass, Tape, Vocals, Mike Wilkins; Synthesizer, Roland Drum Programming, Effects, Vocals, Graeme Revell; Synthesizer, Effects, Dominic Guerin.
Rüdiger Lorenz, “Out of the Past” from Invisible Voices (1983 Syncord). This late pharmacist/synthesist from Germany played all the instruments on this album, including Korg Polysix, Formant Synthesizer, Roland Vocoder VC 10, Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, Moog Sample & Hold, MXR Stereo Chorus, Electro-Harmonix Flanger, PPG Sequencer, Elektor Ringmodulator, and Pearl Vorg Echo-Orbit.
Other analog drum machines
Bob Hacker, “Careless Hands” from One Man Opry: Bob Hacker Plays The Yamaha Electone D (1980 Yamaha). This album, produced by Yamaha, features some of the wacky analog synth effects it could produce as well as its built-in drum machine. This was a spinet style organ, a small upright keyboard with pedals for the home market.
Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come, “Time Captives” from Journey (1973 Polydor). Brown used Bentley drum machine to provide drums on this track. The Bentley was actually a UK version of the Roland TR-77 which was the very first product Roland released under they own name. In the US this same unit was sold by Hammond as the Auto-Vari 64. The unit has 5 faders for Volume, Tempo, Cymbal/HH/Maracas, Guiro, Snare, Bass Drum. The TR-77 has 6 faders for Tempo, Fade Time, Volume, Bass D, Snare D, Guiro & Hi-Hat/Cymbal/Maracas. Bass, Percussion, Vocals, Phil Shutt; Bentley Rhythm Ace, Vocals, Arthur Brown; Electric Guitar, Vocals – Andy Dalby; Mellotron, Synthesizer [Arp 2600, Vcs3], Piano, Theremin, Percussion, Vocals, Victor Peraino.
Kraftwerk, “Radioactivity” from Kraftwerk – Radio-Activity (1975 Capitol).Electronics, Florian Schneider, Ralf Hütter; Lyrics by Emil Schult, Florian Schneider, Ralf Hütter; music by Florian Schneider, Ralf Hütter; Electronic Percussion Karl Bartos, Wolfgang Flür; Vocals, Florian Schneider, Ralf Hütter.
Schoolly D, “P.S.K.-What Does It Mean? (instrumental version)” from‎ P.S.K.-What Does It Mean? / Gucci Time (1986 Schooly D Records). A remix of this track that features only the drum sounds of the The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer. This drum machine was one of the first Roland instruments to be equipped with MIDI, and was the first analog/digital hybrid machine, combining analog circuits for its drums with digital samples for its cymbal and hi-hat sounds. You can hear how Schooly D isolated the cymbals and drums on this track.
Pixie Ninja, “Leng Plateau” from Colours Out Of Space (2020 Apollon Records). Another recording using the Chamberlin Rhythmate in the Roth Händle Studio in Stockholm. Roth Händle studios is run by producer and musician Mattias Olsson who collects, restores, and offers vintage musical gear for use by visiting bands. There is so much to listen to here with Pixie Ninja’s hard-driving and somewhat deranged mix of vintage, cranky electronic instruments and modern guitars and synthesizers. You can hear the Chamberlin Rhythmmate in this track, a Bandmaster Powerhouse Drum Machine (the one that used 8-track tapes), and an Electro-Harmonix DRM-16 Drum Machine. Godin Shifter 4 Bass, Korg Krome 61, Korg Volca Keys, Korg Monotribe, Nord Lead A1, Glockenspiel, Polar Circle Bells, Kalimba, Marius Leirånes; Drums, Percussion, Mother Modular System, Mellotron M400, Philicorda Organ, Chamberlin Rhythmate, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, Blind Typemachine, EMS VCS3, Casio PT-88, Roland JV-8080, Roland SH-101, Electro-Harmonix DRM-16 Drum Machine, Moog Taurus, Korg MS-10, Optigan, Roland VP-330+, Bandmaster Powerhouse Drum Machine, E-Bow (Bass Gizmotron), Jenco Celeste, Grand Piano, Mattias Olsson; Fender Stratocaster, Gretsch G5320T, TC Electronic AEON Infinite Sustainer, Korg Krome 61, Korg microKORG, Nord Lead A1, Arturia Microbrute, Stylophone 350s, Glockenspiel, Jostein Haugen; Rickenbacker 12 String Electric Guitar, Fender Rhodes, Philicorda Organ, Mellotron M400, Hampus Nordgren-Hemlin.
Background Sounds
Opening: Negativland, “Side 1, Track 3” from Negativland (1980 Seeland). An unidentified drum box is heard throughout this track. It sounds a lot like the Wurlitzer Swingin’ Rhythm. Recorded Dec. 1979-April 1980. This privately release album had a hand-made sleeve made of cut-and-paste artwork assembled with xerox, wallpaper, black construction paper, and magazine photos. Beneath these pasted portions, the cover itself is spray painted and stenciled with parts of the band name, as well as hand-numbered. Synthesizer, edited by, voice, tape, David Wills; Tape, Electronics, drum machine rhythms, Booper (an electronic oscillator), Clarinet, Organ, Viola, Loops, Guitar, Mark Hosler, Richard Lyons.
Description of previous way of producing drum sounds: George Wright, “Happy Talk” from Goes South Pacific (1958 HiFi Records). George Wright on the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ, an electronic organ popular in the 1950s.
Introductory dialog: Johnny Kemm “I Say a Little Prayer” from Latin Days (1970 Concert Recording). This album was created using the Lowrey Theater Console Deluxe organ model H25R-2 equipped with the built-in Automatic Rhythm drum machine feature.
Description of Chamberlin Rhythmate: Audio track demo of the  Chamberlin Rhythmate  from the YouTube video posted by instrument collector Dan Hicks (aka Peahix), a collector in California.
Description of Wurlitzer Side Man: Audio track demo of the Wurlitzer Side Man from the YouTube video posted by instrument collector Dan Hicks (aka Peahix), a collector in California.
Opening and closing sequences voiced by Anne Benkovitz.
Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.
For additional notes, please see my blog Noise and Notations.