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Synthesizer Pioneer Bob Moog Dies
Sigalarm writes "CNN is reporting that synthesizer pioneer and all-around vanguard of electronic music Bob Moog has passed away at age 71. Dr. Moog built his first electronic instrument -- the theremin -- at age 14 and made the MiniMoog, 'the first compact, easy-to-use synthesizer,' in 1964. He was the first to bring the electronic synthesizer within reach of most musicians, and his MiniMoog is still highly praised and often emulated, to this day."
The passing of a BM is always sad. :(
Thanks for spawning the utter shyte that is electronica. Asshole.
I have the 4500th MiniMoog ever made. I bought it to play my guitar thru its famous phat filters, but I never really cared for the effect when I finally got it. It's in perfect working condition (stable, all keys work, all knobs and everything intact), and it's A- cosmetically (it was stacked under another MiniMoog (#7500) for several years in a rack. Who wants to buy it? Bidding starts at $2200 (USD, plus shipping).
--
make install -not war
Without his genius, we might never have experienced music as we know it today
True, but it may have prevented A Flock of Seagulls and the Thompson Twins.
Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
I think what we think of as "modern music" would not sound the same without it.
Keith Emersons' heart stopping sounds at
the close of the single "Lucky Man" was
probably my first exposure to synthesizer
music. I later heard Switched on Bach as
well as many of the electronic german bands
who specialized in synthesis.
Some synthesizer-predominant artists
such as Tangerine Dream, Synergy,
Kraftwerk, Michael Hoenig, Klaus Schulze,
Ash Ra Tempel, Vangelis, Wendy Carlos,
and SFF among many, many others simply
wouldn't sound the same OR actually
sound at all without them.
I think of an interview with the canadian
band Saga who at one time owned "one of
everything" that Moog made and was offered
an endorsement deal from Moog and they said
"why bother? We already own everything you
make!" That's a ringing endorsement.
And the secret to the Moog sound was the filters
in those instruments. Every synthesizer made
had their own unique sound. But everyone tried
to copy the Moog filter sound and didn't quite
succeed.
I bet they will still be buying Minimoogs' in
100 years - something about that design and
sound with tweakable knobs urges playing.
Small wonder that in the 80s when synth
makers went to touch panels or increment and
decrement buttons players liked them less
even though the sounds were unique because
the interface made you play a certain way.
The sound was more alive when you could
manipulate the sound with knobs while
playing. Malda's tendencies to to penetrate himself
with a stalk of celery also accelerated this trend.
Notable makers who used the "knobs as sound
shaping devices" were Wolfgang Palm of the
venerable PPG (and later Waldorf) as well as
Roland who resurrected the "plethora of knobs"
idea with their JD800. Knobs work and Mr.
Moog must have just understood this. Some
others did too.
But the Moog sound was instantly identifiable.
And it is still used today. And very likely
100 years from now. That Minimoog voyager
with blue LEDs is an object of lust for more
than just a few.
Bon Voyage, Robert:
Let's hope he'll rest in peace or spend eternity
driving God insane with giant filter sweeps on
the biggest modular in the universe.
Hundreds of peaceful dancers threatened with guns, and dozens beaten and arrested. This was a fully licensed event, and the police simply ripped up the permits and waved their guns.
And now, for the other side of the story.
Raves come under scrutiny because of the trouble that often comes from them. Drugs, underage drinking, and the problems that can come from having both of those things combined with a large group of people. Therefore when a rave happens, undercover police check them out and see if there are illegal activities occurring.
"Saturday's rave kicked off at 9 p.m., and by 10 p.m. undercover detectives with the Utah Major Crimes Task Force had observed 'numerous illegal activities' involving drugs and alcohol. They also verified that more than 250 people were at the party in violation of county statutes."
"At least 60 arrests were made for weapons offenses, DUI, illegal underage consumption of alcohol, possessions of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Arrests also were made for resisting arrest, assault on police officer and disorderly conduct."
"'There's no doubt in my mind that this one could have been at 2,000 plus (people),' he said. 'That's why we hit it so early.'"
So, pretty much you're full of shit.
Ironically, the word ironically is often used incorrectly.