Fri Sep 28

Course Introduction and Overview

Technological Determinism

The role that technologies play in determining the products of their use.

"We are delivered over to technology in the worst possible way when we regard it as something neutral; for this conception of it, to which today we particularly like to do homage, makes us utterly blind to the essence of technology." Martin Heidegger - The Question concerning Technology (1953)

"We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us." Marshall McLuhan - Understanding Media (1964)

A Case Study: Roland Corporation™ gets it wrong right - the TR-808

Roland's promotional ad (1980)

Do these sound like "real" drums (or cowbells, hi-hats, maracas...)? BD SD CB OH CH CY CL MA RS

Would there be electro-funk, Miami bass, acid house/techno, jungle, drum and bass, hip-hop, etc., if Roland had not made such an accidentally great drum machine? If yes, what would it sound like?

When you can't afford a real 808 (or 303 or 909).

Listening

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force - Planet Rock (1982) *
Cybotron - Clear (1983) *
Missy Elliott - Lose Control (2005) *
Six Brown Brothers - Battery Acid (1988) *
808 State - Pacific 202 (1989) *
Lady Sovereign - Random (2005)