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[Alan Cynic]

You might have enjoyed Thomas Truax's set at Drummonds a few weeks ago, Flash! He builds his own drum machines out of old bicycle wheels etc, in a real Heath-Robinson fashion. The one in Aberdeen was a baby version of his New York one. I liked it more than a real drummer, 'cos it only smelt of oil!!!

[spellchecker]

Originally posted by Flash@TMB:
When I hear Karen Carpenter sing the words "Long ago, and oh so far away", it's enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of my neck - I couldn't make that connection if I knew she was a robot, or a creation of cyberspace. It works for me because she was a flesh and blood human. Like us. The same way that I could never fall in love with a robot, no matter how perfect, although I dare say there are people that would prefer that sort of relationship.

Yet when you see computer generated scenes in films, you don't dismiss it because it didn't actually happen. Or do you?

Isn't this all a little purist? I love drum machines, they are great for recording, I love triggers and sample pads too. I can sympathise with the comment about drum machines live... it works for some bands, and not for others. I always thought 48k were a lot better with a real drummer, and I think Starfall would be better with a real drummer... however, bands like Strobing Goat or AKA The Faux are much better with drum machines in my opinion. Perhaps that is because the bands are more interesting to watch, and you aren't looking around for something interesting to happen... like you said, drummers are often the most interesting members of a band.

[Flash@TMB]

Originally posted by spellchecker:
Yet when you see computer generated scenes in films, you don't dismiss it because it didn't actually happen. Or do you?

Can I be honest here? Yes those tend to piss me off LOL! That example deviates a long way from my original point. Films to me are usually a form of entertainment. Music for me usually runs much deeper.

It's like love doll vs real girl, or vibrater vs... OK I'll get my coat.

These are just personal takes though. It's not like after the vote we're going to shoot all the bands that use drum machines!!! I posed the poll because I was interested in other peoples views more than anything. I find that where people disagree it's often because neither party are in posession of all the information.

I'd rather not comment on individual bands in this way on a public forum because the choice is theirs. There isn't an absolute right or wrong answer to this question.

[psydoll]

Originally posted by spellchecker:
AKA The Faux

Unfortunate spelling error or thinly veiled dig?

[Keilan 303]

On a personal level, my drum machine is an absolute indespesible tool when it comes to song writing! Its not always so easy to record a drum kit in a block of flats (although this has been tried ) and I can play the SR16 waay better than I can play any real drum kit. yes, the dynamics and feel aren't quite up to an accoustic kits standards, and I can always spot the sound of a drum machine over a real kit. Also live....I did a tour with a drum machine, and despite being a headache with regards to monitoring (in Europe they let you get your amps passed 3) and couldn't get the same intense resonance going through my body to keep me in time...it was a bit of a wasted tour...plus no one really took the drum machine too seriously (bunch of crusty punx in any case).

I quite liked AKA The Fox w/ drum machine, although I like my music LOUD...seriously LOUD, and I hate the sound of a loud drum machine, they louder they get, the faker they sound. I guess it all comes down to personal taste....personally I love the ear drum damaging sound of a real kit, plus it just looks daft when theres no drummer.....

[daveofficer]

it is generating an interesting debate this one though, i get what you're saying about the human aspect and the emotional response. i don't think having a drum machine is a step towards automated music making though, its' just another way to get a cool sound into your song. another way to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. like someone said, radiohead were awesome at the exhibition centre and have successfully managed to incorporate a huge amount of electronic gadgets into their sound while still illiciting an emotional response. they had affy pretty lights too.

boards of canada's music i think is just as emotional as some of my favourite bands who don't use electronics as all. but that's just my own personal response to the music. everyone is affected by different sounds in different ways, and as you said there is no right or wrong answer to this.

[bryn]

I voted for drum machines, however this is only due to buying one last week and it being great for my little home 4track adventures. I wouldnt use one in a band - the dynamics and stage presence are too valuable.

[Plato the Greek]

Drum Pads on low-end keyboards are really the only option as far as I'm concerned. Such power and beauty.

Machines are good, so are people: you don't have to choose. Look at Johnny 5. Johnny 5 is alive.

In some situations drum machines sound amazing, powerful and evocative. There can be great beauty in the workings of machines and electronics. The fact that the noise is not necessarily generated by a human at the point of delivery isn't an issue as far as I'm concerned, but opinion is everything on this issue.

On the other hand, as far as most rock n roll and live performance is concerned, I usually prefer to see a large, wild-eyed man (or woman, or hermaphrodite) beat hell out of a drumkit, whilst screaming like a godforesaken maniac smashing skulls together in Hades.

[Afro Droid]

I guess you're never likely to forget your human drummer when you leave to play a gig in Dundee.

[nullmouse]

Don't diss drum machines - Doktor Avalanche was the only member of the SoM Eldritch never sacked...