I can usually accept it when it's small indie bands, who either don't have a drummer or access to a proper studio, or solo performers. Sometimes it may suit the genre of the music (electronica/groove) or if they're mixed in with "actual" drums (Tears For Fears, Ultravox, etc.), but generally it seems lazy to me. It was definitely a big thing in the '80s, but for electronic/synth-type bands it made sense. What always seemed ridiculous to me was that when actual drummers, specifically Phil Collins and Don Henley, used them to record with. Hearing them now, by established bands with drummers and studio access seems odd.
I remember when Stewart Copeland caught flak for using a click track in his headphones. And I think Greg Hawkes was credited on one album with "programming." When it comes to groupies, chicks dig programmers, I'm sure.
Some genres do actually get away with drum machines (as opposed to sampled drums which sometimes sound awesome because they're sampling really good drummers) but yep, so much of the newer stuff on RP is "BlahBlah is an electronic duo from Ghent" and I'm all "Holy shit are you that unlikeable that no one wants to play drums for you?" I get that it's a money thing sometimes... if you need to split your 17¢ Spotify payout three ways, it's hard to eat.
I can usually accept it when it's small indie bands, who either don't have a drummer or access to a proper studio, or solo performers. Sometimes it may suit the genre of the music (electronica/groove) or if they're mixed in with "actual" drums (Tears For Fears, Ultravox, etc.), but generally it seems lazy to me. It was definitely a big thing in the '80s, but for electronic/synth-type bands it made sense. What always seemed ridiculous to me was that when actual drummers, specifically Phil Collins and Don Henley, used them to record with. Hearing them now, by established bands with drummers and studio access seems odd.
Timbuk 3 would be perhaps my only exception on the drum machine. On the other hand; the thing puts a drummer out of a job.
15 years later: you know that a frog gig is a spear for frog gigging, right?
Anyway: Drum Machines: I am tired of them. Even bands I like are wearing me out with the fake drums. There. Out.
I can usually accept it when it's small indie bands, who either don't have a drummer or access to a proper studio, or solo performers. Sometimes it may suit the genre of the music (electronica/groove) or if they're mixed in with "actual" drums (Tears For Fears, Ultravox, etc.), but generally it seems lazy to me. It was definitely a big thing in the '80s, but for electronic/synth-type bands it made sense. What always seemed ridiculous to me was that when actual drummers, specifically Phil Collins and Don Henley, used them to record with. Hearing them now, by established bands with drummers and studio access seems odd.
Have you heard that Strokes song? I spent the first few listens thinking it was a joke that they'd stop using halfway through but they don't.
edit: I guess it's the entire album. I don't think Rick Rubin does drugs but whatever he was on must've been some powerful shit to let them do that for the whole record.
Yes; it earned a solid 1 rating from me almost immediately.
Have you heard that Strokes song? I spent the first few listens thinking it was a joke that they'd stop using halfway through but they don't.
edit: I guess it's the entire album. I don't think Rick Rubin does drugs but whatever he was on must've been some powerful shit to let them do that for the whole record.
You're right, of course they have no soul... But they are darned useful when the bassist locks his keys in his car. And the drummer is still inside.....
