We Don't Need No Stinking Drummer!

January 9, 2005 10:00 PM

Drummer Wanted: Must have reliable gear, play in the pocket and have good chops. Humans need not apply.
posted by KevinSkomsvold (25 comments total)

Link is down at the moment. Also, Neil Peart rules!
posted by Eideteker at 10:31 PM on January 9, 2005

"AHHHH!!! Too many people attacking my puny cable modem!!! Please try again later." Guess I will try later.
posted by scottfree at 10:31 PM on January 9, 2005

Darn. Sorry guys. I could toss it up on my site since I was able to snag it. Looks like no other mirrors exist. That is, if nobody has an objection?
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:34 PM on January 9, 2005

Fire it up!
posted by bluedaniel at 10:49 PM on January 9, 2005

Knock yourself out.
posted by Mach3avelli at 10:49 PM on January 9, 2005

Cog, the robot at at the MIT Media Lab, used to be able to play the drums before he was "put to sleep." He wasn't really all that good.
posted by painquale at 10:50 PM on January 9, 2005

I am a drummer, and ever since drum machines became more sophisticated in the 80s, there has been talk of making drummers obsolete. They have their place, but nothing substitutes seeing live the likes of Buddy Rich (especially, since he is dead), Peart, Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band) and other highly talented drummers. Drum machines actually go way back (Beware: cheesy living room organ music.)

"The first drum machines were built in the 19th century. They were real drums that were struck by automated metal arms with a beater attached."
posted by scottfree at 10:52 PM on January 9, 2005

Our Father, who Art Blakey, please forgive them, for they do not understand the repercussions of what they post.
posted by bluedaniel at 10:56 PM on January 9, 2005

Here you go fellas. Mirrored here.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:58 PM on January 9, 2005

Just an addendum, the orginal "6 Oclock" was done by Mike Portnoy (of Dream Theatre fame?). I've not heard this piece originally so I cannot attest to the accuracy with which the robotic drums play it.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 11:03 PM on January 9, 2005

Blakey was a master, and I am so bummed that I did not see him before he died. I did get the chance to see Tony Williams a few months before he died. All the drummers in the audience were sitting at the table next to his kit in awe.
posted by scottfree at 11:15 PM on January 9, 2005

And all those dead drummers I referenced did not choke on theirs (or someone elses) vomit.
posted by scottfree at 11:22 PM on January 9, 2005

I'll start listening when that machine can play like Dave Weckl.
posted by aerify at 12:32 AM on January 10, 2005

I think the monkey / robot featured in this video is far superior. Regarding our earlier conversation, the work is directed by chris cunningham.

p.s. you gotta click the 4th link down that says "watch monkey drummer" choice of wmp/real . couldnt figure out how to directly link that.
posted by sophist at 2:13 AM on January 10, 2005

I dunno, I kind of like my drumbots belligerent. Besides, drummers will stick around if only to be the butt of old jokes.
posted by PantsOfSCIENCE at 5:27 AM on January 10, 2005

It needs more cowbell.
posted by grefo at 5:41 AM on January 10, 2005

scottfree - I wouldn't sweat becoming obsolete. Until they can come up with a "robot" drummer (or whatever) that can duplicate real authentic phrasing, dynamics and the ability to sit just behind the beat occassionally, you can rest easy. Plus, robots are no fun to watch.
posted by Witty at 6:04 AM on January 10, 2005

posted by squirrel at 7:03 AM on January 10, 2005

Everything is explained when that supergeek steps in front of the camera halfway through.
posted by fungible at 7:19 AM on January 10, 2005

If I didn't know it was a robot, I'd have difficulty in distinguishing it from 1000's of other moderately talented, yet heavy handed garage band drummers. You want incredible drumming that sounds like it could only have been played by a machine? Check out Billy Cobham. Especially his work with Mahavishnu Orchestra especially on this album. Now that's incredible.
posted by kamus at 8:34 AM on January 10, 2005

I'll start listening when that machine can play like Dave Weckl.

I think Yamaha already did that -- they used to offer plug-in cartridges for one of their drum machines (RY-30 IIRC) that included a number of signature sounds and patterns recorded by various drummers, including Weckl.
posted by kindall at 8:38 AM on January 10, 2005

Just an addendum, the orginal "6 Oclock" was done by Mike Portnoy (of Dream Theatre fame?). I've not heard this piece originally so I cannot attest to the accuracy with which the robotic drums play it.

It's not too accurate. The timing is wrong & it sounds very mechanical. But I guess it's not bad for a machine. It is indeed a Dream Theater song.
posted by Berend at 11:04 AM on January 10, 2005

Drummer Dan Hickey of They Might Be Giants VS Robot Drummer "Cog" of MIT
posted by buriednexttoyou at 11:41 AM on January 10, 2005

What Berend said. I'd like to hear it improvise, but I fear that solo might sound like something off Weird Al's "Polka Your Eyes Out."

I'd like to hear it paired with a speech synthesizer, a la MC Hawking:
"Melody. walks. through the door.
and memory. flies out the. window."

I know all about the honor of Cog, Mary Jane.
posted by Eideteker at 5:53 PM on January 10, 2005

Cog, another son of Mohg? Yes, his honor was restored by Gowron.

/hypernerd
posted by zoogleplex at 12:09 PM on January 11, 2005