In which the Buddha Machine returns as a bespoke instrument/greatest hits package from Industrial music outfit Throbbing Gristle. Having been a TG aficionado for many years, and being the proud owner of a Buddha Machine, this item looks like an essential purchase.
Thirteen original TG loops: a mix of experimental noise, industrial drone, and classic melodies and rhythms.
Built-in 50mm speaker, volume control, pitch-shift control and loop selector switch.
Features more loops and almost twice the frequency range of the original Buddha Machines.
Powered by two AA batteries.
Palm-Sized: W 67mm x H 69mm x D 35mm
Available in three colours: Black, Chrome and Red
UK Retail Price: 19.99 GPB
Designed by: Throbbing Gristle & Christiaan Virant
Concept by: Christiaan Virant
Manufactured by: Industrial Records Ltd
Music by: Throbbing Gristle
While we’re on the subject of music/noise and musical noise, there’s a couple of other recent discoveries worthy of mention. Inudge is another music-making web toy using loops and a grid system. Very easy to use and fun to play with. Less frivolously, the British Library opened its Archival Sound Recordings to the public earlier this month. I grew up by the sea, and still miss being near it, so the lapping wave soundscapes are a pleasant balm.
Previously on { feuilleton }
• A=P=P=A=R=I=T=I=O=N
• Uncopyable
• Buddha Machine Wall
• God in the machines
• Layering Buddha by Robert Henke
• Generative culture
I tried to buy the original version of the Buddha Machine when it came out, and went into central London to find it. I visited several music tech stores and was told in each one, “oh you’ve just missed out, Brian Eno came in and bought our entire stock”.
I returned home empty-handed. I was unable to find a place to complain about Brian Eno’s greed on the internet.
I’ve got one on preorder – ideally I’d like two or three to play with the pitch-shift and detune the loops, but financial prudence has somehow prevailed. I’ll grab a couple of the regular editions once they’re out.
Having several Buddha Machines adds a lot to the experience (esp. v2 with the pitch control), so we shouldn’t judge Eno too harshly. Provided he uses them all.
Jim: My colleagues at Baked Goods distribution are responsible for disseminating the Buddha Machine around Europe. I imagine they’ll be amused to hear of Eno’s bulk buying exploits.
I’m wondering if the Gristle machine allows for TG karaoke; switch it to the ‘Hamburger Lady’ drone and do your best Genesis P-Orridge impression. Suitably filtered, of course.
They’re also obviously begging to be run through the new Gristleizer effects units, but sadly those are less affordable. A Gristleizer with a built-in Gristleism would be something to have.
Still, what a gristly time to be alive.