I'm back to playing around in my studio. Roland released a new drum kit for the modeling synth you see above (TR-8S). Well, the digital release of this older kit and its patterns is new. It is modeled on one of the oldest programmable drum synths ever made - the CR-78 (below). Made famous by Phill Collins on his track, In the Air Tonight, released the same year that the device was discontinued - '81. Collins moved on to using the TR-808, probably the most legendary drum machine ever released. Rivaled only by the TR-909, which he also used. Both of which are heavily featured in the drum synth that I have (above). Together - the 808 and 909 - form the basis of almost all dance music ever made.
Collins was a great friend to the drum machine, a heavy promoter, adopter, and spokesman for their value, which almost seemed out of step with the times. There were many guitar players that questioned the value of "synthesis" and having machines do the work that was clearly meant for humans. I think Phil Collins is a bad joke, of course, but there was a time when he was highly respected as being the drummer for Genesis, Brian Eno occasionally, and for the rock goddess Robert Plant's first couple albums. Hall and Oates also used the CR-78 on their track, I Can't Go For That (No Can Do). So, it has attained its pop pedigree. Radiohead also use them in their live performances. So, I am excited and will be playing with my stupid little toy again for a while.
A childhood friend died this week, heart attack. My age - 54. I try not to think of such things often. But you get the news and the ghosts await for late evening to launch their attacks. He lived on the golf course when we were kids, near a close friend who told me the news in a text. My memories of him have faded over the years, though I can still see his childhood face in my mind.
I lost my virginity in a house only a few doors down from his. I remember walking home. My father was puttering in the garage and I thought that surely he could tell, that I must smell differently, or the wet spots on the front of my jeans would be noticeable. Or, perhaps the incredibly absurd smile on my face should have given it all away.
I don't remember any details, a first-time blur, other than knowing that everything would be different now. By the next day we were having sex three or four times a day and it continued that way until she fucked a friend of mine, maybe six months later.I don't remember. I came over after school and there they were, guilty and visibly happy. Everything would be different, again.
She became a topless dancer, I heard, and worked at the titty bar that was somewhat famous for how many truckers would frequent it. There was a mile or so of mostly empty roadside surrounding it, which allowed for the 18-wheelers to easily park. I remained friends with her brother for a while. We worked together mowing yards for many years. Mostly I worked for him if I needed cash. Then, I started my own landscaping operation, and did that through college. He seemed to enjoy the work more than me. Though I think back to it fondly now, from time to time. I tend to romanticize things. Life is a euphemism for something else.
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