Roland's TR-808 awarded a place in the NAMM Hall of Fame

On 28th October 1982 I bought my TR-808 from Hobbs Music in Lancaster. It’s been in constant use ever since, never disappointing. How much did I pay for this wonderful machine? The princely sum of £450 !!

Now, 40 years since its original inception, Roland‘s TR-808 continues to be a household sound, heard in house, hip hop, trap, pop and everything in between. The drum machine’s legacy lives on, seemingly forever, as it’s placed in the NAMM Museum of Making Music TECnology Hall Of Fame, with an official ceremony held at Winter NAMM this month. The Hall Of Fame recognises audio products and innovations that have made a significant impact on audio technology and production.

Magnetic Research Centre

I can no longer remember when I produced this piece together with David Lynch ... but it was long, long ago in a magical place.

Produced using totally analogue synthesisers and recorded onto a Teac Tascam 8 track through an Allen & Heath System 16-8 desk. Instrumentation used: Roland - RS-202, TR-808 and MC-8 Microcomposer sequencer

 
 

Lyrics

Time, unimportant
Subject, Samuel Brown
Place, South West Institute of Mental Health

The subject, Samuel Brown suffered a loss of mental and physical capability after an accident at Magnetic Research Centre 2201

The face he now wears has a cold vacant stare of undue concern
You'll always see him staring; staring at the walls, and at the lights
A brain probe will be required

[Required?]

Survival probability will be low

[A door, yes, it's closed. Through sunlight I reach for darkness]

Begin the operation

[I remember, remember my wife (Samuel!), my life. Before, before 2201]

Brain probe now engaged

[I'm fishing; Released, I catch a clock. The time.My hand filled with ever escaping sand; knuckles white, yet I cannot keep a grip. Who, and where am I. Footsteps. Jenny's footsteps. I must retrieve her ring. No, it's somewhere in 2201]

Samuel! Samuel Brown. Can you hear us?

[What's the use? I want joy, not life, and problems, and 2201. A door, it's open, it's light. So much. I can't. A face? Jenny? No. Help. Help me! Help me!]

Follow me!