808: The Music

Various Artists
808: The Music

The Roland TR-808 drum machine was intended to give studio musicians a simple tool for making backbeats. Instead, it kickstarted a revolution—one whose story is captured in full by the documentary 808, as well as these tracks. Beastie Boys flipped the 808's icy beats in reverse to make “Paul Revere”; Shannon’s freestyle pop breakout “Let the Music Play” is propelled by its gently swung kicks and snares; and Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's electro classic “Planet Rock” thrives on its throbbing thuds and crisp hi-hats.

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