I think the influence of IDM and the techno-umbrella on rock music is
on-topic. We've been discussing it for a while.
The new U2 album has little-to-nothing to do with the topic of this list,
except that the album makes clear that U2 understand the importance of
electronics in modern music. They appreciate and have absorbed the music
we discuss here. Same with Bowie. That aspect is worthy of discussion
too.
As for the observation (or complaint) that the 4 bandmembers aren't
responsible for the programming: At worst I could say if you care enough
you get the best available people to cover for you. Or I could say that
if you have a vision but lack the technical skills to see it all the way
through, you find someone to assist. We could also complain that most
rock bands don't operate the tape machines and mixers like I do for
myself. On the other hand if I had the kind of budget U2 have, I'd hire
someone else too. ("Bring me sounds, many many sounds; keep programming
those synth patches and I'll tweak the ones I like" etc.)
--Mark
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"We invented machines in order to reduce our work. Now that we have
them, we think we should go on working." (John Cage)