Are you on the lookout for a new book to adorn your coffee table? Well, drum machine geek Joe Mansfield has written a 200-page photo book (photos by Gary Land) dedicated to some of the most influential machines in music history. Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession features 75 drum machines from his collection, including the classic TR-808, the Oberheim DMX and the Dr. Rhythm DR-55. Amongst the iconic machines are interviews and insights from legends in the industry as well as famous users.
But in order to fully appreciate the contents of the book, it’s worth mentioning how Joe’s drum machine obsession began. His collection all began in 1986 with Roland’s symbolic TR-808 and facilitated his craft as a producer at the time (Ed O.G. and Scientifik) and his collection continued to grow. Even more of an achievement is the fact that he’s used every drum machine from the book, proving he’s more than just a obsessed collector.
The book goes way beyond that of bragging rights. Joe addresses the wondrous creations made by the likes of german legends Kraftwerk, YMO and Prince and how they helped to shape new genres and breathe life into the music of old.
Purchase Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession on Amazon.
(via Stones Throw)