Happy 808 Day!

Happy 808 day everybody! Today we celebrate and honour the world’s best drum machine: The Roland TR-808. Produced before even midi was invented, the 808 was derided when first released but is now still one of Roland’s most sought after analogue pieces (along with the TB303). Like the Beastie Boys said back before they started collecting their pensions: “Nothing sounds quite like an 808″.

Here’s a video of The Egyptian Lover playing Barry Donovan’s 808 live in Kennedy’s (later on that night he autographed Barry’s 808 thus increasing its value by 500 Euro!):

And here’s a little snippet of my own baby: TR-808

Citinite Records are organising an 808 night in London tonight with 808 State playing! 08/08/08 night