Microsoft Songsmith

Linus Torvalds, the father of the Linux operating system, is now a Microsoft fan – thanks to Microsoft Songsmith:

This may be a shock to everybody, but I have to admit that I’m not generally a huge fan of most Microsoft software (”No, really, Linus? Tell us more!”).

But I may have to admit that I was wrong.

No, I’m not talking about Windows 7. I’m talking about Songsmith, which is clearly a true work of genius. Yes, yes, the commercials are painfully cheesy, but when used right the end result is undeniably art.

The thing that convinced me was hearing Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” as re-interpreted through Songsmith. Nobody will ever convince me that that isn’t just impossibly brilliant. Sheer genius on just an incredible scale. I’m getting carpal tunnel syndrome from just clicking “Replay” over and over again.

Torvalds may be writing with tongue planted firmly in cheek – but it’s amazing to see how Songsmith has taken on a life of its own, in a way its creators never intended!

Don’t watch this if you’re easily depressed!

Charts Music, by Johannes Kreidler. The melodies are derived from stock charts, and then arranged with Microsoft’s Composition Software Songsmith.

Kreidler is a provocateur and uses music to raise ethical questions. He’s best known for using his piece, product placements, to create a nightmare for GEMA (the German RIAA, and explore the ways that copyrights limit art in the process.