This Blade Runner-inspired synth romp, Palmer is in the system, features a heavy dose of Vangelis‘ favorite synth, the Yamaha CS-80.
It’s an interesting track – but the pairing with Blade Runner’s images recalls what an inspired collaboration Vangelis work with Ridley Scott was.
via schokokontrol
Sunday Synth Jam: Sell your Soul, via schokokontrol, is an “almost all-analogue recording” that features the King Of Synths, the Yamaha CS-80, along with a bunch of other choice vintage and modern analog synth gear.
It’s a great combination of massive synths sounds and interesting vocals.
You might have to sell your soul to be able to afford a collection of gear like this.
But, as the track demonstrates, at least it would sound awesome.
When it comes to iconic sounds of synthesis, few are as memorable as Vangelis‘ Main Titles for the classic science fiction film Blade Runner.
When Blade Runner was released, in 1982, many were confused by the movie’s narrative. Others were put off by the story’s dark tone, or by Harrison Ford’s deadpan voice-overs.
Few recognized the movie as a future classic.
The completeness of Ridley Scott’s fully realized, all-enveloping world, though, was immediately recognized. And even after more than 25 years, Scott’s visuals, combined with Vangelis’ stunning score, set the standard by which other science fiction films are measured.
Vangelis entire score to Blade Runner is a classic, but the “brass” theme from his Main Titles is iconic.
Embedded above, the opening scenes of Blade Runner, which kick in at about 2:30, immediately thrust you into a stunning futuristic world. The amazing visuals are accompanied by depth-shaking electronic drones and percussion, and a soaring Yamaha CS-80 lead that concisely sets the tone for the film.
While Vangelis used the rare CS-80 extensively throughout Blade Runner, synthesists have been using all sorts of synths to approximate the iconic sound of his Main Titles since.
Here’s a demonstration using the Yamaha CS-70, a younger sibling to the CS-80, to recreate the iconic sound:
Nice!
But do you have to have a rare vintage Yamaha synth to get that awesome sound?
This part of a series of videos documenting the restoration of a Yamaha CS-80 analog monster synth. Continue reading
A comment on our recent Yamaha CS-80 post reminded us of this 4 part interview, Vangelis, The Man And His Music, which is one of the best interviews and profiles of electronic music pioneer Vangelis that we’ve seen.
Especially after you get past the stock footage of people walking around London.
It offers insight to Vangelis’ music philosophy, his approach to composing and features lots of unreleased Vangelis rarities and improvisation.
The interview comes from 1984 and Vangelis’ Nemo years.
Saturday Synth Porn: This video captures a performance on the Yamaha CS80, using patches flute/ brass 2. Continue reading