Episode 16 – Synth Whores

Few things in life get the hosts of Radical Research as excited as the squishy, otherworldly sounds of the analog synthesizer. For our 16th episode, a special detour from our typical musings, we sort through the decades in search of some of the deepest, wildest, most thrilling synthesizer sounds in the rock and metal kingdoms. So, please, meet us at the wormhole and tag along for this investigation into radical, electronic sound.

Note I: Kim Rantala, whose playing is featured here on Amorphis’ “The Orphan,” is also an accomplished accordion player and professional DJ. We’re happy that he opted for the Moog on Elegy.

Note II: Hunter sounds like he’s underwater throughout this episode. We apologize. We would love to buy him a decent but affordable preamp for better quality recording on his laptop. We do take Paypal donations if you want to help: paypal.me/rrpodcast. Regardless, expect this issue to be fixed by next episode.

Note III: The following link doesn’t cover deeply technical aspects of our favorite brand of synthesizer, the Moog; instead it captures a wonderful, more emotional aspect of Bob Moog as an innovator, father and unintentional role model. Check out this fantastic Ted Talk featuring Bob’s daughter, Michelle Moog-Koussa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG_PYTsSSAM

Note IV: When you’re a whore, you gotta have more. If you enjoy this episode, you’re in luck. There are simply too many iconic synthesizer moments to wrap into a single episode, so, rest assured, we’ll revisit this, one of our very favorite topics, in a follow-up future episode.

Music cited, in order of appearance: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, “Wind” (Glorified Magnified, 1972) Museo Rosenbach, “Zarathustra, b) Il Re Di Leri” (Zarathustra, 1973) Genesis, “Riding the Scree” (two moments) (The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, 1974) Blue Oyster Cult, “Flaming Telepaths” (Secret Treaties, 1974) Goblin, “Wild Session” (Profondo Rosso, 1975) Epidaurus, “Andas” (Earthly Paradise, 1977) Gary Numan, “Conversation” (The Pleasure Principle, 1979) Amorphis, “The Orphan” (Elegy, 1996) Paraxism, “Fear” (.Xism Excursion, 1996) Ulver, “The Future Sound of Music” (Perdition City, 2000) Jethro Tull, “My God” (Aqualung, 1971) RR 17 preview: Afflicted, “Viewing the Obscene” (Ingrained 7”, 1990)

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

This is Radical Research Podcast episode 16