Everybody's jumping on the Buddha Machine bandwagon these days – apart from the popularity of the device itself – a handheld music player outfitted with nine drones by FM3 – there's been at least a few albums created using the Buddha Machine sounds as source material.
Jukebox Buddha, a Staubgold Records release features tracks by Es, Mapstation, Jan Jelinek, Sunn O))), Sun City Girls, Blixa Bargeld and others. All are based on the sounds of the Buddha Machine.
Most of the songs are much more active than a single Buddha Machine itself could ever be without the aid of some help from Max or Live or another audio processor or looping device. Wang Fan kick it off with a minimal piece. Then Kammerflimmer Kollektif turn in a track that reminds me of something Tarwater might produce – mellow and moody and perfect for late night. Aki Onda's "The Buddha In New York" is more disturbing, noisy and conceptual than any of the tracks thus far. Adrian Sherwood & Doug Wimbish introduce beats & vocals to the album. Thomas Fehlmann's "Liquid Buddha" is abstract and droney. Sounding the closet to what I expected from an album constructed from the Buddha Machine. Mapstation's "Watching Paik's Video Buddha" is far and above the prettiest track on the album, gurgling and bubbling along beautifully. Jan Jelinek unexpectedly turns in a comedy piece a commercial for the Buddha Machine that details suggested uses – a bit ridiculous.
The Sunn O))) piece was the track I was most curious to hear and it doesn't disappoint. Lumbering, heavy, droney, ominous, everything you'd expect from these guys.Jukebox Buddha is an interesting collection in its own right, and definitely a nice companion to your very own Buddha Machine.
