Watch 808

808 is a documentary film that explores the history and cultural impact of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. Released in 2015, the film features interviews with musicians and producers who have used the 808 in their work, including Damon Albarn, Arthur Baker, and Afrika Bambaataa. The film begins by tracing the origins of the 808, which was released by Roland in 1980. At the time, it was not a commercial success, and it was eventually discontinued. However, its unique sound and ease of use made it popular among early hip-hop and electro musicians, who used it to create groundbreaking tracks that would influence generations of musicians to come.

The film takes an in-depth look at the 808's features and capabilities, which include a distinctive bass drum sound, a snare drum with adjustable decay, and various programmable patterns. It also highlights the ways in which musicians customized the 808 to achieve new sounds and rhythms, often using techniques that were unconventional at the time.

Throughout the film, key figures in the history of the 808 share their insights and experiences. Damon Albarn discusses how he used the 808 in his work with Gorillaz, while Arthur Baker reflects on the impact that the 808 had on his production career. Meanwhile, Afrika Bambaataa - whose 1982 hit "Planet Rock" is widely regarded as a classic of 808-based music - talks about the role that the drum machine played in the development of hip-hop and electronic music.

As the film progresses, it explores the ways in which the 808 has influenced popular culture beyond music. From fashion to film to advertising, the distinctive sound of the 808 has been used to evoke a wide range of moods and emotions. The film also touches on the controversies surrounding the use of the 808 and other electronic instruments, including accusations that they took the soul out of music and made it too computerized.

Despite these criticisms, the 808 has continued to be a staple of popular music. The film concludes by highlighting some of the most iconic uses of the 808 over the years, from Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" to Kanye West's "Love Lockdown". It also emphasizes the continued importance of the 808 in contemporary music, as newer artists continue to experiment with its sounds and possibilities.

Overall, 808 is a fascinating and engaging exploration of a drum machine that has had an enormous impact on the music we listen to today. Whether you're a fan of hip-hop, electronic music, or just curious about the history of popular culture, this film is well worth watching.

808 is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.