Johann Johannson IBM 1401 Users Manual
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Reviews Misc
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Monday, 09 October 2006 |
  In 1964 one of the very first computers arrived in Iceland. The machine
was called the IBM 1401 Data, and Johann Johannson’s father was the
chief maintenance engineer for this unexplored machine. From this
venture was born the concept of Johannson’s third album ‘IBM 1401,
Users Manual’. An interesting prologue proceeds this marvellously fine
album.
Embedded in the technological wirings of the new computer was an
obscure method of making music- (apparently) quite simple in practice:
the computer’s memory emitted strong electromagnetic waves, and by
programming the memory in a certain way and placing a radio receiver
next to it, melodies could be coaxed out. Encouraged by Johannson’s
fathers’ position as a keen musician, Mr Johannson Snr used the
receiver to capture delicate, melancholy sine-wave tones.
This may seem mechanic, cold and soulless. But it has influenced
Johannson, and his new album, as he explores thoughts of man-machine
interaction, discarded technology, the relationships between human and
artificial intelligence; between technological progress and human
evolution; and between the ‘spirit’ of the machine.
Writing music that responded to the themes above, based on those thirty
year old recordings of the IBM 1401 computer. This cumulated in a warm,
intricate and thoughtful record, a complete juxtaposition to the
original mechanical origins.
It was originally written for a string quartet, organ and electronics,
but for the actual album recording a massive over-haul took place.
Johann had rewritten the piece for a sixty-piece string orchestra,
adding a new final movement and incorporating electronics and vintage
reel-to-reel recordings of a singing IBM 1401 mainframe computer found
in his father’s attic. As you naturally would. The results of this are
quite astounding, the record is totally quiet in grabbing your
attention but grows into a protective sheath of beauty and relevance.
Sixties influenced, but not in an unoriginal way.
Words by: Sarah Bates
Release: 16/10/06
Label: 4AD
Link: www.johannjohannson.com
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