Showerthought: Does a bad drum machine beat make a song better or worse?

I was at a garage sale last Saturday and found this old 90s house tape where the kick drum was completely off tempo from the vocals. The guy selling it laughed and said that's what makes it good, but I couldn't get past how off it felt. On one hand, the wonky beat gives it this weird charm you can't plan for. On the other hand, it's just sloppy production that beats the whole purpose. Which side do you lean on for these so-bad-they're-good songs?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora_wells5822d ago

my buddy found this old techno demo at a flea market where the snare hit a full second late every time, and he swore it made the track sound like a malfunctioning robot having a good time. after three beers we were all headbanging to it, so yeah, sometimes the glitch is the whole point.

ivangrant22d ago

Man that garage sale find sounds like a total gamble! I picked up a bootleg reggae tape once where the hi-hat pattern was so off it sounded like someone was dropping change on the floor while playing. At first I hated it, but after a few listens it started to click. The weird timing gave it this live, drunk energy that made me smile every time. So I'd say it really depends on the vibe you want. If the beat is just sloppy and not intentional, that kills the groove for me. But if the wild beat adds a character that fits the song's weird spirit, then yeah that off tempo stuff can totally work.