The Logic Off Topic list

I was wondering if any of you knew of a list or group that might discuss
what synths made signature, milestone or distinctive sounds that have been
on hit records. I do programming and production for a 80's copy band and I
try to copy the synth timbres of new wave and funk tunes as closely as I
can, but I'm not always sure of the source I'm trying to emulate. Besides
having a number of modules, I've also invested in a number of 80's style
VSTi's like Pro52, PPG Wave, FM7 (and of course EXS24 w/ Xtreme Analog, and
I'm really anxious to get ES2). With these resources I think I can nail a
sound if I have an idea where it they came from. Any advice how to determine
the source of synth sounds or on doing 80's style synth production would be
appreciated.
Thanks,
Kevin

>I was wondering if any of you knew of a list or group that might discuss
>what synths made signature, milestone or distinctive sounds that have been
>on hit records. I do programming and production for a 80's copy band and I
>try to copy the synth timbres of new wave and funk tunes as closely as I
>can, but I'm not always sure of the source I'm trying to emulate. Besides
>having a number of modules, I've also invested in a number of 80's style
>VSTi's like Pro52, PPG Wave, FM7 (and of course EXS24 w/ Xtreme Analog, and
>I'm really anxious to get ES2). With these resources I think I can nail a
>sound if I have an idea where it they came from. Any advice how to determine
>the source of synth sounds or on doing 80's style synth production would be
>appreciated.
>Thanks,
>Kevin

You probably know much more about the topic than me so I doubt if I 
can give you any information but I bet you would get a lot more 
answers if you would list artists and song titles you are trying to 
find out about.

Dennis Gunn, et al.,
Fair enough! I'll name a few that I've already struggled with, and a few
that are on the back burner:
Relax -- Frankie Goes to Hollywood (especially the "eeooww" climb up)
Grooveline -- Heatwave (pulsing intro)
Let It Whip -- Dazz Band (intro sweep)
Don't You Want Me -- Human League
Funkytown -- Lipps Inc. (Some of our stuff goes back to the 70's as well)
She Blinded Me w/Science -- Thomas Dolby
Word Up -- Cameo
I Just Can't Get Enough -- Depeche Mode
stuff by Madonna, Midnight Star, George Clinton or in the works

If anyone has a clue as to the original sound sources, that would be cool. I
would especially like tips on which VSTi's or modern synths are good at
emulating these particular sounds, or any signature sounds that would be
useful in 80's style production. For example, someone emailed me to say that
they thought Roland synths were one of the keys to the 80's sound. I would
like to know which virtual or hardware synths are good at getting that
sound. Frankly, I think this info would be useful to any musician who does
cover-band work or wants to add a retro feel to their own stuff.
Thanks again,
Kevin

> Subject: Re: Name that synth
> 
>> I was wondering if any of you knew of a list or group that might discuss
>> what synths made signature, milestone or distinctive sounds that have been
>> on hit records.
> 
> You probably know much more about the topic than me so I doubt if I
> can give you any information but I bet you would get a lot more
> answers if you would list artists and song titles you are trying to
> find out about.