Greg Phillinganes: Thriller LinnDrum Chips Demo | Stories In The Room Podcast Episode #21

In this episode Anthony shows how the beat and groove for “Thriller” was programmed on the LinnDrum machine and that special sound chips were made especially for the song.
Michael Jackson’s Thriller Podcast: Stories in the Room is available on KZbin & everywhere you listen to Podcasts 🎙️
New Episodes every Tuesday and Thursday
Podcast hosted by
Anthony Marinelli @anthonymarinellimusic
Composer/Thriller programmer
anthonymarinell...
And
Steven Ray
A&R/ Assistant for Quincy Jones
mr.stevenray?ig...
Directed by
Christian D. Bruun
Award-winning documentary filmmaker
christian_d_bru...
Produced by Audivita Studios
audivita.com
Apple Podcast podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
TikTok www.tiktok.com/@storiesinther...
Instagram storiesintheroo...
Facebook
Website storiesintheroom.com
Discord / discord

[@paulbadoo9326]

These guys were geniuses, working endlessly at every detail of the sound, the groove... and this is before Quincy Jones and MJ did their thing.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

No doubt MJ was a great musician but if it wasn't for those who also worked on his recordings, they wouldn't of been so well received. Bruce Swedien was a huge part of the mix as well.

[@issiewizzie]

Eventually, synth heads & music history enthusiast will find this channel

[@jamesguitarshields]

guilty as charged

[@jeremygovernale898]

I play guitar in a death metal band and just came across this tonight. Best channel to ever exist! MJ was the best

[@birdy369]

As a big MJ fan and someone who's really into these sorts of details behind the scenes, I was almost mad at KZbin I hadn't heard of this channel yet... Then I saw the channel was only a few months old lol 😂 WHAT A PRIZE GEM!

[@RANDOMLOOPGENERATOR]

True story...

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@jamesguitarshields And which are you a synth lover or historian?

[@NathanSander777]

It’s amazing how the bass sounded on point to my ears, but he kept adjusting because he has the distinct sound memorized. Professionals!

[@thesequencer4971]

Totally impressive: In the old days you needed a huge Linn Drum, expensive Studio Time, a friend at Linn Factory and an Engineer to change the Clap sound in your linn. Now adays every smart phone user could produce this very similar and choose from 2 million clap sounds.....but it would sound like crap....I think this limitation years ago made this faboulous groove & timeless piece of Music.....thanks for sharing these deep insights...cheers 👍

[@oholm09]

I dont do virtual software i do hardware synth

[@foljs5858]

@@oholm09 so the same thing, but more expensive and in a box

[@johnnysamba5443]

There was an office above rod argents in denmark street in london that would make eprom chips for various machines like drumtraks etc .....

[@johnnysamba5443]

They would also mod drum machines and add extra sounds

[@baronmeduse]

Also needs Jackson voice and song provided by Rod Temperton. Average smartphone user lacks those.

[@Andrew-rz7qt]

Anthony Marinelli is one of the most sweetest humans on this planet.

[@themotownboy1]

This was so great! The swing on the hi-hat definitely elevated the groove. Thank you, gentlemen, for another fine video!

[@ricomajestic]

I could definitely watch Anthony and Greg deconstruct the entire Thriller album all day! Some interesting stuff if you are a composer/songwriter/sound designer!

[@intromix]

Hell yeah!! I could listen to just this “modified EPROMs” LM2 and the bassline for hours as they reconstruct the mix and the sound gets warmer!! ❤

[@oholm09]

So do I

[@DanielKomarek]

I love how Greg has more groove with one hand playing the bassline. its just sooo gooood!!!!

[@anilchoudhary4060]

Why Michael Jackson removed him after bad tour...

[@DanielKomarek]

@@anilchoudhary4060 he played on the dangerous tour

[@anilchoudhary4060]

@@DanielKomarek but he lost his music director post.... Brad buxer was new one... Do you know any reason...??

[@mecyjecy]

​@@anilchoudhary4060He left the Dangerous Tour after Japan due to production conflict.

[@NathanHassall]

I love the intro to this so much...the vocoder work instantly put me in a great mood.

[@fender1000100]

This is GOLD. Not enough is shown about the making of the greatest selling album in history.

[@bwm5150]

Could watch these forever, thanks guys!

[@markwoodman997]

Oh the delights of the Linn Drum! Because of the limited memory, samples with a long decay, like crashes, were severely curtailed, but that was part of the punchy sound. The studio where I worked moved on to a Sequencial Circuits Studio 440, which was better quality and would sample, but also used to overheat at the most critical moments! Musos today don't know how luck they are!

[@leandrolehart8847]

“Thriller” changed my live forever...i wanna be a musician because of that. Thanks for this amazing story behind the song.

[@user-UCdTwcniaJXNCkOLhUhN794g]

Anthony getting that special treatment here made the drums HIT. I mean basically you had a sound no one else would be able to get at the time because of the chips, so cool!

[@soundofstockwell1731]

if you listen to video once they start talikng chips greg mentions the name "forat " that was a company that specialized in modding linn drums they burnt special sounds on the eproms and i think they even added a floppy drive crazy stuff at the time

[@Jawnson]

I always thought the hi-hats were live. I appreciate the fact you guys went deep with breaking it down 🙏🏿

[@universalmeditation8631]

We are always on the verge of breaking something when discovering a new sound.❤

[@phidalelopez3233]

Love how they brought us in like a fly on the wall listening to greatness

[@musicbrum1]

I wish I could have served coffee to all the crew at that moment just to be part of those magical moments.

[@sindedos29]

6:08 I love it that you say it’s a merengue….my parents used to play a song when I was a kid that I thought was a cover of thriller….they corrected me and said it was the other way around. Since the Merengue one was from the 60s. Been trying to find that original song ever since but I can’t seem to find it.

[@wallendiaz]

7:30 When he mentions that it's a Merengue rhythm, I actually remembered the Merengue of the 80s by ( Dioni Fernandez - Al Ritmo de la Noche ) that make sense.

[@SiClopsThe1EyedMan]

This is so awesome, I knew it was a Linn drum but never realized it was a mix of different eprom's! i love this type of info, thank you for sharing what you did!

[@oldschoollee]

right

[@javd007]

It wasn’t a Linndrum. It was an LM-1. This is nonsense .

[@SiClopsThe1EyedMan]

"Knew it was a linn drum" as in knew it was one of the linn drum machines.

[@briankehew579]

The LM-1 is legendary, not just because it is rare. It has a dark, thick sound, and the groove is actually kind of late, feels more like a real drummer with feel.

[@avace917]

I started studying equipment in 85. Not long after, I learned about EPROMs and the ability to switch them. With everything that came afterwards, it didn't even occur to me that they used this type of stuff for Thriller. It was ahead of it's time as far as technology

[@richardpennington5445]

The rhythm came from ‘The Conga’ which is a classic parry disco tune in the UK in the 1970’s. I think Rod wrote ‘Thriller’ with this in mind and an objective of writing the ultimate party song.

[@PorchBass]

Now you mention it! That sounds spot on

[@TheGuitologist]

Thriller dropped around the same time I entered kindergarten. It defines that time in my life and was the first LP I ever got.

[@MT-tainment]

This... i don't have enough words for these video's.. seeing these guys go through the proces of making one of the most genius and iconic sounds makes me love and respect the end product even more.. this is just amazing content.

[@linfordrichards8395]

Thorley enjoyed 👏🏼👏🏼 That Linn drum sound is amazing, We appreciate you, gentlemen 👑🎤 🎶🎹

[@stevenseanor4500]

You should consider using "Linndrum" as a middle name.... sounds cool 😎😂

[@tskolits]

Such a great video. Means a lot that these stories are being told. Great stuff guys!

[@wanggang3885]

Well, that was some rare content. Talk about niche. Thanks guys.

[@PebblesChan]

Please use some ESD handling precautions with the LinnDrum and its ROMs as ESD can cause unwanted damage to these wonderful historic artefacts. The LinnDrum uses the unusual and now rare and expensive Am6070 Compansion DAC along with some Curtis CEM3320 voltage controlled filters & CEM3360 voltage controlled amplifier & 74LS627 VCO. The remainder of the parts are relatively bog standard. Because of its age, it may be necessary to replace some of its capacitors replaced to ensure accurate playback, power supply performance & safety. If Tantalum capacitors are present it may be a good idea to have them replaced as they could morph into dangerous fireballs! Also ensure that its original NiCAD batteries are removed or replaced to prevent unwanted battery leakage damage. I hope these notes useful!

[@memyself5337]

Amazing, from the equipment to all the artists involved. Thanks for sharing with the world.

[@tonybmusic1166]

I still own the sequencer out of the Linn drum. Bruce Forat of Forat Electronics updated it for me years ago. He also rebuilt a couple of Oberheim drum machines for me…..which I eventually sold. I still have an OB8….another dinosaur from that era. Everyone back then were sampling drum sounds and burning chips and producing better songs with them. Whenever I listen to songs from that era I can recognize the drum machines being used.

[@storiesintheroom]

Super cool

[@malibu3602]

Underrated channel! This is awesome stuff guys!! Definitely learned a lot about the technical history of one of the greatest time periods in music! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@martinheath5947]

An excellent lesson in psychology and diversity of approach. I love videos like this!

[@cresshead]

Superb video breakdown of a classic tracks drum section.

[@jokerfleckcast3196]

Linndrum what a classic drum machine. I love the LM1 Snare, Prince loved to use it a lot too.

[@devmiles]

This was absolutely epic to watch!

[@marvinmurakami8828]

One of the finest keyboard solos I've ever heard was the one Greg Phillinganes did on Earl Klugh's Heartstrings album. Sounds as fresh today as it did in the 70's.

[@truescotsman4103]

I grew up around some bands in the 70s and 80s. We used to get up every day and go over there to hang out and smoke weed and watch them jam or just hang out and party. Music was all I did till I was about 28. I started in bands about that time and we became musicians and had our own bands and groupies all through the late 80s and early 90s. I wouldn't give that up for anything we lived the best life a musician can live. Fame is a killer. We always wanted it but we we're glad it never came in the end. Look what fame did to Michael and so many other great artists over the years. It wasn't drugs or bad living it was fame that kill all of them from Hendrix to Prince.

[@MichelBarbaro]

Wow what a crazy channel! So 'dedicated' to a very specific subject. Great!!!

[@gregwickstrom5479]

Ndugu told me several times over the years that he played drums on the song Thriller. He probably played with the drum machine, similar to how he played on Billie Jean. Its sad that he's not here to add to your vids on the production of Thriller.🙏

[@rocketmanstudio]

Wow!!! Great channel, I just found this by accident!!! The average listener has no idea who and what Greg has played on. He is a monster musician!!!! The best of the best, goggle him and you’ll be blown away. I met him at NAMM I was a demo keyboardist and he was teaching some omnisphere classes super nice cat…

[@Wesimm23]

This is freaking magical ❤

[@djGreenALERT]

Genius creates genius. These guys had to use their minds to create this work of art. Too much technology makes people lazy and kills the need for such genius!

[@dodo1opps]

Rod Temperton was the composer of "Thriller"

[@brandonkelly7602]

This is incredible. To see what it took to make one of the biggest hits in music history.

[@chrisi123]

yes with fake instrument....be proud of that

[@onesong2001]

Marketing was the most important ingredient and they never mention it.

[@AllyKiss18]

I always had a suspicion it was EPROMs in the Linn, it’s got that grit and slight crunch you get with those converters. What’s always so prevalent in great songwriting (and there isn’t much around anymore) is how each instrument/rhythm is working to support the other like a human body- the heart assists the brain the brain the heart etc, it’s the same in great music- that cowbell might be truncating something to help bring it out in the mix, or that pass is accenting the kick to give it a sharpness etc. from a singer/songwriter/producers perspective, it’s just amazing to see these videos. I’ve been waiting for something like this for so long. I’ve read 16 books on MJ and Thriller was my first record at 7 years old. I really hope you guys get to delve into Bad as well.

[@tobiesoftstudio823]

Very well put.

[@matiasss550]

linn drum is digital. You can achieve the same with a computer and those digital samples. And by the way, sorry but Thriller is A COVER ! THIS IS THE ORIGINAL SPANISH SONG: Luixy Toledo - Exorcismo Search it by yourself !!!

[@ElectroPanPipes]

@@matiasss550Not entirely true. Used VCO's to drive EPROM voice readout. Analog filters on bass, tom, and conga. And analog VCA (CEM3360) for highhat decay

[@joelrivera3285]

God bless you guys!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@mohmoudfarah1897]

What you guys are talking about is all Greek to me, and yet, I like it; thank you, guys!

[@MrYamahamotifxs]

Just incredible 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ricomajestic]

Crazy how back in the day you had to actually open up the drum machine or synth and physically swap the chips to get the sound that you were looking for. Imagine spending hours or days just trying out different chips...so time consuming!

[@birdy369]

This is a channel of my heart

[@TheLordGoat]

Fascinating.

[@darrellmfume4020]

if I heard correctly, The Studio Cost...Quincy got to make the Thriller album, from Michael's record company/Epic. was a little over $250, 000 dollars. Epic has made Billions since LATE 1982. and still making money. the same can be said for Michael's and Rod's estates. and Quincy, who's still with us. is still making big money/getting Royalties. that Thriller album back in 1983, and 84. had the young and old in the record stores. I was 15, and 16. and remember it all like yesterday. people were even buying Purple Rain, because of Thriller/going into the record stores. but Prince fans don't want to hear that TRUTH.

[@mickaeljohan3589]

Incredible, thanks a lot for those anecdotes

[@djgeorgieporgie7862]

Amazing breakdown. Thumbs way up 👍

[@Ismael-dv8fc]

this is art

[@sal6587]

Awesome episode!

[@dirtyfrequenzofficial5619]

Sooo funky🤙🏼

[@HaharuRecords]

Thats what I love about, ses how much in details how they worked in that album ..❤️

[@compo36]

I've got a Linn II, ,not in a great shape, she work when she wants. But i can say one thing : the shuffle on this boxe is killing ! it is awesome !

[@VenomShadows305]

@ 4:54 "I have the clap right here" lmaooo. Great vid 👍🏼

[@MOSHAEMUSIC]

Thank you for sharing this

[@jonjonharreld7602]

Wow...This Is Really Dope...One Love Fam...

[@vipin_rahul]

I like that sound very much.

[@wackerburg]

Great rundown! I bought an 808 about a year ago because I like its cowbell sound so much and all the "alternatives" just don't cut it. That being said, I am now fully aware of the clap and hihat greatness -> they sound very different with every hit, LOVE that. Especially when being triggered quite fast after each other. You cannot replicate that with samples and as I said, I dislike the harsh and resonant sound of the RD-machines bei Mehringer for instance. With the actual 808, you just go. Using this is sooo quick and rewarding.

[@RANDOMLOOPGENERATOR]

Every day is a school day! Great video guys!

[@MaxFury_Official]

Love these videos, keep it up! Can you guys please talk about how the vocal harmonies were recorded during these times? I believe i red somewhere that they triple tracked each harmony with Michael, but i could be wrong. And panning? I do know Bruce didn't use much compression on Michael's vocals and instead used volume automations Thanks!

[@theodorewilson6065]

This is great!

[@marcio1563]

Great Channel! Great vídeos! Thank you!

[@WastingTime1878]

I would really love if more videos about the technicality of the sound are released.

[@gsprings43]

remember hearing prince say nothing locks up like a linn drum

[@gsprings43]

had read that article in keyboard magazine a while back

[@kerrysneed]

Very interesting stuff

[@kadiummusic]

I think the original probably had the straight HH's but personally I prefer them with a touch of swing, it grooves beautifully. 😎

[@reallyu812]

I love music production. You really have to have a whatever it takes mentality to get the most out of a recording session.

[@RobMancusoJr]

"you have the clap?!" 😂

[@user-oh4sg1wd4q]

Greg Phillinganes: Thriller LinnDrum Chips Demo | Stories In The Room Podcast Episode #21

[@SMOKINGROOVE]

Great video!

[@mickwilliams910]

Awesome ;)

[@Anhidema]

yeah it definitely has a little swing !!!

[@thatbrotherclawz6590]

when the congas came in, I had to smile

[@birdy369]

I got to admit, everytime greg came in with the bass, my shoulders n head started to do the thing... Ya know. That, undead kinda shuffle thang 😂

[@professorhamamoto]

Great channel. Subscribed.

[@CraigMansfield]

I'm pretty sure the beat would be straight, and the other instruments bring the groove

[@fabiansmith5860]

WOW 😊

[@issiewizzie]

Another education ..from the original source ...The actual people in room.

[@cashmerefunk-sm5gv]

Just passing Thur Mike would be proud ✍️

[@leewightman8619]

Master producers .u can tell how they talk about the swing

[@pbee73]

That Linn drum machine was about 3 grand back in 1985 which today would cost almost 7k.

[@gsprings43]

lee ritenour used a LM-1 on his 1981 (RIT) album,,,,,had to be one of the earliest uses of it

[@djsdontdance]

I always thought Korg and Linn were used but both machines. Not a bloody hybrid. That's blown my mind.

[@QR_Code]

need more youtube shorts... subs are not where they should be, the content is fire

[@onionhat9141]

Greg indeed has the clap

[@ocollado2]

Nice collection of videos 👍🏻 I would like to mention it's not merengue the rhythm that has the syncopation between beats 3 and 4. Its Conga Comparsa rhythm from Cuba the one that pulls like that. Thanks again for the videos!

[@multimusicstudios5661]

Don’t forget Ben Forat’s contribution along with Roger Linn on Linn Drum programming, design, and creation of sounds.

[@gregwickstrom5479]

Ndugu played drums on Baby Be Mine, Thriller, Billie Jean and PYT.

[@timflagstad8411]

Amazing how you can accomplish all this via plugins now.

[@ricomajestic]

@@defcreator187 It is getting closer and closer! Your average listener wouldn't be able to tell the difference especially since the part being played will be in a mix of other sounds. Modeling of complex electronic circuits on a computer (which is also a complex electronic machine) has gotten way more sophisticated and closer to vintage sounds thanks to the incredible processing power of computers today. There are some great virtual synths out there.

[@bingobaz6402]

Anthony is popping up on almost all videos I am watching now 😄...except the Klaus kinski rage videos he isn't in them 😂

[@pesmcfield]

Merengue indeed my friend. I am sure that MJ at some point had some sort of exposure to the wonderful TAMBORA from the Dominican Republic.

[@garyshepherd9226]

I have that same Linn Drum.

[@davidjohnart]

👍😍👍TOP👍😍👍

[@djayall]

Thank you lord for this!I Is there a vst like the other synth besides the linn the one with the line connections?or a new hardware version?