Description:	Second version of musical box thingy in various colours **ONE LIME GREEN READY TO SHIP**
	Format:	Miscellaneous
	Genre(s):	Experimental / Abstract
	Label:	FM3
	Price:	£15.39
	Availability:	In stock. Dispatched in 1 working day.

5
...according to our Brett on 11 December 2008.

The word on the street is that Brian Eno came up with the idea for the Buddha Machine when he was evacuating a chocolate hostage. He strained so hard that he burst a blood vessel in his brain and his personality suddenly switched from 'ambient genius' to 'passable inventor and Coldplay associate'. The device he (and definitely not FM3) invented are kind of shit but they're also super brilliant. This 2.0 version with its nine new loops came out a couple of weeks back but we've only just thought about doing a review for the thing 'cos we're well lazy.. It's not  just that we're desperately trying to do some sort of cynical Christmas present pushing thing, honestly! In case you've never seen the original, this thing is a little plastic box equipped  with several short ambient loops that play back into your head via either the sonically horrific internal speaker or any external sound source of your choice (headphones or anything with an analogue input, pretty much), shattering the foul tyranny of silence at any time and in any place.  It doesn't sound like much and there's no denying that it's a very limited little toy (although the pitch shift dial on the new one is a minor stroke of genius) but there's this indefinable purity and charm about it that's impossible to deny.. Maybe it's because it's so at odds with the world we live in today, with our phones that can create galaxies and ovens that double as night vision goggles? In any case, it's a perfect little gift for that special someone, whether they're the type of person who'd enjoy pumping it through a load of effects pedals for the creation of some kind of self-perpetuating noise installation or just the type who'd listen to it as they drift to sleep on a night. More things of this ilk please!

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What their label says...

Beijing-based duo FM3 is back with an all-new version of their wildly successful 2005 release, the Buddha Machine. Introducing Buddha Machine 2.0 - Nine new loops. 3 new colours. Pitch bend. Blurring the line between music box and musical instrument, the Buddha Machine 2.0 is an interactive album that lets users customise the listening experience. Drop the pitch and the music ebbs in a low ambient drone. Boost the speed and suddenly its alive with melody. Add a few more machines, set them at different speeds and you have an evolving audio perfume. Plug it into a mixer, add some beats or vocals or guitar... FM3 won't mind. In fact, they encourage people to use the Buddha Machine as inspiration.  Since its release in 2005, the original Buddha Machine has sold more than 50,000 units worldwide and has won praise from artists as diverse as Daft Punk, Gorillaz, Low, Monolake, Sunn O))), Blixa Bargeld and Mike Patton.  Legendary producer Brian Eno was the first customer for the original Buddha Machine and nearly 3 years later told FM3 he still "cherishes" his purchase! Similar in shape and design to the original Buddha Machine, but boasting more robust construction and improved sound quality, the 2.0 comes in three colours: Burgundy, Grey and Chocolate. For those who haven't experienced the pleasure of the original, the Buddha Machine is essentially a small plastic box that plays ambient loops. The loops repeat endlessly until the "track" is switched or the two AA batteries (not included) run out. The machine has its own built-in speaker and there is also a headphone jack for a more personal experience.  But the charm of the device isn't nearly as specific: The Buddha Machine has a calming presence in today's fast paced world. It's charm mixes with FM3's innovative music to provide the owner with an experience that is hard to define. Essentially, It's a box with a life, a tool for living, and to many, it's a friend.Founded in 1999 by Christiaan Virant and Zhang Jian, FM3 are considered pioneers of electronic music in China. Inspired by Buddhist prayer boxes found at temples around Asia, the duo released the original Buddha Machine in April 2005, winning acclaim in publications including BoingBoing.net, the New York Times and avant-rock Arthur Magazine.