Since I am slow to follow Internet fads, I am probably the last blogger on the planet to write about this… but it is too good not to mention. Microsoft research has created a brilliant or nutty piece of work called Microsoft (Research) Songsmith. The idea is pretty cool in theory, just sing into a microphone and the program creates background music matching… except that it does some pretty hilarious things when put to the test.
On YouTube, the following clips of old songs that I like absolutely tore me up, leaving my 4-year old wondering what got into the head of his daddy… for him, it was just some music.
- White Wedding, which apparently was a country tune.
- Enter Sandman, in classic synth style.
- Blue Monday, with
- We will Rock You, as a light salsa.
- There is a blog with a series of classic hits fed through Songsmith…
- And just follow the related links, I know I will do all night.
Even Linus himself has discovered this Microsoft app:
http://torvalds-family.blogspot.com/2009/01/fantastic.html
It’s an interesting technology anyhow.