MAX / MSP (Cycling ‘74)is a software environment in which artists can create a variety of virtual instruments, effects, and other manipulation devices for media such as music and video. A very in-depth and complicated piece of software, I’ll spare you the technical details and get to the point (though if it interests you, please dig deeper into this killer product). MAX/MSP is an excellent example of the relationship between music and modern technology. Though modern luxuries are often to blame for the fall of pop music, the following videos show that some technology (like MAX /MSP) have been a vaulting point for creative use of old tricks.

Using a computer, Rock Band guitar controller, and MAX / MSP, this video shows an amazing way to do an on the fly remix of Daft Punk’s Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.

• MP3: Daft Punk – “Around the World / HBFS (live)” (buy)

Check out Johnny Greenwood, of Radiohead, using the software to make some crazy glitch effects on his guitar solo.

• MP3: Radiohead – “Reckoner” (buy)
• MP3: Easy Star All-Stars – “Airbag (Radiohead cover f/Horace Andy) (buy)