Moog

Back in the day, it was pretty much impossible to say the word “synthesizer” without putting another word in front of it: “Moog.” Since very little was known about the creator of the revolutionary new instrument, there were (and no doubt still are) many who thought “moog” was some sort of space age neologism. Correcting the misconception, writer-director Hans Fjellestad's documentary introduces viewers to the late, genial Robert Moog, who--initially regarded as a suspicious maverick out to “destroy music”--worked in the rarefied arena of electronic music for over half a century. Moog's synthesizer is not a computer; in fact, it's not digital at all, but rather an analog instrument with electronic components, and for Moog, it's about much more than voltages and currents: he senses a spiritual connection between human and machine, a philosophy that has clearly influenced not only his own work but that of the many, many musicians who have gradually transformed his synth from a novelty (originally used mostly for silly TV commercial music) into an amazingly versatile instrument used in virtually every musical genre, from classical (Walter, now Wendy, Carlos' Switched-On Bach was an important early milestone) to pop (the Beatles used it on Abbey Road). Brief performances by Keith Emerson, Yes' Rick Wakeman (who says that he used to compare playing the Moog to making love), P-Funk's Bernie Worrell, Nine Inch Nails' Charlie Clouser, and many others are nice, but it's Moog's engaging, unaffected presence that truly distinguishes this entertaining film. DVD extras include director's video notes, deleted scenes, interviews and additional performances. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)