CS-80 in music

Vangelis, Blade Runner

One of the most famous electronic scores ever conceived for a film, the soundtrack to Ridley Scott’s seminal science fiction masterpiece still resonates strongly today, thanks in no small part to Vangelis’ mastery of the mighty CS-80. It wasn’t the first time Mr Papathanassiou had capitalised on Yamaha’s glorious synth, either, as he also used the CS-80 to great effect on his Spiral and China LPs.

UK, UK

Former Roxy Music violinist Eddie Jobson is every bit as adept at the keys as he is with a bow, as could be heard during his tenures with Jethro Tull, Curved Air and Frank Zappa’s group. During his time with the trio, he recorded some of the best examples of what the CS-80 is capable of, most notably the intro to Alaska, from their debut LP.

Toto, Toto IV

Thanks to the hit single

Africa, Toto IV was impossible to ignore in 1983, and much of its popularity was due to the exotic sonorities of the CS-80, as conceived by the song’s author, David Paich, who in fact wrote the track on the synth in the first place. Additionally, the band’s biggest hit, Rosanna, featured prominent use of the CS-80 throughout.

Doctor Who Theme (Peter Howell version)

A revamped version of Delia Derbyshire’s famous arrangement of Ron Grainer’s score, this version of the theme hit the airwaves in 1980 and was used until 1985. Recorded with the CS-80, Roland Jupiter-4 and a MkIII version of the ARP Odyssey, it may have lacked the original’s mystery, but it’s sleek, sizzling synthesised sounds were just right for the 80s.

Dave Greenslade, The Pentateuch of the Cosmogony

An epic title for an epic project, this electronic instrumental album was a collaboration with fantasy artist Patrick Woodroffe. It’s the most obscure entry on our list, despite featuring Phil Collins on drums. Greenslade’s arsenal of gear included both the CS-80 and it’s ‘little’ brother, the CS-60 – a weighty combination, indeed!