Solid State

There must be something in the air. Over at Candleblog, a couple of pals are engaged in a frisky debate about a proposed Blogger Code of Conduct. Murf from False 45th and I are having a back and forth about the validity of backing tracks in live performance. I'm not sure I'd call our exchange a debate -  I have a feeling we'll end up making nearly the same point.

But I wanted to put the question out there to the rest of you. When does the use of triggered accompaniment become sonic chicanery?

Here's a helpful list of hipster-approved acts who engage in the practice (partial source: Wikipedia). Not that I'm trying to influence you or anything:

The Album Leaf

Death Cab for Cutie

The Go! Team

Mogwai

Ratatattat

And so on.... I'm sure you guys can come up with more. No diva-hop or club-tronica, please.