Speaking of non-humans, there's no band on the radio these days that's more out of this world than Daft Punk. The band's two members freely cavort around wearing robot helmets, whether they're playing live shows or winning Grammys. Of course, the helmets are an integral part of the band's brand, mystique, and identity, as is the way they utilise auto-tune and other computerised effects in their music. Unlike many of the bands on this list, Daft Punk employ auto-tune in a way that is more about artistry than pure necessity. For instance, the band's most recent effort; 2013's "Random Access Memories," used digital effects to put a twist on classic throwback pop sounds from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. However, while Daft Punk may not be engaging in the same soulless, artistically-bankrupt trends that many liberal auto-tuners are these days, they certainly belong on any list of "bands as computer programs," if only because their futuristic robot schtick is a big part of what makes them stand out. Need proof that Daft Punk's music relies on the band's inhuman identities? Look no further than the opening ceremonies of last month's Sochi Olympic Games, where a Russian police choir tried to do a cover of the band's biggest hit, "Get Lucky." It's hard to think of anything that has ever come across as more awkwardly and jarringly inhuman.
Craig is a Chicago-based freelance writer who like to talk incessantly about music on AbsolutePunk.net. He also does writing for marketing companies to "pay the bills," but his true passion lies with the pop culture sphere.
