For those unframiliar (because i sure was), a band/fairground organ is a type of oragan meant to replicate the sound of an enitre band. theyre usually the big ornate box in the middle of a carousel (at least thats the only place ive ever seen one). they orignated as a way to provide background music to fairs or rides. they store music on either a music book (think like those post it chains, but one connected peice) or roll, both use the same principle as a player piano; air is constantly sucked through a row of holes, and when the whole in the book or roll lets the air through it sounds that associated note.
So this is all fine, but why do i like them? well i am of the belief that consraits can lead to better art. think about it. painting with a set color palet can lead to a more cohesive piece. chiptune muisc was born out of limitations and its beautiful, same thing with pixel art. write without using a certain letter and you get a pretty cool book. all this to say, the system of a fairground organ is a contraint, and it makes it (imo) better.
to prove this i will be using a video by the amazing youtube channel, Fairground organ man (thats the only way i know what these are called). in this video two songs are played, Farrago, a song made by the John Barry seven sometime inbetween 1957-60. Barry is most notable for composing most of the James Bond movie soundtrack. The second is immogene, palyed by the les reed orchestra. Les coninciently was the pianist for (i think) the enitre run of the John Barry seven. they are both played by a model of fairground made by dutch, Antwerp absed manufacturer Arthur Bursens.
so give the attched (soon to come) video a listen, then compare the two original pieces afterwards.
now if you have ears, you'll realize those are two pretty different songs from their originals. and i dont know about you but they sound far better to my ears. theyre more upbeat and just better sounding imo.
all in all, i just like how these things sound thats all.