DX7 : the sound of a generation.

I'm using Kavinsky super-hit (yet largely underrated) "Testarossa Autodrive" as a starting point to discover a major ingredient of the 1980's magic : the Yamaha DX7 keyboard, released in 1983. 

Engineered by three smart Japanese guys on the basis of a Stanford-University-developed technology (the frequency modulation synthesis - or FM synthesis), the Yamaha DX7 quickly became a must-have for all the keyboardists of the world. Allowing musicians to enjoy a clear sound and a large range of instruments emulations, as well as sound effects, the DX7 sported a fairly affordable price which made it a commercial success and an artistic basis for many music producers. 

Yamaha improved the DX7 during the same decade, with the DX7 II. 

The link with Kavinsky becomes clear : a fan of the 1980's and having created a story which takes place in 1986, Kav' had no other choice than to use the DX7 for his first EP, "Teddy Boy", on which the afore mentionned "Testarossa Autodrive" is featured. And more than that, the DX7 is the only keyboard he used.  

To make it clear that the DX7 had an incredible influence on the sound of a generation, here's a partial list of musicians who used the Yamaha reference keyboard : 

Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Daniel Balavoine, Chicago, Luther Vandross, Supertramp, Kraftwerk, Teddy Riley, Brian Eno, Talking Heads, Underworld, Phil Collins, Babyface, Depeche Mode, Vangelis, U2, Enya, Toto, Jean-Michel Jarre, Elton John, Jerry Goldsmith, Beastie Boys, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Bowie, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Bernard Estardy, Talk Talk, Michael Jackson, MGMT, Michel Berger, Serge Gainsbourg, and so many more... needless to say, if you don't like the sound of the 1980's, there might be a chance that the DX7 would be the main factor. Same thing if you're a fan of that sound.