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Contender for best compilation title ever, this is a collection of Richard D. James' remix work from about 1993 up to roughly 1998. Impressive it most certainly is, if a little inaccessible to those without a love of esoteric electronica, but this is a very slight criticism, rather like complaining about the sky being too blue on a gorgeous summer day. Cornwell-born and raised Richard D. James aka The Aphex Twin (in case you're wondering, Tom Middleton from Cosmos and Global Communication is the other "twin" due to
a shared birthday) burst onto the then infant non-dancefloor electronic music arena in 1992 with the ear-splitting cacophony of "Digiireedoo" for Belgium's R&S label. His early LPs for Warp, 'Selected Ambient Works 1985-1992' and, as Polygon Window, 'Surfing On Sine Waves' are considered classics of the so-called "intelligent techno" genre. Indeed one of the most haunting pieces from 1994's 'Selected Ambient Works 2' is often used for the closing credits of 'The Sopranos', a testament to the longevity and timeless nature of his body of work.
This compilation collects, for the first and probably only time, 24 remixes and two of his own tracks remixed, one from 'S.A.W.2' and the other an acid-tinged remake of 1997's head-scratcher "Windowlicker", a track that completely divided the dance community as to its' use. Sasha declared it his single of the year as did many others, still more derided it as deliberate, over-produced toss. That scenario neatly sums up The Aphex Twin and his work. He's mad as a cut snake as well, never giving interviews, preferring to roam around his farm in Cornwell in his tank, which he bought with his first royalty cheque from R&S. Like I said, mad as a cut snake. Regardless of all this I have to say I think this is one of the best compilations of remix work ever put out and that every one could benefit from having a copy in their collection. His ability to combine icy cold melodies, grating drum beats, spacious production and fierce intellect make James one of the most important electronic music producers to have ever lived. He's up there with Kraftwerk, Phillip Glass and Carl Craig in the Parthenon of people on intimate terms with Deus Ex Machina, the ghost in the machine. Pure genius, utterly essential, absolutely 100% recommended buying. Import title in stock now. |
