Although not the "official" release, AB2 is where we first encounter 'Digeridoo', (sic) one of Aphex's most notorious early tracks, with its iconic tribal acid line; labelled here as 'Aboriginal Mix'. The inspiration reportedly came from the New-Age travellers who would pitch up at raves in Cornwall, and sit at the back of the dancefloor … Continue reading Aphex Twin – Analogue Bubblebath Vol 2
Tag: Warp Records
Aphex Twin – Analogue Bubblebath
Richard D James’ debut release as Aphex Twin. And it's the eponymous first cut which defines the essence of his sound in the early 90s - that ineffably melancholy sense of melody paired with relentless propulsive rhythm. Like a cherished landmark appearing on the horizon, ‘Analogue Bubblebath’, has been bringing respite for knackered ravers for … Continue reading Aphex Twin – Analogue Bubblebath
Ten of the best – 1996
Having recently noticed the 25-year anniversaries of some classic albums, I realised just how many of my favourites were released in 1996. So here's ten of them. Far from being a definitive list, these are just ten albums I'm particularly fond of. They're not presented in any sort of rank order, and comparin say Eels, … Continue reading Ten of the best – 1996
Autechre – Amber (1994)
At no point in a career spanning more than three decades, have Autechre wavered from their singular and uncompromising musical vision. Like an army of AI, the sound of which their music so often seems to emulate, they've marched on relentlessly, continuously pushing forward, constantly evolving and developing, always striving to change yet always sounding … Continue reading Autechre – Amber (1994)
Ekoplekz – Reflekzionz (2015)
Listening to Reflekzionz reminds me of flicking through a scrapbook of faded photographs of scenes from non-descript British towns: a kids' playground on a suburban housing estate, a deserted bandstand in a park, a seaside pier and shuttered amusement arcade. I imagine the weather in these scenes to be cloudy and overcast - maybe a … Continue reading Ekoplekz – Reflekzionz (2015)
Squarepusher – Ten of the Best
This is a completely arbitrary format, as no artist's discography can be reduced to ten tracks, nevermind someone with as varied and continually experimental output as Squarepusher. That's why this is Ten of the Best, not 'The Best Ten'. Sure, everyone's got their own list and I could do another ten for Squarepusher sometime, but … Continue reading Squarepusher – Ten of the Best
AFX – Hangable Auto Bulb
This release is barely over half an hour but is essential mid-period Aphex, catching that transition from the analogue sound of I Care Because You Do to the hyper-manipulated beats of Come to Daddy and Drukqs. Opening track, Children Talking, is the classic Aphex juxtaposition of silliness with darkness, innocence and malevolence. The old sample … Continue reading AFX – Hangable Auto Bulb