About this item

Originally released in 1992 on R&S Records offshoot Apollo, 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92' marks the first full length studio album by Richard D. James under his Aphex Twin name. Considered a landmark release in ambient techno, it's easy to see why it has endured. Feathery keys, dreamy production and trickling rhythms are drenched over distant samples from sources as diverse as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory ('We Are The Music Makers'), Robocop ('Green Calx') and ethereal female vocals on opener 'Xtal'. Arguably some the most beautifully realised and majestic sounds of the revered musician's career.  The album provided the blueprint for every electronica, downbeat and chill-out record for years after. This is just one of those classic electronica releases that every home should have; melodic, semi-ambient and musical, this is AFX at his most accessible. Essential.

STAFF COMMENTS

Martin says: Richard James was a pioneer, making human, wasted and warped electronica at a time it had not even occurred to anybody else. Of course it is very much of it's time, as any technology based entity will be, but it transcends such considerations by being unspeakably brilliant. 'Xtal', with it's rave inspired, dreamy female vocals drifting over it's soft staccato propulsion just might be one of the exquisite pieces of electronic music ever committed to anything. Every home should have one.

TRACK LISTING

1. Xtal
2. Tha
3. Pulsewidth
4. Ageispolis
5. I
6. Green Calx
7. Heliosphan
8. We Are The Music Makers
9. Schottkey 7th Path
10. Ptolemy
11. Hedphelym
12. Delphium
13. Actium