|
4 1/2Still a crowning achievement in hyper-intelligent programming, these astute electronic splurges are a pinnacle of melody and manic beat making at its most intelligent.
Their titles are often appropriate, conveying the feel of each track. This is an album of Aphex Twin tracks covered by an acoustic orchestra. I consider this album to be a masterpiece from a sick genius. For those that like or love this album, or Aphex Twin in general, I would highly recommend the album: Acoustica: Alarm Will Sound Performs Aphex Twin. Absolutely wonderful accompaniment to the Aphex Twin fans collection. The composition and arrangement of the tracks may not be noticed to the casual listener, or at first listen; but repeat listening will prove that the violent, fast-tempo drums may shroud the often beautiful string arrangements and complex patterns beneath. The tracks: 4, Peek 824545201, To Cure a Weakling Child, and Girl/Boy Song are my most favorites.
"4" also happens to be one of my favorite tracks on any Aphex Twin album, and is a fantastic song.Whether you're just breaking into the IDM or electronic music genre, or have been a hardcore fan of it for a long time, the Richard D. I never get sick of listening to this album, and I don't think I ever will. I love IDM, I love Aphex Twin, and I love this album. James album is a must-listen and, in my opinion, a must-have. It is just 45 minutes of sheer, psychotic brilliance. The Richard D. James album is my favorite in Aphex Twin's discography, because it's so jam-packed with ridiculous snare rushes, catchy tunes, crazy samples, and just awesomeness in general, all of which makes you want to dance like mad to this crazy, un-danceable music.
I'm fond of experimental techniques melded with hummable tunes, but can't say I like abrasive bursts of noise which don't advance the music. Snares flail and assail as the string bite back, harmonic development pulling you in deeper (as opposed to the same thing repeating over and over, which is a common failing with this kind of experimental music)."4" has a delightful, Oriental steppishness to it, with an overall mood that sounds fast and slow at the same time -- RDJ, when he gets it right, is a temporal master of controlling mood through precise sound selection and arrangement."Fingerbib" is another of my faves, its near-pastoral beat tapping along, sounding like the soundtrack to a Flash animation with a humanoid and his pet-something-or-other.Most of the other tracks, however, work as LOLarious jokes suited for Internet viral videos (like the perverted innocence of "Milkman"), but they're not something I've listened to with any great length. As indicated by the running times above, this album is relatively brief, such that it could almost be considered an EP -- the best stuff is found when Aphex Twin mixes frenetic beats with lush melodies. The paragon of that is "Girl/Boy Song", fusing pizzicato strings with crisp, yet at-times sloppy drumwork.
I'm not sure what others think of this, but it's just these tiny things that ruin it a little bit for me.HOWEVER, i still think people should buy this. James is capable of, this just fell short of a few expectations. But, for example, the high pitched keyboard in "Corn Mouth" and the whilstles in "Logon Rock Witch" just come across as annoying. Tracks like "4", "Peek", "Girl/Boy Song", "Yellow Calx" and "Milkmen" are GREAT.
I know exactly why people rate this much higher than i have. I'm giving this 3 and a half stars, because a majority of the songs on this album are freakin awesome but it's just those couple of tracks that i could have done without. I respect experimentation in music (please dont get me wrong), and i listen to a lot of music like Merzbow, Sunn0))), Sonic Youth, but when i hear some sounds on this album, i skip a track. I'm not criticizing anyone who rated this higher; this is just a personal opinion.
I love listening to these tracks because they're so cleverly made. I recommend people to buy "Selected Ambient Works" and "I Care Because You Do" first. Basically, after hearing what Richard D. I LOVE most of the songs, but there are a couple of songs i dont like as much that drag the whole album down for me.
|
