Selected Ambient Works Vol.2 - Aphex Twin

Richard D James (AKA Aphex Twin) is a very varied musician. When compared to his previous work, and in fact his newest work, this is entirely different. I have recently lost respect for the artist and don't listen to his music as much as I once did, but still appreciate this album for what it is. A soundtrack to a really bad day.

Most closely related to 'Selected Ambient Works 1' (Which is more musical) this package consists of 2 cd's ...
...hardly any sign of a beat. However this is by no means a bad thing.

The album consists of 24 Untitled tracks, with only a small thumbnail picture in the sleeve to represent each individual composition, pictures from which not very much can be gained and definitely no clues to what the tracks might be called should they have titles.

This isn't an album you would put on after a night out, before a night out, at work or ... more

Richard D James (AKA Aphex Twin) is a very varied musician. When compared to his previous work, and in fact his newest work, this is entirely different. I have recently lost respect for the artist and don't listen to his music as much as I once did, but still appreciate this album for what it is. A soundtrack to a really bad day.

Most closely related to 'Selected Ambient Works 1' (Which is more musical) this package consists of 2 cd's packed with dark groaning bass, children's voices, moody synth, and hardly any sign of a beat. However this is by no means a bad thing.

The album consists of 24 Untitled tracks, with only a small thumbnail picture in the sleeve to represent each individual composition, pictures from which not very much can be gained and definitely no clues to what the tracks might be called should they have titles.

This isn't an album you would put on after a night out, before a night out, at work or while relaxing... Rather this can accompany a late walk home or a train ride at night, serving to create a surreal and dark atmosphere that can be quite chilling at times. This is something I haven't really experienced in music before, though Richard Devine has a similar idea when it comes to compositions based on creating a feeling rather than making you want to dance. It would be the perfect accompaniment to a gothic horror film. Therefore it's my opinion that the quality of this album depends entirely upon when and where it is listened to, listen to this on a hot summer's day in the garden and you will gain absolutely NOTHING from it... Give it a try, in the dark on a cold rainy night and I guarantee you, your opinion of the album will change.

Quite experimental as far as music goes, extremely ambient, much more so than 'Ambient Works Volume 1', however if you liked that, then you should definitely give this a try. Although everyone I know who has listened to my copy has given it back looking rather puzzled about what I may gain from listening to it.
It is a double album so well worth the money (Though upon looking, this seems to have been deleted so is really hard to track down, but I'm sure it will appear on EBay at some point), Best to listen to a few samples before parting with your hard earned cash in my opinion, as it's definitely not for everyone!

No track names, each is represented by an unrecognisable image inside the sleeve, a nice touch. I wouldn't say there are any standout tracks, as it works best as a whole experience rather than a cd you put on just to play a few favourites.

A totally different side to Aphex Twin and one I recommend you hear. Just don't expect it to sound anything like 'Come to Daddy' or 'Windowlicker'
 

...less