Aphex Twin Selected Ambient Works 85-92 2LP

"Any raver worth their air-cushioned sneakers or, indeed, anyone with more than a passing interest in electronic music, should have a well-worn copy of Selected Ambient Works 85-92 in their collection. It was a watershed for dance music, its sparse beats and haunting synth lines sounding as intoxicating and otherworldly today as they ever did.

"By 1992, Richard D. James had achieved notoriety with his Analogue Bubblebath EPs and the acid moster that was 'Didgeridoo.' He had also co-formed the now legendary Rephlex records, releasing hard tecnho as Caustic Window. However, the dance music climate was changing, as people were beginning to explore its potential (this was at least partly down to rave's rising BPMs and increasing tendency toward novelty chart hits). In the same vein, The Orb had recently perfected their concept of 'ambient house' with 1991's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld. The time was right for SAW 85-92, a collection of ambient techno recordings created on James' homemade electronic gear (he would have been 14 in 1985).

"It is a lengthy album - over 70 minutes. However, despite sounding unlike anything else, it is accessible - hypnotic, seductive, and perfectly suited to the growing army of fans of what would (annoyingly) become labeled as 'intelligent dance music.'

"There is only one vocal sample on the entire album, from Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory - 'We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.' Partly true: we can all dream, but only Richard D. James can make this music." -Rod Stanley, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die