BY KAĞAN ÖZDEMİR (MBG/IV) kagan.ozdemir@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
In one of my previous columns, I explained my observations and ideas concerning electronic music. What I argued was simply that people tend to underestimate the artistic value of this genre by claiming that it is too “mechanical,” “dull,” “emotionless,” etc. Thus, I found it my responsibility to challenge such beliefs. In this week’s column, I will expand on that topic, this time concentrating on one of my (and many others’) musical heroes, Richard D. James, better known by his stage name Aphex Twin, and often credited with being one of the pioneers of the IDM music genre. As usual, I’ll start by providing some encyclopedia-type trivia on this favorite artist of mine for those who haven’t heard of him or don’t really know much about him.
Richard David James was born in 1971. He was a child prodigy before he became the musician we now know as Aphex Twin; as is widely known, he managed to produce sound from a device that had no sound equipment by “tweaking” its internal circuits (he has confirmed the accuracy of this bit of trivia). Later on, this circuit-bending ability would be put to use on the first synthesizer he owned, possibly penetrating our ears as masterfully crafted music. Another example of his musical accomplishments as a child prodigy concerns the fact that he produced songs at the age of 14. Yes, the year ’85 on “Selected Ambient Works: 85–92” is indeed correct. The young Richard James later received an electronics engineering degree from Cornwall College (1990). Before we got to know him as the major figure he is today, he had onstage experience as a DJ in various local house music clubs, while also releasing records under various stage names such as Caustic Window, Blue Calx, AFX and the Dice Man (in addition to Aphex Twin), the latter being his alias on the Warp Records compilation album “Artificial Intelligence.” I think it’s fair to stop giving biographical information here, as that was neither my main intent nor motivation.
As I’m a person who thinks music should be listened to and experienced rather than just talked about, it’s now time for me to comment on several Aphex Twin releases and suggest some particular songs. Here are my top 10 picks (not in any kind of order) from Aphex Twin’s ever-expanding musical catalogue, followed by short comments on individual songs:
1. Vordhosbn
This track is unique in every possible way. From its intricate drum programming to its unnerving and unconventional melodic fragments, it clearly demonstrates that it’s built upon the idea that chaos has an intricate order. Even though it’s hard to follow for most listeners, I don’t doubt that any real electronic music fan would enjoy this kind of aural adventure.
2. Avril 14th
Though it was mercilessly and coarsely murdered by the so-called hip-hop artist Kanye West, who allegedly got away with sampling it without giving the originator any credit, “Avril 14th” has managed to survive. It’s beautifully organized, and it seems possible that it descended from heaven, since you can’t escape the vision of melodies floating before your eyes while you listen to this track.
3. Xtal
This track from “Selected Ambient Works 85–92” is among Aphex Twin’s most widely known works. Throughout the track, there’s a smooth feeling; it’s as if you’re floating above the skyscrapers in a crowded city at dawn and wondering how humanity has gotten this far.
4. Iz-us
Assembled over a bright piano sound and intricate beats, this track has an ambience that fluctuates between natural and artificial. It stimulates our most human feelings, but at the same time connects them to the cybernetic organisms we’ve become. I don’t really think this was what Richard intended to do; however, I also can’t keep myself from wondering about it. Listen to the piece and decide for yourself.
5. 4
No, I haven’t made a mistake in the numbering. This track, titled “4,” projects the sense of a past that never happened. Even though it’s mostly electronic, the feeling you get from it is more natural than what you get from the overproduced and over-polished output of the pop-rock scene. It’s as if a memory is constantly floating in your mind, and you’ve decided to keep it there. The track is definitely a perfect demonstration of the hauntology concept.
6. Girl–Boy Song
A track that I somehow relate to “4,” it starts with strings that are reminiscent of classical music, but later builds up into something quite explosive and much different music-wise, while it also somehow succeeds in maintaining the same eloquent feeling.
7. 28 Organ
This track, or we might as well call it a composition, is one of RDJ’s musical pinnacles. The melodic richness in this song makes it one of a kind, and it also manages to deliver evocative feelings to the listener. Definitely a must-listen for any music lover, especially those who appreciate classical music.
8. Nightmail
An explosive drum-n-bass number that is reminiscent of The Prodigy’s classic song “Firestarter.” Built upon a segment of a poem that is repeated over and over, this energy-packed track is another definite must-listen.
9. Ageispolis
I’m quite sure that most of my readers have heard of Die Antwoord, in particular their song “Ugly Boy.” Well, for those who don’t know, it’s based on a sample of this track’s intro. “Ageispolis” was one of AFX’s first recordings, and is a perfect demonstration of the ambient techno idea. It’s a calm-inducing track, and after it finishes you definitely feel a certain peace.
10. 35 Japan
A cold, industrial track, which recreates the feeling from old Japanese/American survival horror games, it establishes the atmosphere for a dystopian story, perfectly.
The list ends here, though I can hear fellow AFX devotees shouting, “Where are ‘Windowlicker’ and ‘Come to Daddy’?” My response would be that those are just two of many drops in the ocean, and I can’t fill a whole page with them here.
To conclude this week’s column, I would say anyone who has zero to a modest familiarity with electronic music should discover Aphex Twin’s recordings, as his works are fundamental to understanding how electronic music differs from other genres out there. I especially encourage those who tend to underestimate a whole genre because of some lackluster composers and producers to listen to him and gain inspiration. Also, even for experienced ears, he definitely has ideas to offer and never fails to amaze you. What I should say is, stay brave and stay open minded!