Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works 85-92 was released in 1992 by R&S offshoot Apollo Records after Richard D. James had just two singles to his name (Analogue Bubblebath 1 & 2). SAW85-92 is a world away from from James’ frenetic later work, but the RDJ pedigree is fully intact. With the exception of "I", SAW85-92 contains very little of what we would classify as *ambient* (SAW Volume II is much more true to its name). Showcased instead are RDJ’s early experiments in ethereal rave ("Xtal," "Heliosphan"), Detroit-inspired electro ("Ptolemy," "Delphium") and proto-IDM ("Actium," "Schottky 7th Path"). Still making us misty-eyed after 25 years, we’ve yet to come across anything quite like it. Recommended.

double vinyl pressing

music label: Apollo/R&S Records 1992 / 2013

reviewed by peanut dust 01/2017