Selected Ambient Works, Vol. 2

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. cliffs

2. radiator

3. rhubarb

4. grass

5. mold

6. ropes

7. circles

8. weathered stone

9. tree

10. domino

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. blue calx

2. parallel stripes

3. metal grating

4. windowsill

5. b+w stripes

6. siding nails

7. corrugated tubing

8. lichen

9. leaves

10. tassels

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 1
1. cliffs
2. radiator
3. rhubarb
4. grass
5. mold
6. ropes
7. circles
8. weathered stone
9. tree
10. domino
See all 11 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2
1. blue calx
2. parallel stripes
3. metal grating
4. windowsill
5. b+w stripes
6. siding nails
7. corrugated tubing
8. lichen
9. leaves
10. tassels
See all 12 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
British electronics wunderkind Richard James (alias Aphex Twin, AFX, Polygon Window, etc.) claims he heard the compositions on Selected Ambient Works, Volume II in lucid dreams. Like abstract paintings composed of shades of a single color, James's resonant explorations of specific timbres linger close to a central idea on each cut, incorporating just enough variation to remain disturbing. While its predecessor, Selected Ambient Works '85-'92 drew on seven years' worth of material, the uniform quality of these untitled tracks, plus their judicious sequencing, suggests they were assembled over a shorter period. Clocking in at over 150 minutes, the double-disc set (if this is "selected," how many hours of outtakes remain?) provides an exemplary introduction to the quieter facets of James's expansive, idiosyncratic aesthetic. --Kurt B. Reighley

Selected Ambient Works, Vol. 2,Aphex Twin,Sire / London/Rhino,Ambient Techno,Computers,Electronic,Experimental Ambient,Experimental Techno,IDM,Pop,Rock,Techno

Tracks:

cliffs
radiator
rhubarb
grass
mold
ropes
circles
weathered stone
tree
domino
steel plate

Tracks:

blue calx
parallel stripes
metal grating
windowsill
b+w stripes
siding nails
corrugated tubing
lichen
leaves
tassels
rusty metal
b+w stripesII

Amazon.com

British electronics wunderkind Richard James (alias Aphex Twin, AFX, Polygon Window, etc.) claims he heard the compositions on Selected Ambient Works, Volume II in lucid dreams. Like abstract paintings composed of shades of a single color, James's resonant explorations of specific timbres linger close to a central idea on each cut, incorporating just enough variation to remain disturbing. While its predecessor, Selected Ambient Works '85-'92 drew on seven years' worth of material, the uniform quality of these untitled tracks, plus their judicious sequencing, suggests they were assembled over a shorter period. Clocking in at over 150 minutes, the double-disc set (if this is "selected," how many hours of outtakes remain?) provides an exemplary introduction to the quieter facets of James's expansive, idiosyncratic aesthetic. --Kurt B. Reighley

Customer Reviews:

The Album that started my journey into Ambient Music.......2007-07-29

I purchased Selected Ambient Works 2 quite a while back after hearing a few samples from it. I even heard it in the flash animation "Salad Fingers", which mentioned the name "Aphex Twin" in the music credits. I was always a fan of ambient music in video games and such, but had never thought of purchasing a full Album - until I heard this. This Album started my journey into Ambient Music, and I have since bought many other Ambient Albums from various artists.

The most incredible part of this Album is the strong diversity of ambient music. Very few tracks sound the same, unlike many other Ambient CDs that I own. Most of the Tracks are darker in style, with a few peaceful works mixed in. Track #8, aka "corrugated tubing" on CD2 is about as uplifting as Ambient gets, while the Track right after it, "Lichen", is about as dark as it gets. Some of these tracks are almost alien-like, such as #9 aka "tree" on CD1.

The second CD was a little more enjoyable for me overall. Track #1, "Blue Calx", is perhaps my favorite Track in S.A.W.2. The uplifting melody with the looped ticking sound is perfect for going to sleep at night, or for zoning out after a long day. There is no denying that Track #3 on CD1, "Rhubarb", is an absolute classic as well. This Album is worth the money for these tracks alone.

There are a few negatives in this Album, despite all the greatness. I don't enjoy a few tracks as much as the others. Some of them dragged on too long, while others were too electronic for my taste (such as #7 and #8 on CD1). There is an 11:27 long track in CD2, which I felt could have been cut dramatically (although I still enjoyed the Track).

Overall, S.A.W.2 was well worth the money, and the replay value is most definitely there. Although a few of the tracks didn't appeal to me, that doesn't mean this Album will get anything less than 5 Stars. Ambient just doesn't get much better than this. For new listeners curious about Ambient, I would highly recommend this Album. For anyone else who liked this Album, I would recommend purchasing "On Land" by Brian Eno - another great CD that reveals the dark side of Ambient. On a side note, there was a track left out of S.A.W.2 that can be found in "Excursions in Ambience - The Third Dimension". The track is called "Stone in Focus", and is one of my favorites.

Magnificent.......2007-02-15

This quiet, deeply introspective album is full of stunning sounds and textures, alternately beautiful and creepy. That music produced electronically can be this rich with emotion is an incredible achievement. I have listened to this album hundreds of times and it never fails to soothe my soul. It would be at the top of my list of desert island discs.

I'm puzzled by those who label it experimental. It's different from other electronica, granted, but many artists were making this type of music long before this album came along. I can't consider this a challenging record since it is so easy to listen to. You just put it on and float in it.

My favorite ambient CD.......2006-12-31

I've heard the name "Aphex Twin" for quite sometime now and was finally introduced to the ambient side of this artist through the internet animation "Salad Fingers." -- I decided to check out this album as I've been wanting to get into ambient music a bit more and I was completely surprised on what I was hearing through my headphones. Every track is something different. Another blank canvas that, by the end of the song, has a landscape painted so vivdly you could reach out and touch it. I definately recommend this album for anyone who is a fan of ambient music or would like to see what this genre is all about because this album is classic.

If you're still antsy about purchasing this album, here are some stand out tracks:
disc one: Cliffs, Rhubarb, Radiator
Disc two: Blue Calx, 2 Twig, Hexagon, Lichen

Unique and mesmerising.......2006-12-17

Aphex Twin's second compilation of ambient works is, in my opinion, vastly superior to the first release. Straying away from the more rhythmic focus of 'Selected Ambient Works 85-92', volume 2 is an aurally sparse and contemplative journey. The story of Richard D. James' inspiration (a series of vivid dreams, according to him) may be a myth, but all the same, this ambient masterpiece seems to tear you from your surroundings and throw you into a dream-like soundscape. It is a rare sort of album that, I have found, demands the listener's attention, and rewards it by taking complete control of their senses.

'Selected Ambient Works Volume 2' is an unsettling album, combining synthesisers and samplers to form dark, barren soundscapes. Needless to say, it bears no semblance to the structure of popular music, and is characterised by long, repetitive tracks that unfold over a long period of time. They really have to be listened to in their entirety to be truly appreciated. That being said, the tracks, clocking in at 6-7 minutes each across 2 CDs) never try your patience. On the contrary, the masterful compositions reward patience, with their subtle changes and textural variations. In fact, for most of the album, I found myself wishing that the songs would not end. 'Radiator', 'Steel Plate' and 'Tassels', to name a few, stole my imagination and never let go and, for me, the fading out of the tracks signified an all-too-soon departure from an altered reality.

These may sound like exaggerations, but 'Selected Ambient Works Volume 2' has a rare and profound effect upon me, and is one of the few albums I own that bears no likeness to anything else. To label it 'electronica' is too broad, and utterly meaningless. 'Ambient', however, doesn't seem to do justice to its effect. The only way I can describe it is as an experience, for it seems to transcend the effect that music I like would ordinarily have on me. A drug, perhaps?

Of course, like every album I absolutely adore, it is just shy of perfection. There are some tracks that seem out of place with the general aesthetic of the album, and even jarring. The album therefore lacks the feeling of continuity that one may find with, say, Tim Hecker. However, I do not believe that this was Richard D. James' intention, and I could not imagine the album without the seemingly out-of-place tracks. Furthermore, it is astounding to think that this album is simply full of compositions that take control of the listener's imagination, and transport them to a vividly surreal and barren place. This is a must buy album for anyone who likes electronic music, and is willing to invest a bit of time into it.

Unparalleled atmospheric ambient........2006-04-10

More mature, organic and complex than '85-'92 and less abstract than some later Aphex. The repetition and strangeness of the tracks require dedication from the listener, but the reward is atmospheres rarely experienced in ambient music or otherwise. I've heard that sleep deprivation and isoloation were ingredients in early Aphex Twin, both seem to come through in this excellent release. If only electronic artists would start releasing back catalogue in 24/96 dvd-a (or similar). This release certainly deserves it. If you like electronic ambient music, you probably already have this in your collection... if not, you should.

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