Most collectors of IDM (the term which is actually born from this particular release) will know of the Artificial Intelligence series of LPs, as it houses the likes of Bytes by Black Dog (a classic of epic proportions), Dimension Intrusion by Richie Hawtin, Polygon Window and Autechre.

This was the starting point that almost arrogantly stated its arrival. Such a perfect partnership of the finest graphic designers (DR) and the finest electronic music. WARP had attempted to break through with a couple of other compilations - Pioneers of the Hypnotic Groove and Evolution of the Groove but in my opinion, didn't quite make people sit up. This after all was a time when tracks had to be big to get any kind of recognition.

'Artificial Intelligence' brought together the cream of the new school - Aphex, B12, Black Dog and Autechre who beautifully crafted dance tracks into something to actually LISTEN to. Something with more soul and something which would shape the future of techno music forever.

Most of the tracks on this LP are on the subsequent albums of each of the individual artists who released a series of Artificial Intelligence LP's. But WARP have a nack of holding back a gem or two and with this release it's Autechre's 'The Egg' which is not not to my knowledge, available anywhere else. Its the more chilled and stripped down version of 'Eggshell' which appears on their 'Incunabula' LP and superior for its minimality. This is the track that makes the LP worth buying. Even if you have all the other releases on the LP (like me!). This track has so much soul to me and has had me walking down the street a thousand times humming it to myself. And the rest of the album - well thats superb too. Admittedly, It has a couple of dogs but Im not complaining because for me, its the LP that got me into B12, Black Dog and Autechre and for that, hat off. Lets face it, hat off to WARP - You are THE most influential label in the history of dance music - EVER!

What can I say? You can easily point to this as the birth of IDM, can't you? Early tracks from Autechre, Speedy J, Aphex Twin under an alias, and a track from Alex Patterson of the Orb. Not all of this stands the test of time, but the Autechre tracks sound amazingly ahead of their time, and are still nearly unmatched today by the second and third generation of IDM imitators. This is a piece of history.

i bought this for the dice man and dr. alex from the orb, not really knowing what to expect. after a couple of listens, i was hooked. this is one of the comps that started the term "idm".

are you sitting comfortably?