Aphex Twin – Richard D. James Album

My copy came with a paper face mask of Richards face from the cover I bought it when it was released.

After numerous listens between this original press and the 2012 180g release, I'd argue that the difference in sound quality is minimal, almost completely dismissible. If anything, the reissue has the leg up due to generally being quieter and having less surface noise compared to the WARP presses I've come across from this time period. For comparison, I found the difference between the original presses of Boards Of Canada records and the WARP reissues to have larger differences that could have their own positives and negatives.

It can be somewhat harder to track down in the US, so you'd do better just grabbing the reissue. That being said, I gladly waited damn near a decade to grab a clean original copy of this and I still giggle like a child when I see it on my shelf, so I know it's worth it if you're a diehard fan.

An absolutely milestone of music in the 90’s! (…maybe even in human history)
This sound is so full of elegant composition that it almost takes your breath away!
It changed my life back then.

Is the pixellation on the cover of this and I Care Because You Do deliberate - like a middle finger to fancy design - or were the LP covers just made from files that were too small? I've got the original pressings but it's the same on the reissues I've seen in shops. Especially strange as the back covers look normal!

The electronics and sounds are good, but the use of programmed hyperactive drumrolls distracts and disturbs.

"Richard D. James Album", Autechre's "Confield", and Burial's "Untrue" are the masterpieces defining the last 20 years in electronic music.

I disagree with the "love it or hate it" conclusion. I neither love nor hate this album. It definitely takes several listens to fully enjoy it, but I don't think it's his best or worst work. For example, it blows away Drukqs (though what doesn't?) but isn't as beautiful and heartfelt as I Care Because You Do. I'd probably put SAW1 and SAW2 above this album, and the standout tracks on Come to Daddy are superior to the RDJ Album. Either way, I want more AFX! It's been too long!

RDJ takes a jungle beat and creates a total masterpiece. The opening of "4" tells you right away you're going to be in for a treat. Songs like "Fingerbib" and "Goon Gumpas" seem to project me into a different world. "To Cure A Weakling Child" is sample/drum mastery. Plenty of drums with beautiful melody interspersed, the song writing, detail and subtlety of the album really do make it best of class.