Richard D. James is Aphex Twin’s third and most compelling album, balancing lullaby-like softness with ear-blasting intensity. Drawing on his West Country childhood, tracks conjure vivid, often mischievous scenes: Goongumpas evokes Willy Wonka-style whimsy, Beetles mimics frying bugs with a magnifying glass, and To Cure A Weakling Child channels preschool mischief. The romantic Girl/Boy Song, with Nino Rota-style strings, appears in three increasingly passionate mixes, showcasing James’s early flair for both playfulness and seduction.
Released: 02/07/13