Aphex Twin's On EP is clearly one of Richard James's most successful works, both artistically and chartwise (hitting the low 30s on the British charts--not bad for a rabid experimentalist). His first major release in the U... more ».S., the weirdly club-friendly yet organic title track is composed of (in order of appearance) four pleasant, reverberating piano notes played in succession; a cascade of ascending and descending keyboard notes that quickly approximate a waterfall; the sound of actual water itself in form of a rainstorm; synth washes for ambient coloring; skittering sequencer rhythm notes; an antique Suicide-style beat box that sounds as if powered by steam; and a deliciously distorted, bass-heavy, repeated squeal noise that serves as the focal point of the entire piece. It's pretty neat, enough so that it's one of James's essential recordings. --Mike McGonigal« less
Aphex Twin's On EP is clearly one of Richard James's most successful works, both artistically and chartwise (hitting the low 30s on the British charts--not bad for a rabid experimentalist). His first major release in the U.S., the weirdly club-friendly yet organic title track is composed of (in order of appearance) four pleasant, reverberating piano notes played in succession; a cascade of ascending and descending keyboard notes that quickly approximate a waterfall; the sound of actual water itself in form of a rainstorm; synth washes for ambient coloring; skittering sequencer rhythm notes; an antique Suicide-style beat box that sounds as if powered by steam; and a deliciously distorted, bass-heavy, repeated squeal noise that serves as the focal point of the entire piece. It's pretty neat, enough so that it's one of James's essential recordings. --Mike McGonigal
CD Reviews
Half good, half distorted, still worth your money
JLS | USA | 07/22/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I will try to keep the review for this single very short. The first track is very beautiful, probably one of the most beautiful songs Richard D. James has ever produced. The second and third tracks, however are ultra distorted and highly repetitive. I can appreciate the artistic force behind them, but they are almost to the point of not being listenable. Then after the first the tracks comes a remix of the first track that retains the beauty and artistic perfection of On and expands on it in a style other than James'. This album is worth your money if only for the first and last tracks. And you will probably love those two tracks whether you love the rest of James' work or not. Who knows, many people do seem to enjoy the middle industrial screechings of this album. The title track and the remix would get 10 stars if I could give them that high on here, and the middle two tracks pull it down to 4. Trust me, the title track alone is worth a full paycheck."
Darn near the best single ever
Supabowl | Chicago, IL USA | 04/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Aphex Twin's work is highly experimental and often incredibly unaccessible, yet somehow he maintains his popularity. Maybe it's because he's so bloody talented.
"On" is one of the most accessible and likeable tracks he's ever produced. People who hate club music like On. People who abhor music without guitars like On. Deaf people like On. I've never met anyone who DOESN'T like On.
I feel that Reload's remix is exactly what a remix should be - namely, not the same song with a different beat. Truth is, the two mixes have little in common, but you'll like them both anyway.
Finally, from previous reviewers I sense a feeling that the middle two tracks are unworthy of being on the album. I can see where this resentment comes from with the painfully abrasive industrial grind of 73-yips, but I think Xepha is brilliant. Anyways, experimental dance is often hit or miss. Get this disc. It's worth whatever paultry sum you pay for it."
Possibly the best single ever made
Impreza22B | US | 03/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was one of Richard D. James' first efforts of putting his mastery of music on an album, and is also one of his finest efforts. With only four tracks, it covers all of his experimental endeavors of the early to mid 90s. That's not saying he wasnt every experimental, as he is known as the most experimental artist of his genre, which goes to show how vast this small single is for its size. Each song is a masterpiece, no matter how distorted or violent the songs are. If you've got $8 or $10 to spare, spend it on this one. If you are an electronica-fan who's got an open mind, it will be a great experience.
1. On- 10/10- A very beautiful work of art. Very much like Xepha but not quite as complicated or broad. A great ambient piece.
2. 73-Yips- 8/10- One of the harshest electronica pieces ever made. Just as violent and harsh (or even more violent and harsh) than Ventolin (from I Care Because You Do), which is known as the harshest electronica song ever made. Despite it's harshness, it's a great song (if you can take it). But I like it. It takes a while to get used to, though.
3. D-Scape- 10/10- Is a little harsh, but is definatly nothing like 73-Yips. D-Scape brings Richard D. James' harsh sounds with his gentle ambient sounds.
4. Xepha- 11/10- One of the most beautiful artworks Richard D. James has ever made. This one song alone is worth the price of the whole CD."
Don't Miss This Aphex Twin EP!
braindata | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 03/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! I can't believe I let this go for so long. I got this, nearly ten years after it was published. "On" is a timeless, smooth and fuzzy track that I would count as Aphex Twin's most universally likeable track. The follow-up, "73-Yips" has elements that made up the track "Come As You Mean To Go On" from the album I Care Because You Do... However, this is more break-beat, more aurally annoying and lacks the reverbed harmony to compensate. OK, so if that cleans your palette, continue with "Xepha", which has a simple beat and some harmonic downscale slides. More in league with "On", but simpler yet darker. If you liked Underworld's Pearl's Girl EPs, you will probably like this. The concluding track, the "On (Reload Mix)" is a brilliant re-working of the title track. It captures the melodic essence of the former, but infuses it with a cheery, world-music kind of vibe.If you debated getting this EP, like I did, then get it now. It's a worthy addition to any Aphex Twin collection!"
001939.
Supabowl | 09/14/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoy this single, but it's never struck me as anything that spectacular. The Ventolin maxi-single is not only much longer, but much better. The tracks here are nice, but fairly repetitive ... I got bored with them fairly quick."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1