An Absolute Masterpiece
Michaelele | 12/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What more can I say, except that XTAL is probably one of the most incredible journeys you will ever experience... I recommend this CD to everyone, it's changed my life and the way I see everything.. Richard D james is a genius... A cd that compiles work between 85-92, noting that Richard was only 14 when he did his first tracks of the album. Will say no more!"
One of the finest moments of modern music history
can@drexel.edu | philadelphia,pa | 07/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since 30's electronic music production techniques has been a part of the industry but in the last three decades some frontiers like brian eno, has proved that a new way of producing music(not a new name in contlesss nad meaningless music genres pool) has been born.A way that dedicates itself to explore the physical possibilities of the sound, a way to question and change the fundamentals of the musical composition with the help of electronics. Similar to the unlimited freedom of expression and unlimited acccess to the information that internet brought into our lives; computers,synths and countless elecronic sound editors brought unlimited ways of expression and composition techiques to the musicians' hands. And in my opinion, Selected Ambient Works #1 has the most mature, most rewarding, most free musical pieces that electronic music has ever created yet. But yes, you are gonna be disappointed, if you are thinking that R.D.james is techno god that you remember from his raves cos' there is nothing to dance to over here. What you get is deep purification and meditation of mind thru his multi-layered and materfully composed music. I must say i do think the same way that Richard's fellow student Mu-zig think about this record,S.A.W #2 may have better sounding figures and it really is more easier to get into but without a question S.A.W # 1 is much more rewarding once you really get in to its countles layer's textures. Recomended to anyone who really "listens" to the music and a "necessity" to every eclectic soul out there."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
