Aphex Twin!

AvengedDrummer · #1 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 07:38 PM

This originated from the favorite bands thread...Davenhurst reminded me how much I like this band (well its one guy). He really is a rythmic genius as dave put it. Some of the beats he comes up with are so complex and mind-boggling. If you guys want to hear some of his stuff, search on youtube for "come to daddy" or "rubber johnny" its sorta techno-electronica style music for people that havent heard him. So what do you guys think of Aphex twin?
Edit: Here check out this video "Monkey Drummer" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxCY...h=Aphex%20Twin

Davenhurst · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 07:53 PM

I was thinking of posting a thread about Aphex Twin, you beat me to it! There's so much to say about his music. Partly because he makes so much music and it's all top notch!

I think his approach to rhythm is astonishing, from using samples of live drums sped up and chopped to using drones and repitition to create phrases of rhythm, there's a lot of work behind his sound I'm sure.

As AvengedDummer said, look out for "Come to Daddy" and "Rubber Johnny" on Youtube, but I also highly recommend "Windowlicker" - it's real mixture of humour, pastiche and downright brilliance.

My favourite track of his right now is "Nannou" from the Windowlicker single, made from samples of a music box, including the sound of it being wound. Total greatness!

I'll stick my neck out and say he's the best non-drumming drum-pattern-creator of our time. (Does that make sense?)

(I can't let this thread pass without mentioning that I'm on the same label as Aphex Twin, just can't help myself).

EDIT: AvengedDrummer - that Monkey Drummer video is just amazing. I love the way his head goes up every now and then, and have you seen how the hihats are being played?

AvengedDrummer · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:01 PM

A word of warning about windowlicker.....In the first minute It probably has more swears than I've said in my life (ok exaggeration) but it is an excellent video. Dave, have you heard "bouncing ball"? That is an excellent example of how creative he is. When the song gets kicking the pattern he uses in the background is just insane. I think he also did a techno remake of the tetris theme...but im not sure. Definately If you havent heard of Aphex Twin. Check em' out!

Edit: just listened to bouncing ball again, its not really a "drum" pattern but it is really amazing.

Davenhurst · #4 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:09 PM

Do you mean "Bucephalus Bouncing Ball"? From the Come To Daddy album? If so, yes - it is awesome. Using a stretched, non-regular beat like that is crazy and it makes for the best sort of confusing music.

Do you know Autechre? Also from Warp Records, they use a lot of the same ideas but are generally a lot more difficult to listen to - lots of unfathomable, granular patterns that push and pull in all directions. I really like their album "Confield" but it's a challenge to listen through from start to finish.

Davenhurst · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:11 PM

Oh yeah, good shout about the language in the Windowlicker video!

AvengedDrummer · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Do you mean "Bucephalus Bouncing Ball"?

Yeah I think thats it. I downloaded it from limewire when I was just checking them out, and the titles can vary.... It is amazing how he takes the "ball bouncing" that starts in the middle and he just completely "morphs" it into this crazy multi layer pattern while using the same sound.

Quote:

Do you know Autechre?

No, I havent heard it. Ive been planning on buying one of his CD's. I usually watch the videos on youtube.

But, Ill check it out. Definately. Speaking of videos on youtube... "Donkey Rhubarb" is another absolutely hilarious one.

Davenhurst · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:25 PM

Is Donkey Rhubarb the one with the big weird bears hanging out?

Try the Autechre track "Granz Graf", there's probably a video on Youtube..... Hold on, I'll have a look....

Here we go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD3cm...earch=autechre

Crazy music but worth the effort, ultimately.

I saw them live a few years ago and I can honestly say it was one of the most intense experiences of my life. They played in total darkness (apart from the glow of their mad machines) and it was non-stop for about an hour, no breaks or quiet bits or anything, just a full on rhythmic noise assault. I loved it, there's a fine line between just making a noise and making a musical noise, and their noise was totally musical, it was just hard work. I'm glad some things stand out in that way though, you could never call Autechre bland.

AvengedDrummer · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Is Donkey Rhubarb the one with the big weird bears hanging out?

Yeah, thats the one.

Grantz Graf is definately different. But still good. Ill check out their other stuff.

There was one song he did,(Aphex twin I mean) I dont have the title cause it was on a mix, but its like a violin solo that starts out with this heavy RnB stlye beat then goes into this insane breakbeat. Thats one of the first songs I heard by him, and I still think its amazing. Good stuff man.
EDIT: Here it is...Its just in the background of some japanese video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL80T...0twin%20violin