Just got a small package from Warp. Lately I've turned to ordering most things from local shops, but I wanted to get the Warp version of TLS' "Stay Down," and while I was there I picked up (counter-intuitively) the US "Routine" comp and the new reissue of Polygon Window. Anyways, here's my thoughts:
Warp:Routine
A great compilation, but only because all the tracks on it are great. I'm a fan of Warp, so naturally I like the music. But the comp is really only going to be good for people who aren't familiar with Warp or haven't paid attention recently. For those of you who, like me, have all the recent Warp releases like Tiny Reminders, Blue Jam, One on One, Trainer (who doesn't have this?), the new BoC, Muddlin' Gear, etc. - this album provides a sampler of all of these and more. The only reason you should get this comp might be for the previously unreleased Autechre track "Konlied Mx" and maybe for the now-on-CD "Booc" from Plaid.
Otherwise, maybe you should buy it for someone else who isn't into or doesn't know about Warp. So, good gift for new initiates into the Warp universe, but not too exciting to current fans. So *that's* why it's targeted towards the US...
Polygon Window:Surfing on Sine Waves (US reissue)
I never thought this album was that great to begin with, having myself first been exposed to Aphex with "Richard D James Album," which I still think is great. I only got it because I've long been infected with the completism virus, so the two new tracks ("Portreath Harbour" and "Redruth School") were a must have. My verdict? They're OK. I'm glad I have the CD, but I kinda wish I'd just waited and downloaded them in MP3 like I did most of RDJ's compilation appearances and remixes...
Two Lone Swordsmen:Stay Down
I've had the US version of this album for a while, which includes the exclusive tracks from their EP "A Bag of Blue Sparks," but excludes the track "Ink Cloud." I've been putting off purchasing the UK Warp version for a while, since it seemed silly to spend the money on an album I already had. Also, I'm sure I could have found "Ink Cloud" online as an MP3. But I'm a big believer in preserving the original flow of a complete album as the artst(s) intended it, so I went ahead and got it.
Boy, am I glad. "Ink Cloud" has quickly become one of my favorite 2LS tracks, and it fits in perfectly on the album. Plus, now the album finishes perfectly with "As Worldly Pleasures..." just as it should.
So, anyone want to buy my older copies of "Surfing on Sine Waves" and "Stay Down"?
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