Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
As the saying goes: "Two out of three ain't bad.", May 3, 2004
Windowlicker is Richard D. James' sexiest work. As you've read over and over beforehand, it's comprised of oohs and aahs set to a porno-esque track. What they fail to mention is Aphex Twin's trademark polyrhythms, everchanging song structure and engrossing melodies are present, making this song much more than just unique - it really is one of the greatest electronica songs ever made. AFX certainly sets a very pornographic atmosphere in Windowlicker, right up to the climax of the song, indeed, a musical orgasm. It's one of those rare tracks you can pinpoint and say "This - this right here, this is proof that this Richard D. James is a genius."The next track, which I will be calling [Complex Mathmatical Equation], is the thematical flip side of Aphex Twin, but musically not very far off. The song pumps and jumps from section to section with ease, but instead of luring you in with lusty moans and sighs, it sharpens its teeth with its abrasive noises, sinks them into your skin, and drags you in, reminicent of Ventolin. This is a cool listen initially, as its harsh qualities are intriguing. Unfortunately, this song doesn't age well, and once the novelty has worn off, it becomes a chore to listen to. This is the only mediocre track on the single. Nannou is a gentle, yet energetic closer that makes you feel at home with its usage of a music box. Not just for melodies mind you, but the cranking of the box is incorporated as well, most effectively. This really lulls you to the realization that a single - a 15 minute single - indeed CAN have the impact of an album. I'd say this is very close to upstaging the title track, had Windowlicker not been so bizarre. A very pleasing closer to a single with a sultry headliner and a rotten core.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Isn't he, er, she so hot..., September 17, 2004
Ah yes, the Windowlicker Single. The first time I was exposed to this was off of the Chris Cunningham music video DVD. Pretty amazing video. Kinda messed up. Then again, so is the other video Cunningham did for Richard; Come to Daddy.
The first track makes me think of what watching a porno would be like if I was having hallucinations. Um, yes. This is a good thing. The track is nothing short of amazing. It starts with a low, gravely groan that promises this song is going to take you home. Right away it throws you into some rough aural sex. But don't worry, it lightens up and gets a little more sensual, a little sleazier. I bought the CD for this track, but was glad to find the other two tracks didn't suck.
This next track isn't something you pop into your CD player for easy listening. It has a good baseline with some messed up everything else. He uses that hallow sound that I love. It's like that feeling when you are falling. Good stuff, but sometimes it sounds like he was just scrolling through the samples on a keyboard while playing a pattern of notes.
I really like the last track. Smart techno meets a child's crib. No harsh sounds, no intense punches, just a nice song.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Of All Places To Find Richard's Smiling Face, January 18, 2002
All three tracks have their merit for their own reasons. The title track is a bit of smarmy fun, best heard on quality audio equipment. It even reached top 20 in the UK! The accompanying video, protected with "HyperCD" is a subversive parody of exploitative rap videos, but the HyperCD element might ruin the experience for some (Why must we connect to an internet web site that may no longer be there, just so we can watch a locally-stored video?). Track two, "equation", is an experimental assault on the ears. What most people don't know is that if you run an audio spectrum scan on this track, you will see the devilish smiling face of Richard D. James himself right near the end. There are other images that are debateable. This EP finishes off with a nice melody, "Nannou", which is excellent on technique, but I would have liked to hear an alternate instrumentation for this; A music-box's tinny, un-tuned tines apparently degrades beautiful tunes.
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by Aphex Twin 
