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Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2

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Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
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EP by
Aphex Twin
Released23 January 2015 (2015-01-23)
Genre
Length27:56
LabelWarp
ProducerRichard D James
Aphex Twin chronology
Syro
(2014) 		Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2
(2015) 		Cheetah EP
(2016)

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 is an extended play by the British electronic musician Richard D James. It was released under the pseudonym Aphex Twin on 23 January 2015 on Warp. It is meant as a companion piece to his fifth studio album, Drukqs (2001).[3] It received mixed reviews and placed in several international record charts, including the United States Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, where it peaked at number one.

Release

Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was announced for release on 9 January 2015 on Warp's official website.[4] The track listing, worldwide release date and a list of available release formats were published on Bleep.com alongside pre-orders of the EP. Released worldwide on 23 January, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was made available as a 12-inch record pressed on 140-gram vinyl, a Digipak CD and a digital download in various digital formats, including MP3, WAV and FLAC.[5] An alternative mix of the EP's opening track—"Diskhat ALL Prepared1mixed [snr2mix]"—was made available for stream and MP3 download on Richard D James' official Soundcloud account a day prior.[6]

In Japan, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 was released on Beat Records and sold 3,627 physical copies in its first week of release.[7][8] The EP was particularly successful on the independent charts in Ireland and the United Kingdom; it peaked at number 8 on both the Irish Independent Albums Chart and the UK Independent Albums Chart,[9][10] as well as entering at number 7 on the UK Official Record Store Albums Chart,[11] where it peaked at number 4 in its third week of release.[12] Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 placed in three separate Billboard charts in the US. It fared well on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart, entering at number 4 in its first week of release and peaking at number 1 the following week;[13] the EP also entered the Tastemakers Albums chart at number 24 and placed at number 10 in its second week.[14]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic64/100[15]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[16]
Clash7/10[17]
Drowned in Sound8/10[18]
Exclaim!6/10[19]
Fact[20]
The Guardian[21]
NME6/10[22]
Pitchfork8.3/10[23]
Resident Advisor3.3/5[24]
Spin7/10[25]

At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 received an average score of 64, based on 15 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[15] Writing for The Guardian, Ben Beaumont-Thomas was highly critical of the EP and awarded it a two-out-of-five star rating. He said the EP was "even less vital" than Syro (2014) and remarked that "the breakbeat backings are now heftily blokeish where before they were disciplined and junglist. If Syro was an inquisitive artificial intelligence ... then [this EP] is like the organic consciousness it was drawn from, its owner now tinkering with jigsaws in a retirement home."[21] In his review for the NME Louis Pattison was more positive, referring to the EP as "true, manufactured pop music" due to the instrumentation being "played not by human hands, but by signals zipping around circuit boards." He further said that the EP is "occasionally quite beautiful", particularly highlighting "piano un10 it happened", and summarised that "you suspect Richard D James makes this sort of music as a challenge—to his audience, and to himself. On those terms, it succeeds admirably." Pattison rated the EP six out of ten.[22]

Exclaim! writer Daryl Keating offered a mixed review, describing the EP as "seem[ing] like it was birthed in the wee hours—the compositional scribblings of a sleepless man. While mere scribblings from a musical genius can often still trump the best efforts of many, this is not the case here." Keating added that "parts are coherent enough to sneak into the darker corners of Ninja Tune's back catalogue", ultimately awarding Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 a six-out-of-ten rating.[19] Felicity Martin of Clash called Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 "a difficult but enriching document" in her seven-out-of-ten review. She added that the EP is "compiled of often-jarring, disjointed instruments [and] has none of the polished, restless shapeshifting raviness or danceability of Syro" but praised James' engineering, referring to it as the "really interesting part of this extended play—it's not about making the robots feel human, but feeling as though you're in the room with them, whirring about around you."[17] AllMusic's two-out-of-five star review was almost entirely negative; reviewer Andy Kellman wrote that "nothing is particularly energizing ... the EP should be approached like a sequel—with low expectations." However, Kellman said that the earlier portions of the EP started "in promising fashion", particularly noting the "halting riffs, intricate layering, and vibrant, ricocheting percussion."[16]

In an eight-out-of-ten review for Drowned in Sound Benjamin Bland referred to the Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 as "a welcome reminder of James's ability to utilise decidedly avant-garde ideas in a manner that, although acutely alien to our idea of musical normality, is nevertheless engaging and inspiring." Bland also regarded the EP as "highly listenable, no less so than Syro in fact, recalling accessible contemporary classicist exponents of prepared piano such as Hauschka".[18] Spin's Dan Weiss also commented on James' use of prepared instruments, drawing comparisons to Goodbye 20th Century by Sonic Youth and Music Is Rotted One Note by Squarepusher in a seven-out-of-ten review. Weiss called the EP "spacious above the obvious clutter" and surmised that "the cacaphony [sic] of those detuned, clanging metallophones is a compelling listen or three, multiplied because it's over before your ear can grasp all the tangible treasures jingling by."[25]

Pitchfork selected the alternate mix of Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2's opening track, "diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 13", as the week's "Best New Track". Writer Patric Fallon finished his review by stating: "the need to know exactly what's going on gives way to that feeling of awe [Aphex Twin] so regularly produces. It's another reminder that sometimes the best music is the stuff that leaves you asking, 'How?'"[26] In a later review of the entire EP Mark Richardson highly praised Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 and selected it as part of the week's "Best New Music". Richardson said that "where James used to offer his electro-acoustic pieces as a showcase for lyrical melodies, about half the music here consists of crisply arranged beats with about half fully fleshed out and the others serving as sketches … Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 is a release for established fans, people who want to know what his pieces would sound like in an altogether different setting … the greatest pleasure comes in knowing where it came from and how it came to be."[23] Resident Advisor's Jordan Rothlein's review was also largely positive, describing the EP as "a moody set that sounds a bit like either Tom Waits instrumentals, a gamelan ensemble going pop, or maybe just some bits from Syro played back at a fraction of their original speed." Rothelin was equally critical however, writing that "though there's a certain pleasure in listening to an artist figure things out, a full 28 minutes feels like overkill."[24]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Richard D James

No.TitleLength
1."diskhat ALL prepared1mixed 13"5:22
2."snar2"0:20
3."diskhat1"2:26
4."piano un1 arpej"0:50
5."DISKPREPT4"1:53
6."hat 2b 2012b"1:25
7."disk aud1_12"0:10
8."0035 1-Audio"0:26
9."disk prep calrec2 barn dance [slo]"4:22
10."DISKPREPT1"3:30
11."diskhat2"0:38
12."piano un10 it happened"1:48
13."hat5c 0001 rec-4"4:46
Total length:27:56

The track length above is valid for CD, digital download and vinyl played on 33 rpm.

2017 re-release bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
14."diskhat ALL prepared1mixed [snr2mix]diskhat ALL prepared1bmixed [snr2mix],e,ru,+4"5:22
15."diskhat ALL [snr2mix] [fast],e,+3"4:52
16."DISKLVPRPT1 Equinox barn dance[fast]"2:20
Total length:40:30

Personnel

All personnel credits adapted from Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2's album notes.[27]

Performer

Technical personnel

Design personnel

  • The Designers Republic (credited as "MITDR™") – design, cover art
  • Atsushi Sasaki – liner notes (Japanese CD edition only)[28]

Chart positions

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)[29] 80
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)[30] 166
Irish Albums Chart[31] 32
Irish Independent Albums Chart[9] 8
Japanese Albums Chart[8] 24
UK Albums Chart[32] 36
UK Independent Albums Chart[10] 8
UK Official Record Store Albums Chart[12] 4
US Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums[13] 1
US Billboard Independent Albums[33] 24
US Billboard Tastemaker Albums[14] 10

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label Catalogue
Various[4] 23 January 2015 12-inch, CD, digital download Warp WAP375
Japan[7] CD, digital download Beat BRE-50

References

  1. ^ Kandunias, Peter (24 January 2015). "Listen: Stream Aphex Twin's Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt. 2". Gigwise. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  2. ^ Roberts, Randall (23 January 2015). "Aphex Twin streams new EP Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments 2". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  3. ^ aphextwin (February 2015). "Diskhat ALL Prepared1mixed [snr2mix]". SoundCloud. SoundCloud. Retrieved 14 April 2015. In answer to the questions I keep getting asked. ccai pt2 , part 1 is Drukqs, as that was the first thing I released that utilised computer controlled instruments, namely a modified Yamaha disklavier, 2nd gen and a couple of midi controlled solenoid based drum mechanisms I made just after I got the Disklavier.
  4. ^ a b "Aphex Twin / Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP". Warp. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  5. ^ "Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP". Bleep.com. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  6. ^ "Download a new Aphex Twin track, 'Diskhat ALL Prepared1mixed [snr2mix]' – Music News, New Music". Fact. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Warp Records / Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP". Beatink (in Japanese). Retrieved 2 February 2015. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |website= (help)
  8. ^ a b "オリコン週間 CDアルバムランキング 2015年01月19日～2015年01月25日 21～30位" [Oricon Weekly CD Album Index: January 19, 2015–January 25, 2015 – Places 21–30]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |website= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b "Top 10 Independent Artist Albums, Week Ending 29 January 2015". Chart-Track. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  10. ^ a b "2015-01-31 Top 40 Independent Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  11. ^ "2015-01-31 Top 40 Official Record Store Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  12. ^ a b "2015-02-07 Top 40 Official Record Store Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 February 2015.
  13. ^ a b "Aphex Twin – Chart history: Dance/Electronic Albums". Billboard. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  14. ^ a b "Aphex Twin – Chart history: Tastemaker Albums". Billboard. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Reviews for Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments, Pt. 2 [EP] by Aphex Twin". Metacritic. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  16. ^ a b Kellman, Andy (26 January 2015). "Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments, Pt. 2 – Aphex Twin | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  17. ^ a b Martin, Felicity (26 January 2015). "Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2 | Reviews". Clash. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  18. ^ a b Bland, Benjamin (29 January 2015). "Ep Review: Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 / Releases". Drowned in Sound. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  19. ^ a b Keating, Daryl (23 January 2015). "Aphex Twin: Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2". Exclaim!. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  20. ^ Finlayson, Angus (3 February 2015). "Aphex Twin: Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2". Fact. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  21. ^ a b Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (23 January 2015). "Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 review: 'Sometimes unlistenably irritating' | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  22. ^ a b Pattison, Louis (23 January 2015). "Reviews – Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt 2". NME. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  23. ^ a b Richardson, Mark (27 January 2015). "Aphex Twin: Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  24. ^ a b Rothlein, Jordan (28 January 2015). "RA Reviews: Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 EP on Warp Records (Single)". Resident Advisor. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  25. ^ a b Weiss, Dan (3 February 2015). "Review: Aphex Twin Takes Us to His Toy Factory on 'Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2' EP". Spin. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
  26. ^ Fallon, Patric (22 January 2015). "Aphex Twin: "Diskhat ALL Prepared1mixed 13 [snr2mix]" | Tracks". Pitchfork. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  27. ^ Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 (Liner notes). Aphex Twin. Warp. 2015. WAP375.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  28. ^ Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments pt2 (Liner notes). Aphex Twin. Beat Records. 2015. BRE-50.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ "Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  30. ^ "Aphex Twin – Computer Controlled Acoustic Instruments Pt2" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  31. ^ "Top 100 Artist Albums, Week Ending 29 January 2015". Chart-Track. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  32. ^ "2015-01-31 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  33. ^ "Aphex Twin – Chart history: Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
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