Aphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works 85-92

I have owned the 2021 repressing / remastered copy for a few years now and never had any issues with it, sounded great to my ears but knew that if the chance ever arose to get an original copy I wouldn’t hesitate.
Well, dreams do come true and I finally have this OG copy and I get to do a proper back to back comparison with the repress.
Although they look nearly identical, the repress has a lot more information in the runouts so it is certainly a different mastering. I put both on and my ears were able to confirm my suspicions.
The repress is mastered FAR louder than the original, and the high end really shines, super bright but not obnoxiously so. The original in comparison feels mellower, but more bass heavy, with certain pieces of songs sticking out more on that copy. I really thought I’d be sitting here writing this review saying “toss out your repress, the original is the only way to hear this album!” but of course AFX is far too multifaceted for such a boring and simple answer of what specific slab of wax to buy.
In fact, I’m happy to say I’ll be keeping both copies, because they offer very different glimpses into this timeless album and depending on the day I could reach for either without hesitation.
The repress for a more aurally excited and energetic feel, with emphasis in the high , and the original for a relaxed listen that does feel most true to RDJ’s first vision for this project.
Either way, you will not be disappointed, spend the money for this or pick up the cheaper option, regardless every human who claims to be proud to own a record player should ENSURE that they have some copy of this album in their collection.
Music: 10/10
Pressing: 9/10
Just buy it.

Overrated and gets boring after the millionth listen, will always fail to understand how this is a “classic”

found this copy at my local record store but it was kinda old, what’s so special about this one? is it because it’s the original?

THIS IS THE RIGHT PRESSING 2 OWN . . .

Which pressing is the best for this? Any reissues come close? $$$$

Probably my fav record of all time. So many incredibly special moments listening to this in various states of conciousness. Would happily die listening to this record!

Electronic essential Masterpiece. It’s a must have. BUY BUY BUY and don’t even think about ignoring other albums

Seminal would be an understatement for this album. I can confidently say I love this series of never-endingly creative works as much as the next guy. The opening track Xtal is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever released.

This album just gets better and better and time has no effect on it. This has aged so well and is still as playable as it was when it was first released!! It’s just a magical album, end of story. Such a pleasure….

The ginger maggot who made this record scrawled his name hastily onto my copy of this record, much to my chagrin, completely devalued the thing sadly