Stone in Focus explained

  1. 19
Cover:Stone in Focus Aphex Twin.jpeg
Type:song
Artist:Aphex Twin
Album:Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Vinyl release) and Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition)
Released:18 June 2024
Length:10:14
Label:Warp
Producer:Richard D. James
Prev Title:Blackbox Life Recorder 21f
Prev Year:2023
  1. 19

"#19", (commonly known by fans as "Stone in Focus"), is a track by the British electronic artist and producer Richard D. James under the alias Aphex Twin. It was first released in 1994 exclusively on the vinyl and cassette editions of his second studio album Selected Ambient Works Volume II as the nineteenth track, being left off the CD release due to time constraints; it was also not featured on newer streaming service versions of the album until 2024.[1]

Release

Despite the song not being released on streaming services until 2024, it has garnered 10 million views on an unofficial release of the track on YouTube.[2]

The song was released as a single on 18 June 2024 in promotion of the Expanded Edition of Selected Ambient Works Volume II, slated to release on 4 October 2024.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] This marks the first time the track was officially released on streaming platforms.

Reception

In a ranking of the 50 best Aphex Twin tracks by Factmag, "Stone in Focus" was placed at #41. They stated that the track was one of the most "disarming and memorable" on the record and that it is "befuddling" it hasn't been re-instated on regular digital releases.[9] In another ranking of Aphex Twins best tracks by Geeta Dayal of The Guardian, "Stone in Focus" was placed at #9 out of 20. They stated that the track was a "stirring, slow-burning anthem".[10]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Selected Ambient Works Volume II liner notes.[11]

References

  1. News: Aphex Twin Releases '#19,' Previously Exclusive to Vinyl . Emilie . Wildarsson . July 4, 2024.
  2. Aphex Twin - Stone In Focus . 2015-10-12 . Jack Assir . 2024-06-22 . YouTube.
  3. Web site: Pearis . Bill . 18 June 2024 . Aphex Twin announces 'Selected Ambient Works II' 30th anniversary expanded reissue (hear #19) . 21 June 2024 . BrooklynVegan.
  4. Web site: #19, by Aphex Twin . 2024-06-22 . Aphex Twin . en.
  5. Web site: Torres . Eric . 2024-06-18 . Aphex Twin Announces Selected Ambient Works Volume II Expanded Edition . 2024-06-22 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  6. Web site: 2024-10-04 . Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) by Aphex Twin - Releases . 2024-06-22 . WARP . en.
  7. Web site: Murray . Robin . 2024-06-18 . Aphex Twin Is Re-Issuing 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' News . 2024-06-22 . Clash Magazine . en-GB.
  8. Web site: Aphex Twin Announces Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) + Track '#19' Out Now . 2024-06-22 . www.scoop.co.nz.
  9. Web site: Fact . 2017-04-14 . The 50 best Aphex Twin tracks of all time . 2024-06-22 . Fact Magazine . en-US.
  10. News: Dayal . Geeta . 2019-02-28 . Aphex Twin's best songs – ranked! . 2024-06-22 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  11. Selected Ambient Works Volume II . . 1994 . . WARPLP21LTD . James . Richard D. . Aphex Twin.