Raised in Cornwall, James began DJing at free parties and clubs in the area in the late 1980s. His debut EP Analogue Bubblebath, released in 1991 on Mighty Force Records, brought James an early following; he began to perform across the UK and continental Europe. James co-founded the independent label Rephlex Records the same year. His 1992 debut album Selected Ambient Works 85-92, released by Belgian label Apollo, garnered wider critical and popular acclaim. James signed to Warp in 1993 and subsequently released charting albums such as ...I Care Because You Do (1995) and Richard D. James Album (1996), as well as Top 40 singles such as "Come to Daddy" (1997) and "Windowlicker" (1999); the latter two were accompanied by music videos directed by Chris Cunningham and brought James significantly wider international attention.
After releasing Drukqs in 2001 and completing his contract with Warp, James spent several years releasing music on his own Rephlex label, including the 2005 Analord EP series under his AFX alias and a pair of 2007 releases as the Tuss. In 2014, he made available a previously unreleased 1994 LP as Caustic Window. He returned later that year with the Aphex Twin album Syro on Warp, winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. He has since released charting EPs including Cheetah (2016) and Collapse (2018).
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphex_Twin
Studio albums
Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (1992)
Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994)
...I Care Because You Do (1995)
Richard D. James Album (1996)
Drukqs (2001)
Syro (2014)
Taking Control
Aphex Twin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lorna
Derek
Richard
Sarah
Vicky!
Peace, bitch.
The lyrics to Aphex Twin's song Taking Control seem to be quite nonsensical at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, they provide an insight into the disjointed and chaotic nature of the song itself. The opening line of "I'm taking control of the drum machine" seems to be a statement of intention, as if the artist is about to embark on a musical experiment that is both unconventional and risky.
The names mentioned in the following lines - Lorna, Derek, Richard, Sarah, and Vicky - are difficult to interpret precisely. However, they give the impression of a group of people who may be involved in the creative process or perhaps even present in the recording studio. The subsequent plea for a blackcurrant drink from "Mum" reinforces the impression that this is a spontaneous and almost childlike outburst.
Finally, the closing line of "Peace, bitch" reinforces the sense of rebellion and discord in the song. The lyrics suggest that the artist is taking control of the music and will not be constrained by any convention or expectation - a sentiment which is mirrored in the frenetic and disorientating nature of the music itself.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking control of the drum machine.
I am assuming command over the drum machine and intend to operate it at my discretion.
Lorna
A call for attention to someone named Lorna.
Derek
A call for attention to someone named Derek.
Richard
A call for attention to someone named Richard.
Sarah
A call for attention to someone named Sarah.
Vicky!
A call for attention to someone named Vicky with exclamation.
Give us a drink, a blackcurrant drink, Mum!
A request for a specific beverage, a blackcurrant drink, from one's mother.
Peace, bitch.
A dismissive term used to signify a desire for peace or resolution, directed at someone who could be considered an adversary or rival.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICHARD D JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Richard is the Messi of the music