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Looking to indulge in some early ’90s nostalgia? Look no further than Warp’s incredibly influential Artificial Intelligence compilation. This album is a must-have for any electronic music enthusiast aged 35 and older, and a perfect introduction for younger listeners. It holds a special place in the world of contemporary dance, ambient, and electronic music. Over the years, it has become the soundtrack to countless hazy afterparties, featuring timeless techno, breakbeat, and electro experiments that have become ingrained in popular culture. While its ubiquity may have led some to dismiss it as a cliché, I believe it remains a life-changing collection that embodies the enduring positivity and charm of the 1990s.
The opening track, ‘Polygon Window’ by AFX (also known as The Dice Man), immediately taps into the nostalgia, evoking a sense of euphoria. The album continues to deliver, with standout tracks including B12’s ‘Telefon 529’ and ‘Premonition’, which showcase their unique blend of bass and breaks inspired by Detroit techno. Autechre paves the way for their seminal album ‘Incunabula’ with the acid-electro vibe of ‘Crystal’, and ‘The Egg’ still hits the mark. Speedy J brings us the timeless bleeping breaks of ‘De-Orbit’ and the classic European romanticism of ‘Fill 3’. While Richie Hawtin’s acid techno turn as Up! may not have stood the test of time, Ken Downie’s one-off as I.A.O. leaves a lasting impression with its floating breakbeats. The Orb’s Dr. Alex Patterson also contributes a blissed-out kiss-off that adds the perfect touch to this iconic compilation.