"#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 storage constraints.[1] It was also not featured on newer streaming service versions of the album until 2024.[2] As the tracks on Selected Ambient Works Volume II are untitled, "#19" often instead corresponded to the track commonly called "Hexagon" on releases without "Stone in Focus".
| "#19" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Composition by Aphex Twin | ||||
| from the 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 | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Richard D. James | |||
| Producer(s) | Richard D. James | |||
| Aphex Twin singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Release
editDespite 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.[3]
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.[4][5][6][7][8][9][excessive citations] This marks the first time the track was officially released on streaming platforms.[2]
Reception
editIn 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.[10] 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".[11]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "#19" | 10:14 |
| Total length: | 10:14 | |
Personnel
editCredits adapted from Selected Ambient Works Volume II liner notes.[12]
- Richard D James – writer, producer
References
edit- ^ https://aphextwin.warp.net/release/68148-aphex-twin-selected-ambient-works-volume-ii?lang=en_GB
- ^ a b Wildarsson, Emilie (July 4, 2024). "Aphex Twin Releases '#19,' Previously Exclusive to Vinyl".
- ^ Jack Assir (2015-10-12). Aphex Twin - Stone In Focus. Retrieved 2024-06-22 – via YouTube.
- ^ Pearis, Bill (18 June 2024). "Aphex Twin announces 'Selected Ambient Works II' 30th anniversary expanded reissue (hear #19)". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
- ^ "#19, by Aphex Twin". Aphex Twin. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ Torres, Eric (2024-06-18). "Aphex Twin Announces Selected Ambient Works Volume II Expanded Edition". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ "Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) by Aphex Twin - Releases". WARP. 2024-10-04. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ Murray, Robin (2024-06-18). "Aphex Twin Is Re-Issuing 'Selected Ambient Works Volume II' | News". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ "Aphex Twin Announces Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) + Track '#19' Out Now". www.scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ Fact (2017-04-14). "The 50 best Aphex Twin tracks of all time". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ Dayal, Geeta (2019-02-28). "Aphex Twin's best songs – ranked!". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
- ^ James, Richard D. (1994). Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Media notes). Aphex Twin. Warp. WARPLP21LTD.