Selected Ambient Works Volume II (abbreviated as SAW II)] is the second studio album by the British electronic music artist and producer Aphex Twin. It was released on 7 March 1994 through Warp Records. Billed as a follow-up to James’ debut Selected Ambient Works 85–92, the album differs in sound by being largely beatless ambient music. James said it was inspired by lucid dreaming and likened the music to “standing in a power station on acid.”
The album reached No. 11 on the UK Albums Chart. Selected Ambient Works Volume II had a mostly positive reception from critics on release and was later placed on various best-of-the-decade lists by publications such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and Pitchfork. Volume II is considered to be James’ shift from ambient techno to darker ambient music.
Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) – is now available on 4xLP Standard, 3xCD, 2xCassette and a Limited Edition Boxset from 4 October 2024. Previously vinyl-only track ‘#19’ is out today.
The boxset contains the 4xLP in printed sleeves, a fold-out poster, a sticker sheet and a booklet featuring development sketches by designer Paul Nicholson. It is housed in a hinged oak case, with a bespoke etched copper plate. These are made to order, with no two copies the same. The boxset pre-order closes at 10 am BST, Monday 24 June.
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