The mighty Warp Records release its DVD retrospective in September, featuring a plethora of classic and contemporary videos, which have been produced by and for the label over its 15 year existence. The retail version of this package will also come complete with the bonus cd ‘Watch and Repeat Play’, mixed by DJ’s Buddy Peace and Zilla.

In total there are 32 videos included, five of which have already appeared on the DVD ‘The Work of Director Chris Cunningham’ (Autechre's ‘Second Bad Vibel’, Squarepusher's ‘Come On My Selector’, and Aphex Twin's ‘Come to Daddy’ and ‘Windowlicker’ respectively); with Autechre's ‘Gantz Graf’ being included in the CD release. There is also certain other Aphex Twin visual treats which have popped up over the years on various video compilations etc. For the majority though, this is their first outing and the first chance a lot of people will get to actually view them in their entirety.
The videos have been put together to form a chronological count down to where the label and its videos find themselves ‘today’. Certain videos, such as LFO ‘LFO’ and offerings from Nightmares on Wax’ now seem to show there age, however, this just cant dampen the enthusiasm that still exists for such visual goodness, nor can it detract from the influence that these videos had upon contemporary dance culture. Obviously a large portion of people will be picking this DVD up for the Aphex, Squarepusher and Autechre videos and in a way this is totally justifiable as these artists helped to propel Warp records to the top of its field while simultaneously deconstructing and reconstructing what was know as dance music. There is a great deal to chose from here, alongside the classics there is offerings from Lex records artists, Prefuse 73 and Plaid. Each video having its own story to tell in its own twisted and fascinating way.

This DVD is well worth the money for fans of the label, however, it will also be a solid purchase for those interested in the development and relevance of the music video in today’s society.

I only wish my promo had came with the Buddy Peace and Zilla mix, but then again you cant have it all can you….

Paul Patterson