Disco de Underworld: “Underneath the Radar”

When I purchased this album back in 1988, it had been after seeing the video for the title track. Being that I was in a band which played similar music (Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk, Electronic), I fell in love with Underworld's unique sound and appearance. They had (have) a remarkable talent for creating a techno mood by painting a picture of a mechanical world. In addition, they are one of the few bands who can render a melodic song even though they are vastly electronic. Such songs as Underneath The Radar, Call Me Number One and Space Kitchen are fantastic examples of Underworld's ability to create a haunting and sense arousing meld of music and technology...man and machine. For a band which relies heavily on electronics and effects, they have an insightful understanding of the melodious and danceable interdependence of space-age vision that hasn't lost its human roots. Underneath The Radar is a rare example of the balance we try to strike between the speed of technology and the good old fashioned human condition. Also check out their most recent album Beaucoup Fish. Although completely different in style and content, it does echo thier ultra-modernist talent for techno flash and is equally ahead of its time- not to mention extraordinary. Finally, they have a song on the soundtrack of the movie Wild Orchid, a terrible film with an exceptional collection of songs. The track is called Promise Land and is very much along the lines as the mellow songs found on "Underneath The Radar". If you are a die-hard fan of 80's dance that carried with it a premonition of sounds to come, Underneath The Radar is a must have.

Glory! Glory! Sounds like Culture Club, only this rocks more, and has a lot of Soul/Gospel influences, yet dancible. Most greatest hits albums, especially of the "'80's music" genre, don't have as many outright winners as this fine album. It's one of those rare albums by somebody most of us never heard of (I heard one single once on a radio station I could barely receive) that's truly excellent. Why it wasn't more acclaimed back in the day I'll never know. Pricey at the current lofty price ($18.99?), but still well worth it. And I don't even like '80's music!

If you have only gotten into Underworld, post "Trainspotting", I would say, don't bother with this album. Not because it is bad (because it is musically/lyrically/vocally amazing), but most likely you'll be too shocked to appreciate/enjoy this album. It is *vastly* different than their current sound. If you actually recall the song "Underneath the Radar" and remember liking it, then maybe give this album a shot. If you like "Change the Weather" and want to try a further step back, then I think you will like this album, definitely try it.

And finally, if you like this album, take one step further back and get "Fruer - Doot Doot". "Freur" is the very fist name of "Underworld" and their album "Doot Doot" is incredible. You won't find it here on Amazon, as it is very rare, but it does exist in LP and CD format (I have both). Do an online search for "Freur" and that should be a good start.

One last thing - a touch of trivia. If you want to hear a shortish snippet of the title track "Doot Doot" from "Freur" just pop in the movie "Vanilla Sky" and forward to the end of the movie. When Tom Cruise gets in the elevator at the end of the movie, the track "Doot Doot" starts to play - it's perfect for the scene.

This piece of the 80's is hard to find. I should know I've been searching for 10 years (first I had to learn the artist name even though I was only fairly certain of the title). This is the piece every aerobics class (remember those?) teacher played from 1989 to 1990. The lyrics and the techno dance beat are unmatched, so we bopped til we dropped to the title track. Buy or steal it if you find it - and good luck with that.

Unique. Flavorful. Melody supreme.

This album has stuck in my mind since my childhood, and I'm still loving it. Those who like their later stuff - give this album a chance.