Underworld - 1992-2002

Here it is folks, my first perfect score on a review. No one is more well deserving than Underworld and I would have given these discs a thousand stars, million stars, billion stars, well I think you get the point. The Underworld needs no introduction from me as they have been a pioneering band in dance music and overall club culture for well over a decade now.

At first glance, you might think that this is an Underworld greatest hits album but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a vehicle in which Underworld showcases all their brilliance, charm and charisma, released or not, on a double CD.

The first CD is comprised mostly of tracks that were unreleased on CD or previously unavailable. The starter “Bigmouth” is aptly titled due to the delta harmonica sound featured prominently and spells out nothing but F U N to me. The second track, “Dirty,” sounds like the possible baby brother to “Dirty Epic” however both songs are great to listen to in their own right.

One of my favorite Underworld classics, “Rez,” has Underworld written all over it with the great bassline and trancey sounding synth loops. Extended song length is another trademark characteristic and the first CD it runs full-length with only seven songs. Don’t let this fool you, the track length allows them to completely develop and communicate their music.

The second CD starts out with their hit “Cowgirl” released for the first time on CD. Completely remastered, it brings forth the full vibrance of the original. The Trainspotting anthem “Born Slippy” gives me that warm feeling inside that is so absent in newer dance music. Also included is their track from The Beach soundtrack, “8 Ball” which wasn’t on their previous album. Rounding out the anthology is the post Emerson banger “Two Months Off” from their latest album, A Hundred Days Off, which makes a perfect closing song for this set.

Truly a must have CD for the die hard Underworld fanatic or the newbie dance music buyer, there’s a lot of dance history is infused into this two and a half hour spectacular. Go get it right now!!!!!!!!!