Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

Sorry to bother, but while we're waiting for IIFU, I recently came across the Underworld 1990 Demo Tapes on YouTube and wondered if any of us had them. Not sure if they are a shareable item here, so please let me know - don't have RTSR access anymore and no response from the YouTube user.

Can't believe I never knew about these shelved demos (other than ME, Feel Me and Winter Moon, which figured were leftovers from their second album or early transitional songs) - they really are the connecting piece between Mk1/Mk2 time period and several are quite good.

Either way, glad these tracks are still preserved for others to hear, much appreciated!

https://youtu.be/lppY_8xTQ4Y?feature=shared

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

I have a folder with a bunch of these UW MK1 demo's, but it actually doesn't include this track. Nice track btw :)
If you send me a PM I'd be happy to share what I have.

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

Cheers, appreciated!

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

There's a fascinating recording of a set the Mk1 band performed in Hamburg in 1991 - I would love to know more about it. You can hear more unreleased tracks and threads of that Mk1-Mk2 connection, especially on "A Stone is Not a Stone" which maintains its groove for over 10 minutes. It seems like they had a third album's worth of synthpop material, before the eventual re-imagination happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lppY_8xTQ4Y



Wild that less than a year later they would be DJing at Glastonbury, and releasing Mother Earth / The Hump, Dirty, Minniapolis, Eclipse, and Big Mouth.

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

Wow - that's a really interesting find, appreciated!

I think the Experimental Soundfield gig at Glastonbury is what really did it, according to Karl's book. Changed up his perspective and allowed him to let go. Plus the new lyrical focus/style from his time in New York on the Debbie Harry sessions. I'm sure it's all a blended grey area during that time period, though.

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

I seem to recall reading somewhere that they got some offer for that tour, and that they did it purely for the money. I think Rick might not even have gone on that tour.

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

the fun thing about that live recording is one month later they had a version of Dirty Ambi recorded (early Dirty Epic)

Re: Underworld MK1 1990 Demos
 

Definitely seems like a partial band here, with live drums being played over the occasional loops. The second song (Faded Love) is an interesting amalgam with the vocoded vocal sections and Karl singing in his more natural/normal voice (as opposed to his often pushed MK1 style).

Have the sense it was more Rick and Darren doing the early MK2 tracks on their own, with Karl dipping in and out around the edges and not really getting it yet (as his book covers some). Could see this being more a side tour with the old band for money as mentioned. ME with a band is interesting - definitely more in MK1 style, but can see the change up starting.