underworld's influences - Page 2

Liam · #11 02-12-2006, 01:12 PM

Beefheart is a huge influence on Underworld, and you can really see this when you compare their lyrics. Beefheart was one of the first artists (that I can think of anyway) to pursue such abstract lyrics that don't make any sense in a linear kind of way but are beautiful nonetheless. Karl Hyde fits right in line with this. A lot of the vocal effects are also very simmilar (I'm not sure that Beefheart ever actually used a vocoder but he certainly modulated his voice a lot).

Underworld also state Gil Scott Heron's B-Movie as one of the most influential songs they've ever heard, re-defining their view of music. I'm not sure that I can pick out any musical connections, but I have to say that it re-defined the way I look at music as well.

34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j · #12 02-12-2006, 04:53 PM

I always assumed that Underworld was influenced a lot by Brian Eno, and I'm sure that they'll confirm it if someone asked. Kraftwerk too, of course...interesting that "Numbers" is mentioned in that mixtape thread, because "Lenny Penne" sounds just like it!

As far as Captain Beefheart...I can see it in the lyrics, and honestly it isn't surprising that he's listed as an influence...a LOT of artists cite "Trout Mask Replica" as being one of their favorite albusm. I can see the appeal as an artist...is there, or will there ever be anything like it?

froopy seal · #13 02-13-2006, 03:01 AM

Nice reaction from KH on underworldlive today (although a little too straight-forward for my taste

).

Short answer: radio and mate Andy.
Extensive answer: soon to come?

botkiller · #14 02-13-2006, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j

I always assumed that Underworld was influenced a lot by Brian Eno, and I'm sure that they'll confirm it if someone asked. Kraftwerk too, of course...interesting that "Numbers" is mentioned in that mixtape thread, because "Lenny Penne" sounds just like it!

As far as Captain Beefheart...I can see it in the lyrics, and honestly it isn't surprising that he's listed as an influence...a LOT of artists cite "Trout Mask Replica" as being one of their favorite albusm. I can see the appeal as an artist...is there, or will there ever be anything like it?

Yeah, I was going to say Eno as well, but the Back to mine is a great indication of what they listen to and what has influenced them. I always liked the fact that TLC's "creep" made it on there.

noisegeek · #15 02-13-2006, 09:27 AM

Miles. Can't forget Miles.

34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j · #16 02-13-2006, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by botkiller

Yeah, I was going to say Eno as well, but the Back to mine is a great indication of what they listen to and what has influenced them. I always liked the fact that TLC's "creep" made it on there.

Well, the problem for me is, besdies Digeridoo, I haven't heard any of those songs (besides "Creep" which I'm sure I've heard before) so I really have no idea what their influences sound like...

Anyway, as far as other influences...if you go even before Eno, there's krautrock, and I wonder how much of what UW does is influenced by Can, Neu!, and the like? I know Rick cites Kraftwerk, but honestly I have to wonder, being really into Can, how much their music influenced modern electronica?