I had a minority vote in this one, and I'm actually surprised that the LP got as many votes as it did. Everyone seems to consider the 7" a classic - and it is - no question. From iconic cover artwork to solid production to athemic lyrics and of course the great and catchy tunes, it's top drawer stuff all the way that always leaves me wanting more. I actually would have guessed that the classic EP would have pulled 75% of the vote.
That said, the 7" doesn't have three things that the LP does: "A Lot To Learn," "Back To Back," and "The Vanishing Point"...my 3 favorite Underdog songs that always point me right towards the dance floor. Throw in tunes like "Over The Edge," "Mass Movement," and "Underdog" as well, and you have one hell of a great record - quality and quantity in abundance. I've been able to see past the weirdo reverby, thin, treble-soaked recording (I'm not even sure how to describe it), and although I didn't see the band in the eighties, I caught the 1998 and present versions of Underdog, which means that I know these songs kill live.
Some people diss Chuck Treece's guitar style and the leads, or the rasta-infused tracks and Richie's vocals, but it all works if you ask me. The Vanishing Point is a band at the top of their game, blending all sorts of coolness together into a genre-bender without going overboard. While the recording simply didn't get executed in the way it deserved, it's still the winner for me.
If your collection is missing either of these, go check out Bridge9.com - it's "never too late"… -Gordo DCXX
Underdog 7" - 54%
The Vanishing Point - 45%
Arthur, Richie and Russ with Underdog, Photo courtesy of: Underdog
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Underdog poll wrap up
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Why is the demo never discussed? One of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI took "Vanishing Point" for the sheer number of songs, including all the jams that elevated Underdog to next level status, but saying that; "demos," which by this point is 15+ years old is the 3rd best NY record behind "VIP" and "AOQ." If "True Blue" demo was released via standard NY demo issues, then it's up there with Raw Deal and Cro Mags. It's hard to listen to solely the 7", knowing you could hear side A of "demos," equally Side b of "demos" is better than any NYHC circa 89. Fuck, i'm going to listen to Underdog now
ReplyDeleteI love the demos, but with this poll we were trying to keep it to the two original vinyl releases. All those demo releases on different labels tend to get a little confusing. All great never the less. -Tim DCXX
ReplyDeleteI voted for the 7" but mostly because of the production on the LP. Vanishing Point is still great... but can't overlook that. My alltime favorite Underdog release is definetely the Demos on revelation, but I'm sure most people feel that way.
ReplyDeleteWhat were the results?
ReplyDeleteTheee Underdog record is the version on the swiss label Far Out records. Packaging and music!
ReplyDeletePat/Germany
Recently got back into these guys for the first time since the early 90s. Somehow Richie's "fakin jamaican" thing doesn't bother me even a little bit now. This shit has stood the test of time and totally stands besides all of the classic NYHC stuff. Totally rockin, fun, and moshable. The reissues are my fave of the summer so far....
ReplyDeleteWhere were the members of this band from? Jersey?
ReplyDeleteI often wonder how big Underdog would've been if they maybe went up to Normandy or somewhere and received a better result on their recording of the album. Maybe even released on Revelation Records. That 7" was so fresh & original when it came out.. their CB's shows were always off the hook. Richie Birkenhead was meant to do music.. An all-out interview/story on him should be considered.. The Numbskulls days, Break Down The Walls tour, Underdog, Into Another, etc..
ReplyDeleteVanishing Point is what made me love them.
ReplyDeleteSure the 7inch/demos cd is really good; but it was buying a cheap throw away copy of this album on tape at like 16 (you know, had a hole drilled in the case and cover, similar to records with corner cut) for something like $1.99 that made me love Underdog. For all the reasons expressed in the original post, LP all the way, always.
The Vanishing Point is one of the best HC records ever. Bad production may be part of the reason it is so good...who knows? For every Bringin' It Down that gets the rerecording treatment and turns out to be amazing how many HC songs get rerecorded and people say they are missing the passion or edge of the original recording?
ReplyDeletefrom the "bump bump bump bump duh duh" of a lot to learn this record had me....