BURNING THE GROUND EXCLUSIVE 1986
“Underground” is a song from the soundtrack of the film Labyrinth, performed by David Bowie.
The track was something of an experiment for Bowie, dabbling in gospel music to a small extent, helped by a large chorus of backing vocalists and blues guitarist Albert Collins, but retaining use of synthesizers. The song also featured backing vocals by Cissy Houston, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross and others.
The single reached #21 in the UK Singles Chart. In the US the single reached #22 on the Billboard dance chart.
SIDE A:
Underground (Extended Dance Version) 7:51
Keyboards [Additional – Remix] – Ed Terry
Producer [Additional], Remix – Steve Thompson & Michael Barbiero
SIDE B:
Underground (Dub Mix) 5:58
Keyboards [Additional – Remix] – Ed Terry
Producer [Additional], Remix – Steve Thompson & Michael Barbiero
Underground (Instrumental Version) 5:54
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Underground | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #22 |
| 1986 | Underground | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #18 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI America – V-19210
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Pop Rock, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
Alto Saxophone–Bob Gay
Arranged By – Arif Mardin, David Bowie, Robbie Buchanan
Art Direction–Henry Marquez
Backing Vocals – A. Marie Foster, Beverly Ferguson, Chaka Khan, Cissy Houston, Daphne Vega,Eunice Peterson, Fonzi Thornton, Garcia Alston, James Glenn, Luther Vandross, Marc Stevens (2),Marcus Miller, Mary Davis Canty, Rennele Stafford*
Design – Carol Chen
Drums [Effects] – Steve Ferrone
Engineer [Assistant] – Eddie Garcia
Keyboards, Synthesizer, Programmed By – Robbie Buchanan
Lead Guitar – Albert Collins
Mastered By – Herbie Jr.*
Mixed By – Jeremy Smith (2)
Mixed By [Assistant] – Phil Castellano
Piano [Acoustic], Organ [Hammond B-3] – Richard Tee
Producer – Arif Mardin, David Bowie
Programmed By [Additional] – Andy Thomas
Recorded By – Michael O’Reilly
Rhythm Guitar – Nicky Moroch*
Written-By – David Bowie
NOTES:
Mastered at Frankford/Wayne, New York.
From the motion picture soundtrack “LABYRINTH”
Find the 12″ on DISCOGS
EQUIPMENT USED:
Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC)
Cartridge: Ortofon 2M
Stylus: Ortofon OM Stylus 30
Platter: Pro-Ject Acryl-It platter
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Preamp
Tube: Tung-Sol 12AX7ECC803-S Gold Electron Tube
Soundcard: ESI Juli@
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Brother MFC-6490CW Professional Series Scanner
SOFTWARE USED:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 3.0 (Recording)
Down Sampling: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
MP3 (320kbps)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
ty
This has to be fantastic, given all of the incredible talent used to produce it! It just has to be, with Richard Tee!
Thank you, Paul!
Great movie and great song!
thank you for sharing!
Do you have a good David Bowie Megamix a la U-Sound?
Sanny X’s megamix is available here: http://www.kingsofspins.com/page/david_bowie-megabowie_sanny_x_megamix_kings_of_spins_exclusive
Thank you Paul, for this David Bowie rips!!!
Thanks for sharing these 12 Inches espcially from the late DB.
I’m really moved by his death and I would like to hear some more music from him esp. some 12 Inches from the late 80’s and the beginning 90’s.
Keep moving on!
Andy
Thanks so much for posting this! Any chance you have the instrumental version of “Underground” that still has the backup vocals in it? Or have you come across this in your travels? I found a VERY badly ripped version of it at one point…just hoping someone will have a batter copy…
Hey Rick – the fab instrumehtal Underground is on itunes. All his mid 80s 12″ mixes from Blue Jean through to Time Will Crawl are avaivable there, along with the full Baal EP.
DjPaulT, Amazing what is hidden in the ark of musical treasures, I love the bass this single at the time we were still wearing to test the speakers before the party and logical ran the party too. Thank you my Hero.
Thanks for the Bowie tribute this week, Paul. As others have said it’s bittersweet listening to these songs again.
With regard to Underground, I think it’s a really great song – one of his most under-rated gems.
Thank you very much Paul. It has been bittersweet hearing these songs. The influence that Bowie has had will continue for many years to come.
You’re welcome Jason 🙂
Fantastic and many thanks again from once of your fans over here in England!
Have a great weekend Neil 🙂
Wonderful David Bowie post once again. Thanks Paul 🙂
You’re welcome Junior 🙂
As always, a wonderful gem. Waiting for another treasures you might have of the late Chameleon.
Thank you Rodolfo 🙂
Another rare gem. Thank you Paul, excellent choice! Great to have these Bowie 12 inches in Paulity. Great tribute to the man.
Thank you Stefano 🙂
Thanks so much for this Paul! I don’t have this one. Such a sad loss on Bowie.
You’re welcome Ross 🙂
Love this one too. Could you post Loving The Alien soon? Thanks.
You’re welcome Omar 🙂
Thant would nice..
Thanks for all the Bowie rips, Paul!
HELLO PAUL.
I FIND YOUR WORK CLASS . MYSELF Restore MY RECORDS NOW ALMOST 15 YEARS .
THEREFORE I KNOW HOW THIS time consuming hobby is , and I would like just check you for your unique selection of the music pieces THANK .
YOU MAKE a lot of people a great joy .
KEEP IT UP.
NICE GREETINGS FROM GERMANY.
Thank you Casper! 🙂
All the appreciation I have for you, DjPaulT, keeps going on and on and on. I am so thankful that there is a place where we can revel in our favorite music (new, old, undiscovered)and have the opportunity to express our feelings about such gifts. I have been so moved by reading people’s comments here on your site. The community here is so lovely to one another and to you, our music director extraordinaire. Music is so healing, but it’s what people are saying too that helps us deal with sadness and other devastating issues in our lives. Thank you… Read more »
Thank you Jeff alwys such a sweet person. I adore everyone who comes to BTG this community is such a huge part of my life and I love all of you 🙂
Hugs
Paul