A Hundred Days Off

1. Momove

2. Two Months Off

3. Twist

4. Sola Sistim

5. Little Speaker

6. Trim

7. Ess Gee

8. Dinosaur Adventure 3d

9. Ballet Lane

10. Luetin

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Unlike the Chemical Brothers--their longstanding U.K. brothers in electronica--Underworld have been allowed to grow (relatively) old without being accused of stagnating. A Hundred Days Off, Underworld's first studio release since the departure of member Darren Emerson, demonstrates why. An ecstatic headrush of percolating beats, swirling synth, and shape-shifting melodies, A Hundred Days Off drags everything from Delta blues to space-age pop onto the dance floor. Because the pair takes their cues in part from the real world, filtering each idea through the prism of a rave record, we get wonky faux church bells chiming in one especially frenzied passage of the nine-minute epic "Two Months Off." Elsewhere, as on the curiously named "Trim," straightforward vocal phrasings are set against (what might be) twangy, scotch-soaked guitar while a static drum beat clicks in the distance. On the towering centerpiece track, "Dinosaur Adventure 3D," a vicious cymbal guts an otherwise unassuming house track, albeit one built on an increasingly complex (and speedy) palette of sounds, before a tribal vocal goosesteps over top. Clubby, dubby, and positively smokin'. --Kim Hughes

From URB Magazine
"Earth to Scott — hello? Green still means go on this planet."

I blink and look up. I'm behind the wheel of a car next to a stunningly beautiful brunette who looks oddly familiar. OK, this must be a dream. Or maybe it was the handful of mushrooms I ate last night. A car behind us honks, so I drive.

We're somewhere on the Pacific Coast Highway, heading north toward Malibu. At least that what a sign says as we whiz past it. As far as dreams go, this one was shaping up quite nicely.

"No, you're not dreaming," laughed my mysterious companion. "Don't you recognize your own world?"

Taking off my sunglasses and squinting at the rich blue of the sky crashing into the ocean's paleness and the quiet majesty of the mountains, this was definitely Southern California. But something still wasn't right.

"Here, look at this." Miss Mystery holds up a copy of URB magazine. On the cover is a picture of her, riding in a car just like the one we're in. The headline screamed: "DANCING QUEEN: Is This the Most Influential Face in Electronic Music?"

That's when I realized who she was — the girl from the infamous Mitsubishi commercial. The hottie in the white hat who pops and locks to Dirty Vegas' "Days Gone By" to sell cars to young Americans with money (or at least decent credit). The same car I realize that I'm driving.

"My name's Dusty," she said. "I'm definitely real."

"I get it now," I realize aloud. "This is just a big metaphor on how 'future music culture' and commerce have collided to create a surreal universe where Basement Jaxx soundtrack Pringles and Coca-Cola adverts and Dirty Vegas debuts in the Billboard Top 10 thanks to a hot car commercial starring you dancing around to their song. Rather creative, if I do say so myself."

"Maybe, but how does the new Underworld album fit into all of this?" she yelled over it blasting from the stereo.

"Oh, that's the easy part," I replied. "What's always set Underworld apart is the fact that their music has consistently transcended the pop culture world around them, the dogmatic use of "Born Slippy" in Trainspotting be damned. From the menacing pulse of 'Dinosaur Adventure 3D' to the glacial funk of 'Little Speaker,' A Hundred Days Off is akin to classic Detroit techno in the way it delves deeper into the machines and technology to find the humanity at their core. Like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder at their prime, Underworld makes genuine soul music brimming with emotion and meaning."

"So what are you trying to say?" Dusty asked with a wry smile.

"I'm saying that in 2002, Underworld has outpaced the competition and released the electronic album to beat. Timo Maas' Loud is still up there, but it's safe to say that A Hundred Days Off is right at the top of the techno-pop heap."

Dusty just laughed and turned the stereo up as I hit the gas, racing into the Technicolor sunset.

Scott Sterling

Tracks:

Momove
Two Months Off
Twist
Sola Sistim
Little Speaker
Trim
Ess Gee
Dinosaur Adventure 3d
Ballet Lane
Luetin

Amazon.com

Unlike the Chemical Brothers--their longstanding U.K. brothers in electronica--Underworld have been allowed to grow (relatively) old without being accused of stagnating. A Hundred Days Off, Underworld's first studio release since the departure of member Darren Emerson, demonstrates why. An ecstatic headrush of percolating beats, swirling synth, and shape-shifting melodies, A Hundred Days Off drags everything from Delta blues to space-age pop onto the dance floor. Because the pair takes their cues in part from the real world, filtering each idea through the prism of a rave record, we get wonky faux church bells chiming in one especially frenzied passage of the nine-minute epic "Two Months Off." Elsewhere, as on the curiously named "Trim," straightforward vocal phrasings are set against (what might be) twangy, scotch-soaked guitar while a static drum beat clicks in the distance. On the towering centerpiece track, "Dinosaur Adventure 3D," a vicious cymbal guts an otherwise unassuming house track, albeit one built on an increasingly complex (and speedy) palette of sounds, before a tribal vocal goosesteps over top. Clubby, dubby, and positively smokin'. --Kim Hughes

Customer Reviews:

Two months of thumbs up.......2007-07-01

Underworld have an uncanny ability of bringing unparalleled creativity and inventiveness to their listeners. There's no one I can think of that keeps it this fresh, this real, this imaginative. They pour their souls into it, and it's so obvious. It's palpable.

If you've ever seen them live, you know this. They have a true care for their craft, and this is the latest installment. You owe it to yourself and your friends to support a band that laid the foundation and continues to bring the love.

Probably the Best Album, they could have made...(Given the Circumstances!!!).......2007-06-20

A strange one this.....I've had this album when it first came out in 2002, then I sold my copy a couple of years later, after thinking that it lacked the momentum and progression, or even ideas of previous albums, only to pick it up very recently having stumbled across the rare Australian 2-Cd tour edition. This is the album that will be forever associated with the departure of one of it's members, DJ Darren Emerson. And although his presence is missed, with this release, routinely sounding more relaxed and less tightly focused then previous albums, with far more of the softly spoken stream-of-consciousness vocalised house blues of Karl Hyde vocals, and less of the pulsating tracks that broke up other albums.

Initially this was one of the reasons, why I've never quite fully engaged with "A Hundred Days off"....seemingly comparing it with the long dense hypnotic eclectic fusion songs of "Second Toughest in the Infants", the distant, detached melancholic minimal ambience of "Dubnobasswithmyheadman", and progressive, energetic, tough breakbeats of "Beaucoup Fish". The problem I had with "A Hundred Days off" was that it seemed to be a slightly untidy mish-mash of areas explored in previous albums, but with diminishing returns. There was nothing that grabbed in on this album, in quite the same way as "Push Downstairs/Blueski/Dirty Epic/Moaner/Juanita/Dark & Long", and although this album had it's moments "Two Months off/Bullet Lane/Trim/Luetin", I found myself mostly neglecting what is essentially a good/great album, but compared to past glories, it didn't seem to engage in quite the same way. Don't get me wrong, I did/do like the album, but it was arguably the album that I listened to by far the least, and begin to gather dust in my Cd collection.

So I ended up selling my (1-cd) edition of this album.....only to find a really cheap copy of the limited 2-Cd edition, which featured Live tracks from previous albums, and remixes of tracks of this album, as well as a couple of videos. And having gone back and listened to this album after having not heard it, for a least 2 years, and without the comparison issue not looming large over my impression of the album. And having said that...and listening to this without any preconceived notions of their previous work (and the realisation of Darren Emerson, not contributing, here), its actually a great record, and considering that this was the best album that could have made, given the circumstances...which referenced their past, without being completely tied by it. Yet, not diversifying from what they'd become widely known for. Its an album the mixes a brilliant succession of harmonies and basslines, tone's down the arrangements, and made them more accessible, a little self-indulgent, a little more nuanced and subtle, with the majority of the tracks moving less intensely, with any rough edges smoothed off, as it flows along with nice BPM's and smooth beats, and although the album glides along without much in the way of any particularly innovative or unexpected twists, this is Underworld, creating an album with one less member, and thus playing to their strengths. Which is melodic, relatively subdued, mood music, with the occasional concessions to the dancefloor, a heavily augmented sound framed around the ubiquitous vocals of Hyde, punctuating atmospherically detached tracks, which highlight Underworld's trait for songs which have an elegance and a recognizable stamp.

Ultimately, though this is probably Underworlds weakest album, compared to "Second Toughest in the Infants", Dubnobasswithmyheadman", "Beaucoup Fish". It doesn't quite have the legs to feature as prominently as those albums, which (for me) tip on the right side of classic albums. But not to take nothing away from Underworld...as they could have called it quits, with the departure of Darren Emerson, and his absence is felt on this album. But to not recognise the achievement of Karl Hyde & Rick Smith on this album would be foolish, as they've created a great and very solid album, and providing you can be prepared to listen to this without prejudice for their previous albums, this is definitely recommended.

What happened to the vocals?.......2006-06-15

I just got this CD yesterday and have been basically listening to it non-stop. With Darren Emerson leaving, I figured that the poetry and strange lyrics would be more present, and the dance grooves lessened.

Strangely I found the opposite to be true. The vocals, when they're present at all, are in the background, and mostly repeated lines. Some tracks are missing vocals entirely. It almost sounds like they are trying to prove that they can get on without Emerson.

So why did I give this CD four stars after all these gripes? Because it's still a fantastic album. I have yet to hear an Underworld track that I haven't liked, and this album is no different. It's a wonderful piece of art. I can just hope the next album has a bit more vocal work in it.

Mature yet innovative.......2006-02-05

Underworld continues to impress with their release of this CD. It continues to contain that ineffable quality providing a level of comfort that comes from continuity over time yet is truely different from previous releases. There are fewer high energy tracks and more comtemplative ones. For this reason, this release is quite different and takes some time to process and get used too. You definitely need to listen to it several times before you get the themes and arcs that are present across tracks. This release has greater cohesion across tracks that is greater than the sum of it's individual tracks (too use a gestaltic analogy). Very cool, just take the time to get to know it and you will come to appreciate the creativity of 100 days and underworld.

back to sounds of the 90s..........2005-12-01

Surprisingly, this album ranks almost as good as "Second Toughest..."

I'm a huge Underworld fan, and I finally picked this album up.

It is shockingly good.

"Sola Sistim" may be the most beautiful Underworld song ever written.

Average customer rating:

A Hundred Days Off
Underworld
Manufacturer: V2
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006C1VU
Release Date: 2002-09-16

Tracks:

Mo Move
Two Months Off
Twist
Sola Sistim
Little Speaker
Trim
Ess Gee
Dinosaur Adventure 3D
Ballet Lane
Luetin

Album Description

Japanese edition of the British duo's 2002 album. 10 tracks, the same as the domestic, but with an earlier release date.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring an Enhanced CD Video.

Average customer rating:

The Definitive Version to own....(for Hardcore Fans only!!!)
This is Limited Edition Disc is worth the money

Hundred Days Off (Bonus CD)
Underworld
Manufacturer: V2 Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00007LTJ6
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

Mo Move
Two Months Off
Twist
Sola Sistim
Little Speaker
Trim
Ess Gee
Dinosaur Adventure 3D
Ballet Lane
Luetin
Rez Cowgirl (Live) (Bonus Track)
Two Months Off (King Unique Sunspots Vocal Remix) (Bonus)
Dinosaur Adventure 3D (Funk D Void Full Length) (Bonus)
Dinosaur Adventure 3D (Darren Price Remix) (Bonus Track)
Two Months Off (Video) (Bonus)
Dinosaur Adventure 3D (Video) (Bonus)

Album Description

To coincide with their winter 2003 visit to Australia comes the release of this limited edition 2-CD tour edition of Underworld's triumphant album 'A Hundred Days Off'. The bonus CD features seven tracks, 'Rez' (Live), 'Cowgirl' (Live), 'Two Months Off' (King Unique Mix), 'Dinosaur Adventure 3D' (Funk Devoid Remix), 'Dinosaur Adventure 3D' (Darren Price Remix), 'Two Months Off' (Enhanced Video) & 'Dinosaur Adventure' (Enhanced Video). V2. 2003.

Album Details

Repackaged with a Bonus Remix CD featuring Remixes, Live Recordings and the Enhanced Videos for "Two Months Off" and "Dinosaur Adventure". "One Hundred Days Off" Will Be Housed in a Commmemorative Slipcase, Designed by their Award Winning Tomato Design Team.

Customer Reviews:

The Definitive Version to own....(for Hardcore Fans only!!!).......2007-06-20

A strange one this.....I've had this album when it first came out in 2002, then I sold my copy a couple of years later, after thinking that it lacked the momentum and progression, or even ideas of previous albums, only to pick it up very recently having stumbled across the rare Australian 2-Cd tour edition. This is the album that will be forever associated with the departure of one of the founder members, DJ Darren Emerson. And although his presence is missed, with this release, routinely sounding more relaxed and less tightly focused then previous albums, with far more of the softly spoken stream-of-consciousness vocalised house blues of Karl Hyde vocals, and less of the pulsating tracks that broke up other albums.

Initially this was one of the reasons, why I've never quite fully engaged with "A Hundred Days off"....seemingly comparing it with the long dense hypnotic eclectic fusion songs of "Second Toughest in the Infants", the distant, detached melancholic minimal ambience of "Dubnobasswithmyheadman", and progressive, energetic, tough breakbeats of "Beaucoup Fish". The problem I had with "A Hundred Days off" was that it seemed to be a slightly untidy mish-mash of areas explored in previous albums, but with diminishing returns. There was nothing that grabbed in on this album, in quite the same way as "Push Downstairs/Blueski/Dirty Epic/Moaner/Juanita/Dark & Long", and although this album had it's moments "Two Months off/Bullet Lane/Trim/Luetin", I found myself mostly neglecting what is essentially a good/great album, but compared to past glories, it didn't seem to engage in quite the same way. Don't get me wrong, I did/do like the album, but it was arguably the album that I listened to by far the least, and begin to gather dust in my Cd collection.

So I ended up selling my (1-cd) edition of this album.....only to find a really cheap copy of the limited 2-Cd edition, which featured Live tracks from previous albums, and remixes of tracks of this album, as well as a couple of videos. And having gone back and listened to this album after having not heard it, for a least 2 years, and without the comparison issue not looming large over my impression of the album. And having said that...and listening to this without any preconceived notions of their previous work (and the realisation of Darren Emerson, not contributing, here), its actually a great record, and considering that this was the best album that could have made, given the circumstances...which referenced their past, without being completely tied by it. Yet, not diversifying from what they'd become widely known for. Its an album the mixes a brilliant succession of harmonies and basslines, tone's down the arrangements, and made them more accessible, a little self-indulgent, a little more nuanced and subtle, with the majority of the tracks moving less intensely, with any rough edges smoothed off, as it flows along with nice BPM's and smooth beats, and although the album glides along without much in the way of any particularly innovative or unexpected twists, this is Underworld, creating an album with one less member, and thus playing to their strengths. Which is melodic, relatively subdued, mood music, with the occasional concessions to the dancefloor, a heavily augmented sound framed around the ubiquitous vocals of Hyde, punctuating atmospherically detached tracks, which highlight Underworld's trait for songs which have an elegance and a recognizable stamp.

The Bonus Cd for this particular release, was as mentioned before, the reason for picking this album up again, and the extra material contained here, is definitely worth the price of admission. The Live Track "Rez / Cowgirl" is taken from their live release "Everything Everything", which fans will know is a superb document of underworlds live performances. But the main portion of the disc is handed over to remixers, who remix "Two Months off" and "Dinosaur Adventure 3D", and the results are surprisingly good....as Underworld are just as well known for their remix work, as their original material, its refreshing to here somebody actually remix their work, rather than the other way around. Rounding out the disc are videos for those tracks. Ultimately this 2-Cd edition is squarely designed for the hardcore Underworld fan, casual listeners need not apply, as the regular 1-Cd version, will suffice...but owing this extra disc of excellent material, (for me) easily makes this the definite version of this album to own.

Ultimately, though this is probably Underworlds weakest album, compared to "Second Toughest in the Infants", Dubnobasswithmyheadman", "Beaucoup Fish". It doesn't quite have the legs to feature as prominently as those albums, which (for me) tip on the right side of classic albums. But not to take nothing away from Underworld...as they could have called it quits, with the departure of Darren Emerson, and his absence is felt on this album. But to not recognise the achievement of Karl Hyde & Rick Smith on this album would be foolish, as they've created a great and very solid album, and providing you can be prepared to listen to this without prejudice for their previous albums, this is definitely recommended.

This is Limited Edition Disc is worth the money.......2003-07-11

This is a beautiful CD. It is a Limited Edition Tour CD from the Underworld's 2002 Australia tour. This CD has 2 discs. The first disc is A Hundred Days Off. The underworld's newest release. Also their first CD without Darren Emerson. This is the exact same album as the standard version. Nothing fancy added on this disc. But that doesn't mean it isn't good. A hundred days off is a beautiful CD. It doesn't have the same pace as other Underworld CD's, but it is still a beautiful album and certainly worthy of praise.
Disc 2 has all the cool little extras. It contains the Live version of "CowGirl" from the Everything, Everything experience. It also has some cool, mellow, remixes of the first 2 singles off the new album. 2 Months Off and Dinosaur Adventure 3D. The remixes aren't the best I've heard, but still good. You can get them from other CD singles, but it is cheaper getting them on this disc.
What makes this CD worth it is the CD-ROM videos. Underworld Videos, since Born Slippy, are just so crazy good. The video for 2 Months Off is beautiful. Karl dancing in the rain in some weird pool in the middle of a forest. Dinosaur 3D is crazy. It tracks a bee that flies all over a city, causing hellish wind storms with its wings. Both videos are hard to come by in the States. This CD has both. And that added feature makes this 2 disc set a must have for all die hard Underworld Fans.