From the Underworld

Last updated
"From the Underworld"
From the Underworld.png
US fold-out sleeve
Single by The Herd
from the album Paradise Lost
B-side "Sweet William"
Released11 August 1967
Genre Psychedelic pop
Length3:15
Label Fontana
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Steve Rowland
The Herd singles chronology
"I Can Fly"
(1967)		"From the Underworld"
(1967)		"Paradise Lost"
(1967)

"From the Underworld" is a single by the English rock band the Herd, released in August 1967. Written by the band's managers Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song's lyrics are based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It became the band's first hit upon release, reaching number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and launching singer Peter Frampton as a pop star. It was later included on the group's only studio album Paradise Lost (1968).

Contents

Background and recording

The Herd, comprising 16-year-old guitarist Peter Frampton, keyboardist Andy Bown, bassist Gary Taylor and drummer Andrew Steele, signed with Fontana Records in early 1967. [1] The band's live performances were marked by an R&B sound, with Frampton, Bown and Taylor all taking lead vocals. [2] [3] However, the band's managers Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, known for their success with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, positioned Frampton as the frontman. [3] Frampton sang lead on the Herd's first Fontana single, "I Can Fly", and later reflected "they didn’t put the Herd on the covers of the magazines, they put me on. And instantly it started discontent in the band. I felt terrible. The die was cast." [3]

Howard and Blaikley wrote "From the Underworld" before they became involved with the Herd. [4] The partners considered it a more serious work than the hits they wrote for Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. [4] They compared their approach to that of the English writer Graham Greene, who divided his work into novels and "entertainments"; in a 1967 interview, Howard declared "The Herd are the novels and Dave Dee and co are the entertainments - and that is not meant to be derogatory in any way." [4] Lyrically, "From the Underworld" is based on the ancient Greek legend of the musician and poet Orpheus, who descends to the underworld to rescue his lover Eurydice, only to lose her when he breaks the commandment given to him by Hades and looks behind during their journey back to the living world. [5] [6] Howard and Blaikley had reportedly learnt the story when studying Latin at University College School, Hampstead. [7] Regarding the song's Greek mythology theme, Michael Beale of the Birmingham Mail considered the success of Procol Harum's "A Whiter Shade of Pale" proof "that there is room at the top of the chart for something different". [5]

Musically, the song employs an elaborate string and brass arrangement. [2] A fuzz guitar part and trumpet obligato also feature, [8] with a "demonic chorus" and "a most difficult, galloping rhythm", according to Ray Connolly. [9] It opens with a tolling bell, dubbed "Big Ben, or a near relation" by Peter Jones of Record Mirror . [6] [10]

Release

"From the Underworld", backed with "Sweet William", was released by Fontana on 11 August 1967. [9] The Herd promoted the single with a television appearance on BBC1's Dee Time (7 September) [11] and radio sessions on the Light Programme's Pop North and Swingalong. [12] [13] The band performed the song on the 28 September edition of Top of the Pops . [14] It peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart in November 1967 and ultimately spent 13 weeks on the chart. [15] Speaking during its chart run, drummer Andrew Steele described 'From the Underworld" as "a fluke" and expressed the band's intention to write their own material. [16]

Reception and legacy

The song received mixed reviews upon release. Writing in the New Musical Express , Derek Johnson considered "From the Underworld" "a remarkable disc", praising it as "beautifully scored" and "the most serious and thoughtful composition yet from the Howard-Blaikley team". [6] Peter Jones of Record Mirror commented "this moody bit of writing... ...is well-conceived but just misses out. Most promising, however." [10] Ray Connolly of the Evening Standard wrote "a good, interesting record with some nice mythical-sounding trumpets, but personally I prefer the way Kathleen Ferrier used to sing about Eurydice." [9] Alan Jones of the Lincolnshire Echo deemed the Greek mythology theme "learned material for pop song lyrics. The end product, however, is not as adventurous as the choice of material." [17] Interviewed for the Melody Maker column "Blind Date", Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys compared the chants in "From the Underworld" to the Yardbirds' "Still I'm Sad". He praised the percussion ("like African-Tahitian wood blocks") but felt the arrangement too elaborate, commenting "it's like overproducing "London Bridge Is Falling Down." [18]

The song has received retrospective praise. In 1998, Mojo listed "From the Underworld" in its list of "100 Greatest Psychedelic Classics". [19] In his 2017 book Goldmine's Essential Guide to Record Collecting, Dave Thompson defines the song as "pure pop in dark, moody clothing" [20] while Richie Unterberger of AllMusic considers it the highlight of Paradise Lost, highlighting its "dense production and booming harmonies". [21]

Howard and Blaikley used another part of the Orpheus and Eurydice legend – as described in Vergil's Georgics – as inspiration for Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich's 1969 hit "Snake in the Grass"; the song is adapted from a section in which Eurydice dies while Orpheus attempts to rescue her from Hades, following a snake bite which she receives while running from a would-be rapist. [22]

A cover of the song by Marc Almond features on his 2017 album Shadows and Reflections. [23]

Charts

Chart (1967)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) [24] 49
Ireland (IRMA) [25] 14
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) [26] 3
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [27] 2
UK Singles (OCC) [28] 6
West Germany (Official German Charts) [29] 11

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Herd (British band)</span> English rock band

The Herd were an English rock band, founded in 1965. In 1966, 16-year-old Peter Frampton joined as lead singer and guitarist. The band had three UK top twenty hits in the late 1960s, including "From the Underworld" and "I Don't Want Our Loving to Die", before Frampton left in 1968 to form Humble Pie with Steve Marriott. The band broke up shortly after, reforming briefly and unsuccessfully in 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich</span> British band

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich were an English rock band active during the 1960s. Formed in Salisbury in 1964, the band consisted of David John Harman, Charles Clark (Dozy) later replaced by Trevor Leonard Ward-Davies (Dozy), John Dymond (Beaky), Michael Wilson (Mick) and Ian Frederick Stephen Amey (Tich). Their novel name, zany stage act and lurid dress sense helped propel them to chart success with a string of hit singles penned by songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley including "Hold Tight!", "Bend It!" and "Zabadak!". Over the course of the band's career, they played several different genres, including freakbeat, mod and pop. Two of their single releases sold in excess of one million copies each, and they reached number one in the UK Singles Chart with the second of them, "The Legend of Xanadu". Unlike many other British bands of the 1960s who were associated with the British invasion of the United States, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich had limited commercial US success. Since their original break-up in 1973, the band have reunited in various formations and a lineup featuring Dymond.

Alan Tudor Blaikley was an English songwriter and composer, best known for writing a series of international hits in the 1960s and 1970s in collaboration with Ken Howard, including the UK number ones "Have I the Right?" and "The Legend of Xanadu". Together with Howard, he also wrote two West End musicals and a number of TV themes, including the theme music for the BBC's long-running series of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Legend of Xanadu</span> 1968 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"The Legend of Xanadu" is a single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich that reached number one in the UK Singles Chart in 1968 and was the group's biggest hit. It was written by songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. As was the case with many of the group's recordings, it features novelty elements — a trumpet section and the distinctive sound of a whip cracking in the chorus. The musical accompaniment was directed by John Gregory. The single was certified gold in November 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Dee</span> English singer-songwriter, musician

David John Harman, known professionally as Dave Dee, was an English singer-songwriter, musician, A&R manager, fundraiser and businessman. He was the frontman for the 1960s pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold Tight (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich song)</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Hold Tight!" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. The song was recorded on 11 January 1966 at Fontana's studio in Marble Arch, London and released as a single in February 1966. It was included on the band's debut album, issued on 24 June 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zabadak! (song)</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Zabadak!" is a song by British musical group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. It was released as a single in September 1967, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the group's only single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 52.

<i>Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich</i> (album) 1966 studio album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich is the debut self-titled album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. It largely features songs penned by Alan Blaikley and Ken Howard including the band's first top 20 hit "Hold Tight!", which reached a peak of #4 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1966. In 1967, the album was issued in some countries under the title What's in a Name.

<i>If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion</i> 1966 studio album by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion is the second studio album by English rock band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released in December 1966. It features the singles "Hideaway", "You Make It Move" and "Bend It!". Unlike the band's debut album, it failed to reach the top 20 of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 27. Reviewing the album for Allmusic, Lindsay Planer described If Music Be the Food of Love... as "another batch of strong Brit-pop compositions" and praised the band's sense of humour and "sharp musicality".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'</span> 1968 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"The Wreck of the 'Antoinette'" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in September 1968. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.

This is the discography of the British band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Last Night in Soho (song)</span> 1968 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Last Night in Soho" is a single by English pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released by Fontana on 28 June 1968. Written by the band's regular songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, it was the follow-up to the chart topper "The Legend of Xanadu" and gave the band their final top-ten placing on the UK Singles Chart, reaching number 8.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bend It!</span> 1966 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Bend It!" is a song by English pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single by Fontana on 9 September 1966. Written by the band's management team Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song's Greek flavour and tempo changes garnered comparisons to Mikis Theodorakis's composition "Zorba's Dance". Though considered a departure from the "big-beat" style of the band's previous hits, "Bend It!" was a major chart success. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and had combined sales of over a million in the UK and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch Me, Touch Me</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Touch Me, Touch Me" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in March 1967. It peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Okay! (song)</span> 1967 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Okay!" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in May 1967. It peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don Juan (Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich song)</span> 1969 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"Don Juan'" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in February 1969. It peaked at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Make It Move</span> 1965 single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich

"You Make It Move" is a song by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single in November 1965. It was the group's first charting single, peaking at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonight Today</span> 1969 single by D. B. M. & T.

"Tonight Today" is a song by the remaining members of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich after the departure of Dave Dee. It was released as a single in November 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Want Our Loving to Die</span> 1968 single by The Herd

"I Don't Want Our Loving to Die" is a single by the English rock band the Herd, released in March 1968. Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, it was the last of the band's three hits on the UK Singles Chart and their most successful, reaching number five in May 1968. The song was generally well received by the music press, with several critics noting its contrast against the Herd's previous hit singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paradise Lost (Herd song)</span> 1967 single by The Herd

"Paradise Lost" is a single by the English rock band the Herd, released in December 1967. Written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, it was the follow-up to the group's first hit "From the Underworld". Unlike its predecessor, it failed to reach the top ten on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 15. It was later included on the group's only studio album, Paradise Lost (1968).

References

  1. ↑ Jones, Alan (9 December 1967). "Revival of the old British scream". Evening Sentinel: 4. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  2. 1 2 Schmitt, Roland (2011). The Small Faces & Other Stories. Bobcat Books. ISBN   9780857124517 . Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 DeMain, Billy (4 November 2022). "Peter Frampton: the ultimate career interview". Classic Rock. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 "No hitches in the world of Howard and Blaikley" (PDF). Melody Maker: 9. 21 October 1967. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  5. 1 2 Beale, Michael (9 August 1967). "Disc desk". Birmingham Evening Mail and Despatch: 3. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 Johnson, Derek (12 August 1967). "Beach Boys weirdly fascinating" (PDF). New Musical Express: 4. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  7. ↑ Jones, Alan (29 November 1967). "Melody is a must in Tin Pan Alley". Lincolnshire Echo: 6. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  8. ↑ Clayson, Alan (1997). Death Discs: An Account of Fatality in the Popular Song. Sanctuary. ISBN   9781860741951.
  9. 1 2 3 Connolly, Ray (12 August 1967). "Discs". Evening Standard: 7. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  10. 1 2 Jones, Peter (12 August 1967). "Your guide to this week's new singles" (PDF). Record Mirror: 9. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  11. ↑ "Dee Time". BBC. 7 September 1967. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  12. ↑ "Pop North". BBC. 28 September 1967. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  13. ↑ "Swingalong". BBC. 4 September 1967. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  14. ↑ "Top of the Pops (UK) - Season 4 @ TheTVDB". www.thetvdb.com. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
  15. ↑ "Herd". Official Charts. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  16. ↑ "At last, the Herd emerge from the underworld" (PDF). Melody Maker: 9. 28 October 1967. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  17. ↑ Alan, Jones (14 August 1967). "New singles". Lincolnshire Echo: 6. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  18. ↑ "Beach Boy Bruce Johnston reviews new singles in Blind Date" (PDF). Melody Maker: 10. 19 August 1967. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  19. ↑ "Mojo lists from October 1998". rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  20. ↑ Thompson, Dave (29 June 2017). Goldmine's Essential Guide to Record Collecting. F+W Media. ISBN   9781440248092 . Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  21. ↑ Unterberger, Richie. "The Herd Featuring Peter Frampton". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  22. ↑ Moody, Frogg; Nash, Richard (2007). Hold Tight! Voices of the Sarum Sound 1945 - 1969. Salisbury: Salisbury Printing. p. 178. ISBN   978-0-9557410-0-5.
  23. ↑ Folland, Richard (6 November 2017). "Marc Almond: Shadows and Reflections". PopMatters. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  24. ↑ "The Herd – From the Underworld" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  25. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – From the Underworld". Irish Singles Chart.
  26. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Herd The" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  27. ↑ "The Herd – From the Underworld" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  28. ↑ "The Herd: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  29. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – The Herd – From the Underworld" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.