Harry Thumann ~ Underwater 1979 Disco Purrfection Version

Harry Thumann was born February 28, 1952 in Germany. Learning how to play drums and then working as a drummer he acquired experience in sound engineering that led him to build his first recording studio in the comfort of his own home.

Familiarizing himself with electronic sounds, he helped to develop the SSL 4000, the first mixing console of any kind to integrate a studio computer system with an inline audio console, allowing for a leaner, cleaner production sound. He kept the first one for himself and installed it in his home studio.

As he continued to expand his enterprise, he established Countrylane Studios and set up office in Gemering not far from Munich. Fascinated by the potential of synthesizers he incorporated MIDI and Commodore 64 into a system that also used Fairlight II and a Moog 3C which allowed to him to fully produce his electronic sounds.

His first major project was working with the Italian chamber orchestra Rondo Veneziano, a baroque styled group and married their sound with a synthesized rhythm section that proved popular there and they recorded a series of albums.

Finally stepping out on his own, he released "American Express", a culmination of his electronic talents at the end of the disco era, following Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. His unique sound was exemplified with the frantic electronic beats of "Underwater" that got picked up by Canadian label, Unidisc who leased the track for their Uniwave label.

"Underwater" peaked at #17 on the disco chart, #41 on the UK pop chart becoming his most successful solo recording. The song got a shot in the arm in 2008 when Grand Theft Auto IV used it on their radio station.

His second release, "Andromeda" came in 1982, and while he did not have any hits off it, the track "Sphinx" seems to have inspired the composer of the Theme to Knight Rider.

Thumann continued his exploration of electronic sounds and built a second studio that allowed Countrylane Studios to become an audio visual production company and he began producing telefilms.

He did some remixing in 1992. Harry passed away on January 1, 2001.

[porkstack]

i was in Malta. We walked into a club in St Julians. The DJ put this on at full volume and the place went mental.
it was mind blowing.
A timeless awesome dance floor burner.
Thanks Harry

[andrewclowes]

Listening to this with headphones on is the best way to appreciate the true artistry in this piece.

[silverbullet]

I love songs with no words. This is a really cool remix.

[rockybudgeboa]

RIP Harry. Thank you for this treasure

[matthewkoch]

This sounds like something that would have been chase scene music on "Hart on Hart" or dance music in "Prom Night." It's got a wonderful, flowing beat!

[CovingtonCat]

One of my all-time favorites. This song (and the remix) rocks!

[traceya]

I find the few negative comments very strange: this is really danceable and inventive stuff. He was clearly a very talented man. I enjoyed this track from start to finish. :-)

[darlingnikkidirtymind]

Another brilliant track fabulously remixed, feline style!!!

[Duck_Cover]

Superb. Sounds like intro to Sylvester.

[warrenbfeagins]

Legendary underground disco track. 🔥🔥🔥🎶🎶🕺👍🏿

[jessie]

thank you james murphy + soulwax !! heard this one in the despacio tent at this ain't no picnic. changed my life

[MrWigwag]

Blast from the past 👍great for checking the stereo is working properly

[jameslonergan]

I ran the dance floor lights manually to interact with the music. This song was a challenge. Each part of the song had its own lighting effect. I always had more lights going when the music was louder.

[CARL]

Circus Tavern (Wheatley's), Purfleet, Essex, UK just to the east of London back in the late 80's this one got everyone on the floor. The DJ played it to a large screen video of all of the acts that had appeared at the Tavern. Fantastic memories ... when this track came on that was when the night began ...

[naudianeels]

Never heard this one, but it's great ❤❤❤

[jeffreychandler]

Talent from 1979, oh what a time with unique "futuristic" sounds.

[georgerivera]

Love to beat and the fast pace of this song

[Elrynill]

I still remember my uncle making a mix cassette with this song on it, marvelous :)

[Oyaistanbullu]

Thank you very much for your efforts and making us remember beautiful disco era.
God Bless

[thomaszwingmann]

I have original Vinyl, but this Purrfection Version is much longer, amazing, incredible, with good Sound!Thank You very much for Posting!🤩🤗👊🍻😎