Kicks with The Undertones!
Union Square goes full tilt on the purveyors of John Peel’s favoritest song, and Terrence Flamm reviews it.
Springing from Northern Ireland in the late 1970s, The Undertones were punk rockers who were more interested in romantic relationships than political upheaval. Their 1979 self-titled debut, a non-stop collection of Ramones-influenced songs conjured from an adolescent point of view, brought them worldwide attention. Subsequent albums didnât fare as well, but as Union Squareâs recently released, digital-only compilation of The Undertones, Hypnotised, Positive Touch, The Sin Of Pride, and The Best Of The Undertones proves, the band recorded compelling music throughout its career.
Led by the distinctively voiced Feargal Sharkey, The Undertones pondered the mysteries of the opposite sex on âBoys Will Be Boysâ and âGirls Donât Like It,â but also tapped into Ray Davies-style satire on âMy Perfect Cousinâ and âMale Model.â Later material found the band successfully moving into new wave territory, as on the soulful âSave Meâ and the enticing âBeautiful Friend.â Still, The Undertones were at their best on the early, adrenaline-pumping classics like âTeenage Kicks,â â(Sheâs A) Runaround,â and âGet Over You.â Itâs hard to tell if this digital collection will spark renewed interest in the band, but as Sharkey wisely observed on âMore Songs About Chocolate & Girls,â âItâs never too late to enjoy dumb entertainment.â
— Terrence Flamm
