The Undertones - An Anthology

More than just our favourite DJ’s favourite song

John Peel’s enthusiastic championing of Teenage Kicks has arguably, over the years, served to eclipse the rest of The Undertones’ canon, but the appearance here of 27 previously unheard demos may help redress the balance. Derry’s finest were so much more than one-hit wonders and, as purveyors of smart, catchy new wave pop, they were matched only by The Buzzcocks.

Julie Ocean, You’ve Got My Number, It’s Going To Happen and Wednesday Week – any one of them would be enough to persuade lesser groups to ritually sacrifice a roadie for the rights to claim it as their own. Few bands have ever communicated so directly to their audience, speaking the language of Subbuteo, parentpurchased catalogue clothes and unattainable girls more interested in confectionary. Awkward adolescence writ large on Top Of The Pops.

The bonus disc of demos is utterly charming, even more shambling and honest than the pristine (?) product that followed, and should remind listeners of their own bedroom stabs at stardom as much as it will of what Feargal Sharkey and pals ultimately achieved. Keep it near the top of your CD pile, and treat yourself to teenage kicks right through your life.

Salvo | DCD 209 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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