By: Mike Madavi
Though the Undertones only released four albums and were active for a mere five years, they’ve managed to make a musical legacy that still gets them credited as one of the best power pop/garage rock/punk rock groups ever. Formed in 1975 in the city of Derry, Northern Ireland, the five piece of brothers John and Damian O’Neil, Drummer Bill Doherty, Bassist Michael Bradley, and vocalist Fergal Sharkey initially started out as a cover group, playing regular gigs in the famous Casbah club. With the introduction of punk rock to the UK music scene (primarily from the Sex Pistols. Buzzcocks, and imported by the Ramones), the group began to change their sound and introduced hammering, power chord oriented guitar hooks that were as infectious as the top groups of the time.
The band never truly received the recognition that those larger names out of the US and larger English cities now have, but their greatness was not all together overlooked; legendary BBC 1 radio DJ and musical enthusiast extraordinaire John Peel (who’s name you’ve seen in the title of countless band’s “Peel Sessions”) claimed that the first time he heard “Teenage Kicks,” the Undertones most recognized (and arguably best) track, he had to pull his car over. Peel would claim the song was his favorite ever for the remainder of his life and when he did sadly pass in 2004, he requested that his gravestone simply state his name and the song’s opening line. Let’s put it this way, if there was anyone who ever honestly gave any band a listen and could really claim to have an ear for talent, it was John Peel; that means if he says “Teenage Kicks” is the best track ever, it might damn well be true.
Until now the Undertones fantastic catalog wasn’t available on iTunes, but we’re pleased to announce the digital distribution of the band’s four albums, the Teenage Kicks EP, and a Best-Of Compilation. What was it that made Peel love their most recognized track? If I had to guess, I’d say the song’s balance is one factor: every different element from guitars to drums to Sharkey’s quivering vocals are all in total proportion (with not too much or too little of anything). Also, the song is probably the purest expressions of teenage punk pop I’ve ever heard: fairly simple in structure, a unison of angst with energy, happy and sad at the same time, and regarding emotions we all feel. Don’t take my word (maybe take John Peel’s word) for it, take a listen to the Undertones and see what all the fuss is about.
Here’s a bonus video of the group in 1976 performing “Teenage Kicks” on Top of The Pops. You’ll want to watch it again and again:
Details on the releases after the jump…
Artist: The Undertones
Title: The Undertones
Label: Union Square Music
Genre: Rock : Rock
UPC: 0698458352682
Territory: US and Canada
Release Date: 06.28.10
Artist: The Undertones
Title: Teenage Kicks EP
Label: Union Square Music
Genre: Rock : Rock
UPC: 0698458353085
Territory: US and Canada
Release Date: 06.28.10
Artist: The Undertones
Title: The Best of The Undertones
Label: Union Square Music
Genre: Rock : Rock
UPC: 0698458352583
Territory: US and Canada
Release Date: 06.28.10
Related Posts:
Tags: The Undertones
