The Undertones
THE UNDERTONES
Rykodisc
Founded in Northern Ireland in 1976 and influenced by the usual suspects (The Clash, Buzzcocks, Sex Pistols), the Undertones could have been just another angry punk band. Rather, they took the catchiness heard in those influences, and instead of writing socially aware lyrics, sang about girls, fast cars and, well, more girls. The frivolity can be heard in such terrific songs as "Family Entertainment," "Here Comes the Summer," "Get Over You" and "Teenage Kicks." The Undertones stands out from the pack of similar pop-punkers because the hooks are just so damned memorable. Lead singer Feargal Sharkey's vocals warble and shake with capricious disregard. Pure fun, a blast.
This article appears in Nov 15-21, 2006.