• [Hypnotised insert A - was originally coloured polaroids on the LP but B/W on the CD]
• [Hypnotised insert B - was originally coloured polaroids on the LP but B/W on the CD]

Alex Ogg 1994

Rarely in the history of music has the term 'perfect pop' been coined so readily to describe the efforts of such a short musical career. The Undertones were five lads from Derry - Northern Ireland - who for the same number of years synthesized the rudiments of pop with punks brash energy better than anybody. What they did was simplicity itself; big chords - rude and ready harmonies and chorus lines that settled deep into the subconscious. The Undertones communicated the possibilities of pop music so naturally - that it was impossible not to share their exhilaration and delight.

Each of their four albums chronicle a distinct musical progression within that timescale. Despite what many critics have suggested - the. band were remarkable for something other than their intimacy with the three minute - infectious pop nugget. They were - in addition - a musically cohesive unit whose creative ambitions were anchored more by the perceptions of others than their own instincts.

Over ten years since the band's dissolution - it still seems strange to think of The Undertones with reverence. Not that such tribute is undue - but because the honest - unpretentious nature of the band - which was such a large part of their charm - always militated against any pomposity or appeasement. The appropriate reaction is simply to acknowledge the unhindered - boundless entertainment which these recordings have always conveyed to me - and thousands of others.

The 'Tones were still riding on the crest of a wave when they entered the studio to record a follow up to their debut. Hypnotised was duly aired - ceremoniously - and in its entirety - by John Peel. Though its sales would never match those of its predecessor - it gained the band their highest chart entry (No.6). Among the noteworthy tracks are 'More Songs About Chocolate And Girls' - a self-mocking ode which invited the band's critics to play catch-up - summarily derailing previous press. "It's never too late to enjoy dumb entertainment" became one of the album's most frequently quoted lines. However - more telling - perhaps - was the accompanying: "It's not so easy knowing they'll be heard - a lot less time but a lot more care" - which neatly summarised the Undertones 'difficult' second album quandary.

Having enjoyed over two years honing their debut set - not to mention unlimited critical indulgence following its release - the pressure was on to come up with the '15 Rockin' Humdingers' which subtitled the album.

In the end the tracks were composed largely in just one month. Despite what 'More Songs About Chocolate And Girls' suggested - the band's songwriting had moved on apace: this time scenarios were populated with a broader cast of characters and more subtle palate. Not that the affair was conducted without the requisite sense of infectious - irreverent gusto. Recording in the studio the band had dedicated each day to a particular influence - 'Hard Luck' being the result of their 'Gary Glitter Day'. And it showed.

Where 'Whizz Kids' could have been housed on their debut - 'Girls That Don't Talk' and 'Hypnotised' were more fully realised numbers. What they sacrificed in pace was more than compensated for by sheer force of presence - and both would become muscular live staples. The single 'Wed Week' (the first Undertones song that Feargal's parents liked) - alongside the opulent 'Tearproof' - suggested more to the band's armoury than three chord anthems. The execution demonstrated a fine grasp of 60s pop semantics - and it gave a new platform for Sharkey's emotive delivery. However - arguably the LP's most memorable moment is 'My Perfect Cousin'. Accompanied by martial riffing from the O'Neill brothers - the lyric recounted the injustices suffered at the hands - and mind - of cousin Kevin. Rarely has the English language been so happily twisted to accommodate lines like: "He thinks that I'm a cabbage - 'cos I hate University Challenge".

The bonus tracks on this CD include one of the essential Undertones recordings. 'You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It!)' is an absolute marvel - complete with a scintillating solo and one of Sharkey's most imploring vocals. Also included are that single's B-side treatment of the Chocolate Watch Band's 'Let's Talk About Girls' - the group's first cover version (narrowly preceding Hypnotised ' Under The Boardwalk').

In addition - 'Hard Luck (Again)' and 'I Don't Wanna See You Again' are taken from the flip of 'My Perfect Cousin' - and 'Told You So' - from 'Wed Week'.