This has been a favourite of mine for years. If the sun's shine was converted into music, it would sound something like this. Released in 1981 on Steve Parks' only LP release (as far as I'm aware), this oft compiled track has stood the test of time. Another track I don't tire from listening to.
from Movin' in the Right Direction (Solid Smoke Records SS-8012) available on CD - Soulful (Luv N Haight)
One of several great tracks from the end of their career as a band. Fantastic recording quality, too. Originally the B side for "One of Us", omitted from "The Visitors" but included as a bonus track from 1997 onwards.
The innocent punky charm of Teenage Kicks was a distant memory by the time this yearning gentle beatbox ballad was recorded ,a sad summer song to lost love and playground nostalgia with a beguiling maturity not often assciated with The Undertones .
from The Positive Touch available on CD - The Positve Touch
The song is somewhat reminiscent of their earlier output, featuring grand piano and more strings than their past few singles. Beautiful song by a brilliant band.
"I've got a ticket to the moon, but i'd rather see the sunshine in your eyes"
21 Oct 10 ·Mike: Nice to see this recommendation! Simple song with a pretty post-Beatles melody. I've just dug out my LP of Time and have been playing side 1. It really sparkles! 21 Oct 10 ·Mike: My favourite song on the album is "21st Century Man" on side 2, which I thing rates highly among their overall output and is maybe the last great song they produced. The weakest song on the album has to be the single "Hold on Tight" which sounds as though they were trying to compete with Shakin' Stevens!
After two years of insatiable and irresistable clowning around Madness slowed down.Grey Day is an ode to urban drudgery and the terrors of city living distilled into three minutes of downbeat melancholy but with all the Madness trademarks ,melody,humour and acute social observation .Such was their appeal at this time that the public simply moved with them into their new maturity and made this a top 5 hit in 1981
from 7/Seven (Stiff) available on CD - 7 or Greatest Hits