Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousin

dorofoto

Review by Rune Mo

Album Review: The Undertones – My Perfect Cousin Let’s talk about My Perfect Cousin, the 1980 gem from The Undertones. This UK-born rock album is a mix of Pop Rock and Post-Punk vibes that still hits differently today. Released under Sire Records, it’s got that raw energy thanks to producer Roger A. Béchirian and even a slick lacquer cut by Porky (yeah, I said it, Porky). But let’s dive into why this record sticks in your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk. First up, the title track, “My Perfect Cousin.” Man, this song is pure gold. It’s got that snarky, almost jealous tone wrapped up in bouncy guitar riffs and punchy drums. You can’t help but picture some guy stewing over his cousin's shiny new car or fancy clothes. It’s relatable in a weird way—if you’ve ever felt overshadowed by someone else’s success, this one’s for you. Plus, the chorus? Super sticky. Like, you’ll be humming it while brushing your teeth later. Then there’s “Hard Luck (Again).” This tune feels like life itself—messy, frustrating, but kinda fun at the same time. The lyrics are simple enough, but they pack a punch. There’s something about how the guitars jangle just right with the rhythm section that makes you want to nod along even if you’re not really paying attention. And honestly? That opening riff grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, listen up!” What’s wild about this album is how it balances being lighthearted and gritty all at once. Sure, the themes aren’t groundbreaking—jealousy, bad luck, love lost—but The Undertones deliver them with such charm that you don’t care. They weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel; they were just having fun driving it around. Thinking back on My Perfect Cousin, it’s funny how these songs from 1980 still feel fresh. Maybe it’s because we’re all secretly jealous of someone’s perfect cousin or bogged down by our own hard luck stories. Or maybe it’s just good music. Either way, this album reminds me of an old pair of sneakers—you wouldn’t expect them to hold up after so many years, but damn, do they ever fit well. Oh, and here’s the kicker: every time I hear “I Don’t Wanna See You Again,” I wonder who exactly pissed off the band. Was it really their cousin? Food for thought.

Download Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousin
Artist: Undertones, The
Album: My Perfect Cousin

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: undertones-the-my-perfect-cousin.zip
  • MP3 size: 19.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 98.1 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Hard Luck (Again)
I Don't Wanna See You Again
My Perfect Cousin

Catalog Numbers

SIR 4038, SIRE 4038

Labels

Sire

Listen online

  • ascolta in linea
  • online luisteren
  • écouter en ligne
  • ouvir online
  • escuchar en línea
  • lytte på nettet
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • lyssna på nätet
  • online anhören

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • Single
  • 45 RPM

Companies

RoleCompany
Distributed ByWEA Records Ltd.
Recorded AtWisseloord Studios
Published ByWarner Bros. Music Ltd.
Phonographic Copyright (p)Sire Records Company

Credits

RoleCredit
Lacquer Cut ByPorky
ProducerRoger A. Béchirian

Notes

  • B1 on Cover listed as "Hard Luck Again"
  • B2 on Cover listed as "I Don't Wanna See (You Again)"
  • Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland.
  • Manufactured in the UK
  • ℗ 1980 Sire Records Company
  • No catalog number on front sleeve, unlike the alternative sleeve edition.
  • Category on sleeve: SIRE 4038
  • Category on vinyl: SIR 4038

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (A-side center label): SIR 4038 A
  • Matrix / Runout (B-side center label): SIR 4038 B
  • Matrix / Runout (A-side runout): SIR 4038 A-1A ROCKiNG HUMDiNGER W-4KD A PORKY PRIME CUT
  • Matrix / Runout (B-side runout): SIR 4038 B-1 HUMMING DINGLEBERRIES W8-KD A PORKY PRIME CUT

About Undertones, The

télécharger l'album Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousinlataa albumi Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousinlast ned album Undertones, The - My Perfect CousinAlbum herunterladen Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousindescargar álbum Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousinladda ner album Undertones, The - My Perfect Cousin
The Undertones formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975. Their debut EP, Teenage Kicks, was released by Belfast record shop owner Terry Hooley on his Good Vibrations label in September 1978. The song captivated Britain's top DJ, , who played the song on his radio show. This attracted a deal from , which released the band's debut LP in April 1979. That Autumn, The Undertones earned kudos as a support act on the Clash's American tour. A second LP, Hypnotised, was recorded and released in 1980, followed in 1981 by their first LP for EMI, Positive Touch. The Sin Of Pride was released in 1983, shortly before the Undertones split up in the summer of 1983 after a series of summer festival gigs. Feargal Sharkey launched a short-lived solo career, while the O'Neills won critical plaudits - but little sales - for their tough-minded political band, That Petrol Emotion. Hopes of re-forming the original lineup for John Peel's 50th birthday fell apart after the O'Neills' father died. Their first new album in 20 years, Get What You Need, was released in September 2003. Original Line-up: John and Damian ONeill - guitar; Michael Bradley - bass; Billy Doherty - drums; Feargal Sharkey - vocals.

Name Vars

  • Undertones
  • ¢óÀüÈüóº

Members

  • Feargal Sharkey
  • Damian O'Neill
  • John O'Neill
  • Billy Doherty
  • Michael Bradley
  • Paul McLoone

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The Undertones' album *My Perfect Cousin*, released in 1980, features a mix of Pop Rock and Post-Punk vibes. It was produced by Roger A. Béchirian, who helped shape its punchy sound. One cool detail? The lacquer cut was done by someone credited simply as "Porky." Oh, and it includes tracks like *My Perfect Cousin* and *Hard Luck (Again)*—songs that still resonate with fans of UK rock. Not bad for an album over 40 years old!