I'm sure you've probably got it on the list, but I've always enjoyed the (pretty faithful) version the Northern Irish band Ash often play as part of their encores (and there is a recorded version available)
Meant to attach this, it's an extract from my book - challenge69.substack.com - with TKs appearing at #2 on the (loosely autobiographical) lead character's list of all time favourite pop songs:
4) ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ by The Only Ones – not Perrett’s finest lyrical hour, but never has a song had a finer more irresistible rhythm, or a catchier chorus. Highest chart position 57, really!
3) ‘Girl from Mars’ by Ash – a beautifully structured song with clever teen words, its eponymous Martian love interest proving metaphorically unobtainable, but the point where the chorus kicks back in, from a quiet bridge, is pure genius.
2) ‘Teenage Kicks’ by The Undertones – the opening drumbeat hooks you, but the verses finish the job off, with a repeating guitar line perfectly underlining Feargal’s yearning each time his girl walks down the street.
1) ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ by The Cure – Pop precision. Jangly guitars drive Robert’s growing heartache, until it reaches the unmatchable pathos of misjudging the relationship’s limit and pushing the girl too far. Gets you every time.
For sure. If you're going to spend a year on one song...I can't think of a better choice. Scott's show is always great, but this takes it to another level for fans of punk/power pop. Thanks for checking it out!
Those Irish kids made my day. Thanks for sharing!
A year of TKs covers, awesome!
I'm sure you've probably got it on the list, but I've always enjoyed the (pretty faithful) version the Northern Irish band Ash often play as part of their encores (and there is a recorded version available)
Meant to attach this, it's an extract from my book - challenge69.substack.com - with TKs appearing at #2 on the (loosely autobiographical) lead character's list of all time favourite pop songs:
4) ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ by The Only Ones – not Perrett’s finest lyrical hour, but never has a song had a finer more irresistible rhythm, or a catchier chorus. Highest chart position 57, really!
3) ‘Girl from Mars’ by Ash – a beautifully structured song with clever teen words, its eponymous Martian love interest proving metaphorically unobtainable, but the point where the chorus kicks back in, from a quiet bridge, is pure genius.
2) ‘Teenage Kicks’ by The Undertones – the opening drumbeat hooks you, but the verses finish the job off, with a repeating guitar line perfectly underlining Feargal’s yearning each time his girl walks down the street.
1) ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ by The Cure – Pop precision. Jangly guitars drive Robert’s growing heartache, until it reaches the unmatchable pathos of misjudging the relationship’s limit and pushing the girl too far. Gets you every time.
For sure. If you're going to spend a year on one song...I can't think of a better choice. Scott's show is always great, but this takes it to another level for fans of punk/power pop. Thanks for checking it out!