Name: Positive Touch
Brand: The Undertones

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4050538863307

Colour

White

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-08-25

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Warner Music Group

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

White LP

Artist

The Undertones

Genre GB

Punk / Hardcore

Label GB

BMG Rights Management, formerly known as Bertelsmann Music Group, is a global music conglomerate with a rich history in the industry. Originally formed in 1985 as a joint venture between Bertelsmann AG and RCA, BMG has since evolved into a powerhouse of music production and distribution.

In 1986, Bertelsmann acquired full ownership of RCA and Arista Records through the purchase of their joint venture's stock from General Electric. The following year, these labels were merged under the umbrella of Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG), solidifying its position as a major player in the music world.

In 2004, BMG joined forces with Sony Music to create Sony BMG Music Entertainment. However, in 2008, Bertelsmann sold its stake in the company, leading to the formation of BMG Rights Management. Today, BMG continues to thrive as a leading record label and distributor worldwide.

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, John Peel, who played the song on his BBC radio show. This attracted a deal from Sire, which released the band's debut LP in April 1979.

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 before the Undertones split up after a series of summer festival gigs.

Feargal Sharkey launched a short-lived solo career while the O'Neills won critical plaudits for their tough-minded political band That Petrol Emotion. Hopes of re-forming the original lineup fell apart after the O'Neills' father died. Their first new album in 20 years Get What You Need was released in September 2003.

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Back In Stock

The Undertones formed in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1975 and released their third album Positive Touch in 1981 which peaked at #17 in the UK Charts.

Positive Touch marks the departure from speedy pop-punk of their first two debut albums though the songwriting remains as tight and lively with plenty of hooks that keep you listening. The punk-derived energy is almost entirely gone, replaced by a more varied and softer instrumental palette that features new textures like piano (courtesy of Paul Carrack, then in Squeeze) recorders and brass instrumentation.

Features the lovely "Julie Ocean" which has an undercurrent of anxiety, as well as much faster tracks like the pounding opener "Fascination" and the near- paranoid "His Goodlooking Girlfriend" are downright nerve-wracking. 

This reissue is an exact replica of the embossed original sleeve and has been pressed on white colour vinyl for the first time.

Positive Touch

Music GB