The Undertones

While the Undertones' 1979 debut is rightly considered a punk-pop classic, this follow-up is just as good. The lads once again capture the mundane reality of normal teen life on such essentials as "My Perfect Cousin," the Rubber Soul-styled "Wednesday Week," and "More Songs About Chocolate & Girls," which could serve as the band's statement of purpose.

From the opening chorus--"Here's more songs about chocolate and girls/It's not so easy knowing they'll be heard"--the good-kids-of-the-year are as honest as power pop (remember power pop?) ever gets. They're also as powerful, which I bet has something to do with why they're so honest. The improved melodies have something to do with why it's not so easy any more. (Grade - A-)