By this time, The Undertones had switched labels and recorded a challenging, slightly arty record that didn’t sound much like their first two, and showed an amazing artistic development. There are musical elements not on the previous recordings (horns, Paul Carrack’s keyboards); still, the band’s creativity, intelligence and personality make this a tremendously rewarding record. Not where one unfamiliar with the ‘Tones should start (get that guitar rush first), but once under their spell, Positive Touch will become almost as important as the first two albums. Reissued on CD with four bonus tracks by Rykodisc in 1994. – John Dougan