My Perfect Cousin
In 1980, the Undertones released their sixth single, "My Perfect Cousin". The song, which had been written in the summer of 1979 by Damian O'Neill and Michael Bradley, reached number 9; their highest charting single in the UK.
Current members:
- John O'Neill – rhythm guitar and backing vocals
- Michael Bradley – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Billy Doherty – drums
- Damian O'Neill – lead guitar, keyboards and backing vocals
- Paul McLoone – lead vocals
Bradley joined his school friend's group in Derry, Northern Ireland in the summer of 1974. They had two guitars and no singer. Four years later the Undertones recorded 'Teenage Kicks', John Peel's favourite record and became one of the most cherished UK bands of the post punk era.
In 2016, Michael Bradley (Bass and Vocals) describes the scene back then, in his book 'Teenage Kicks, My Life as an Undertone'.
A cracking read that captures the camaraderie and raw enthusiasm of their experiences with Bradley's anecdotal frankness, modesty and humour.
A tale for anyone trying their best not to grow up...

Lyrics
Now I've got a cousin called Kevin
He's sure to go to heaven
Always spotless clean and neat
The smoothest you can get them
He's got a fur lined sheepskin jacket
My ma said they cost a packet
She won't even let me explain
That me and Kevin were just not the same
----
Oh my perfect cousin
What I like to do he doesn't
He's his family's private joy
His mothers little golden boy
He's gotta a grade in economics
Maths - physics and bionics
He thinks that I'm a cabbage
'cause I hate university challenge
Even at the age of ten
Smart boy Kevin was a smart boy then
He always beat me at Subbuteo
'cause he flicked the kick
And I didn't know
Oh my perfect cousin
What I like to do he doesn't
He's his family's private joy
His mothers little golden boy
----
His mother bought him a synthesizer
Got the Human League into advise her
Now he's making lots of noise
Playing along with the art school boys
Girls try to attract his attention
But what a shame it's in vain total rejection
He will never be left on the shelf
'cause Kevin he's in love with himself
----
Oh my perfect cousin
What I like to do he doesn't
He's his family's private joy
His mothers little golden boy