"Never Understand" is the first single from the Scottish alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain's debut album Psychocandy. It was the band's first release on Blanco y Negro Records and was released through them in February 1985.[2] The song was written by William Reid and Jim Reid, and was produced by The Jesus and Mary Chain. It is considered influential for its use of guitar feedback.[3]
"Never Understand" | ||||
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Single by The Jesus and Mary Chain | ||||
from the album Psychocandy | ||||
B-side | "Suck" | |||
Released | February 1985 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 2:54 | |||
Label | Blanco y Negro | |||
Songwriter(s) | William Reid, Jim Reid | |||
Producer(s) | The Jesus and Mary Chain | |||
The Jesus and Mary Chain singles chronology | ||||
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The single reached number 47 on the UK Singles Chart.[4]
The song was ranked number 1 among the "Tracks of the Year" for 1985 by NME.[5]
Spin wrote, "On "Never Understand" the feedback shrieks like the zealous adolescent screams that drowned out the Beatles on every live record."[6] John Leland added, "The effect is striking, but it has no depth and doesn't go anywhere after the first few seconds. In Hüsker Dü's music, the buzzing guitar and pop hooks enhance one another; Jesus and Mary Chain never puts the two together."[7]
All tracks written by Jim Reid and William Reid, except where noted.