The Kids Are Sick Again

"The Kids Are Sick Again" is a song by Newcastle-upon-Tyne band Maxïmo Park. It is the first single released from their third studio album, Quicken the Heart. The single was released on 4 May 2009. The song entered the UK singles chart at #50.

Frontman Paul Smith explained to the NME that this song is about the effect of advertisements on the youth today. He said: "I guess I thought society as a whole is bombarded by advertisements and to me that's why the kids are sick again. It's a funny sounding phrase but it's a serious song - so it's a nice blend of being amused, but [also] I hope people sit up and take notice of it." Drummer Tom English added: "They [the youth of today] can't express themselves anymore and this is for them."

Smith told Drowned in Sound: "The first line ('The comforting ache of the summer holiday') indicates that queasy feeling of adolescent isolation that I remember experiencing. The song's ultimate feeling is of escape and I think the music builds to that release after a pulsing, atmospheric beginning."

Track listings
The track listing was revealed via e-mail to fans signed up to the bands mailing list and also made available on their online store.

CD
 * 1) "The Kids Are Sick Again" – 3:05
 * 2) "Russian Dolls" – 2:58

7" 1 (Yellow vinyl)
 * 1) "The Kids Are Sick Again" – 3:05
 * 2) "Tales of the Semi-Detached" – 1:58

7" 2 (Orange vinyl)
 * 1) "The Kids Are Sick Again" (acoustic) – 2:53
 * 2) "History Books" – 2:45

Digital Download
 * 1) "The Kids Are Sick Again" (Demo Version)

iTunes Download EP
 * 1) "The Kids Are Sick Again" – 3:05
 * 2) "Russian Dolls" – 2:58
 * 3) "Tales of the Semi-Detached" – 1:58
 * 4) "History Books" – 2:45