Universal Audio (album)

Universal Audio
A cartoon illustration of a 1950s-era portable record player against a light blue background
Studio album by
The Delgados
Released20 September 2004
StudioChem19, Hamilton, Scotland
GenreIndie rock, pop
Length40:42
LabelChemikal Underground
ProducerTony Doogan, the Delgados
The Delgados chronology
Hate
(2002) 		Universal Audio
(2004) 		The Complete BBC Peel Sessions
(2006)
Singles from Hate
  1. "Everybody Come Down"
    Released: 6 September 2004
  2. "Girls of Valour"
    Released: 14 March 2005

Universal Audio is the fifth and final studio album by Scottish rock band the Delgados, released 20 September 2004 through Chemikal Underground. While touring in support of their fourth studio album Hate (2004), the band members felt disconnected from the live shows due to bringing extra musicians with them. They recorded their next album at Chem19 studios in Hamilton, Scotland, with Tony Doogan and the band splitting the producing role. Universal Audio is a pop album that strips away the orchestral rock sound of Hate and their third studio album The Great Eastern (2000).

Universal Audio received universal acclaim from critics, many of whom highlighted its stripped-down sound, while retaining high-quality songwriting. It charted at number 49 in Scotland, and number 105 in the UK. Its lead single "Everybody Come Down" peaked at number 56 in Scotland, and number 67 in the UK. The second single, "Girls of Valour", charted at number 98 in the UK. "Everybody Come Down" was released on 6 September 2004, which was followed by a tour of the United Kingdom. The Delgados toured the United States and Europe to end the year; after a Scottish tour in February 2005, "Girls of Valour" was released on 14 March 2005.