Dexy’s transformation from punky soul band to Celtic soul collective proved very successful. “Come on Eileen” their second release was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic and the biggest selling record of 1982 in the UK. Their popularity grew with follow up singles, a Van Morrison cover, “Jackie Wilson Said” and “Let’s get this straight (From the Start)”.
After a 1983 tour the band had a two year break, returning in 1985 with a critically acclaimed album, “Don’t Stand Me Down”. Initially, Rowland refused to issue any singles from the record. The eventual release of “This Is What She’s Like” coming too late to save the album from commercial failure.
After a 1983 tour the band had a two year break, returning in 1985 with a critically acclaimed album, “Don’t Stand Me Down”. Initially, Rowland refused to issue any singles from the record. The eventual release of “This Is What She’s Like” coming too late to save the album from commercial failure.
The group would disband in 1986 as Rowland decided to go it alone, releasing “The Wanderer in 1988 which was widely panned by the critics. The 90s were hard as Kevin struggled with financial problems and drug addiction. He made plans to reform Dexy’s on several occasions the last being in 2003 with an announcement that the band would be reforming to tour their greatest hits album. Performances were well received and two new songs were recorded for release as singles. Unfortunately, neither record was ever released to the public.
Kevin Rowland has been described as arrogant, eccentric, ego maniac and many other things. I believe music genius could be added to that list, as a performer Rowland never pretended to be something he was not i.e., black. Amid Dexys' boisterous brass overtures driven by a punky/soul beat, Rowland's shrill, anxious, voice called out to the working class soul boys of Britain who worshipped the same soul legends that he idolized. In “Searching for the Young Soul Rebels”, he created, along with Kevin Archer, one of the greatest debut albums ever made.
DEXY'S TOP FIVE
1 There, There My Dear
2 Geno
3 Dance Stance
4 Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache
5 Jackie Wilson Said
Recommended Albums (click to preview)
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
The Projected Passion Review
The Best of Dexys Midnight Runners
DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS PRT.1
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