Reviews (page 7 of 9)
"I came for EIlen stood for Reminisce" - David "Its a deaf in one ear kinda album - Caleb
Always seen Dexy Midnight Runners as a one hit wonder, but this album proves they were more than that.
Besides Come on Eileen, nothing really caught my interest. Not sure why this is on the list actually.
It's enjoyable but Come on Eileen is the only thing truly memorable on here. Also why does this guy sound just like Robert Smith?
So Come On Eileen is obviously the prize of this album, but by its weight alone does it drag this album up to three stars in my view. It’s such a weird marriage of folk, soul, spoken word poetry, and New Wave. I’d say it’s unique, but we had Dexy’s first album on this list as well so…
Celtic disco rock. Not for me, but fun at weddings.
DMR's "come on eileen" is on their too-rye-ay album and is a certifiable bop. it stands as a great example of combining celtic music with new wave, but so do several other songs on this album--though they just aren't as good of songs. this sound is definitely unique specifically to DMR and no one could try to replicate it without sounding like a copycat. i appreciate the nod to heritage, but really, just an ok album to me.
For some reason, the 1001 algorithm saw fit to give me Dexys Midnight Runners almost back to back, separated by only one album between them. I definitely wanted to churn out a listen and a review for this album while the previous album, "Searching for the Young Soul Rebels", was still fresh in my mind. This album was fine; I'd even go as far as to say "pretty good". But for me, it didn't live up to the hype of "Come on Eileen". The rest of the album just kind of blended into the same general sound. While definitely not unpleasant, it still felt relatively one-note. "Come on Eileen" finishes out the album with a bang...a bang that the entirety of the album fails to nail up until this point. Once again the album is described as new wave, but this album feels a bit more bluesy, a bit more folky, and again, a bit more proto-ska. I know there is yet one more Dexys Midnight Runners album on this project...to which I ask...why? They're fine, but arguably do not need to be on this project three times.
I always thought they were a one-hit wonder so was very surprised at how much I liked the album as a whole. Liked the first half more than the second. Rating: 4.4
Maybe it's because I grew up in an Irish music-centric home, but I enjoyed the Irish spin that Dexy's put on pop music in the 80s. You really can't argue when a group that adds violin, banjo and tin whistle to their music can be called a successful pop band - and hey, some 40+ years down the road 'Come on Eileen' is still a great hype song. 4/5.
I was looking forward to this. I've been told that DMR have a ton of bops outside of Come On Eileen and Geno. Well...it just sounded like DMR on weaker tracks than Come On Eileen and Geno. Not bad...but perhaps I was expecting too much
Upbeat and a lot of fun
Come on Eileeeeeen!
eh
I really liked how the songs varied.
Surprisingly good. About half of this album could have been released and been popular singles.
Good
Great album. Loved the strings. More pop songs need strings
Totally over the top. But the songs are great and the arrangements are sharp. However the production is a little too huge sometimes.
I had a bit of fun with dancing towards the middle (and, of course, Come On Eileen), but overall I can’t get past how much I dislike the singer’s voice
12/26/23. I only knew the song Come On Eileen beforehand, but was pleasantly surprised with how fun and expansive this album is! A lot of blues and jazz influence, and I can bet some later work pulled a lot from this album. Adding this one to the top rotation.
# 138 : Interesting mix of songs. Not too bad of a mix. Typical 80's vibe that produced one of the most played songs on the radio... Come On Eileen
One has never quite sussed how Dexy's came to be such a critical fave. Now, having gone pretty deep on listening, one remains semi-perplexed. Not that's this is a bad record; it's quite enjoyable, in fact, but certainly sub-transcendent. One finds oneself trying to like it a bit more than one really wants to. It sounds good but feels maybe too overdone or overdetermined, a bit forced or contrived. It might be just too many strings and horns, say, which makes songs feel overweighted and puts one on edge waiting for cowbell). Also sounds like they were a bit fixated on image and presentation – a sure sign of trying too hard. The Van cover doesn't add to the impact overall, makes them seem like a less original and derivative band. The strengths are considerable soulfulness (see "Make This Precious" and "Old"), the overall vibe of organic, troubadoring minstrelsry and a mostly happy bent, like they're having a decent time making music. And Rowland's a strong vocalist, though a bit more restraint might be additive. There are times where he seems to have been listening to too much Freddie Mercury. Overall, though, one gets somewhat won over ... a high quantity of relatively high quality (even quality-plus) tunefulness. (But who releases a "What It Should've Sounded Like" reissue that sounds very close to original.)
3,5. furðulegt á köflum. skrítin blanda en á skilið aðra yfirferð.
Kevin Rowland is a nutter. Incomprehensible lyrics, slavedriver mentality, showman and perfectionist. There's so much to like about this. The horns. The energy. The anger.
Lovely bouncy music. Very upbeat
Couldn’t really understand a word they were saying but come on Eileen amirite
Mid
Listening to the original release’s tracklist, I wondered if it would just be a big buildup until Come On Eileen finally was the curtain closer. The instrumental and vocal performances certainly were cohesive and consistent, so if I was hooked on the group’s style, I would like all the songs and the strong poppy, folkish vibes of the album. But Come On Eileen being the breakout song and by far the one I’ve been exposed to most, it still outshines the rest in catchiness and melody (the melody in the second half of Old is really nice though). They sort of reminded me of ABBA and Bee Gees, and these songs could seamlessly fit in a playlist of pop from that generation and be a good time. 5.5/10
Goodness gracious me this is fantastic. I think because of the ubiquity of Eileen, I'd slightly misplaced Dexys as a bit of a novelty act, but definitely not any more! I absolutely couldn't believe the heart and soul poured into this album, in particular on Old, which is possibly the best new song I've found on The Project thus far. All in all, this was simply a joy to listen to, and one that I'm going to come back to again and again.
I mean Come On, Eileen is one of those songs in the rock and roll firmament. And there is some cool stuff in this. Jackie Wilson Said is a killer. Listening to this on Youtube is a bear. man its a shame this album got lost in the sauce because of Come On, Eileen. This was a great record!
Not the one-hit wonders I thought...
Plucky, sweet and soulful with rich arrangements and a strong pop sensibility. And, I'll add, really unique for a pop album of its time. The musical landscape of 1982 was really all over the map, and Dexy's still managed to stand out from every other crazy thing that was going on. It sounds as refreshing now as it did then and it was a joy hearing it today. I'll also add that this album has the best Van Morrison cover I can ever recall hearing. Fave Songs: Come On Eileen, Old, Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile), The Celtic Soul Brothers (More, Please, Thank You), Until I Believe in My Soul, All in All (This One Last Wild Waltz)
Some good tracks but not really my thing
I had the Pogues to listen to a few days ago with their Celtic punk, here’s Dexy’s with their Celtic soul. Not as timeless, but a fun throwback to the 80s and what predated the Britpop wave. A bonus star for being so darn cheery.
amazing new wave with celctic influence! This album is very fun and creative all the way through. Come On Eileen is a perfect song through and through. 8.4/10
Heard of the artist, but not the album. This has ‘Come on Eileen’ though which is a classic. Like the vibe right away - so far a potential 4/5 library add.
Disclosure: I came into this already hating "Come On Eileen". I really have trouble with this lead singer's voice. The way he uses his vibrato gives me the ick and I don't like his tone, especially how he transitions from falsetto to chest voice the way you'd go from talking to shouting. The track "Plan B" had an especially intolerable vocal performance. I liked the violin solo on the opening track. I hate the hokey claps and brass section on "Let's Make This Precious" and his Elvis-ass vocal inflections. And it doesn't get better for me. It just got more grating as the album continued. I heard the introduction to "Jackie Wilson Said" and actually gritted my teeth, bracing myself for the songs to follow. This is an over-produced, over-sung, overstuffed but uninteresting record that annoyed me start to finish.
Was fun
Hey 1001, albums that have 1 memorable song and a bunch of forgettable ones isn't an album you have to listen to. Thank you.
Come on Eileen is still the catchiest tune on this one.
Finally, something a little more upbeat and happy. I’m familiar with the most popular song on here but could’ve never told you the artist before now. The songs in general aren’t bad to listen to, but each tends to overstay its welcome. Each could be trimmed by at least a minute without losing anything. Notable tracks: Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile), Come On Eileen
Ihan ok
Such a generic british cat shreaks shit
garageband queen med gaulete sanger som er rough around the edges med noen få fete blåserekker og riff og noen fete låter.
Wow. Jeg visste om Dexys Midnight runners, trodde jeg. Men dette albumet har jeg vel aldri hørt før, trodde jeg. Jeg har vokst opp med dette albumet. Pappa sin rotasjon var ikke så alt for stor, og involverte stort dett bare Queen, Genesis, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel….og DETTE JÆVLA ALBUMET. I det første sangen startet innså jeg hvor godt jeg faktisk kjenner denne plata. Jeg kunne hver eneste jævla sang. Nostalgi BOMBE. For ikke å snakke om bare et flott album. Arbeiderklasse-musikk. Rotete og ryddig.
It wasn't bad. Some decent tunes on that album, and it is a shame they got a One Hit Wonder tag.
Happy tunes. ☘️💕🎶🥳
this was everywhere for a few years in UK - imagine it would have been fun live at the time, but unlikely to spill cider and black all over my floor these days
I accidentally like Dexy's now
Gets stale after a while. The first three songs were enjoyable, and then Eileen of course. The rest is meh.
Surprisingly didnt hate it, but at the same time didnt care much for it. Mixing sounds kind of all over the place, but at the same time I think if someone enjoys this type of music, they can get a lot out of it.
i wasnt expecting this to be good, every single song here is great. the electric viola or whatever it is adds so much to the beats and grooves in here.
I feel like this could have definitely been more exciting. It was fun start to finish, but only some of it was memorable. You only got one song with any staying power. Otherwise wonderful. 3/5
Great album!
Difficult to understand what the main singer is saying. Come on Eileen is still a banger. Would be 2/5 if not for that song
Decent
Doesn't do it for me. Seems ok overall.
alguns hits!
Such a fun album! Come on Eileen is obviously a classic, but the rest of the songs were enjoyable. I assumed they would be a one hit wonder band and the rest wouldn't be worth listening to... I'm happy that I was wrong!
Eileen TahLooRye! I wonder if these guys had anticipated that song being played at every Manitoba wedding social from 1982 until eternity
Come on Eileen is good but Don't Walk Away Eileen is better - did not like this very much.
Interesting, definitely not terrible but didn't connect with me a ton either. Come On Eileen is so good.
Come on Eileen is enough DMR for me.
Godt album synes jeg. Kunne jeh godt lytte til igen. Lyttede d 23-10-23 om morgenen på job og hos Caro. Kunne hurtigt høre at det også var denne gruppe der havde skrevet Come one eileen.
2 stars... gee I wonder what song from this album caused it to make the list
Living in the UK, I’ve heard come on Eileen too many times
Besides for Come on Eileen, this is not good.
i like the instrumental
This is an example of not to judge a book by its cover or so to say: never judge an album by its single. I had no idea who Dexys Midnight Runners even was... So come to find out that they did the iconic 80s pop anthem this is "Come On Eileen" I was immediately turned off. Don't let the fact that the song is fully played out stop you from checking this album out. The folksiness and bluesy feel of the album is what really caught my attention. The fact that I came out of this listening experience more curious than disappointed lets me know this is something that requires a revisit. Shout-out Dexys, this makes me feel like the 80s is more interesting outside of the standard outliers from the main genres. 3 and a half out of 5 stars.
I’d hesitate to call this a classic. The most recent album I’ve been exposed to that I also wouldn’t call a classic was Beyond Skin by Nintin Sawhney, but I think that I enjoyed that one more. More of the songs stuck out. Another reviewer has said that most of the songs blend into a fairly enjoyable mush, which are my sentiments exactly. The good songs are really good, and the weaker songs aren’t unenjoyable, just forgettable. Or maybe it’s an album that needs more than two listens to fully appreciate. I’ll probably find myself coming back to it.
This was a lot better than i was expecting considering what the biggest hit is. would i go back? no
Mostly fun, folky, pop music with a real classic in Come on Eileen and a decent cover of Van Morrison.
Some fun songs. Some boring ones. Only reinforces my theory for you to have best selling record back in the you only needed one really good song.
Funny shit, the voice is a bit annoying, but overall nice
I think this may be my favorite thing that I did not know (I mean, I knew Come on Eileen, but that was it) before the project. It is fun and a wonderful mash up of soul, punk and Irish music. Like nothing else. Will for sure return to it.
I decided to be brutally honest on this one. I totally hated it. I get why some people might enjoy it but I just can't. I found almost everything either boring or annoying.
Nah man this ain't it
Bizarre, but I like it. Some really old time techniques - call and response, crooning, grazing in the grass. Glad the horns stayed on f or this one. Will be interested in what they sound like without them.
Only familiar with Come on Eileen. This album sounds just like I expected it would based on that song, for better and for worse. 3.5/5
It kind of reminds me of a Celtic Electric Light Orchestra, but that is not a bad thing. Actually, it reminds me of all sort of influences, as you can hear artists like Talking Heads, David Bowie, and the entirety of punk having huge marks on the music at play here. Yet, it is all entirely its own thing here, with each song having this unique charm that feels just new wave enough to be catchy enough without coming off as just jumping in on the times. The change of music from ballads to bopping pop tunes is great and balanced well, and that fiddle is a fantastic addition to make it all its own musically. Not every slow ballad grabs me, and the hit here, Come On Eileen, I've heard far too much to give it a proper time of day, but otherwise this album is great, and I hope the somehow other two inclusions by the band on the list live up to being as good as this one.
80s English
Come on eileen is zo'n kutnummer, rest nog net ok. 1.25
47/100
Pleasant Irish-flavored pop. “Come On Eileen” is of course the standout.
Not really a fan, but it's reasonably good music to work to.
For better or for worse, if you’ve heard “Come on Eileen,” you know exactly what to expect from the other songs on this album that you haven’t heard before.
Come on Eileen, britisk 80’er pop, new wave, munter lyd, smelter lidt sammen
Yeah and no more British 80s new wave as well. Unless you lost your virginity to Dexys Midnight Runners, there is no reason to put three of their albums on this list. Rice cake for my ears. Blandest shit ever made.
Classic!
Come on Eileen seems to be a one hit wonder. The other tracks were more filler (but fun).
Eileen is an all time banger. Some of the other songs were fun but a lot less memorable.
A lot of sound, thays doesn't sound like anybody else! Mainly upbeat with a final story telling track
Wow. I actually kind of looked forward to listening to this... "Come On Eileen" was a sensation, really unusual sound, fun record, and I thought there was a decent chance that this record would be in the vein of Violent Femmes or B-52s or something like that, quirky, energetic. Yawn! Definitely a case of video killing the radio star, this act looked cool on TV, and the single had a huge hook, but the album is pretty terrible. I'll give it a two just because the single is still fun, energetic, and relatable even now.
они милые, но похожи на всех просто
Gave this a run on a Monday morning and it didn’t really click for me. It was a groggy morning, so I gave it a fair shake with another listen later in the day and it’s fine but still no connection here for me. It’s definitely a distinct sound, Kevin Rowland’s vocals are energetic but also wear on me at times. There are some jams here, 3 stars
so. good.
This album didn't do a whole lot for me, though I didn't hate it either. It just kind of played in the background and rarely piqued my interest. That being said I do like the production a lot more than the last Dexys Midnight Runners' album I got and I think it's more consistent on a whole. 'Come On Eileen' is a classic and a good Van Morrison cover. Standout Tracks: Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile), Plan B, Come On Eileen
2.5/5. Very 80s, and nothing that I'll need to hear again. Come On Eileen is alright. Overall, this is fine and average.
Fun folky album, I don't think we needed two albums by Dexys Midnight Runners in this list. Overall I enjoyed it.
The second Dexy Midnight Runners album dealt to us in a couple of weeks. Again, I mostly enjoyed what they are pumping out. More specifically, I liked the fullness of the horns and strings, as well as the overall upbeat tone. An hour straight of it was a bit much, but it's much better than the majority of other 80s pop I've heard. I probably won't be adding this to my playlists or anything, but it's been fun and different.
couple of bangers
I don't really know why exactly but I couldn't enjoy this otherwise fun sounding album. Perhaps it's his slightly annoying, whiny voice? I have already known 'Come On Eileen' before, but I didn't know it was from this band. This album wasn't for me.
Competent reeling from the pop-folksters. Pleasing enough, but ultimately forgettable.
Tried to vote as if we have just had another Dexys album a few days ago. Added a star for Come on Eileen
too long, didn't need the live versions and they sounded awful
classic
Only familiar with "Come On Eileen" and I thought there was a reason they were one-hit wonders, but this album was surprisingly good. No big standouts besides that one, but still a nice, pleasant listen.
I could definitely see myself playing this in the car with with the windows down on a sunny day.
Really fun, come on eileen is a classic but the rest of the album is just as great
AJ: folk…ska…? Come on, Eileen.
A soulful new wave album that brought Dexys Midnight Runners to an American audience thanks to the hit Come on Eileen. Standouts: Come on Eileen, The Celtic Soul Brothers, Jackie Wilson Said. Wonderful album. Fresh sound. 4/5
High 3
Much better than I was expecting from a one hit wonder. Very solid album. I like the vocal style a lot.
come on eileen (this album was fine)
This type of music is just not for me. Nothing about this appeals to me. Even their biggest song “come on eileen” is just an ok song to me.
Hella nice
This was a strong album. I think the second half lost me a little bit until the end. but I still liked those songs. The transitions were cool. The album felt very coherent; no song felt out of place. The first three songs were a great introduction to the album. I figured that Come On Eileen would be at the beginning, but it's a fun closing track. Kinda close to being a 5 star, but not quite there. Still great. My favourite songs were Come On Eileen and The Celtic Soul Brothers.
It seems surprising to see Dexys Midnight Runners as an essential album. I always saw them as a bit of a one hit wonder, but clearly a lot of people would disagree with this! Let’s listen and find out how a full album sounds Songs I already knew: Come On Eileen Favourites: Come On Eileen, Jackie Wilson Said, The Celtic Soul Brothers I enjoyed this quite a lot, which honestly surprised me somewhat. Their music is so very distinctive in sound. There certainly aren’t many pop bands using a mix of banjo, trumpets, piano, and violins, and this makes them very easy to identify, even if you may not be familiar with a song. This was catchy from front to back, and it really seems a shame that people (like myself before today) thought they only had one good song.
Come On Eileen is untouchable Jackie Wilson is a fine cover The rest is ok but certainly not essential
New wave. Son los de Come On Eileen.
Better than I expected. For the life of me though, I don't know why three of these are on the list.
Wow, this was so much better than expected. I'd thought it was going to be too folky (plus Come on Eileen), as fiddles and such tend to lead the music. It's testament to Dexys that they lead those instruments (as they did with a soul band) towards their own pop vision.
The band is good at the style of music they play, but this style of New Wave has a cap for me of how much I can enjoy it. 2.5/5
Brilliant stuff
I did not need to hear this before I die.
👍 Must be best live 2
First three albums of DMR are all five stars (10/10). This is album 2.
Another very nice Dexys album, slightly less convincing than their debut.
Australian 80s. The album leads more into the sound of folk bar music than I had expected.
now i can say i know a song that isnt come on eileen and rightfully so because every song from instrumentals to vocals was just great
I was already familiar with "Come On Eileen" , of course... But discovering what this band--mixing blue-eyed soul and traditional folk sounds--had under their belt was interesting. I'm not gonna lie, though: as of now, I'm not head over heels about what Kevin Rowland and co. accomplished in their first couple of albums--as striking as said albums might have sounded to some listeners at the time. I understand the Van Morrison filiation (in case you missed it, there's a cover of the Irish songwriter in *Too Rye Ay*'s tracklist), and I think I "get" the overall artistic intent behind this whole thing. But I still have a hard time finding Dexys Midnight Runner endearing. It's a matter of personal taste when it comes to hooks, chords and vocal lines, probably... Not that the band is "bad", by any means. The horn section in Dexys debut *Searching For The Young Soul Rebels* already gave a somewhat ska-like atmosphere to the whole thing, and made this act sound sincere and authentic--even though I didn't think everything in that debut was *that* memorable. In comparison, this sophomore effort is a slicker affair, and the addition of strings in it was also a welcome development. But then again, beyond "Come On Eileen", I didn't find the songs terrific either, as nicely performed as they are. The first two tracks were pretty good, especially during their harmonic climaxes when the time came to warp things up. Yet I still wish Rowland had spent more time on those harmonic flourishes and other last-minute catchy hooks, instead of wasting his energy on less interesting chord progressions during the bulk of the songs. Most of the tunes meander a little too much in those underwhelming waters, relying on the talented singer's voice and a few short solos here and there (horns or violins). As a result, this record remains stingy as far as "wow" moments are concerned. At least to me. To be honest, I'd rather listen to Madness if I want that kind of overall "ballroom-party-mood-enhanced-by-horns-and-whatnot" (even if the British ska band are far from being my all-time favorites either). There are two different mixes of this album, by the way. Rowland had it mixed again in 2022, because he was unsatisfied with the original version (here on that Spotify link). I kinda agree with him. If ever I return to this LP in the future, that's the version I'm gonna go to. 3/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential" albums (which translates to a 8/10 grade for more general purposes--5 + 3). Next, please... Number of albums left to review: 543 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 221 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 106 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 132
Really enjoyed tracks 1-4, but lost a bit of enthusiasm for 5-9. Track 10 I think is probably still great, despite having heard it a million times. 3.5
I started out enjoying this, but by the end of it, I felt it faded into the background.
I liked this. Will have to revisit.
Can't say I really cared for this album. There wasn't much here that I enjoyed, and the only song I knew on it was Come On Eileen. Very 80s in a way I don't particularly enjoy. Favourite: Come On Eileen
I enjoyed listening to the music, Especially Come on Eileen.
One hit wonders are always weird because the album is usually not as good as the song. But this album was pretty fun to listen to. I ran hot and cold with Rowland's vocals. Sometimes I dug it, there were one or two songs I was thinking the song would have worked better with someone else. The cover of "Jackie Wilson Said" was pheNOMenal. I feel bad for people who bought the record for their one hit and then had to sit there to listen through everything else for the one song. Fun fact: they fired the drummer halfway through making the video, so you'll see him and then you won't. I am intrigued because they remixed the album, as they felt it could have been done better. I will give that a listen as well, which bodes well for the album itself. If it stank, why would I compare it to the remix, right? Pretty good album, overall.
Feels like Frankie Goes to Hollywood all over again, in that I learned these guys are not one hit wonders but I still didn't understand why the album made this list. Everybody knows Come on Eileen and I am so sick of that track, though it is solid. Jackie Wilson is a decent Van Morrison remake. The Celtic Soul Brothers sounded familiar and I quite liked it. Like a lot of the album it's really up-tempo and energetic. So I have to give Dexy's respect for that. And I do recognize their fusion of rock with a bunch of non-traditional instruments (horns, woodwinds, violins) and as an English band they do it better than some Celtic bands. So yeah, like the Frankie album I find myself creeping up to 3.5 but I won't go over the edge.
This is just a fun album. Standout tracks: The Celtic Soul Brothers (More, Please, Thank You) - great opening track, Jackie Wilson Said - fun version of the Van Morrison song, Come On Eileen - a worthy hit. Would definitely revisit.
Plan B is incredible, maybe my new favorite by the group. Come on Eileen was the only track I had heard before, and the groups most well known song. Honestly it now sounds kind of out of place on the album. Still great as a single though.after come on Eileen the album starts to overstay it's welcome a bit.
I have no idea what the lead singer is saying at least half the time, but surprisingly fun album. Love the horns and strings all over this album.
Imagine buying this album new because you heard “Come On Eileen”, and discovering the rest of the album sounds like this? I want my $12.99 back from Sam Goody…
Come on Eileen - classic. The rest was ok
ok
Sounded exactly like I thought it would, that 7 min song near the end went on forever though
ok, too much violin
C’mon
Too rye ay? More like “Two stars, aye?”
7/10. Kinda meh, but then Come on Eileen brings it up a bit.
I think Dexys Midnight Runners having 3 albums on this list is the clearest example of British bias in the book. That's not to say that I dislike this album. 7/10
pretty good tunes in here on top of the massive hit
3.5
classic 3. i didnt like it but i can't call it bad. too long. come on eileen, tsop
Always amazing
4.0
Dense and on a steady high level. The shouty the album begins the more layered it gets towards the end. All instruments on point make Kevin Rowland seem to be a bit too much in love with goaty tremoli. The female choir parts are just wonderful. Comparisons with following groups stretch from Gorky‘s Zygotic Myncie over Architecture in Helsinki to Blur‘s ‚Parklife‘ era. Unexpectedly, the hit single sits waiting for you at the very end and is a good part of the whole longplayer a by far not the most important.
Only half way decent song was the cover of Van Morrisons “ Jackie Wilson Said”
Enjoyed
"Too-Rye-Ay" is the second studio album by English pop band Dexys Midnight Runners. Band leader Kevin Rowland decided to add a violin section to the existing horn section. The horn section was not too happy but would record this album after which they would leave. Good thing...I kind of like the interplay between the two sections. They actually re-recorded a few of the songs with the new violin section. This was the band's most successful album and their song "Come on Eileen" hit #1 in both the UK and US. It would really be their only hit in the US. The violins open things up on their first single "The Celtic Soul Brothers (More Please)." It's fast pace. Violins carrying the melody. Enjoyable enough. He's watching others perform while getting ready to take the stage..a little stage fright. The band does a nice cover of Van Morrison's "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)." The string and horn section are perfect for this song. The second side begins with "Plan B," an interesting song combining two songs. Actually, there are three parts to this song with a piano ballad and Rowland crooning, the pace picks up with the violins in the second part and ends with more a rock song and a prevalent bass. "Liars A to E" attacks music journalists. Piano, slower and soulful female backing vocals. The violin, the bass and we kick in with the album closer "Come on Eileen." Outstanding melody, beat and vocal chorus. Hey, a smile came to my face; it's been awhile since I heard this. He finds a childhood friend, Eileen, fully grown and well..."too-ra-loo-rye-ay." I am one of those Americans with "Come on Eileen" being my only exposure to Dexys Midnight Runners. This was a pretty solid album. I see that I have two other of their albums in this challenge. Given that this particular album is the least favorite of their leader Rowland, I'm looking forward to the other two. The album is still worth a listen.
I was trying to remember if there was another album from this band previously on this list, or if they just kept popping up in other background reading because of that 6 degrees thing in British Pop/Soul. Regardless the sum total of my knowledge of this group previously was Come On Eileen, and I was not expecting this album to be quite so odd. Listening to the sole U.S. hit in context I was struck likewise by what an odd song it is, especially for a number one single in America, a song I knew but realized I'd never really paid attention to before. Generally I liked the album, though it's not exactly my genre.
Love the qqqqqquirkyness of it!
Not a bad sound here, it's the Come On Eileen album.
Come on Eileen saves this album lol
Har noen gøye deler, men også noen slitsomme deler. Jeg klarer ikke bestemme meg for om jeg liker vokalistens stemme eller ikke. Come on Eileen er fortsatt like catchy, heldigvis!
Second Dexys album in a couple weeks, and for the second time I am genuinely enjoying this album. 4 stars.
Mai sentita qhesta roba, mi è piaciuto
Better than I remember. Still meanders into mediocrity every now and then, though
Big like. The Cure but happier and a brass section.
I am actually pretty sick of the song "Come on Eileen" and figured these guys were a one hit wonder so I was surprised to enjoy this album so much. Very cool Northern English new wave. Brit poppy moments, Celtic instrumental interludes, funny and engaging lyrics. Overall a very listenable upbeat album. A fun surprise and an album I'd like to listen to again.
Again, I liked this more than I thought I would. Dexy's really did come out swinging, and the advent of the string section definitely helped that along on this one. It's a shame all of the horns left the band immediately after this release. Lots of early ska. Sounds like the drama kids just pulled a bunch people from Orchestra, Band, and Chorus by the song to help them record in a good way
Not my general cup of tea but not bad, I liked 'Old' a lot.
J'ai eu beaucoup de difficultés à le finir alors que c'est pas si mal
les cure si ils étaient heureux
These guys play your local pub? They're going to bring the house down. Right place at the right time, Come On Eileen is one of those lightning in a bottle tracks. Jackie Wilson Said here is better than Van Morrison's.
awesomeness
1,5
Yup, sounds like the band that did Come On Eileen. Still fun
If you'd told me when I started doing this project that I would eventually give four stars to two different Dexy's Midnight Runners albums I would have been mildly surprised and now here we are mildly (but also pleasantly) surprised.
Probably will never listen to this again. There's a reason that only come on eileen is known
I'm not fucking listening to this. Fuck this band and fuck you
Only listened to a few songs but I did like them
meh its eh
Blije jarentachtig-hakketakpop, met het onverwoestbare Eileen erop, dat nog steeds Schotland tot Sydney dansvloeren opzweept. Wel aardige sound, maar in de muziek uit deze periode zit een soort rare jengel die niet fijn in het gehoor ligt. Daarom blijft deze steken bij 3 sterren.
In het begin van deze plaat denk je al snel: Come...On... Toch doet deze referentie te kort. De plaat is ondanks de eigen sound veel gevarieerder. De gemene deler is dat het blijft swingen. En dat bouwt op tot de uitsmijter Eileen. Een plaat waar ik mij vroeger behoorlijk aan geërgerd heb. Maar op dit album ineens perfect past. Mijn jongere ik zal wel laaiend worden. Die had voor de hit met moeite twee sterren gegeven. Pech voor de jongere ik.
Dit album doet me denken aan de studentenfeestjes in de jaren 90, toen dit nummer nog steeds een dansfavoriet was. In de K-sjot, een zompige Utrechtse werfkelder, waar het nog ouderwets stonk naar bier en het blauw stond van de sigarettenrook. En de volgende dag je kleren dus nog steeds stonken naar bier, zweet en sigaretten. Dan kon je nog een keer nagenieten van het feestje. Katers bestonden niet: de dagen waarop je kon zuipen en zonder kater wakker worden waren toen nog niet op. Die goeie ouwe tijd. Ik pink een traantje weg. Over de muziek: veel toeters en bellen, pianootjes en violen. Op zich wel lekker uptempo, zelfs de ballads zijn wat sneller dan we gewend zijn. Die typerende Britse 70s/80s zeikstem wordt op een gegeven moment net zo'n oorwurm als Come on Eileen. Maar het album als geheel valt me niet eens tegen. Al klinkt het wel ietwat gedateerd.
Come on Eileen is a great song and some of the other tracks on here had a similar energy. But it wasn't as tight as I hoped it would be or live up to that one hit.
Easy breezy feel good listening- sits on the same shelf as the Bruce alb in my mind.
Another album I wanted to hate that was actually surprisingly worthwhile. This probably deserves a second listen. Highlights: (I'm in heaven when you smile), come on Eileen, all in all.
Best album we've heard in a while, but still not the greatest. But it is a fun listen.
Fiddles, not banjos.
Kinda fun. Little bits of ska before that came a thing. Definitely original.
A weird mix between Springsteen and Morrisey? But I dig it.
Album was decent. I wouldn’t change the station if it was on in the background, but also wouldn’t seek this out to listen to it.
I'm going to have to go back and listen to the entire Dexy's collection. They're so good. I wonder why they never got more famous here.
Alright
So much fun, more pop bands need brass sections
Love their sound! These guys deserved to be more than a one hit wonder. A couple songs on here sound like they're inventing ska and made me really happy.
Complete surprise. 4.5/5
Come on Eileen is the worst song on this album!
Young soul brothers indeed. Fascinating artifact of the northern soul scene that stands on its own right. Just a bit too much filler to get over a 3.
Nice album. I can hear the Irish roots, big brass, and mesmerizing vocals from the lead singer.
HL: "COME ON EILEEN", "All in All", "Celtic Soul Brothers", "Old" There's been some fine 80's cheese this week! I wasn't entirely sold on the plastic (rubber) soul sound & spoken word bits throughout the record, but by the famous last track I found it charming overall. Appreciated the few Gaelige lyrics in "All In All (This One Last Wild Waltz)", even if the Celtic influences aren't on display all the time.
Do you like Come on Eileen? Do you want to hear 14 other songs that sound close to it but not as good? This is the album for you.
This guy's voice is so unique. Borders between cool and kinda annoying. This is the 2nd album i got by them. Grows on you the more you listen. Just gotta get in the mood for that Irish vibe
Was fine, never really gripped me. Struggled to make it through a little bit. Come On Eileen is obviously a classic.
The whole album has the same vibe as Come On Eileen, not sure why more of their music never broke through. 4.5
Really enjoyed this one! different than what i would typically listen to, but lots of fun songs, including Come on Eileen. Definitely would come back to this one.
Good Pop-record but only a few hits
Why is this album here. 1 hit wonder band. Gains an extra star for the hit cause it’s catchy.
The Celtic Soul Brothers, Come on Eileen normalne i live oraz Respect live spoko, reszta średnia takie 3.5
Un bon divertissement sans plus, comme l'autre album que j'ai eu d'eux
It’s absolutely an album built around a hit single. “Maybe throw a Van Morrison cover on there too.” I remember loving Come on Eileen, and liking their version of Jackie Wilson Says. Turns out, their version led me to the Van Morrison version, which is where that lived for me. The rest of this is forgettable, but Eileen gives it a 3.
I liked it... overall, truly...but had it not been for this list and Come on Eileen, I'm not sure most of us would know who this band.
This album is a nonstop slog of music with way to much going on, there are times when it sounds great but the band doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. If it weren't for cum on eileen this would have been a skip for me.
I only know them for Come On Eileen but the intro track is very interesting. It's very much their sound but there's something intriguing about it. Something about the second track is giving me very much ska vibes and I really like it. Overall, this is one of my favorite albums that I've listened to so far. The different mix of instruments used makes it a really interesting listen.
COME ON EILEEN OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I looked back at my previous review for Dexys, and I compared them to The Clash but with an added horn section. This record feels a lot more indebted to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, with horns and a very active violin. More Celtic influence, as well. It's fun, but this record felt a little one-note to me. Once you heard a few songs, you got it. Favorite tracks: "Old", "Come On Eileen"
At the time I went well beyond saturation point with Come on Eileen. And his voice + violins would usually turn me off. However, overall it was better than I expected
Energetic Music; portraying some good amount of joy in life; to a certain extend however also quite similar from track to track; good album; probably not my favorite either.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Jackie Wilson said, Until I believe in my soul, Come on Eileen
Come on Eileen and other songs by the group that did Come on Eileen
Unremarkable but pleasant and listenable. Every song kinda feels like come on Eileen. But there’s a ton of shit on this list and I’d happily take more of this
This was so fun to listen to!
This band sounded oddly familiar and then "come on eileen" came on, which I don't think I've ever known the name of. I loved this album. Very energetic and full of personality. Catchy and danceable, too.
It’s a peppy little album. The best track though is obviously Come On Eileen, even though I’ve heard it thousands of times. But damned if that isn’t one of the best one-hit wonders of all time.
I was very indifferent to this album overall as I've listened across the past few days. I'm now at the end of the album and I'm starting to lean into it. With the volume up in my earbuds, I'm appreciating the well balanced frequency range. Respect to the engineer for all these instruments and effects finding their way clearly into the mix. I would like to listen to this album again. It's fun.
Some jams but gets old
It was OK. There didn't seem to be any other catchy songs like "Come On Eileen."
fun album
Come on Eileen
All one volume, screamed at the tippy-top of the singer’s range. All one energy, at one of two tempos. Awful. “Eileen” is s finger and deserved hit status. The whole album is a dog. Maybe they were important for Ireland or something.
Very fun album. Come on Eileen obviously the smash hit, but my favorite track was actually Until I Believe in my Soul. This album was significantly better than I thought a one-hit wonder album would be
Quite a cool album. Great use of the fiddle. Very bouncy. Definitely would recommend to people.
come on man lmao is this REALLY an essential album come on eileen is a certified White People Classic i guess
Interesting voice. The style of music is not my match. They should have let go of the violon. Bad adjustments of intensity, too simple and annoying violon. To me the best song is Reminisce at they end of the album.
I very much enjoyed. I also liked watching the video of Come on Eileen (how it should have sounded). Although I couldn’t really hear the difference…
oui
Surprisingly great. Fun sound to the songs. Would 100% revisit. 4/5
kinda liked it, was surprised
I'm a bit surprised to find this album on the list. It's good, but I don't feel like this broke any new ground or is really that spectacular. 3 stars.
I only got to like song 14 out of the 18 songs on this album so I can’t give this rating with complete confidence but I like this sound.overall sounds nice but it can get very tedious.Why does it need to be 18 tracks long and why is one of them come on Eileen live?
As I'm making my way through this list of albums I've come to the realisation that I don't really like new wave music. Come On Eileen is a banger tho
This album surprised me in terms of its breadth and overall listenability. You do have to fight through the meandering "Until I Believe in my Soul" to get to "Come on Eileen" which is still the clear best track. I think what struck me the most is how tight the band is and how they were able to jump around a bit in tone and instrumentation while retaining a signature sound.
Although I shit all over the first Runners' album I got, this one was a pleasant surprise and went a long way towards redeeming and legitimizing the band in my eyes (ears). To note, it's upbeat, raucous, fun and creative. 3 wailing fiddles out of 5 🎻🎻🎻
This album was a pleasant surprise, with more than just the one iconic "Come On Eileen" to offer a listener. While it has several high notes and songs, the larger album is still of a time and not terribly amazing or worth revisiting. However, big shout out for the great "Jackie Wilson Said" cover.
I was surprised at the consistency of the album, its good. The overt nods to Celtic culture is interesting bc it sounds so completely British other than a few folk phrases peppered on. Vocal stylings very unique.
Very 80s but also very unique at the same time. The fade out of a lot of the songs does throw me off though. Regardless, most of the songs are really fun and not what I expected out of an album from the 80s. Reminisce (Pt.1) was an interesting end to this. Fave track(s): All In All (This One Last Wild Waltz), Old, Plan B
Öðruvísi 80s plata. Hress og skemmtileg, með heilmiklu þjóðlagaívafi.
Couple good songs.
Phenomenal record, glad that they’ve gotten to the point where a lot of people recognize them as great outside of just Eileen. Love this album.
The string arrangements are hardly trad, but they add folk fidelity that the horns would otherwise cut against. The result is a curio sound, which sadly falls almost completely apart on the back half. The first few cuts compete with Eileen but don't have the historic sticking power, apparently.
Like the vibe, energy, instruments. Some really stand out songs but apart from the few, the rest kinda blend into one.
This sounds like the kind of album my mom would adore. Shows come on Eileen’s instrumental wasn’t a gimmick for one song it’s the whole ass album
Is fun, especially the well-known song.
Wish version of The Cure but with trumpets
Excellent art direction, unique styling to the music. Hampered slightly by poor mixing
J’ai tout de suite trouve leur hit. Le reste etait assez bon aussi. 3.25
Old + Dubious
Love this! Fun happy songs.
If B Starr released an album it would sound like this (hi, dipshit). Oh, so these are the bastards that unleashed the godawful Come On Eileen song on the world? Remove their fingernails. I'm generally not sure what to do with this because it's so stupid. It is also very annoying. This guy trying to do Freddie Mercury? This, sadly, does not qualify as an "abomination," so it scrapes by with a 2...barely.
This was enjoyable, it was nice to hear real instruments especially after some of the over produced, synth-laden crap we've endured. Hearing the song Come on Eileen in context of the album was interesting too
They have a sound and they stick to it. So, there's that...
Its a distinctive album of Van Morrison style Celtics soul with brass and folky violins. Come on Eileen is still ubiquitously annoying. Also K Rowlands voice is not for everyone. Full of gusto but its not something I lreally ove. A breath of fresh air in the sometimes naff 80s though.
Some artists are mislabed as one hit wonders and have a great catalogue waiting to be explored. This is not one of those. 2
It turns out there's more to this band than Come on Eileen. But also quite a lot of repetitive filler in there.
If Queen and the Talking Heads had a baby and that baby was a little bit into Celtic and Southern music. Theatrical. Upbeat. Big. Come on Eileen is a classic, but I really enjoyed 'Jackie Wilson said...'
Not another one of these guys! British pop rock is not that good to have so many of these albums on the list. Admittedly, this has more bite than the stuff I've heard from Prefab Sprout but it's jusssssttttt okkkayyyyy. Very forgettable. Until I Believe in My Soul was the only strong track on here.
This was new for me but I recognize some of the songs.
Funky and fun. Didn't know Come On Eileen was on here. I like the Celtic pop vibes from the first few tracks although there are a few that just kinda blend together and are overall forgettable.
Not the Dexys Midnight Runners I would rate highly from their collection of albums
There should be more pop songs written about darts players.
Just not a fan. ‘Pop-Folk’ just ain’t one of my niche genres.
cuts along nicely at first, peaking at 'Jackie Wilson Said'. After that, becomes overly long ... they could've cut a chunk out ... all becomes a bit same/same. The Waterboys do what Dexys do, just better.
Come on Eileen reminds me of a) every birthday party I went to when I was 14-18; b) the hilariously shit version done for Euro 2004, and; c) Spaced. One of my musical biases: I cannot stand fiddles in pop music.
Hmmm!!! This was the commercial 'concept' album sandwiched between the classic debut 'Searching for the Young Soul Rebels' and the criminally underrated and long forgotten masterpiece 'Don't Stand Me Down' A couple of Christmas party or wedding reception classics does not a classic album make...
Come on Eileen certified banger
Really happy music!
They somehow managed to combine all the worst British vocal tics into one lead singer on this one, the continuous runs and qUirKy vocal tricks are like sandpaper to the ears. The instrumentals are somewhat salvageable but lord is this guy annoying
An extra star of Eileen.
Fun but a lot of it is kinda samey
very good, was pretty impressed
Pleasant. This solidifies their standing as more than just a one-hit wonder. But not much more. And this record is way too long.
JAHAS SELLAISTA MUSIIKKIA ETTÄ VOISIN SUUNI AVATA TAAS JÄLLEEN!!!! 80-luvun poppia, joka ei ole kiinni 80-luvussa, ei siis kuullosta nasevalta! Tämmöinen musiikki on helppo sivuuttaa mitäänsanomattomana... minkä olenkin jöörennannut... TEHNYT... göra göra jöörä..tänään kahvilassa... ruotsealta kuulovyören syöden suomea puhelevat.. sekottana päänahkaisen sisälmyksen keiton.. tämä mitä kirjotan tässä on yhtä tärkeää kuin tämä musiikkialbumi oli ihmiskunnalle.. ei kovin tärkeää, mutta tarpeeksi tärkeää että se löytyy internetistä... Harmillisesti siis koko albumi oli spotifyssä... EKSTROJEN KERA!! en ekstroja kuunnellut, kun ei alkuperäisessä.. levyssä.. jos olis... niin olisin kuunellut..tässä kun ne biisit ensimmäisesti viimeiseen vierii... ja kesken alko... ja loppui.. ja alkoi.. ALKOI VITTU VIIMESEKUNNEILLA VIELÄ VIIMEISET 30 SEKUNTIA BIISIÄ JA ERI PIMPUTUSTA LOPPUUN PRRKELEEN FAIDIN JÄLKEEN!!! keskipitkön faden... eli 7,6 sec faden jälkeen.. sitten siihen saman biisen nimen alle joku xtra pömpötys.. Liittymätön!.. sanoo meikä herra- Pömpötyksiä oli kuitenkin luikaltu kuin PF:n musta kuu(;;hyvä ettei kyy, tai siis huono, kirjsaastoon ja lainaan mustakyy dvd.. herra bean mr bean päämiehen roolissa samoina 1980-luvilla tehty..;;) albumissa peräjälkeen soiviksi.. kuin Time ja mahtikuoro taivaassa... Clare H. Torry.. sepä hyvä... hahhahhah..... hah... No ei ollu hyvä että keskinkertaista pitkäsoittona... jaksotuksella saksilla.. olis eristys - tyylikeinona tietävämpi yrittää 3 sec musiikillisesti merkittävän asian leikata.. Löytyiskö... hehe... albumin parhaat 3 sec... hehe.... Mutta ei! Silloinkin pistelisin yhtä tähteä! Näen potentiaalin, tällä kerralla sivuutus! Paskaa ja kusta! Korkea potentiaali! 200 Newtonia hennolla massattomalla paskalla! Uskomaton liike-energia ehkä kohta?
Ugh, what a chore to get through. Has a few redeeming qualities, but it's pretty annoying to listen to at times.
This feels like the album only exists for “Come on Eileen.” If youre here for almost a ska album, then, I guess that justifies putting yourself through this album. It really is almost ska. A lot of the time. You like British dudes who like to sing around and bass down, drawl, and complain at you? Yep, these guys. Only three albums. They cashed out at the right time.
I listened to the 2022 remix album. Sounds good, not much bottom end. Oh, wrong review style. Yeah, some good songs on here and always nice to hear some non-rock instruments played fast and effectively.
This album mixes "cool! good English folk stuff" and "is this just generic nostalgic 80s songs?". For me, it's a solid 3-stars. However, since I discovered this band on this list with their first album, it's strange that I gave five stars for the first, with much more solid work, and three to this one, but I'm not a suitable parameter when giving stars/points, so I accept my incongruencies 😁.
Never knew how much ska was on this album
The horns are so good, why add strings? More of the same from their debut. I like the idea of Dexys more than the music, but it's all fun and enthusiastic. I guess it's a 3.
I'm not normally into this sort of stuff (folky) - but this is great! Really upbeat and well produced.
The album is meh. The only noteworthy song is Come On Eileen. Just listen to that song and save yourself the time.
I can’t tell if I like the singer or not (I think I do not) - the high notes sound very much like Morrissey who I’m not a fan of. Violin is a cool feature though. All sounds a little too 80s. I actually like some of the music but the singer is bothering me a lot Highlights - Come on Eileen - melody makes up for the downsides listed above
Minne om biltur med pappa
Hmm trur eg må hørra på da igjen snart
When I first got this, I thought "Oh no, ANOTHER 80's one-hit wonder." Luckily this album made me it my words. Consistent fun, good songs, great performances! Definitely live up to the hit single it spawned.
Just ok, it did start pretty weak and then picked up in the back half quite a bit.
Slow dive and MBV are better
Nothing wrong it, just plain. Come on Eileen isn't enough to save a whole album.
Fun album with suprisingly good music. It was hard to not constanty smile while listning to this