Don't Stand Me Down is the third studio album by English pop band Dexys Midnight Runners, released in September 1985 by Mercury Records. The album was released three years after their second album, the internationally successful Too-Rye-Ay. At the time, Dexys' lineup had been pared down from ten members to just four: vocalist/guitarist Kevin Rowland, guitarist Billy Adams, violinist Helen O'Hara, and saxophonist Nick Gatfield, the last of whom left the band after the recording sessions were completed. These four members are pictured on the original album cover in suits (and, for the men, ties), in what Rowland referred to as an "Ivy League" or "Brooks Brothers" look. The album was a commercial failure upon release, and its rejection by both critics and the public resulted in the group's disbandment in 1987. The album was later described as a "neglected masterpiece" by Uncut, and was selected as one of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Okay, c’mon! Three fucking Dexys Midnight Runners albums on this list?!? That is too much!! They have 1 exceptional one hit wonder and the rest is pure shite. We’ve discussed this already, topic fucking closed now alright!
From the reviews I read on this site, I understand there are two other Dexys albums on here, almost certainly SFTYSR and Too-Rye-Ay. This is the best of the three, and I love the other two. This is Rowland's "Tusk", the freak following the hit. I have to rush off to see the Taylor Swift Eras film tonight, so I cannot write an essay about how Rowland absorbs Van Morrison, the Beach Boys, golden age rock n roll and Christ knows what else before surpassing them all, or how he - along with Marvin Gaye - is the master of the chaotic concept album, or his tremendous sense of humour (he doesn’t speak Italian, but he knows a man who does), or his possession of one of the most marvellously distinctive singing voices that yet stays true to his upbringing, or his unique mix of softness and machismo. I can, however, apologise for insulting other reviewers in an early draft of this review. I am sorry that I referred to you as “ cloth-eared, verse-chorus-verse dingleberries”, or “the reason why most music is boring”, and I’m especially sorry to the chap who described this as “pub rock” for calling him “uniquely cretinous”. Forgive me. Hugs!
Another album by these guys? THREE?! Fuck, ok. Oh fucking hell was the singing this annoying before?? Just more dumb English pub rock. Fuck off for crying out loud. 1/5.
I used to love this album. I still do, but I used to also. My favorite of Dexy's classic trio and that's saying something. "This Is What She's Like": 12 minutes of rambling conversation and interjection with Kevin steadfastly refusing to answer the question, yet answering it perfectly. Why was this not a giant hit in 1985? Feargal Sharkey was more concise, I guess "Knowledge Of Beauty" (the better title, btw): building to "... if I need strength to take bad on..." is Rowlands best vocal performance in my opinion, stupendous. Almost rivaled here by the latter part of "The Waltz" "One Of Those Things": Fuck Kid Rock, this is how you rip off Warren Zevon "Reminisce Pt II": Lola is by far the better choice Any record where "Well, you know how the English upper classes are thick and ignorant" is sung as a lilting air deserves a solid 5*. A misunderstood masterpiece
No idea how this made the 1001 list.
Man, their previous record was so fun, but this just sounds like they are trying to do Elvis Costello, and succeeding even more poorly than he does.
No, it is not a “neglected masterpiece” or “lost treasure” or “towering achievement”. This was unsuccessful because it just isn’t good enough. Too much talking and not enough singing. The music and songs are there, but overlong and disjointed with the talky bits. Given the brilliance of the previous two Dexy’s Midnight Runners albums, I’m very disappointed with this even if I’m left with one or two ear-worm melodies (just adds to my overall disappointment).
Ugh - a bunch of mumbling and little song. They sound like they’re going to break out into come on Eileen at every corner but maybe it’s a good thing they don’t, but maybe it could have made this record bettter? Still better than the other Dexy album on the list but that’s not saying much.
When one thinks of Dexys Midnight Runners, one thinks of the country bumpkin, fiddle playing romantics at heart who just had that one song that's played at most 80s parties and never be heard from again. Which was what most people expected after 1983. What they didn't understand is that Dexys Midnight Runners are an adaptable bunch, willing to change at a whim to suit the musical ambitions of one Kevin Rowland and it was he who decided to take a radical new approach with their look and sound regardless of what the public wanted. The result is Don't Stand Me Down. Don't Stand Me Down is a work of art. It is a forgotten, oft neglected masterpiece that best encapsulated where they were going and what they were going to do. Surely, the press didn't appreciate it and the band didn't help matters by petering out altogether. But, in time, this album's genius would be acknowledged and rectified. Dexys are already a divisive enough band as it is, but you cannot mistake this for a lesser effort. The definition of a hidden gem.
This does not work for me. The voice bugs me a lot. Hard pass. The redeeming quality of this album is how brief it is. Not for me. Voice doesn't sit right with me, and even if you removed the voice, you'd be left with some mediocre weather channel music.
Carried by its occasional catchiness and theatrical elements but brought down by the conversational style of singing.
Like finding a Rembrandt in your Grandmother’s garage
Have always heard this highly praised, along with the two other big Dexys records, for very different reasons. But never heard this one. Was initially baffled by all the talking, and the extremely quiet talking and singing at first leading me to turn up the volume ridiculously and getting blasted when the song bursts in. I also thought he was saying she was intermittent at first, which I thought was an odd characteristic for a person to have. But once I've settled into This is What She's Like I am fully on board here. Slow burn, mood, warmth, it's majestic really. I think this is a good set of headphones record for sure.
Fascinating. Gorgeous production. Really interesting tracks. Not sure it's one I'll ever be able to listen to obsessively. But I'm going to keep trying.
It is ok…just ok. One of Those Things does sound like Werewolves of London
Is it obnoxious? Yeah. Did I have fun listening to it? Sometimes.
It's good music. But I'm just not convinced I needed to hear this before I die.
Not for me
What a stupid voice. What a stupid idea to just chat over the music. What a stupid album.
For years, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents have been in pursuit of "Dexy's Midnight Runners". Dexy, the famous amphetemine smuggler from London diversified his operations in 1980, moved to the sanctuary city of Los Angeles and started Dexy's Midnight Runners, LLC. Dexy was great at smuggling things, but in his heart he wanted to be a musician, except he wasn't so great at musician-ing. But, he had an idea... Dexy knew that he only needed a captive audience to listen to his songs about boring stuff. And, the best way to get an audience was to offer smuggling services to immigrants. See, they'd have no choice to listen to him sing as he led them through the night across the border and into California. However, it didn't work. This album, Don't Stand Me Down is based on the revolt that his caravan led against his music. Most of the caravan turned around and headed back down south rather than listening to his music. Dejected, Dexy moved back to the UK and became involved in peddling smut with a song about Eileen. The Brits loved that one and it took to the UK charts but never did much in the U.S. Excited about a potential tool to lower illegal immigration in the U.S., the Customs and Border Patrol have been trying to locate DMR to license their music. The thought being that if Dexy's music was piped through border speakers it'd make those who've travelled thousands of miles to escape poverty, political persecution, gangs and violence for a better life in the U.S. would be compelled to stop, turn around and rethink their choices. So far, Dexy has been mum on his intent to cooperate with the government. However, sources say that one of the sticking points in the recent budget proposal on Speaker Mike Johnson's desk includes a line item under Homeland Security for "DMRs auditory repulsion" and it's understood that "DMR" is in fact Dexy's Midnight Runners... Only time will tell if the U.S. will ever pass a budget and if that budget will include services by the elusive Dexy's Midnight Runners, LLC.
Theres a right and a wrong way to do theatrical music, and this definitely does it wrong. Why exactly is this on the list? Especially over a bunch of albums that are both really good and have proven to be super influential.
This was so much fun I adore this album. This is the favorite album yet. I love how it’s just a series of conversations between friends about various topics, but all of them are deeper than they seem, at least in my opinion. Love this album!
10/10 I’ve now heard 3 albums by this band and am absolutely obsessed with each one, but if you put a gun to my head asked for what the band’s name is, I don’t think I’d be able to tell you
why is this in here hjahahahaha the most one hit wonder band of all time. Strange dudes tho so the album was fun I guess
cool
Another great DMR album. I like it just as much as the first two DMR albums. score: 10/10.
Absolute Gold
Very stylish album and great to listen to after all this time. Love it.
Really good! The Occasional Flicker is my favourite.
Surprisingly good.
Solid but same-y
Bueno, me encantó este disco! Tremenda la variedad de instrumentos y arreglos. Nosé como explicarlo, es como Abbey Road o Revolver con un cantante tipo el de CAKE que en partes habla. (Hasta podría haber puesto un 5).
enjoyable
This was a really good album, have been aware of Dexys work but not this. Will listen again.
Delightful. The full-Reagan (or Thatcher, I guess) album cover got me, and the ridiculous name. I'm here for it all - that weird 80s voice lots of people did, being a million miles from U2 and bands like Rush, talking through the songs, the heavy British accents, the surprising instrumentation (steel guitar!) - all of it, a breath of fresh air after a few heavy lifts.
Unusual one, lots of spoken word, but not poetry, more like conversation with a background track. Speaker sounds like Noel Gallagher, which makes it quite pleasant.
What a fun album! It's so much better, in my opinion of course, than other records by Dexys Midnight Runners. Every song is very entertaining, this album must have been awesome to hear live on concerts. I like the vocalist, he has a really unique voice, but so is the sound of the band, it's really hard to compare it to anything. Very solid position on this list.
Listen To This musiquita parecida a LHR.
Listen To This musiquita parecida a LHR.
Great sounding album. In the USA they are known as a "One-Hit Wonder" because the only song anyone knows is "Come on Eileen". They are so much more than just that one song. This is outstanding. 4/5
Track boundaries've got no real meaning in a lush enough environment. Strings, ever an arranger crutch, are structural instead of saccharine. Fundamentally, though, Dexys are a pop band recording a great pop album. Just enough stretch to keep things interesting.
Very good! Never heard other songs by them than Ilene. I enjoyed this.
I don't know what it says about me that I liked Dexys' least liked album, but I enjoyed this quite a bit. This album is more polished than the band's first two albums, but it's still soulful, catchy, charming and surprisingly creative. I especially appreciated the use of mandolin and steel guitar. This was a really pleasant listen, and a much smarter, more nuanced work than people are allowing it to be. I started out grumbling that Dexys made the list 3 times, but now I'm giving this a 4. Fave Songs: The Waltz, The Occasional Flicker, Listen to This, This Is What She's Like, Knowledge of Beauty
The notorious THIRD DEXY'S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS ALBUM on the list. Actually this is pretty great, the Irish seem to have a real knack for American soul music and I'd rather hear these guys' interpolation of Werewolves of London than that fucking Kid Rock mashup.
Only knew Come on Eileen by these guys. This album is pretty long and drags on with quite a bit of talking, but it did grow on me. The longer I listened to more I liked it, good stuff.
Where has this album been all my life? It’s brilliant. I’ll dock it a little for that one song that goes on too long, but even that has enough turns in it that you think you’ve gone on to a new song when surprise! it’s still the same one.
A fun album! I can imagine that a lot of people probably won't find it as enjoyable as I did, but I don't know, it kept a smile on my face... it kept my head nodding to the beat... it sampled Werewolves of London.... what else could I want
Great
Never heard of them, the cover is intriguing and can't wait I guess to listen to it. First song, slow start, but his voice made it less slow. I like new waveness here. His way of singing is weird, in a good way I suppose. He has vocals, not good, but still. He's talking now with others, it's somehow fun. Background melody is nostalgic because of that instrument. Why did he talk so much. Back to his vocals. He's so British while saying "burning". Instrumental break is funky to me. Long outro, however, fun in a way. Ohh a transition. Second song, it's talking, but no music behind it, also 12 MINUTES? Better not be talking all this time. The talking was a intro to the song, he has a soft Elvis Presley voice now. I'm loving this song better than the last one. I think it'll get faster at some point. YES I WAS RIGHT, beat instruments and melody came back fast. He's vocalising a lot and I like that. The overall vibe is veery interesting and makes me love the genre even more. He's just vocaling now, but harder. Talking came back, idk if it has a meaning, I just know it's about a girl. Beat stopped and I'm halfway through. Piano playing, choir like singing, it got slow basically, OOH the beat drop was unexpected. It's even faster now and he sings like that too, the choir is in the background now. Another sudden stop, violin like thing was playing, and THEN BEAT DROPPED AGAIN AND NOW PIANO IS PLAYING WITH OTHER INSTRUMENTS. This is not one song tbh. Talking came back, and the melody behind it is sooo fun. It's not repetitive at the end, I thought at first, but it changes the constant beat instrument in between. Outro is long, but necessarily long. LOVEED EVERYTHING HERE. Third song, slow piano start, the beat came in, a guitar I hear(not sure), some more instruments, and lastly his soft voice. I thought there would be beat drop, but it's better this way, slow and steady. Gibberish singing now. This is the kind of song to slow-dance with someone. Slow violin came in now. The overall vibe is veeery different from the last song, and that makes it better tbh, the diversity. Outro is mostly piano, basically loved this as much as possible. 4th song, it's guitar and the beat, and him talking for now. It's monotonous and the same vibe at the start, and he mixes singing and talking, one after the other. Vibe stayed the same, so I didn't like the repetitiveness, but it was okay song, second one is unmatched I guess. Outro was loud, otherwise nothing much. 5th song, talkiiing. There are different instruments here, don't know that names of, a piano I hear now. It's a rather short song. Only talking it will be I guess. Vocals came in. I'm low key bored by this, beat got louder and he's vocalising more. Not bad, outro made it better. 6th song, finallyyy some fast music. This one is short too compared to others. Much better than the last two songs I think. It got slow and fast in a second. The constant beat makes it better. I hear jazz too in the background, and the piano is pianoing. Outro was nice too. 7th song, 8 fucking minutes. The name suggests some goodness. It's slow and soft for now. There is a violin, and a tu tu TU beat. It's annoyingly slow rn, must be progressive. It's still slow(I don't like labelling songs like this, but it's what it's). Another instrument came in, which I weirdly like. It is slower now I think, I do like it a little tho, it just shouldn't be this long. I'm kinda bored, but I also would use this vibe to be chill and not think about anything, so that's something. Outro is jazzy and I guess that's it, Imma review it not all together. Second song was veeery good and because of that I was gonna rate it 4 stars, but then I thought 3 stars would be better, however this is a grower album I think, so I'll stick with 4 stats, dunno if I would listen to this again, but it's giving in its way.
The kind of thing I'd be stoked to hear in a bar somewhere...
I am kind of surprised this isn't more famous album. I like it better than their previous work, but had not heard anything off it.
Pretty good. I expected it to be a drag as I only really know one hit from this band, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I really like the general style and vibe. Not as good as some of their other albums to me.
Very good. First time and I loved it.
This album takes it's time. "This is What She's Like" doesn't sound like a drag even at 12 minutes in length. Includes a variety of genres and elements. A pleasant surprise for an album from right in the middle of the 80s.
Listen To This musiquita parecida a LHR.
At first listen I was sure I was going to give this 2 stars. I know a little about Dexys Midnight Runners and how Kevin Rowland would constantly change their sound and their look seemingly every other month. I also knew they were more popular across the pond in their native land but they’re just a one hit wonder to me. As it turns out I was out and about for work in my car a lot and absentmindedly listened to the album 3 times in a row and it grew on me. “Knowledge of Beauty”, “One of Those Things”, “Reminisce Part 2”, and especially “The Waltz” have ended up on my Spotify Liked List.
I wanted to hate this one. I think the general affect of the people in the band is that they think they're better than you and that they couldn't be bothered to stop their sidebar conversation to record an album. I don't think I could stand to be in a room with these people for more than five minutes before wanting to smash my head against a wall. Unfortunately for me, they're really talented and damn good musicians. I said out loud 'Oh you fuckers' half way through This is What She's Like when I realized how good they were. I hate it.
-his voice reminds me of someone I can’t place but it’s so whiney, I don’t like -the musicality of the occasional flicker -one of those things is giving werewolves of London / all summer long right??? -I really love the instruments, from the strings to the keys, both piano and organ, and the occasional brass -it’s giving a little bit of talking heads vocal wise -the guitar is understated and I love it
Really enjoyed this. Better than people give it credit for
"Dexys Midnight Runners," a band known for their distinctive blend of soul, pop, and Celtic folk influences, released "Don't Stand Me Down" in 1985. This album marked a departure from their previous hits like "Come On Eileen," embracing a more experimental and introspective direction. Here's an in-depth review of the album, focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence. ### Lyrics: The lyrics of "Don't Stand Me Down" are deeply introspective and poetic, reflecting frontman Kevin Rowland's personal journey and philosophical musings. Tracks like "The Occasional Flicker" and "One of Those Things" delve into themes of love, identity, and self-reflection with profound sincerity. Rowland's lyrical prowess shines through in his ability to convey complex emotions with vivid imagery and introspective storytelling. ### Music: Musically, "Don't Stand Me Down" is a departure from the band's previous work, incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and folk into their signature sound. The album features intricate arrangements, with layers of horns, strings, and keyboards weaving together to create a rich tapestry of sound. Tracks like "This Is What She's Like" and "Knowledge of Beauty" showcase the band's versatility, blending genres seamlessly to create a sound that is both unique and compelling. ### Production: The production of "Don't Stand Me Down" is polished and sophisticated, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout the album. Producer Alan Winstanley masterfully captures the band's dynamic performances, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound. The lush arrangements and intricate production techniques contribute to the album's overall sense of depth and complexity, elevating it beyond mere pop music into the realm of artistry. ### Themes: Thematically, "Don't Stand Me Down" explores a wide range of topics, from love and relationships to existentialism and spirituality. The album's title track, "Don't Stand Me Down," confronts issues of identity and self-worth, while songs like "The Waltz" and "Reminisce Part Two" reflect on the passage of time and the nature of memory. Throughout the album, there is a sense of searching and introspection, as Rowland grapples with life's big questions in his quest for meaning and understanding. ### Influence: "Don't Stand Me Down" had a significant influence on subsequent generations of musicians, inspiring artists across genres with its bold experimentation and emotional depth. The album's eclectic blend of musical styles and its willingness to push boundaries paved the way for alternative and indie artists in the years to come. Additionally, Rowland's introspective lyrics and passionate delivery have left an indelible mark on the singer-songwriter tradition, influencing artists from Jeff Buckley to Florence Welch. ### Pros: 1. **Lyrical Depth:** The album's introspective lyrics are thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, inviting listeners to delve into the complexities of the human experience. 2. **Musical Versatility:** "Don't Stand Me Down" showcases the band's ability to seamlessly blend genres, resulting in a sound that is both unique and compelling. 3. **Sophisticated Production:** The album's polished production and meticulous attention to detail contribute to its overall sense of depth and complexity, elevating it beyond mere pop music into the realm of artistry. ### Cons: 1. **Challenging Listen:** The album's experimental nature and introspective themes may be off-putting to listeners expecting more straightforward pop hits. 2. **Lengthy Tracks:** Some tracks on the album, such as the 12-minute "This Is What She's Like," may test the patience of more casual listeners. 3. **Limited Commercial Success:** Despite critical acclaim, "Don't Stand Me Down" did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the band's previous albums, which may have limited its impact at the time of its release. In conclusion, "Don't Stand Me Down" is a bold and ambitious album that showcases Dexys Midnight Runners at the peak of their creative powers. With its introspective lyrics, innovative musical arrangements, and sophisticated production, the album remains a testament to the band's artistic vision and enduring influence. While it may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as their previous work, its impact on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable, cementing its status as a classic of the genre.
I wish Dexy's was bigger in America. They were a great act. But this isn't amazing or anything.
Standouts: Kevin Rowland's 13th Time, One of Those Things. 3/5
álbum decent 3.
Not as bad as I thought it would be but the bar was pretty low
L'album s'est perdu
Not so bad.
A very generous 3 stars
Dexys Midnight Runners - Don’t Stand Me Down It's hard for me to listen to this album knowing they are the band that is considered a “one hit wonders” releasing one of my all time favorite songs “Come on Eileen”. This is a song that evokes memories of little me watching the music video on MTV when I was very young (maybe dancing a little too!) and many nights singing it with my friends in bars. I never knew this band did anything else or really cared to find out. Love the albums cover. Invokes many questions with a certain uncomfortableness to me. Upon first listen to the album, I found myself enjoying it and also disliking it throughout. I loved aspects of the song “This is what she likes” but hated the opening talking (and continued talking throughout the album - as I could not understand what was being said & it just kind of irritated me. (I don’t mind spoken words on albums but this seemed off to me) Come on Eileen seemed to sneak through to me on this song. “One of those things” seems a complete rip off of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolf's of London” which is a great song! I think this album wanted to give the middle finger to someone, probably the record industry and music company, offering not much radio friendly songs or singles. Seemed almost theatrical. Also, I think it was a story, maybe something about his life and girlfriends but I never really cared to find out and it was not coherent enough to understand on first listen. I am glad I listened but nothing on the album would have me want to listen again, to disjointed & a little frustrating. But “come on Eileen” is with me forever!
Good but there are better Dexys albums out there
Just a thought but when the band's a one hit wonder perhaps 1001 should include only the album with the one hit. There are some nice jams like "One of Those Things" but nothing original or ground breaking.
2nd Listen Dexys Midnight Runners from England 1985 New Wave, Blue Eyed Soul Standouts: Knowledge is Beauty, My National Pride, One of Those Things, Reminisce Part Two, The Waltz The slow soulful songs are really the gems on this album. 3.5/5
Quite a curiosity... the long compositions with their interstitial dialog bits. There is solid material, it's interesting to get more of this band than just "the hit," but it didn't quite pull it off for me.
Album 201 of 1001 Dexys Midnight Runners - Don't Stand Me Down Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : This is What She's Like More detailed story of this album is below. Wasn't really sure why this was on here, but then I listened and enjoyed it very much. This band went from international stardom with a 10 member band to a low key 4 member band in only a couple of years. Then they were gone. We all think of Too-Rye-Ay and to many that is all they ever did. This is a fine album. Too bad it was pretty much forgotten. Don't Stand Me Down is the third studio album by English pop band Dexys Midnight Runners, released in September 1985 by Mercury Records. The album was released three years after their second album, the internationally successful Too-Rye-Ay. At the time, Dexys' lineup had been pared down from ten members to just four: vocalist/guitarist Kevin Rowland, guitarist Billy Adams, violinist Helen O'Hara, and saxophonist Nick Gatfield, the last of whom left the band after the recording sessions were completed. These four members are pictured on the original album cover in suits (and, for the men, ties), in what Rowland referred to as an "Ivy League" or "Brooks Brothers" look. The album was a commercial failure upon release, and its rejection by both critics and the public resulted in the group's disbandment in 1987. The album was later described as a "neglected masterpiece" by Uncut, and was selected as one of the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Good not great
It's pretty good, but the songs are too long and there's too much random talking during the songs that is pretty annoying. Ironically the song where they sing about all songs sounding the same (One of Those Things) is a direct rip-off of Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, which came out a few years earlier. 3 stars.
In tegenstelling tot jullie allemaal vond ik dit wel ok. Al zingt hij (of zij?) dan als Cher.
I actually rewatched Todd in the Shadow’s excellent One Hit Wonderland video on Dexys, and his take on their “difficult” third album never inspired me to check it out. And yeah, I’m not impressed by hearing the “Come on Eileen” guys make 12 minute “epics” or interlope “Werewolves of London”. They’re not as weird or artsy as Faith No More, this doesn’t really work. I added a few points for great ideas scattered around, I don’t feel comfortable giving this below 3 stars, but it’s not for me. C-
Based off the first song: What a strange singer. 4th song in: It's certainly interesting. It has good instrumentation, very 80s, and it reminds me of Dave Mathews at times, but, ultimately, not for me. Last Song in: I hate to admit it, but if the singer's voice annoys me, it's really hard for me to enjoy the rest of the band. His intonation and falsettos really bugs me. It's hard for me to pinpoint it to a certain element of it. It's Tay Zonday, but without the awkward charm.
Langweilig
Never blew me away but solid
Several years ago, I attended an open house at Artspace, a building that housed many arts groups in the city. On one of the floors, a band was performing to a group of enthusiastic people jam packed into a small space. The band broke out into a cover of Dexy's, Come On Eileen, a song I like, but never really grabbed me, but this band played such a raucous version of the song that gave off an energy I had never felt from the song and transported it into a memorable experience and now I love the song. Many consider that song to be a "one-hit wonder" for Dexys Midnight Runners, but the album it was on, Too-Rye-Ay and their debut, Searching For The Young Soul Rebels are good, solid records. Listening to their third album, Don't Stand Me Down leads me to wonder if the band ran out of ideas or if they were trying too hard to recreate the magic of Eileen. On a couple of the songs, it seemed like they were going to break out into Come On Eileen with similar sounding musical phrases and, One of Those Things sounds more like, Werewolves Of London than Kid Rock's embarrassing cover of the song. The conversation/talking/mumbling through many of the songs was annoying, especially during (the way too long...over 12 minutes!), This Is What She's Like, which is otherwise a decent song. When they get down to actually singing songs, it's not bad, but overall they produced better albums and can't understand why this album made the list? Now come on...Eileen!
Again, trust the people back then. Don't let nostalgia add meaningless sweetness that wasn't there at all.
Good listen, enjoyed the songs and the way it flowed
This album was unusual but all the better for it. And so fresh - if you had told me it was released this year I would have believed you. But it’s nearly 40 years old. Wow.
Dexy's Midnight Runners have clearly studied the music that came before them. I can hear elements of folk rock, jazz rock, the Beach Boys, and a whole lot of doo wop and early R&B. Their instrumentation and production is very clean as well. Unfortunately, while the synthesis is excellent, it comes off as a bit sterile. I think if they had added a bit of post-punk experimental flavor it would have come off as more exciting and groundbreaking.
Pop. Soul.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: This is what she’s like, Listen to this
One of those things sounded just like sweet home Alabama. Pleasant album to have on in the background
It's fine. The introspective talking doesn't work for me, but the songs themselves are have a mellow, sincere vibe that is okay. One of Those Things is weird to me as i can only hear a Bob Seger riff on repeat which in this context makes me want to move to the next song. Generally inoffensive.
2.8/5 - Its got some heart and good musicians. But i had to remind myself i was listening to music a few times which also led me to relistening to those songs.
Kind of like Dexys overall, but the album is a bit flat. No standout tracks like other albums, but it's not bad.
What happens when you drop 60% of your band between albums? You lose some of the ebullience and chaos that made you such fun to listen to. Some poignant and beautiful tunes but missing the sense of good old-fashioned hijinks of the first two albums.
Not as fun as their other album in the 1001.
Melodramatic, weak vocals, a couple tracks with a bunch of talking, what was the rationale for adding this to the list? Still had enough fun listening to it that I don't exactly dislike it. 6/10
5/10. Oh hey, yet another album from those guys who had one hit and it went to their heads so badly that they decided to start writing 8 minute songs. Nothing strictly wrong with this album, but I didn't need to hear it before I died
2,5
My least favourite Dexys album on this list, but still serviceable. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: This Is What She's Like Date listened: 13/12/23
Started off with me finding his voice a bit ott, ended up with me enjoying the tunes. 3.5?
The excessive talking at the start of "This Is What She's Like" was irritating, but I like the song once it finally got going; its probably the highlight of the album. In general, this record has too much chit chat on it.