Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
1980
Album Summary
Searching for the Young Soul Rebels is the debut studio album by English pop group Dexys Midnight Runners, released on 11 July 1980, through Parlophone and EMI Records. Led by Kevin Rowland, the group formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, and formed a strong live reputation before recording their first material. Recorded during April 1980, the album combines the aggressiveness of punk rock with soul music, particularly influenced by the Northern soul movement. The album was preceded by and contains the hit-single "Geno", which topped the UK Singles Chart. It also contains two other charting singles: "Dance Stance" (re-recorded as "Burn It Down") and "There, There, My Dear" (which included the lyrics "I've been searching for the young soul rebels" that inspired the album's title). The album reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and is certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. It has been widely acclaimed by music critics since its release and is included in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
WikipediaOne I've not listened to before. Always heard praise for them but just thought of them as one hit wonders with "Come on Eileen" and kind of dismissed them. Love the way it starts with dialing through the radio. I'd bet this was a real fun live show to catch back around when this record came out. Ambitious punks trying to get soulful. Walking a fine line between earnestness and irony but it sure sounds like they are having a good time doing it. I think my favorite thing on the record is the verses on "thankfully not living in yorkshire..." (But not necessarily the choruses). Probably my favorite whole track is "tell me when my light turns green." I'd bet if I was really fucking drunk I'd love this.
Love the little nudge to the specials at the start. Definitely a very good album with a nice touch with all the horns. Love the ska vibes it gives off
“Searching for the Young Soul Rebels” by Dexys Midnight Runners (1980) “Dexys” is a term that apparently refers to kids in northern England who were recreational users of dextroamphetamine in the late 70s and early 80s. They wanted to stay awake all night to dance energetically, I suppose. I recently read somewhere that during the WWII Battle of Britain (July-October 1940) the British RAF aircrews used dextroamphetamine (Benzedrine), while German Luftwaffe aircrews used methamphetamine (Pervitin). Everybody stayed high during the flights and the fights. But since dextroamphetamine leaves the system faster than methamphetamine, RAF crews could sleep the next day, but Luftwaffe crews could not. The result was long term German fatigue. If it had been the other way around, the title of this album might have been “Auf der Suche nach den jungen Seelenrebellen”. The photo on the cover art depicts an Irish Roman Catholic boy being forced from his Belfast home in 1971. These bits of background have significant explanatory power for one seeking to understand the creative impetus behind “Searching for the Young Soul Rebels”. You don’t have to search very far for the rebels. They’re the ones making the music, along with all serious listeners. And the music is a call for the hesitant fence-sitting warrior to get his ass back in the fight for the long term. The best poetry in these Kevin Rowland lyrics comes to the listener in the imperative mood—anger on uppers. In “Keep It”, he scolds: “You give credit for might, inspiration and sight But you miss the point You won't join the fight . . . You hear the sounds, miss all the hooks Your best is what you least understand You hate the graft, won't join the race You're scared to scar your pretty face Safe now cause your head is in the sand”. Okay, Kevin, you’ve got my attention. Now what? Your best is what I least understand. Help me, here, dude. Well, on “There There My Dear”, we get “You're always so happy, how the hell? You're like a dumb dumb patriot . . . You're supposed to be so angry, why not fight?” Alright, then give me a weapon and point me in the right direction. Crickets. I personally wish he had been more explicit and less obscurely referential about what the hell we’re supposed to be fighting for, or even who the enemy is. But he apparently wasn’t writing for boomers raised in the Midwest U.S. (like me). This does not, however, diminish the art. It appeals to rebellious old guys with young souls. I can attest. Spoken poetry on “Love Part One” is angrily potent, demanding a second listen. And a third . . . It’s good. The sound throughout most of this album is refreshingly dominated by trombone of all things, ably performed by “Big” Jim Patterson (with significant use of dubbing, to good effect) and saxophones by Jeff Blythe and Babyface Spooner (Love that handle!). Added to this are the very musical bass lines by Pete Williams, resulting in a very attractive mix. Vocals are uniformly bad. Don’t even get me started. This album isn’t for everyone, which is fine by me. But it’s very good. I am so pissed, and I don’t even know why. And finally, don’t do drugs, kids (unless you’re hurtling through home skies at 350 mph in a single engine Spitfire defending western civilization from the horrors of fascism—then we might make an exception). 4/5
L'album est bon mais une fois de plus la voix dégueulasse de Kevin Rowland à mi-chemin entre une poule en panique et un Jeff Buckley constipé vient gâcher la fête.
I'm on record as being morally opposed to any "rock" band with a horn section. That comes into play here as every damn song is horn driven. I'm so sick of saxophones. Also, blue-eyed soul is just the worst. The. Worst. In short, this album was a trial to listen to and I didn't enjoy my time.
God awful vocal style shits all over a clearly talented band. Why you'd throw a microphone at a guy having a stroke rather than ring 999 is beyond me.
There is something simply uplifting and joyous about Dexys - the exuberance, the horns, a bit of ska, a bit of northern soul, a bit of blues, a bit of chanting, a bit of foot stomping - and a charming sincerity from Rowlands. Imaging them in their pomp, 14 band members prowling the stage, smashing out the tunes, playing soul covers… I bet their gigs were legendary. Geno is an absolute monster (and as a side note, I listened to Geno Washington for the first time and boy let me tell you that cleared out the cobwebs!). Fast, furious, infectious.
Totally melodramatic but sort of leaning into it, I like it??? The crooning vocals are so hamfisted but it sounds fun. I love the punk element. It's like punk D'Sievers. Like, this live would be a fun time with friends. I didn't know these guys were the ones who did "Come on Eileen" which is a banger. I agree with Jon that "Tell Me When My Light Turns Green" might be my fav, along with Geno. I'd prob give it a 3.5 but I'll round up to 4.
This was a grower. I guess you have to be in the right mood, as Kevin Rowland can be quite annoying. But it's very catchy, soulful, lots of horns.
Groovy tunes, pretty catchy at parts but even 39 min is long for it 3.3
Que pieza tan maravillosa de la música, bonito rock steady, bonito ska, bonito blue eyes Sin duda un gran aporte al New wave
I really dug this album with its punk sound meets some classical/jazz instrumental ensemble. It gave me some pep in my step and swing in my jive Top Tracks: Tell Me Why My Light Turns Green, Geno, Burn it Down, There There My Dear
Una especie de The Cure animado y trompetero. Les compro el vinilo, va.
The first side of this is just astonishing - six, even seven stars. A fully formed sound from nowhere. If the second half can't quite sustain the extra-ordinary first five tracks (of which Geno is perhaps the weakest. Think about that.) then its just by comparison. An album so in love with a form of music it seems entirely natural to have a cover from that genre that fits perfectly. ps fun fact Burn It Down was called Dance Stance on original release, as I have the 45.
I was not expecting long songs for this punkish album, but it's not bad. I must say that I love it much more than I tough and I'll surely listen to it many more times in the future. A great point to this list. I like it very much when I discover new things around here!
the more I listen to this bands stuff, the more amazing it all sounds no complaints - easily a 10/10
I can't pin point what it is, but there's just something special in this album. The ska and Talking Heads vibes, the talent of these young musicians, the general "mood". I don't know why, but this whole album filled me up with overwhelming joy.
Love this - a real classic album, both timeless and completely of its time.
Yes, another pearl from the 1001 catalogue. Great songs performed by intense vocals and swinging brass instruments.
Classic album from one of the best UK bands from the 80s - does not contain a single weak song. Ome of these like-it-or-not albums and this factor is more or less determined by whether or not you like the first song: Burn It Down / Dance Stance, one of their best singles. The bonus edition contains the Plan B single which is very different from the version on the follow-up album when they (that is, Kevin Rowland) changed style. I do appreciate that album as well and although concerts from that lineup must have been great to attend, a concert by the original Dexys lineup, with horn section, must have been more special.
Early ska/punk, this is my jam, shame it wasn't the right weather for it but still great stuff
I was surprised that I enjoyed this so much. I knew their one hit, 'Good night, Irene', when it first came out, but knew nothing else about the band. This album has a lot to offer.
De Dexys Midnight Runners solo conocía Come On Eileen, que no está en este disco. Me gustó especialmente notar como estos sonidos son enrome influencia a todo el rock latinoamericano que vino unos años después. De pronto la voz se pasa de chillona, pero me gustaron mucho Geno y Seven Days Too Long (que leí que está basada en otra rola)
Another band where I'm familiar with the name and one song. But I thought it was very good, if a little outside my genre tastes.
Really cool that this was made in 1980. Brass instruments in rock music is fun.
This one surprised me a little. I wasn’t really sure I would like it, but it’s pleasant with some surprising instrumental pieces that I enjoyed.
La voz se parece a la del de The Cure. Son divertidos. Mucha trompeta.
Really good fun. Listened with the kids and they really enjoyed it too.
This was quite an enjoyable album from an important time and music scene. I found it to be a fusion of punk and ska. The vocals are a punk growl that is Johnny Rotten like while the horns remind me of The Skatalites.
This is a fantastic debut album. Fun music, kind of a punk-ish ska-ish pop, great trumpets or trombones or whatever, and a pretty cool voice. This band had a fine personality from the start, and I'll sure be coming back to them some other time
All 3 Dexy's LPs are justifiably highly rated and on the 1001 list. Great driving soul, youthful modern lyricism and attitude. Great bass and brass. Those unmoved by Geno and There there my Dear must have ice in their veins!
Had tried to get into Dexys before with no success but I really enjoyed this. Tell Me When My Light Turns Green my favourite track.
Excellent album. Extremely fun instrumentation with unique vocals. The opener really catches your attention instantly.
A fun, high-energy record. Feel like if the Clash brought in a horn section. Theatrical, though not in a crazy, unbearable way. Favorite tracks: "Seven Days Too Long", "Tell Me When My Light Turns Green"
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Seven days too long, I couldn’t help it if I tried
Have tried this before and not got into it. But growing on me. Shame he can’t sing.
So everyone knows 1 Dexy's song (I know 3!) - and this features Geno one of the greatest get up and dance songs ever. So happy to listen to an entire album, might feel 'samey', but an absolute joy.
Okay. I know Geno, and that this is a band which had a very loyal following. A strong couple of openers to start. I'm not sure I love the strained singing voice, but it does make Dexys sound unique beyond their brass led music. Bold to then have a four minute instrumental, The Teams That Meet In Caffs. It had to be good not to lose me, and thankfully it is. The run from Geno (an all timer) to Thankfully Not Living In Yorkshire..." (an odd falsetto Northern Soul stomper) is bloody good! Even a poem being read out doesn't offend me. Have I mellowed in my old age, or is this band just dead charming?!
Even in remaster, the timbre of the instruments is often a bit harsh. Nonetheless, I dig the brass and its contrast with the vocal affect. It's not what I expected, but I think the combination takes the band a long way. The jazzier tunes and instrumental sections are also points in favor.
It turns out there's a lot more to Dexys than that one song. I'd heard their other hit single "Geno" before but the rest of the album was new to me. It's a lively collection, with a surprising (for the early 80s) amount of hard swearing.
I didn't think I'd like this, but I do. Poppy, but not over much. Far more than "Come On Eileen"
This is a much more interesting band than I would have given them credit for based on Come On Eileen. I watched a YouTube video about their history, and it was pretty cool what they were trying to do. I liked the album after Too-Rye-Ay, so it's cool to get to hear the album before it Overall it's a neat album. I didn't have a lot of time to make notes while I was listening, but the variety of instrumentation was great 4/5
Although not the first time listening to this, I only discovered this recently. For me it is and still remains a very surprising and original album. The 80s update on classic soul which doesn't even sound like R&B, and his voice, also so typically 80s; alright, I might be alone in this but the way he sings reminds me of Robert Smith. It is not supposed to work but it does!
I'll dance my ass off to Come on Eileen every goddamn time that song comes on and love every minute of it. I'll never get sick of it! But I always thought this band was a one hit wonder. Was pleasantly surprised by this album. Contrary to everyone else who hates the sloppy vocals and horns I love those things! I like uniqueness and going against the grain. This is the kind of band I'd love to have seen live at a small dingy shithole bar before they got their 15 minutes of fame. Ooo-ooo ah ah indeed!
I actually really enjoyed the sound on this one. I suppose it was the brass. Consequently it scores above average and is a 4*
A splendid album with quality songs and excellent arrangements. The singing works but is a grating on the odd occasion. And really it's just fun and who would not jump in and sing along with their mates.
I had only ever heard come on Eileen from this band, and assumed they were a one hit wonder, but wow this was a great album!
extremely british and extremely good pop music! this album just makes keeps you in a constant state of happiness for 50 minutes. simply great
Listened to on 5/17/22 4/5 Favorite song: Geno, I couldn’t help it if I tried I had no expectations for this album but it was SO fun to listen to, very British, upbeat and just wildly entertaining - Eileen would be proud
I listened to this two or three times, it really grew on me. A bit more ramshackle than the other Dexys album a few months ago, but a really happy vibe.
Hugely fun, british soul. I love a good horn section, and they use it well.
Seems like I underestimated Dexys because of the Monster smash they had after this album, I had them pegged as a novelty pop act. I’m really glad I listened to this debut to actually put the band into real context. They were a legit soul/punk project with vision and purpose. Northern Soul Rebels, but they also had the ability to pen a massive pop crossover which overshadowed their authentic* beginnings.
I have to commend the band backing the singer. They’re doing amazing with this jazzy rock sound. The singer, however, is fully ruining all the songs with his crying voice. He sounds like the cowardly lion on every song. I can see why the band has a high turnover rate because they are way too good for him. I would give 5 stars if the singing was better because I really like the music besides that.
I'm a little torn on this one. I really liked it, but is it a 4? I want to say its like a 3.8, but at that point might as well round up. 4/5
7/10, gotta be honest this band was only recognizable to me when I realized they were the come on Eileen band. But, enjoyable energy and I’m impressed at their ability to keep it fresh for a whole album, I imagine if I heard this as a teen in 1980 I’d probably be crazy about it, but to adult Claudia in 2022 it does get a bit grating here and there
Denys Midnight Runners are a brilliant band and if the only song you know is Come on Eileen you're missing out. This album is a joy to listen to and only gets better after a couple of drinks.
I thought it was okay. Don't know if I'd go rushing back to this one as the ska-esque horn sections got a bit old over time, but there were some good songs in there for sure. Favourite: Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply
Boppy. I really liked the instrumental track, The Teams That Meet in Caffs.
Feeling ecstatic to actually hear an other song than "Come On Eileen" Good shit! Reminds me of Fishermans Blues. 4