Searching For The Young Soul Rebels

My first thought was it’s hilarious to pick the Dexy’s album without Come On Eileen on it but it was somewhat interesting. The album is all over the place, sometimes it felt like they were trying to be a more ska version of the clash other times it’s kind of goofy pop. I’m a sucker for the horns though

2.4 I mean, what are with the vocals. There was some viral clip of a live version of Come on Eileen on youtube where the vocals were laughable. This whole album kinda felt like that. Bands solid and the horns are worth listening to.

Such an annoying punchable voice. Beyond irritating. They have three albums on this list. Why? Grating beyond belief.

Man, I didn't expect this album to be so polarising. I thought it was great. The instrumentals of this album are genuinely incredible, I loved the brass and the horns. I can understand why there seems to be a hate for the vocals, but I quite enjoyed them. They didn't tire for me at all. It worked well with the brass backing. Unless you're referring to Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire - holy shit that song was foul, like he completely forgot to sing. I'm Just Looking had so much passion and soul put into it - that song was a standout. The latter half of this album was somewhat of a letdown when compared to the first half to middle, but still an enjoyable listen to me.

Seemed likable during the first few songs, but eventually became grating and the vocals deeply unpleasant at times.

Good, except the singing. People always refer to them as a one hit wonder. They're not. Geno was a hit. Favorite song: seven days too long.

Adequate, and a bit pretentious, punk-pop. The singer’s pouty vocal style gets pretty tiresome.

Fucking seriously!?! “Too-rah-yay” was my album yesterday. There do not need to be 4 Dexy albums on this list. One star out of spite.

UGHHHHHHH I am so damn sick of these 80s Brit pop groups. This one was a little more tolerable since the horn section was in action most of the time. Other than that the vocal style makes my ears bleed.

Not bad, but it didn’t do too much for me, especially the vocals

I thought dexys midnight runners were great on the young ones. This album though? meh. Also, am I wrong or are there multiple dexys albums on this stupid list? 1/5

A nivel instrumental tiene cosas muy chulas, un acompañamieto de viento con arreglos muy guays, si bien se escucha como un poco la media de grupos de esta época, quiás incluso anterior, no me suena nada novedoso aunque tenga alguna pieza un poco más resultona y, lo dicho, los instrumentos mejoren la presentación

I did a bit of additional research to further inform my review and noticed that Dexys Midnight Runners are an English band. This came as a surprise to me as none of the lead singers vocals registered as that language in my head. His slurred and overly performative way of singing was a detractor from most of this album and often had me wondering if this man rode the shortbus or if the recording booth reeked of Pale Ale during those jam sessions. The brass on the other hand was a nice change of pace from what I am used to hearing and while a bit obnoxious at times was the highlight of the album (its introduction in the 4th track did jumpscare me though). I feel like the faster paced, more poppy tracks worked better for me than the slower and more sappy ones as they were carried by the energy of the instruments rather than being harbored down by the lead singers moody mimicry of his native tongue (his backup singers thankfully help him seem legible on some tracks). I feel as though track #3 (The teams that meet in Caffs) was my favorite track by proxy of it being a purely instrumental song. The rating ends up meeting itself somewhere in the middle due to the Yin/Yang that is the pleasant instrumentals versus a lead singer with a baffling way that he has chosen to sing There were moments where I was nervous this album was going to devolve completely into Ska music

For starters I'm reading the lyrics to a bunch of these songs in Spotify as the song plays and it flat out doesn't match what they're saying most of the time. The prime example of this is There There My Dear. How can anyone sing along to this, nobody sounds like this. Geno - good tune, I can understand I bit more of what he's singing about and it's enjoyable. Instrumentals stood out a bit more too. I don't know what you'd call this kind of music on this album but it's really not for me. I gave Come On Eileen and The Celtic Soul Brothers a listen off Too Rye Ay. Better tunes than anything in this album by a long way. Took them 2 years to figure out how to write bangers.

i really fucking hate 70s and 80s british pop vocalists. i just hate british vocalists in general but this specific brand of british vocalist is really the cream of the shit-flavored crop. i'm sorry, there is some GREAT sax, organ and general instrumentation on this album but this oingo boingo ass mother fucker going yOu CaN't ShUt YoUr MoUtH completely ruins any enjoyment of the album i possibly could have had.

Why is this literal one hit wonder band included on a list of 1001 albums you MUST listen to? Is it for contrast, so that there are some lows to balance the highs against? This is the auditory equivalent of porridge made with water and nothing else. It really is damning that 3/5 of the top listened to tracks from Dexy’s Midnight Runners are just variations of “Come on Eileen”, a song that itself is just “okay”. I was already begging for this to be over by the third song so I could go and listen to literally anything else. The brass sections make me think I’m listening to ska music, but at least ska has that weird manic energy going on while the guys in cheap suits do weird dance moves. This is just slow, boring, and the lead singer sounds like he has a traumatic brain injury. It’s like a guy with Down’s syndrome trying to imitate Bryan Ferry. I just cannot imagine any scenario where I would go out of my way to listen to this.

That fucking stupid fucking brass horn. I couldn't enjoy any part of this album because of that stupid fucking horn section. I don't know if it's even horns, maybe it's saxaphones, or a trombones, or a trumpets idk. Maybe it's a sax and horn together but Jesus Christ it made this album unlistenable. Its just fucking shit. If this music even slightly represents living in England in the 80s, I understand why there are so many fucking stabbings. I would fucking go insane listening to this bullshit. I literally am unable to find something I enjoy about this album. The lead singers voice does have a certain 80s weirdly enjoyable 80s sound to it, but otherwise this band just sucks. I don't hate brass or classical instruments or jazz or anything like that. Just this fucking album. Also, even taking away that, this music is just shit. I didn't enjoy any part of it at all. This just made me want to start rating guns based on mouth feel. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered there's a fucking disk 2 on this album with 21 MORE FUCKING SONGS. It doesn't end. I did not listen to disk 2. I could not stomach it. This album is basic shitty drivvle. I have nothing smart or funny to say about it, it's just fucking garbage. The only time this music should be used is in a movie about England highlighting how much living there sucks. I have given this album 2 stars because it did teach me something about myself: I never knew I could dislike something so much.

We have Morrissey at home sounding aaah front man. Do not let Taylor Hannon near this cunts he would have an anneurism listening to them. I had literally never heard of these guys before. I thought this was gonna be an easy 5/5 for me but then it mixed it up. I genuinely thought the first couple tracks were phenomenal. Then Geno, the most popular track on the album hit and it was downhill from there. A string of good but not great tracks and then a step lower. The final track was great though. This album is front loaded as fuck. The lowest 8/10 I can possibly give without it being a 7. Would probably be a 7.6 if I believed in such degenerate reviews Fav tracks - Burn it Down, Tell Me When the Light Turns Green, The Teams that Meet in Caffs, I'm Just Looking, There There My Dear Least Fav - Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire it Doesn't apply

Holy shit this SUCKS. This is worse than the Police by FAR at least the white boy reggae had some charm to it. This is just a fucking an English dude having a moan about everything like holy fuck. Nails on a blackboard bad, I thought am I over reacting? And listened to about half of it again before I gave up. Wish I stood firm on my gut feeling because I will not get back the 20 minutes I spent on the re-listen let alone the original listen. Refugee looking mother fuckers on the album cover are fleeing the fucking ravaged war zone that is this fucking album. I would rather listen to a FULL friendlyjordies podcast ep than this again it is that fucking bad. Truly ass, 1/5 (I miss Bon Jovi already).

I can’t say I was looking forward to listening to this. I have heard Come On Eileen (a million times) and Geno and while I like those songs I had a gut feeling that the rest of the bands work would be a bit shit. In a running theme for English artists, I am not a fan of the vocals on here. It’s fun as a little novelty on songs like Come On Eileen but a whole album of this? Sheesh No shock that the first song that I really enjoyed on this album is The Teams That Meet In The Caffs, banging instrumentals that are free of the nervous pitch shifting vocals from the first two songs. Geno is a great song, won’t skip it if it comes on shuffle, it’s a bop I Couldn’t Help It If I Tried is where the vocals finally clicked for me, this song fucking rocks and makes me wonder why I haven’t heard it before but I’ve heard Come On Eileen an annoying number of times Arctic Monkeys should pay royalties to Dexys for continuing the time honoured English tradition of overly long song names. I’m not typing this one out, it’s the one where he’s high pitched. Eh. It’s got its moments, but most of this song sounds like a Wiggles track on speed. Dexys Midnight Runners should make a supergroup with the Police and call it wasted talent because the instrumentals on here are really something else but my lord if this was the kind of music that was getting around the UK in the 80s you better believe I would vote Thatcher everyday and twice on Sunday 5.7m Spotify listeners? Yeah I bet, mate. Some of these songs don’t even have the lyrics synced up on the Spotify app. Overall it’s not bad, but I don’t know if I would give this whole album a spin again.

Geno Geno Geno Geno

Energetic, exciting, fun, and definitely worthy of a band that named themselves for their love of amphetamines. On repeated listenings, the horns start to sound a bit gimmicky, and there is nothing about the album which is particularly memorable, but it’s an enjoyable ride nonetheless.

Enjoyed this, not quite as much as the othe Dexys album. Love some funky horns, the vocals are a bit too over the top for me

Wonderful sound! thanks for introducing me to this jewel!

This is my 2nd Dexys album on this list and it's a cracker although I still prefer Too-Rye-Ay this is a close second. Geno was the big hit and still is a banger but I personally am a fan of Burn it Down & I Couldnt Help if I Tried.

Quite uneventful and samey

# 287 : They've done a pretty decent job. A fantastic debut album. I think Its OK, I could listen to it, a couple of things stood out. Very catchy, soulful with lots of horns!... Like the clash, but with horns LOL :-D Favourite Track : Seven Days Too Long

No me gustó

Always sounds like someone singing down the pub to me.

Better than the other album, but still not good

This album exceeded every expectation I had for it. Like most, I assume, the only song I knew by Dexys Midnight Runners was "Come on Eileen." I was pleasantly surprised by that song's absence from this album. I love that song, but one complaint I've had with this list is that it seems like if an album contains a massive hit, it makes it on this list even if the rest of the album doesn't compare (see: "Hunting High and Low" by a-ha). So when I saw that their biggest hit wasn't part of this album, I was excited and relieved. And they didn't disappoint. I had no idea that the band used horns and other wind instruments so extensively in their arrangements. And I loved it. I'm a huge sucker for use of wind instruments in rock and pop music, and when I heard them on the very first track, I was in. And I stayed in through 95% of this album. Track after track was just banger after banger. The only duds I'd make note of were "I Couldn't Help it if I Tried" and "Keep It." The Brit-Pop voice really come out in those tracks, and I just cannot stand the whiny, annoying texture to it. Oh and "I'm Just Looking" because the whispering at the start made me uncomfortable. The instrumentals were great throughout though, including the songs I didn't like as much because of the vocals. Overall I really enjoyed this album and am really happy to be giving it five stars. Standout Tracks: Burn It Down, Tell Me When My Light Turns Green, The Teams That Meet In Caffs, Geno, Seven Days Too Long, Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply, There There My Dear

The vocalist had an annoying voice, the trumpets were overused, and the songs were, for the most part, forgettable. Not the worst album I've heard in my life, but I definitely won't be listening to this band again. 2 stars

Fine, but was not expecting this on the list, like at all

A lot of fun! They’re more than just Eileen.

This album surprised me. The first few songs blended together, but not in a good way. Vocals were very distinct and interesting throughout, but something about the pace won me over starting around song 3 or 4, it just kept doubling down and it worked

I had only ever heard Come On Eileen by this band, which I love, so I'm not surprised that I really enjoyed this album! I love the incorporation of the horns - almost every song on this album is a bop.

There’s some complexity in the lyrics but I couldn’t help myself from thinking “ worse British version of Chicago.”

Olipas englantilaista. Housemartins tuli mielen. Ihan jees! 3/5

Ihmettelen taas et miks tätä bändiä on useampi levy listalla. Myönnettävä on kyllä että vähemmän pahanmakuinen kuin oletin ja siedettävintä ska-meininkiä tähän mennessä.

Awesome 4.5

Good

The only song of them I had heard before was Come on Eileen, and none of the songs on this album are nearly that catchy. 2.4 stars

Meh 🫤

I can see why “Come On Eileen” is their most popular song lol. Pretty good/enjoyable overall, but very little stood out as a must-listen.

Good album, Geno is a great track and there are no bad ones

It's like pop meets soul music

I really REALLY enjoyed this album, and had never heard it before. Thanks for the insight. I'm broadened! :)

I was surprised, really enjoyed the horns

This was alright, the unique feel from the horns at least helped distinguish it from other like-sounding new wave albums.

Reel Big Fish meets The Cure.

Search failed.

Still searching.

i hope they found them!

Felt like I was down the pub on a Wednesday night waiting for a steak and ale pie while the locals go wild for their best band. Fun but not groundbreaking

Ireland meets The Talking Heads, but with a really annoying lead singer. Love the use of horns on this album.

Joyful, like all Dexys albums. But these three in particular. Tempted to take a point off for the verses for Thankfully Not Living In Yorkshire... I mean what But then. The brass!

Dexys Midnight Runners had more than one album!? Actually, pretty damn good! Lots of catchy songs.

Why they sing like that lol

ok

I liked them,,b ut I don't think it held up

This is terrible, why does the dude singing sounds like he's always very drunk?

I'm sure I'm not in the minority when I say that the only Dexy's Midnight Runners song I know is "Come On Eileen." I always thought Dexy's were just a one-hit-wonder; I had no idea until I started this project that their music is pretty well thought of amongst critics and music historians. I do love eighties music, so I think there's a pretty good chance that I'll enjoy this album. I really enjoyed listening to this album. I've mentioned this quite a bit in my recent reviews, but I've been reading through Dorian Lynskey's 33 Revolutions Per Minute this year, where Lynskey talks about the history of protest songs. I've learned a lot about the political landscape of England in the late seventies and eighties, which gave me a lot of context for this album. Also, last year, I read a book about the history of The Troubles, which gave me even more context about the lyrical content of this album. I guess all of that is to say that I really loved the songwriting on this album. The lyrics touch on things like class and social standing with first hand insight, which gives a lot of authenticity to the album. The album even ends with Rowland calling out other bands who sing about political issues, but don't do anything to back up their words. I enjoyed this album musically as well. The trombone and saxophone playing really shine on this album, giving it a unique feeling that sets it apart from other new wave music that was coming out at the time. Dexys utilizes these African and Caribbean sounds in a way that never feels like appropriation, but in a way that fleshes out the punk-sounding simplicity of the guitar and percussion. I assume that the rich textures on this album had an influence on the sophisti-pop sound that came out of England in the late eighties as well. Parts of this album dragged a bit, and I wasn't always a big fan of the vocals, but this is a great album, especially when you look at its place in history and culture in England at the time. This album was a fun treat, and I look forward to the other Dexys albums on the list.

Better than I expected it to be. The energy is what makes it. They have a belief in what they’re making that makes this album work. There isn’t a great amount of range or any big dose of originality, but it is certainly enjoyable. 3/5

Warm and uber-listenable and super Celtically soulful, there are maybe more horns than ideal, but they go all-in on it so hard to argue. In fact, one must resist the temptation to call this the "horniest" record in the whole book. Certainly it's among the hookiest. The name-dropping of Irish literary titans is very much to one's taste an the picking on Deep Purple and Johny Rotten on "Burn It Down" makes perfect sense. "Tell Me When" an "Seven Days" are infectious. "Geno" is a bit much for one's taste, but the appeal is clear. "Thankfully" is good fun and breaks up the flow a bit, mostly in a good way. Rowland's a compelling singer, even by the high standards of '80s popl in the UK. Traces of his tone and approach can be heard in . They seem to have threaded the needle of being commercially underrated and critically overrated, but their legacy seems relatively safe and one's glad to have finally gotten this band (via active listening) after years of wondering what all the fuss was about. Horns-driven here and thick with strings elsewhere, DMRs were going to do some shape-shifting across the records to come (not unlike the Bee Gees in some ways), seeking their foothold in the market and maybe they cared a bit too much about what they were wearing (as opposed to what they were playing), but this album, the first, seems the strongest.

I honestly struggle a bit with the sound of Dexys themselves, it can get repetitive and feels like a sign of its age.

Really good

I can't focus enough to listen to this which I guess is a review in of itself?

It was okay but I probably won’t even think about it ever again.

I like Come On Eileen as much as the next person, but it wasn’t on this album and the singer of this band can’t sing to save himself.. While there is a bit of bop to some of the songs, I would rather not put myself through listening to this again. Tbf, it’s not my favourite genre mix. Fave Track: Geno Rating: 2

Found the vocal style here quite off-putting, a la Talking Heads

Trying to get past "Come on Eileen" and went down a different path. Doesn't sound the same, which is not meant as an insult. Found little resemblance. Good mix

Solid album with a really cool sound but nothing that really made me go WOAHHH. Some good tracks tho and cool to hear something besides come on Eileen by these guys.

This album wasn’t bad, but it’s nothing I’ll ever go back to either. On the flip side, it’s interesting to explore Dexys Midnight Runners just to hear something different from “Come On Eileen.” If you’re a fan of music with brass instruments, then this will be right up your alley. Other than that, there’s not too much to say about this album because nothing really jumped out.

Ok pleasantly surprised by this, maybe I love 80s music

I thought I'd love it because it's so British but nope, really didn't care for this

Come on, three albums of theirs? I like the guy's voice, it's a bit more of a peppy Robert Smith's. And the horn line is fun, but a bit... canned? But I think that's more the recording than anything else. Instrumental track is pretty good. There are moments that I don't think the singer is just... not the right fit for the song, like "Thankfully Not Living In Yorkshire..." I want someone wiht a quirkier voice. "I'm Just Looking" works, although I wonder if it was sung by a torch song singer how much better would it be? But I guess if the album was done by rotating singers, it wouldn't be DMR, would it? It's a good album, but I don't see why this is so different from the other Dexys albums. Or what makes it a historic, "You gotta hear this" album. Top songs: "Burn It Down," "I'm Just Looking," Keep It," "The Teams That Meets In Caffs."

Hey did you know Dexys Midnight Runners was this amazing British punk/soul band that has 3 albums you need to hear before you die? Me neither. Ok, you didn't know but do you believe it now? Me neither. They're fine and all, but this is a bit much.

Let's get this out of the way first. There don't need to be THREE Dexys albums on the 1001. Their albums are simply too similar. This album doesn't bring the fun as much as Too Rye Ay (although they start to turn it on with songs like Seven Days Too Long and Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply). That said, they definitely have a great sound. I'd call it glam punk soul. Favorite moment learning about the album - I was curious what "Geno" was about, so I looked it up and saw it's about soul singer Geno Washington. I then checked out his Wikipedia page and saw this excerpt: "[Geno Washington] was encouraged to make a comeback in 1980 due to the rekindled interest in him resulting from the Dexys Midnight Runners hit single "Geno", but he initially declined, as he was completing his degree in hypnotism." You can't make this shit up. Favorite Tracks: Burn It Down, Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply, There, There My Dear.

the most 80s of crappy 80s music.

Geno

A part from a few cool sax solos, this is pretty annoying.

### **In-Depth Review of "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" by Dexys Midnight Runners** Released in 1980, "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" marks the debut of Dexys Midnight Runners, a band led by the enigmatic Kevin Rowland. This album captures the zeitgeist of the post-punk era with a unique blend of soul, punk, and brass-driven pop, establishing Dexys as a distinctive force in the music scene. In this review, we will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. #### **Lyrics** Kevin Rowland's lyrics are a cornerstone of the album, brimming with passion, introspection, and a sense of defiance. The songs tackle themes of youth, identity, and social issues with a raw and unfiltered intensity. **Key Tracks and Lyric Analysis:** 1. **"Burn It Down"**: This opening track sets the tone with its urgent plea for authenticity and rejection of superficiality. The lyrics "I don't care if you're young or old, let's burn it down" encapsulate the rebellious spirit of the album. 2. **"Tell Me When My Light Turns Green"**: Rowland's introspective side shines through in this song, reflecting on personal struggle and the search for direction. The repeated line "I'm so confused and full of fear" conveys vulnerability and a yearning for clarity. 3. **"Geno"**: A tribute to soul singer Geno Washington, this track celebrates musical inspiration and the impact of role models. The lyrics "You were my torch / Now I wanna be like you" highlight the admiration and aspiration that drive young musicians. 4. **"There, There, My Dear"**: This song is a scathing critique of the music industry and phoniness. Rowland's sharp wit is evident in lines like "You must be joking, oh man, you must be joking." The album's lyrical content is a mix of personal reflection and social commentary, delivered with a poetic yet direct approach. Rowland's emotive delivery adds an additional layer of sincerity and urgency to the words. #### **Music** Musically, "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" is a vibrant fusion of genres, primarily characterized by its brass arrangements, soul influences, and punk energy. The band employs a variety of instruments, creating a rich and dynamic sound. **Instrumentation and Arrangements:** 1. **Brass Section**: The prominent use of brass instruments, including saxophones and trombones, gives the album its distinctive sound. Tracks like "Burn It Down" and "Geno" showcase the brass section's ability to drive the melody and add a punchy, rhythmic element. 2. **Rhythm Section**: The bass and drums provide a solid foundation, propelling the songs with infectious grooves. The rhythm section's tight, energetic performance is crucial in maintaining the album's momentum. 3. **Melodic Hooks**: The album is filled with catchy hooks and memorable melodies. Songs like "Seven Days Too Long" and "Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply" demonstrate the band's knack for crafting sing-along choruses. 4. **Vocal Delivery**: Kevin Rowland's vocal style is impassioned and raw, often teetering on the edge of control. His delivery adds an element of emotional intensity, making each song feel deeply personal. The music on this album stands out for its eclecticism and the seamless blending of different influences, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. #### **Production** Produced by Pete Wingfield, the album's production is both polished and gritty, capturing the band's energetic performance while allowing the rawness of the music to shine through. The production choices reflect the era's DIY ethic, with a focus on authenticity and immediacy. **Production Highlights:** 1. **Live Feel**: The production captures the feel of a live performance, with an emphasis on the interplay between the instruments. This approach lends the album a sense of spontaneity and vibrancy. 2. **Balanced Mix**: The mix is well-balanced, ensuring that each instrument is clearly audible without overpowering the others. The brass section, in particular, is given prominence without overshadowing the vocals or rhythm section. 3. **Sound Quality**: While the sound quality reflects the limitations of the time, it also adds to the album's charm. The slight roughness and imperfections contribute to the overall authenticity and character of the music. 4. **Use of Dynamics**: The production effectively uses dynamics to enhance the emotional impact of the songs. Quiet introspective moments are juxtaposed with explosive choruses, creating a sense of drama and intensity. #### **Themes** The themes explored in "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" are deeply rooted in the experiences and struggles of youth. The album delves into topics such as identity, rebellion, social consciousness, and the power of music as a form of expression and escape. **Core Themes:** 1. **Rebellion and Authenticity**: The album's title itself hints at a quest for genuine expression and a rejection of conformity. This theme is prevalent in songs like "Burn It Down" and "There, There, My Dear." 2. **Youthful Idealism**: Many of the tracks reflect a sense of youthful idealism and the search for meaning. This is evident in "Tell Me When My Light Turns Green," where the protagonist grapples with uncertainty and the desire for direction. 3. **Social Commentary**: Rowland's lyrics often touch on social issues and critique the status quo. "There, There, My Dear" is a prime example, with its pointed criticism of the music industry and societal expectations. 4. **Musical Inspiration**: The influence of soul music is a recurring theme, particularly in "Geno," which pays homage to the impact of musical idols. This theme underscores the idea of music as a transformative and inspirational force. #### **Influence** "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" left a significant mark on the music landscape, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of musicians. Its fusion of genres and innovative use of brass instruments set it apart from other releases of the time. **Impact and Legacy:** 1. **Genre Fusion**: The album's blend of soul, punk, and pop elements paved the way for other bands to explore cross-genre experimentation. This approach influenced the development of new wave and alternative rock in the 1980s. 2. **Brass Revival**: Dexys Midnight Runners' prominent use of brass instruments helped revive interest in brass-driven music, influencing bands like The Specials and Madness. 3. **Lyricism**: Kevin Rowland's candid and introspective lyricism set a new standard for emotional honesty in music. His style has been cited as an influence by artists who value lyrical depth and personal storytelling. 4. **Cultural Impact**: The album's themes of rebellion and authenticity resonated with a generation of listeners who were seeking their own identities in a rapidly changing world. This cultural impact extends beyond music, reflecting broader social and political movements of the time. #### **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Innovative Sound**: The unique fusion of soul, punk, and pop elements creates a fresh and dynamic listening experience. 2. **Emotional Intensity**: Kevin Rowland's passionate vocal delivery and introspective lyrics add depth and sincerity to the album. 3. **Strong Musicianship**: The band's tight performance and skillful use of brass instruments set a high standard for musical excellence. 4. **Cultural Relevance**: The themes of rebellion, authenticity, and social consciousness resonate with listeners and reflect the spirit of the era. **Cons:** 1. **Production Roughness**: While the raw production adds to the album's charm, it may be perceived as unpolished by some listeners accustomed to modern production standards. 2. **Niche Appeal**: The distinctive style and eclectic influences may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those who prefer more conventional genres. 3. **Intense Vocal Delivery**: Kevin Rowland's vocal style, characterized by its intensity and occasional unpredictability, might be polarizing for some audiences. 4. **Inconsistent Pacing**: The album's pacing can feel uneven at times, with some tracks significantly more compelling than others. ### **Conclusion** "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels" by Dexys Midnight Runners is a landmark album that combines lyrical depth, musical innovation, and thematic relevance. Its strengths lie in its passionate delivery, eclectic sound, and poignant social commentary. While it has some rough edges and may not cater to all tastes, its impact on the music landscape and its enduring cultural significance are undeniable. This album remains a testament to the power of music as a vehicle for personal expression and social change.

Northern soul with a northern brass band sound. After a while, all the tracks begin sound the same. Contains their massive hit "Geno" which I was never really a fan of.

I had heard nothing else by this band, other than "Come on Eileen" and I did not expect their debut album to sound like this. There were many horns on this album that I did not expect to hear and this was a very pleasant sounding album. I'm a little surprised the album with Eileen on it is not in this book (or maybe it is?) but I enjoyed hearing it.

ok 3*

Burn It Down - 3 Tell Me When My Light Turns Green - 3 The Teams That Meet in Caffs - 3.5 I'm Just Looking - 4 Geno - 3.5 Seven Days Too Long - 3.5 I Couldn't Help It - 3 Thankfully Not Living - 3 Keep It - 3.5 Love, Pt. 1 - 3 There There My Dear - 3.25 He doesn't have a bad voice if he actually sings, like in I'm Just Looking. Or, The Teams, where he doesn't talk. In terms of this genre, they're not the worst. I'll give em that. Not quite 4 territory, but they've earned a 3.5.

Searching for the Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners Thursday 6/20/24 9:45 A Tier————————— The Teams That Meets In Caff There There My Dear B Tier————————— Geno Burn It Down Keep It I Couldn’t Help It If I Tried C Tier————————— Seven Days Too Long Tell Me When I’m Just Looking Thankfully Not Living in Yorkshire D Tier————————— Love poem

This was great. I was one of these who had only heard Come on Eileen and didn't really get why this group has multiple albums on the list. This one at least I'm glad was here.

"Geno" is no "Come On Eileen". But it's still a nice hit. Apart from that, this debut surely has a voice of its own with its ska-tinged new wave / Northern soul / blue-eyed soul shenanigans, even if those styles often appear a little quaint to my ears. The voice is messy, but also fully expressive. And the natural-sounding production sounds honest enough. Leaving the door open to this one, even if the first listen was not a full blast. 3/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums. 8/10 for more general purposes (5+3) Number of albums left to review: 169 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 361 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 209 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 266

This works for exactly one song

Quite different from "Come On Eileen", but one can still recognize the common parts. The brass parts are good, but Rowland's singing is sometimes annoying, even if it was probably made intentionally. Nevertheless, it's fun listening to.

I'd never heard of this band before. Is Ska Punk a genre? Rowland's vocals are the weakest factor of the album. The horns are spectacular, especially Paterson's trombone. Very tight. "Everything I do will be funky from now on."

Enjoyed it Standout songs: Im just looking Geno Thankfully not living...

Can dig some of the horns here and the soul influences, but honestly, just give me The Clash.

Quirky but not all that fun. The second half is better.

The goofy vocals, horns and organ were too much for me.

This wasn’t good.

Very different from come on Eileen sound... Pretty good. Whiny sounds but good sax

This album was pretty unremarkable for me. Nothing grabbed me and kept my attention really. The singer doesn't really do it for me and the saxaphone isn't adding too much for me either, besides in Geno, which was my favorite here.

p451. 1980. 3 stars. The good: fabulous brass section and a handful of good songs. The bad: Kevin Rowland's vocals. He can't sing and he has the worst articulation ever. It speaks volumes (unlike Kevin Rowland) that Spotify doesn't know most of the lyrics to the songs, probably because no-one can understand WTF he is saying.

El renacer del soul birtánico tuvo en este disco su causa fundamental. Un álbum de culto empezando por su primer tema, "Burn It Down", en el que se encuentran el clasicismo del soul, con su sección de vientos y su órgano Hammond, con la actitud punk reinante en la Gran Bretaña de inicios de los 80. Destacaría los grooves de R&B y los ganchos melódicos de "Seven Days Too Long" (uno de los temas que más me gustan del disco), así como el sencillo "Geno", con el que alcanzaron el número uno en las listas, y el tema final, "There, There, My Dear", sobre la impostura del artista que aparenta lo que no es.

Do we really need these guys 3 times on here? The music is ok, but his voice for a whole album? Damn I’d almost rather listen to Morrissey. Almost

This was a fun album. I love the sound of big band in with rock or pop and that was well mixed in here.

A couple of good songs on it but not amazing

Gino is a banger and added to my library. I liked it when they trilled. Otherwise all the same.

Achei bem enjoadinho

Musically this was pretty cool, but there's no way I can ever take these vocals seriously man, it sounds like goofy karaoke or something lmao. And then they go and pop in a poem near the end where he sounds all cool and stuff. 2/5

Strange, didnt even know they made that many albums. Enjoyed this one, good energy can feel the influnces from 2 tone and punk. Nice trumpet.

Have I logged into the Dexys Midnight Runners fanclub by mistake? This is the better of their albums but I don't think we needed all 3.

I liked this over the other Dexy's album in this list. The northern soul is strong here, and Kevin Rowland's is simultaneously individual and full of character as well as indecipherable and fucking annoying. I'm not really sure what it was all about, and I was torn between saying that I preferred the original and that I loved the uniqueness and the brass section on slightly punky tracks. 3.5 stars

Oh, Geno!

Meh

The horns were great but got tired. The vocals were an interesting style but got tired. It was challenging to finish the album.

I have never liked this band. I HATE their hit.

Had the same consistent sounds throughout and I wasn’t a fan of the talking. They just didn’t use it right, and it is hard to use talking in music.

This dudes voice is AWFUL. Seriously he’s on par with Bob Dylan for me (and that’s really saying something). Does he try to make his voice sounds this bad? Is this something he’s worked at? He’s completely unintelligible and painful to listen to. The only reason this isn’t a 1 is because of the instrumentation, the horns and others were nice but my goodness his voice is PAINFUL. Not worthy to be on this list and should not have been forced to listen to.

Not sure that this is punk, but I liked it. I like lead singer’s voice and their sound including the horns. It was certainly different.

I love the exaggerated, flamboyant style of lead vocalist Kevin Rowland. He sounds like no one else. The music is fun. It’s got a bright and sunny ska style. I smiled a lot listening to this one. I could see this album growing on me with more listens.

"Geno" is definitely Dexy's Midnight Runner's second most famous song. It's a pretty solid song, but this band is forever remembered for "Come on Eileen", so I'm assuming that record will be on this list as well. It's always such an interesting thing to me when a band has one song that is so monumentally famous and doesn't ever come close to hitting the mark with any of their other tracks. It's like all the other ones are practice iterations until they got the big one out there. The sound of the band itself is great. It's this British fun high energy rock folk with some interspersed fun reggae or ska sounds, wildly fun vocal parts, and a lead vocalist with a warbled sound that is so idiosyncratic and loose and makes you often think "is this sound a jokey, silly sound, or if he serious?". "Seven Days Too Long" is a solid track. I might like it more than "Geno". Yea it's not a bad record. I really actually dig a lot of moments on it.

This is pretty insufferable. When I started to think they might have something musically, the whiny vocals would kick in and ruin it.

4.5 stars. The album before Come On Eileen and it's great. Brass horns full of energy and punk-ish vibes but still catchy pop and a bit of soul. Standouts are "Tell Me When My Light Turns Green", "Geno" and "Seven Days Too Long".

Lots of horns / woodwinds. Didn’t do much for me cause it was a pretty standard 80s British album (at least that’s what it sounded like). I was starting to get into it during the middle half of the album, but the start and ending fell flat for me.

I love me a good horn section but this can be a bit excessive at times. Fun, easy listening, but it always sounds like they’re falling a little short of a pop hit they’re aiming for. Meanders around a lot

Good mood the whole album long. I like the punkish sound with all the brass instruments.🎺 Very entertaining and round album without any outstanding titles. Musically ⭐⭐⭐⭐ but the vocals sometimes can be annoying. 3,5

Find this to be a pretty average rock album with some interesting variety of instruments and average lyrics

What's with the British music scene in the '80s that they looooved vocalists who sound like men suffering from severe menstrual pain?

Very high 3

aight. 6/10

Gave this a couple of goes but it really didn't click with me. It's not terrible and there are some good moments but I could never hear this again and not really feel like I'm missing much. Geno is good.

Better than I expected but really top heavy. High 3.

I really liked the horns on this. High 3. Vocals were just alright, a little too 80s for me

I really can't stand C'mon Irene so I expected to hate this. Fortunately that's not on this album. Honestly, I don't really care for it, but the instrumental was the best song on the album. The horns are a nice touch. Still, no interest in hearing this again.

I guess there is more to this band than I thought! A fun blue-eyed soul album that I assume was more popular in the U.K. than here. Does it really need to be on the list? Of course not, but it was a fun listen.

I had only heard their one hit, which isn't here. They were pretty interesting though.

I dunno. Would rather listen to their soul and reggae influences.

1980s rock, heavy horns, more like old rock in line with blues brothers crossed with fast drum beach rock.

La voz se parece a la del de The Cure. Son divertidos. Mucha trompeta.

Some salty language but I really enjoyed it.

Given my enthusiasm for Come on Eileen, I expected to like this more. I will try to give another listen, but the first round didn't grab me.

I miss eilene

This band is good at soul. It's sorta a shame they're known as a one-hit wonder. I liked this.

I understand why. They were one hit wonders. I love the use of horns in their work. The songs are not particularly memorable. I see why they had some fans in their day. Just don’t feel like their music translates past when it was written.

This was a really fun album and enjoyed it.

Thought I'd like them better than I actually did

songs range from boring to annoying

Yea, it was alright

This was alright. Sounded like the first ska album.

It was ok

Love it

Disappointed that their best song Come on Eileen was not on it. But not bad.

Vocals meh Music yeah!!!

Liked the horns. Kind of liked the whiny angsty lyrics. Kept me interested.

This is long and I like the trumpets but grrrr...

I did not expect a one hit wonder band to have a place on the 1001 albums. I especially didn't expect the album to not have the one hit! I dig the basic genre and style. I like Horn heavy band. Enjoyed their Specials reminiscent vibe. His voice is an acquired taste at best. Fun, solid, but I think I'm good with one and done. Listened and now I'm one album closer to being about to die with completeness. Somewhere between 2 and 3. I'll decide in the morning. As I near the end, it's upgraded to between 3 and 4, but I think it rounds down.

This is another one I liked more than I expected. I had this band in the category of one hit wonder, but this record-prior to the big hit-shows they had captured something going on in the UK at that time: the reemergence of soul music. No standout songs for me, but reasonably enjoyable to listen to.

these brit’s keep making music

Thought I knew what this was going to be, shocked when it wasn’t, surprised by what it was. It isn’t Mozart but it’s far from terrible

This has got to be the weirdest album on this list so far, but subtly so - like The Clash had a one-night stand with a ska band and it didn't work out, but this album is the kid they're coparenting, and they're all doing their best and kinda making it work, but things are never quite stable.

Good vibe album. Love his voice. Like the ska edge.

Only ever knew come on Eileen from them and this album did t even have that song, so I wasn’t expecting much. Walked away pleasantly surprised. I’m a sucker for a good horn section. Takes me back to my Ska days.

They have the same kind of vocal as The Clash have. But their tunes are more funky/folk. The brass section is a very good section. 3.5/5.

their breakout album provides a fun upbeat rock that has some early ska elements coming from the horns with vocals that are reminiscent of the talk heads. Fun listen.

I didn't like the singer, but the music was quite good

Punkish new wave from the 80s (loving the 80s these days) with a dose of ska. Didn’t emotionally connect to this album but enjoyed it more or less , let’s give it a 3 star.

Better than I thought. But still cheesy. Reminded me of inxs meets ska

80s pop group that reminds me of high school balls, it's nostalgic but not something I really miss.

Tickles me that this super upbeat music is from the same place Black Sabbath was formed.

hate that stupid trumpet or whatever it is

High energy liked it a lot. tracks with no vocals were a bit hard to get through as were when it tried to deliver slower songs. some real gems here though 4.4

Festive and riotous. Foundational Ska elements. No Eileen makes it a raw underdog of an album with no singular hooks.

I like the music. Not crazy about the singing. Maybe a little bit too much on the horns after a while.

This album would be a 1 star but there were occasional glimpses of things that were fun to listen to. Everything else was annoying. I think this album was the only one so far that I was mad I had to listen to it.

Where is "Come on Eileen"??????

Eh

Truly never heard of this band. Interested to see what they sound like. Definitely not my style.

None of the songs stood out to me. I liked the instrumentals, but not overly memorable

The voices oh the voices I cannot do. 5/10

Better than I thought it was gonna be at the start. 7/10

Love me some Dexys. “Geno” is a regular on my 80s playlist. I’ve heard this album before and I feel the same, I enjoy the faster paced songs a lot more then the slower ones. 7/10

Great album, some 10/10 songs, but overall not my thing

3.7 . First half > second half

A mix of great songs (Burn It Down, Geno, Seven Days Too Long, There There My Dear) and terrible songs (I'm Just Looking, I couldn't Help It If I Tried, Yorkshire). But I will always round up for exuberant horns. Interesting enough to merit a place on this list.

Favorite Tracks: There There My Dear Tell Me When My Light Turns Green I’m Just Looking

I now see why they are a one hit wonder.

Enjoyed this more than I thought. Like many I only know them for Come on Eileen but quite liked the blend of punk and brass which is quite novel. Not a fan of the singers voice though

Not terrible, but no thanks. Classic "How is this a top 1001?" Album.

Sometimes it sounded like Pulp if they were a 80's band. Pulp are better.

I'm gonna need someone to explain to me how this made the list. What is this guy bawling about?

That album was kind of pointless and annoying. I've heard worst, tho.

Didn't know they had more songs than Come on Eileen. This was ok. The good parts were the variety of the instruments which gives it a unique sound.

Great poppy funky jazzy 80s stuff

Surprisingly good, but faded late in the album.

I’ve always regarded this band as a joke who only were able to be a one hit wonder. While I wasn’t blown away by this album there was a lot of the production elements I loved. The changing of the radio stations on the first track, the instrumental interludes, and the use of horns. Only able to listen to it once all the way through. But I think I’ll return to this. 3/5

Since this one didn't have Come on Eileen on it, does that mean Dexys Midnight Runners not only put out more than one album but they also have two on this list? Probably could die without hearing both albums I would have to imagine, but we will have to see. This one is alright, I like the horns and I like how terrible the singer's voice is but how well it works with the music.

Extremely meh

Like most people I knew nothing of Dexys Midnight Runners beyond Geno, Jocky Wilson Said and its legendary Top of the Pops performance, and of course Eileen and her spunky adventures. This album is better than I expected, but the horn arrangements are so overpowering that a lot of the tracks are a bit samey, and Kevin Rowland's delivery is ... interesting.

The Northern soul and ska influences should make me live this album. But Kevin Rowland’s idiosyncratic vocal style grates quickly throughout the highlights. “Geno” is great and other tracks could shimmer and strut. But there’s no escaping Rowland’s deliberate squeaks and off-tone quips.

Horny :) 3.5

An album from Dexys with no 'Come on Eileen'! Honestly, nothing here grabs me :(

Good album. Some very catchy tunes.

It was fun but repetitive.

Not bad, but three must-hear albums by these guys?

Don't get this album at all. I listened to it sober, bad. got drunk, still bad. got high even worse. I choked myself with a belt, as I was blacking out it something sounded ok.

I cannot abide this singers vocals. Oh my god I want to kick in my speakers. The music is fine but jesus, that singing!

I'd listen to this again. Good horns. Good songs. Wasn't sure what to expect from the Come on Eileen band, especially when this album didn't have Eileen on it.

I didn’t really like this one much. Some of the horn sections were okay but the lead singer is super annoying. And I didn’t need to have two Dexter albums on the list, that’s for sure.

Not for me I don't think.

Wow what a wild album. Great horn section - and just felt like a precursor or early ska album. I would definitely listen again.

I didn’t like this album. I give it 1.5 stars

nah bruh the ASMR on track 4 was wild. yeah this was pretty mid

While the Runners are obviously very talented, I have the same issue with 'Searching For The Young Soul Rebels' as with most Queen records. There's just too much going on, and it's complete sensory overload.

There’s a lot to love about Dexys Midnight Runners. There’s a lot that’s simply too much as well. It’s fun. But I’m also done with it for now when the record is over.

Surprisingly good. I heard 'Come on Eileen' in the early 80's again and again. In the beginning I was a fan. In the end it sucks. I didn't want to hear anything again from the dexys. But this debut album is interesting. It won't become my favorite, but it I like some parts of it, especially the brass.

Een soort ska met een zanger van wie de luier nodig verschoond moet worden. Sjonge jonge. De muziek heeft nog wel iets aanstekelijks eigenlijk. Normaal vind ik ska super kut maar dit vind ik nog wel aardig. De zanger verneukt het vakkundig. Wat een debiel.

I know that I'd like this album better if I gave it a few more listens but many of the songs sounded very similar to me. I maybe should not have listened to the remastered version which included multiple versions of the same track.

It took a long time to find out Geno and Burn It Down were Dexy's songs. I had this on repeat as I was having a blast listening to it over and over.

A lot better than the Eileen song. A solid 3.5 stars.

Köper det inte helt. Lite brassband typ?? Mysigt dock på något sätt

This is a super unfair way to say it, but basically the entire time I was listening to this album all I could think was I'd rather be listening to The Pogues. I appreciate the attempt to meld folk with rock but it was a bit too poppy and the music didn't match the messaging of the lyrics in some cases to an extent that took me away from the song. It wasn't bad, but it just never really worked for me.

Music was enjoyable and the poetry between tracks was interesting - a glimpse into what artists found inspiring in another time. Enjoyed the plucky hints of almost ska vibes.

Okay

First impression is that his Voice sounds so desperate but the first song was good tho. The Direction they go with them Instruments is cool. I dont get along with his voice. It destroyed it for me. No need to revisit it. 1.5/5

Singer is awful, but love the music.

Not bad. No single song stood out, but had a cool white British soul by way of punk vibe.

It ok

Hate the voice but kinda liked it in a weird way

They have songs other than Come On Eileen? I guess not.

Just didn't work for me

It was okay.

Eh it was alright.

Enjoyed more than the come on Eileen album, especially the horns.

Whole album felt kinda sloppy and uninspiring

Didnt listen to the whole thing. Im not in the mood + its boring

Great fun energy. I was not familar with this band beyond Come On Eileen so it was a fun discovery that I look forward to hearing again. Faves: Geno, Seven Days Too Long

Such fantastic energy - I bet their live shows were amazing! I was introduced to Dexys way back when (along with the Waterboys, who I haven't had yet in this project, but I'm pretty sure there's at least one of theirs on the list) so have a certain amount of nostalgia for them, but I gotta think I'd be super into this even if I was hearing it for the first time. I guess Kevin Rowland's vocals can be a bit divisive, but I think they work. Love the radio dial intro - here's some hard rock, punk, ska, and brass band music, and while that's not what's coming next..... it kinda has elements of all of those! Fave tracks - "Burn it Down", "Geno", "Seven Days Too Long". "There There My Dear".... I mean "Thankfully Not Living In Yorkshire It Doesn't Apply" could make the list too, it's a laugh!

All I knew of Dexys was "come on Eileen". I gotta say, I was surprised at the soul sound of this album. The horn work was excellent. Not gonna be in heavy rotation, but it was a great listen.

Great album! I've been listening to The Doors my whole life.

Was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one

Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Mische: Bläser blasen bestens begeisternde Blasmusik, Bass als wichtiger Baustein - nicht blosses Fundament, Vocals erste Sahne, Mix (für mich selbst) überraschend mitreißend gelungen Mugge: SKAish FUN FUN FUN! Wertung: 4/5

The crying toddler voice kinda works for Come On Eileen, in a jokey, fun way. But I can't take it seriously and definitely can't stand a whole album of it.

awful. just terrible. if i never hear it again it will be too soon.

A great debut album. Very distinctive. Tremendous brass. A couple of hits. I much prefer it to his gypsy folk stuff that came after I realize his voice will alienate some.

"Geno" was a classic anthem when I was young. Dexy's before the dungarees. An incredibly talented band, despite Kevin's voice.

One gets it finally. After several listens and many years of not understanding why this band was so well-regarded. Irish literary walk of fame makes for a fun opener. It's more brass than one typically likes in rock records, but it's used to quite good effect –  brightening and enervating some tunes, grounding and deepening others, a little Celtic Ska never having hurt anyone, really. Not sure it ever gets to punk effects. Maybe the punkiest bit is opening of "Thankfully" which then gets silly-poppy, a fun balance that early '80s bands struck better than anyone. Weird how they'd go basically all strings on future records. "Lights Are Green" rocks pretty fully. "Seven Days" is maybe most soulful track, with a wonderful little news-ticker rattle from a xylophone (or whatever). The tune seems to have pillaged by JoBoxers for "Just Got Lucky," fondly remembered throwaway hit of that era. One loves that Rowland's singing is occasionally overwrought (was Robert Smith listening to his reaching tone in the middle range?), which shows commitment (to be glass half-full about it) and it seems like they perhaps tried a bit too hard on the fashion (and so on the want-to-be-famous) front. But, musically, the record works, showing that Celtic Soul was a thing (and a legit one, too) and tipping a lot of what would be good – or even great – about '80s music.

Pretty shit apart from 1 song

Great in parts, but not arsed about the slow ones - vocals are really bad

The uneven and often incoherent blend of genres. There are a few stand out tracks but overall, it is only ok as a collection of songs.

3.5

this is a different sound from what dexys midnight runners are typically known for. there's a smattering of new wave here, but more than that, there's SO much jazz inspiration happening here, especially with all of the horns used so consistently! there is also a punk aspect to this music, and that's where the new wave sneaks in. searching for the young soul rebels is a good album, albeit not what i expected.

Based on my limited exposure to Dexys Midnight Runners, I was expecting "new wave". And the album is labeled "new wave" on Wikipedia and such. But a few songs in, it was evident to me that this was more like a slightly new wave-infused soul and jazz album. Honestly, perhaps the most honest genre classification that can be given here is "proto-ska". Wholly not what I was expecting. Overall, this wasn't bad at all. I don't really feel like it did a WHOLE lot for me personally, though. Nonetheless, I was glad to hear a bit more from this band beyond their very obvious hit, "Come On Eileen".

Großartig!

Them again. I don’t drink enough to tolerate this bullshit. The author is just fanboying with this.

I don't mind it but the horns overwhelm.

Not really my cup of tea.

Did not realize they were not one hit wondwrs. Solid white soul

Are there still 3 Dexy's albums in the 1001? C'mon now........theirs is a distinctive sound and a pretty good one at that but does it warrant 3 albums worth? Regardless I still think it warrants a high rating- some great songs on here and as I've already said it's a great sound.

Not bad, leider nüme rechtziig ziit gha zums reviewe aber has besser gfunde als da vom Vortag. Ganz uf mini liked songs hets es nid gschafft aber würd trotzdem es 4/5 geh

Ah i’m excited for this🥹 Sorry WAS EN BANGER ISCH i’m just looking? Ah wie gut

midnight runners sind mdma verkäufer. isch seehr englisch sehr nice aber. sie hend gern blöser. und d blöser töned nöd soo guet und d arrangements sind sochli semi geil. the teams that meet in caffs. ich chrck langsam d bläser arrangements, sie wönd töne wie otis redding songs oder so. i'm just looking findi recht ass. mer ghört meistens nöd viel ussert de blöser. geno und not living in yorkshire sind cool find s album sehr schlecht abgmischt, d blöser sind viel z troche und z luut und am kevin rowland sini stimm treit z wenig zum soulig sii. come on eileen isch en riese banger aber er isch halt nöd uf dem album. git öpis zwüsched me zwei und me drü wells es paar gueti songs drunder het aber s tönt halt nöd super und chunt meh wie e otis redding imitation übere als öpis eigets. ich han gad nocher halt au aretha franklin glost und da sind welte wenns um soul goht.

also die erst 3 lieder hemmer gfalle au wenn ich am luca muss zuestimme, dass d blöser au chli lisliger abgmischt werde hetted chönne (ich lieb die dütsch sprach) au er het nöd die besti stimm doch ich mag sie no I'm just looking hassi iwie gahahahaha extrem nervigi und luti blöser und ihn verstahtmer fast nöd iwie hmm jaaaaaaaaaaa nöd schlecht nöd würkli hammer

Not my favorite type of musical genre. Only loved their song, come on Eileen.

Perfectly fine rock/soul stuff.

Meh.

Added a star for Come on Eileen not being on this album

Everything I’m reading is saying this is soul music but I think they’re just too afraid to call it ska 5/10

Honestly really enjoyed it. The band is great. They ripped the horns and the hammond the whole album. The vocals took away from the album at some points. I liked them at first, but they get a bit tiring by the end of the record.

ELO mixed with the Cure mixed with 3rd wave SKA. Sounds pretty bad when you mix it all together

nice horns gets it a 2 i guess. lead singer whine more pls. im begging u to whine more right in my ears.

Really fun album! A little bit of punk, a little ska. The instrumental groove on The Teams That Meet in Caffs is a standout for me, that song is really cool. Geno sounds like a precursor to more modern ska music. A lot of the songs on this album give me a noir kind of feeling. A pretty great album from a band I've never heard of before.

this was a pretty cool listen. i, of course, know them from 'come on eileen' but this album is really nothing like that song at all. very horn heavy, very blue-eyed soul. the production is very, very clean, which is not totally my favorite.

Not really my thing

Better than I expected.

One of those albums let down by the vocals. Kevin is an emotional fellow, I got pretty tired of his overwrought swooning. Can see the influence in Jarvis Cocker who does it so much better. Northern Soul - not my bag baby.

All of the great moments are canceled out by the absolutely horrendous ones. The singer manages some good performances but overall, he is still not good.

This is obviously not my style, but it sounded like a bad “madness” album to me.

Listened to a few of their records through previous lists. So much more than come on Eileen.

La voz se parece a la del de The Cure. Son divertidos. Mucha trompeta.

Fun vibes

Strong album with Standouts in I'm Just Looking and Geno.

I went into this not expecting to like this band, but I actually loved them after the first two songs alone! I knew 'Come On Eileen' its a classic but I knew nothing else about Dexys Midnight Runners and now I love this band. My favorite song on the album has to be 'Tell Me When My Light Turns Green' Overall: 3.2/5

Like a pickle juice shot after a sip of whiskey, punk rock and soul music mixed together shouldn’t work, but it kinda does. Kinda. Maybe not the most successful examples of Northern Soul, but likely the first album exemplifying the genre. Forgive me; I just wanted ‘Come On Eileen’.

fínustu lög inn á milli. aðra umferð. 3,5

Nice sound

This was fun, lots of energy, kind of hilarious vocals at points, good time had! 3/5

Just average and not really my music. But one or two songs were really catchy!

Nothing wrong with this album, I just had a really hard time focusing on it today for some reason. Favourite songs: Geno, Seven Days Too Long, Tell Me When My Light Turns Green Least favourite songs: I'm Just Looking 3/5

Geno is the standout song here. The rest of the album sounds pretty much the same with some fun instrumentals and really hard to understand lyrics on first listen. More like a 3.5.

I was all set to give this album 4/5 until I heard Love, Pt 1.

This album sucks. They label it punk, and that's just so fucking wrong.

Takie średnie gejowe

Meh

Very uninteresting stuff for me.

I liked it

Rythmé mais répétitif, la façon de chanter du chanteur m'agaçait au bout de plusieurs chansons. Mais album good vibes.

Didn't know this band was trying to be The Specials.

not just come on eileen. eye opening, really

Very interesting and fun, Geno is a banger, but ska just isn't quite it for me

The Teams That Meet In Caffs, an instrumental, is excellent. Whole album is enjoyable!

Soit le chanteur chante juste mal ou il se retient ben fort de pleurer. Anyway, le gars sur la trompette carry toute l’album, je lui accorde donc un point spécial juste pour lui

Geno is a classic but the album is a bit meh