And so after a 27 year break, two lacklustre solo albums, financial and mental meltdowns Kevin Rowland finally returns with the band that made his name and they've made a great record that stands up against the previous three.
Returning with three previous Dexy's members "Big" Jim Paterson, Pete Williams, Mick Talbot and a gaggle of new recruits they have fashioned a album of raw and unrefined soul delivered in Rowland's unique way. Sure he's not a great singer in a conventional fashion, but that was never the point with Dexy's. It's soul delivered with the punk DIY attitude. Passion and commitment over ability.
Much of the album seems to deal with Rowland's paranoia and erratic behavioural tendencies, most obviously in tracks like 'Me', 'Lost' and 'I'm Always Going to Love You'.
'She's Got A Wiggle', despite having a throwaway title, is the kind of dark and sultry soul track Al Green would have recorded back in his heyday, as is 'Thinking of 'You' which has a gorgeous sax solo at then end. Stunning.
The one criticism I have of the record is Rowland's dieting partner, singer Madeleine Hyland. She has a strong voice but being from an musical theatre background some of her performances a bit, well, acted. On the relationship breakdown of 'I'm Always Going To Love You' the performance just isn't convincing. Never for a moment do you believe that she and Kevin are a warring couple. But despite this minor gripe though its still one of the best tracks on the album, and infuriatingly catchy.
Apparently there's an episode of The Simpsons where Homer prophesies that "you haven't heard the last of Dexy's Midnight Runners". Gladly he was right. A great return.
SHE'S GOT A WIGGLE
FREE
I'M ALWAYS GOING TO LOVE YOU
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