Customer Reviews

Don't Stand Me Down

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kevin Rowland ruined his career twice through poor sartorial choices. (This one is the first, see "My Beauty," his solo record for the second) Doffing the rags and overalls, Dexy's this time opts for Brooks Brothers. This was not a completely arbitrary choice, as the music itself is more sophisticated on this record. Rowland is still a soul revivalist first and foremost, but this time he can actually afford to recreate the sounds in his head.

Many people who's opinions I respect think this is one of the greatest records ever made. I doubt that you will get that impression on the first spin, but there is definitely something to this record, and it's revival is well-earned since it was criminally overlooked on first release.

Kevin Rowland thinks it's the greatest record he made.

This is the strongest overall Dexy's album, a classic in my mind. Whereas the first album was under-produced raw soul, the 2nd irish-gypsy folk music, this is the laid-back, lounge and have a sip of wine album. Bear with Kevin's often indistinguishable talking and get through to the real music. I challenge you to find more beautiful music than on "My National Pride" or "I Love You". And for a what should have been a huge single "This is What She Likes" more than fills the bill.

I have over 1200 CD's in my music collection and this is definitely one of my favorite. Once again and all together now-"bear with Kevin's mumbling and listen to the music!"

Kevin reinventing himself for the third time. Kevin wanting to be Van Morrison. You can say he's a bitter man...and in a way I think it's true. Probably, one of the most underrated album of the 80,s. Simply great. Do you need three good reasons to get it? "this is what she's like", "knowledge of beauty", and above all "Reminisce (part two)". Van would be proud of it. Kevin should be proud of it. "...it didn't last. and it happened that my feelings changed before hers..."

My original review was pretty negative, and indeed, this is a flawed work. But I'm not comfortable with the facile, insulting tone I originally took. More importantly, I've found hidden virtue in this album. Please consider my rating 3 & 1/2 stars, now.

This was understandably a commercial disappointment, following the brilliant and accessible Too Rye Ay. Kevin Rowland, who I consider a genius of sorts, goes in a daring, but highly questionable direction here. As I said, "Many of the songs eschew lyrical singing for half-buried conversation, and when one does manage to grasp a line of poetry from Kevin Rowland's yowling, one may be disturbed at the snotty contempt it represents." Indeed, Kevin insists he was *not* a happy man, during his peak of Dexys fame. (Is he any happier being a VH1 trivia factoid?)

Interestingly, many of the songs delve into long instrumental sections. However, they're not "tuneful" (i.e., "Pet Sounds" or "Tequila"). Rather, they're tight, well-arranged backing tracks which simply lack vocals, occasionally showing a flash of variation. As a musician myself, I can appreciate this, but I wouldn't expect the average listener to.

Plagarizing Warren Zevon's "Werewolves Of London" piano riff, which Kevin admits to, was NOT a wise move, and the result ("One Of Those Things") is both less entertaining, and more annoying. Sorry, but this one's a straight-out dud.

"This Is What She's Like", and "I Love You (Listen To This)" are hard-driving, deep-grooving, and absolutely *thrilling* tunes, with all the adrenaline and passion of "Come On Eileen". Yet, I can't help thinking, a more disciplined producer might have helped streamline them further. Tighter lyrics could have been drafted, and both tunes would have shot up the charts.

Throughout the album, and especially in the quieter moments, there is a deep and satisfying range of dynamic and timbres. A lot of work went into the arrangements, and patient, repeated listening is rewarded. A mature approach to this album is necessary. As indicated in the liner notes, the CD is much quieter than average, to better reproduce the full tonal range. Not really an ideal speeding-down-the-freeway soundtrack, unfortunately. You may wish to acquire an earlier release of the "cruder" mix/transfer (In fact, I have an old cassette which serves me well in this regard.)

The lack of a lyric sheet is a major minus. Instead, we get Kevin's sentimental recollections, which is touching but unnecessary. As for the DVD, it's the kind that won't work in the standard U.S. player. Just another pity about this disc -- I would expect them to be quite lovely.

One last thing: Mr. Rowland, if by chance you're reading, we are absolutely ready for your comeback (or a new "debut"), anytime. "More, please, and thank you!"