Product Description:
Dexy's Midnight Runners: Kevin Rowland (vocals, guitar); Steve Spooner (alto saxophone); J.B. (tenor saxophone); Big Jim Patterson (trombone); Pete Williams, Pete Saunders (piano, organ); Bobby Junior (drums).
Remastered U.K. edition includes enhanced features and two videos.
Led by the abrasive and single-minded Kevin Rowland, Dexy's Midnight Runners spoke for an all-night culture immersed in northern soul. SEARCHING FOR THE YOUNG SOUL REBELS captures the original eight-piece group infusing passionate self-belief into songs based on 60s mentors Geno Washington and Jimmy James. Rowland's expressive voice is perfectly matched by pumping horns and punchy rhythms, but the intensity of their performance ensures the set never falls into pastiche. Each song bears the stamp of a manifesto, one that was largely Rowland's, a myopic vision that brought this line-up to an acrimonious, premature end. His commitment, however, ensured the lasting qualities of this album.
Entertainment Reviews:
Q - 1/01, p.95
Included in Q's "5 Best Re-Issues of 2000".
Q - 6/00, p.62
Ranked #85 in Q's "100 Greatest British Albums" - "...Rowland had more emotions than locations: anger, bitterness, even a little anti-love. Still extraordinary today."
Melody Maker - 9/12/00, p.52
5 stars out of 5 - "...The best white soul band of all time....This album is still [a] new testament in truth and communication, clear ideas finding their perfect expression..."
Mojo (Publisher) - 9/00, p.112
"...The most incandescent and refreshing record of the year [1980]: an energetic mix of pop, Northern soul and punkish attitude..."
NME (Magazine) - 12/30/00, p.79
Ranked #1 in NME's "Top 5 Reissues Of The Year".
NME (Magazine) - 9/25/93, p.19
Ranked #12 in NME's list of the `50 Greatest Albums Of The '80s.'
NME (Magazine) - 10/2/93, p.29
Ranked #84 in NME's list of the `Greatest Albums Of All Time.'
