The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society discussion
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Dexys/Dexys Midnight Runners
I’ve just listened to that interview, and it pre-dates Kev’s motorbike accident which has seen the September tour cancelled. Still interesting, though. In better news, I got what I thought was a scam parcel delivery text today, but on checking the supplier’s name (a publisher), it looks like it’s the Helen Bevington (O’Hara) autobiography that I’d forgotten that I’d ordered.
Mod
Well, What She’s Like has arrived, extremely well-packaged, number 134/400, and signed by herself in her Dexys Midnight Runners’ alias. Good photos, from family snaps when she was but a nipper up to contemporary pics with family, friends, and fellow musicians. A quite emotional acknowledgements section, in which Dexys feature heavily, including “last but not least, thank you to the wonderful Dexys family”.
It’s not on the Goodreads database yet. Out of R-E-S-P-E-C-T, I’ll hang off adding it, as Helen or her publisher may wish to do it themselves. It is, therefore, on my Want To Add To My Want To Read list. It’s an understatement to say that I’m looking forward to it.
Last words from Kevin on the dust jacket: “To say that Helen is a gifted musician is an understatement. She is an absolute genius. She is blessed with a natural talent, has incredible dedication, openness to new ideas and willingness to go the extra mile to create something great. I’m blessed to have worked with her.”
The book’s publisher is Route Books, “an award-winning independent publisher”. They kindly provided a mini-catalogue to me with Helen’s book. Several Dylan books, Fairport Convention, The Fall, Manchester Music, Inspiral Carpets, Iain Matthews, punk’s year zero (1976) etc. I don’t know if it’s a commissioning house, or a self-publishing outlet, but it’s worth a look. Ada Wilson’s Red Army Faction Blues looks very interesting.
http://www.route-online.com/
Mod
Very helpful and interesting
Big Jimmy due on BBC Breakfast in five minutes time. I met him for coffee as he waited for his train south last night. In good health, and fine form.
Mod
Hopefully on iPlayer and/or YouTube
In Brum to ‘play’ at the Games closing ceremony (news was embargoed but is now out, apparently). Come On Eileen, obviously, is what they’ll play although I understand only Kev will be live, and Jim, Sean, Helen, and her son Billy (drums) will be erm… ‘less-live’ than you’d expect.
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Wonder why Big Jimmy was sent out for media duties?
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The gods are smiling upon you at the moment
Kevin asked him if he could do the interview, and Jim agreed, probably reluctantly but out of loyalty to the only other Dexy who has appeared on all the albums. He asked the sleeper train steward about a place to change before he got off at Crewe, and by hookey, he looked immaculate!
Come On Eileen [As It Should Have Sounded] is superb. They did just enough tweaking in the studio to vastly improve the sound quality, stopping far short -- thankfully -- of veering into Historical Revision territory.The sound stage is now really wide, allowing for a noticeable improvement in the separation of tracks [instruments]. In particular, the violin, the vocals, the bass and the snare all come through with a new and revelatory clarity... even to my knackered old ears listening through the computer.
This augurs very well for the album...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzRr5...
Mod
Looking forward to the album now with even more anticipation
Thanks Mark
I’m currently on a Zoom video call with the Scottish FA, so I’ve had to copy and paste this info from Helen as is. I’m sure you’re savvy enough to work it out. Looking forward to joining Pete Paphides
@petepaphides
@sohoradio
8-10pm tonight! 💥Will be chatting about my memoir #WhatsSheLike & there’ll be a FIRST EVER play of
@Tim_Burgess
song ‘Centre Of Me’ which I play a bit of 🎻 on, from his new album ‘Typical Music’ ☀️
Helen's book is a splendid read. The level of detail she goes into is like oxygen to Dexys' fans, and the passion's there in every line.Reviewed: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
Mod
Here's a link to your review David, your one isn't working...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ha! That’s what comes of being strictly analogue and raised on mono.
Mod
https://youtu.be/VvrDUFcrxIs
Until I Believe In My Soul (As It Should Have Sounded 2022)
Insanely good isn't it?
I'm really impressed by Too Rye Aye As It Should Have Sounded - I'm not sufficiently clued up on the sound and structure of both version to pinpoint key differences, and maybe it's just coming back to a fine album, but I bloody loves it
It does sound better, although I don’t understand the tech behind it at all. For me, though, the biggest bonus is the Shaftesbury Theatre live material. When that video (and later DVD) was released, and several of the tracks appeared as contemporary b-sides/12” 45 bonus tracks, none of the EMI material from Soul Rebels etc could be licensed. A good bit of it’s there now though, adding welcome context.
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https://dexysofficial.com/?customer_p...
The Dexys Insta feeds says news imminent
Hopefully the cancelled tour has been rescheduled complete with Brighton show
Nigeyb wrote: "Hopefully the cancelled tour has been rescheduled complete with Brighton show while Mark’s in town"Fixed. And don’t be so selfish next time, Nigey.
I’m hoping there’s news on the new album…I’ll check the merch. I still haven’t worn my 2012 tour t-shirt.
Mod
Get that 2012 t shirt on David
That’d be one I’d actually consider flying over specifically for, as I can’t really see much reason for them to tour stateside.
Mod
The Feminine Divine
‘The Feminine Divine’ tracklist:
1. The One That Loves You
2. It’s Alright Kevin (Manhood 2023)
3. I’m Going To Get Free
4. Coming Home
5. The Feminine Divine
6. My Goddess Is
7. Goddess Rules
8. My Submission
9. Dance With Me
https://youtu.be/922nkmdaKSk
I’m Going To Get Free
https://www.nme.com/news/music/dexys-...
After watching the video, I’m neither impressed nor unimpressed -- it’s merely okay, especially coming from an artist who consistently forges new ground with each album, and always in the most surprising ways. But I remain open to eventually falling in love with the album. Time’ll tell.Pretty sure I’ll never warm up to the cover art, though, which I reckon is absolute shit, and far better suited for the sort of album I’d never have any interest in.
Obviously, the NME article got it all wrong, completely wiping Let The Record Show: Dexys Do Irish And Country Soul [2016] from the history books.
The single is an updating of one of the ‘93 demos songs I think I sent to you. It is also identical to the 82-83 strings line-up take on Tell Me When My Light Turns Green. I see that there’s an update of Manhood which was another ‘93 femo, but given the full treatment and released as a single, and a track on the compilation released to coincide with the 2003 tour. I also note that another ‘93 demo Coming Home is listed. I’ve also picked up news about the second side (vinyl, I assume…) is “synth-heavy”. I don’t know quite how to react to that. In any case, I’ve still spent over 60 quid pre-ordering.
Just in case Manhood from 2003 passed you by, this is a terrific version from Top of the Pops back then. Remarkably for its status as a single, and a new Dexys’ song, it wasn’t until the Newcastle date on the tour that they played it live (4th November). Was I there? Of course, of course. https://youtu.be/tnK1GALt5FM
No surprise that went back and repurposed those abandoned tracks -- they were good, and deserved to see the light of day, even if it meant decades of percolating. Not sure I’m ready for a synth-heavy Dexys. Actually, no, scratch that, I know for a fact that I’m emphatically not!
One Day I’m Going To Soar’s contents (2012) were largely the spoils of a raid on the ‘93 material, beautifully realised in the studio, and I’m glad he’s gone back for more.
Mod
I'll take anything Kev wants to chuck out there
Here's hoping we get a tour too
It’s a brave man that will wear a suit like that, even more so in a muddy penalty box.
Mod
Another bold sartorial choice by Mr R and completely inappropriate for a kick about in a muddy park ⚽️
I imagine that Kevin would be a Johnny Giles-style midfield general - superbly-skilled and fit, but with an incorrigible streak of nastiness that would see him go over the ball with both feet on his granny during a post-Sunday lunch kick-about on the lawn behind the care home.“Me, ref?”
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"Pretty sure I’ll never warm up to the cover art, though, which I reckon is absolute shit, and far better suited for the sort of album I’d never have any interest in"
It's one of the worst covers I've seen in a long long time
Truly horrible
Makes me wonder if it's some kind of inside joke, or a comment on how no one cares about cover art anymore. What's particularly weird is that Dexys covers are usually good.
No surprise that it’s not just me. It either smacks of Kevin’s contrarian nature, or him throwing a bone to a family member getting their start in graphic design.Either way, Kevin might want a quiet word with his optometrist.
Mod
https://dexysofficial.com/pages/shows
Pre order any format of The Feminine Divine and receive exclusive fan pre sale access on 12th April
Man... I booked my holidays too early...
Nigeyb wrote: "And I'm on holiday 😫"Oh no...
A bit Dubious about the whole offer, to be honest. I suspect the backing tapes thing again.
“Following the announcement of their highly-anticipated new album The Feminine Divine, Dexys have announced a September 2023 UK tour. The Feminine Divine Live! will see the band play the new album top to bottom alongside a selection of classics and hits (including plenty from Too Rye Ay).The Feminine Divine is Dexys’ fifth album of original material produced once again by Pete Schwier, along with acclaimed session musician and producer Toby Chapman. After taking some time out to refocus his energy, Kevin Rowland came back to music with a fresh perspective and new-found positivity. A personal, if not strictly autobiographical, record portraying a man whose views have evolved over time. Not just on women, but the whole concept of masculinity he had been raised with: an education and an un-learning that is traced across the arc of The Feminine Divine with dizzying effect.
The record’s first half is full of music hall-esque swagger, much of it written with original Dexys’ trombonist Big Jim Paterson (a non-touring band member). The second side of the record is like nothing Dexys have done before. A saucy, synth-heavy cabaret, written in collaboration with Sean Read and Mike Timothy. It’s steamy, fizzing and sultry, at times doom-laden and heavy and at other times raunchy and funky. Quite a heady mix.
With over a billion worldwide streams, three top 10 albums in the UK, two number 1 singles, a Brit Award and a multi-platinum selling album with their sophomore release Too-Rye-Ay (as Dexys Midnight Runners), Dexys are as vital and exciting today as ever. The Feminine Divine marks a new chapter in a book that just keeps getting better and better.”
The Patrick Hamilton Appreciation Society
Books mentioned in this topic
Bless Me Father: A life story (other topics)Bless Me Father: A life story (other topics)
Bless Me Father: A life story (other topics)
What's She Like (other topics)
Season of the Witch: The Book of Goth (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kevin Rowland (other topics)Kevin Rowland (other topics)
Pauline Murray (other topics)
Helen O'Hara (other topics)
https://youtu.be/kz_fcPsYhZI